Enhancement of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory by Ashwagandha () characterized by activation of NMDA receptors against monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

Background And Aim: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used in food-additives, and the Food and Drug Administration has placed it under intense scrutiny following several reports that it causes glutamate neurotoxicity. Ashwagandha (ASH) roots are traditionally used for memory enhancement. This study aimed to evaluate the nootropic activity of ASH as well as its therapeutic anti-amnesic activity against MSG-induced hippocampal-dependent spatial memory impairment and hippocampal-NMDAR modulation.