Napwell Capsules
Tagar is a well known Indian traditional medicinal herb with sleep remedy. It is used for the treatment of varied nervous disorders. It is used as a nervine sedative in nervous anxiety. Valerian root has been used for a centuary as a relaxing and sleep promoting plant. It is also used to treat hysteria, hypochondriasis, nervous unrest and similar emotional states. The root has been medically used to treat insomnia and mental disorders. It is used as sedative, anxiolytic and anti-depressant. (Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Research, vol. 11, issue 1, 2018)
V. wallichii have potential anxiolytic activity. It showed a beneficial effect on learning and memory impairment in clinical studies. Aqueous extract of V. wallichii has quantifying effects of mild sedatives on both physiological and subjective aspects of sleep. The essential oil of V. wallichii exerted anti-depressant activity. (World Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol.3, issue 9, 2014)
N. jatamansi is a reputed ayurvedic herb and used in various multiple formulations. It has several activities including anticonvulsant, anti-parkinson’s, tranquilizing, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypotensive, anti-diabetic activity. It is described as Medhya (brain tonic), Rasayna (rejuvenative to the mind), Nidrajnana (promotes sleep), Manasrogaghana (alleviates mental diseases) in ayurveda. It is primarily used in modern medicine for cognitive and neurological function benefits. It is used in mental disorder, insomnia, hypertension and heart diseases. It is very effective in producing typical non-specific stress manifestation. (Journal of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry 2015; 3(5) ; 102-106)
Clinical studies suggest that N. jatamansi has dose dependent anti-depressant activity and can be used in patients suffering from depression due to sleep disturbances. Ethanolic extract of jatamansi significantly improved learning and memory and hence can be used as a memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in elderly persons. It possesses significant anti-stress activity which may be due to its antioxidant activity. (Orient. J. Chem. ; vol.32(2), 859-866)
Shankhpushpi is known as best brain tonic medicine which is classified under four Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) by Acharya Charaka. It is also included as main ingredient in many herbal interactive or decoction based brain tonics or memory boosting formulations. It may have protruding action on central nervous system where it helps to improve grasping power, memory, intellectual behavior, speech and mood personality disorders of an individual. Various researchers claimed that it acts as molecular nutrient for brain activities to relieve mental fatigue, anxiety, stress etc. It possess memory enhancing, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant activity. The dried powder of shankhpushpi showed significant anxiolytic behavior. The aqueous extract of roots also showed the neuroprotective properties by scavenging various reactive oxygen species. (Journal of Ayurvedic & Herbal Medicine 2021)
Malkangni (Celastrus Paniculatus)
C. paniculatus is used to treat brain related disorders and to enhance learning and memory. The jyotishmati oil extracted from the seeds of malkangni is known to have effect on Central Nervous System. C. paniculatus may be employed as stimulant, nerve tonic, rejuvenant, sedative and tranquilizer. It has been mentioned by Sushruta, Charaka, Vagbhatta as a remedy for mental illness. The oil of C. paniculatus is used to stimulate intellect, sharpen memory and facilitate learning. It works as a powerful brain tonic. It produces improvements in IQ in mentally retarded children and reduces a feeling of well-being. Clinical studies suggest that the plant exhibits neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing effects due to its antioxidative property and its capacity to modulate the cholinergic system. (International Journal of Pharma & Bio Sciences, 2012)
R. serpentina is an important medicinal plant due to the presence of its immense therapeutic properties. It is used in ayurvedic medicine for curing high blood pressure, mental agitation, epilepsy, traumas, anxiety, excitement, schizophrenia, insomnia and insanity. Reserpine is the principle alkaloid which shows large number of clinical applications. It is useful in the treatment of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and neurological diseases. It is used mainly as a natural tranquilizer. It helps in sedation and lowering of blood pressure, especially in cases of hypertension exacerbated by stress and sympathetic nervous system activity. (International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review & Research, 23(2), Nov-Dec 2013, 348-355)
B. monnieri is classified as Medhya Rasayana in ayurvedic text of Charaka. Charaka described the efficacy of bacopa in treating old age and age related diseases, promoting memory and intellect, increasing the life span, providing nourishment and improving clarity of voice, complexion and luster. The active compounds in B. monnieri, known as bacosides, are shown to positively influence brain cells that prompt the regeneration of brain tissue. Brahmi works to improve cognitive function in people of all ages. This herb also helps to improve mood. Bacopa is a very good natural antioxidant which shows neuroprotective properties in the memory centers of the brain and cell protective effects. The preliminary clinical studies have shown improvement of cognitive function in humans. It has been found to be very beneficial in treatment of anxiety neurosis and mental fatigue. It has been found to significantly improve IQ levels, general ability, behavioral patterns and mental concentration in children. B. monnieri is useful for improving mental clarity, confidence and memory recall. Bacopa also increases level of serotonin, a brain chemical known to promote relaxation. The herb’s ability to boost brain function while reducing anxiety may explain why it helps treat ADHD. It also induces a sense of calm and peace. It helps soothe the restlessness and distraction that nervousness causes. (Indian Journal of Agriculture & Allied Sciences, vol.2, no. 3, 2016)
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a very revered herb of the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as a Rasayana (tonic). It is used for various kinds of disease processes and specially as a nervine tonic. Being a powerful adaptogen, it enhances the body’s resilience to stress. Clinical studies indicate that it is a potent antistress agent. Ashwagandha is used to promote intellect and memory. Clinical studies support the use of ashwagandha as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression. (African Journal of Traditional, Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2011)
Ashwagandha stimulates the immune system, combats inflammation, increases memory & helps maintain general health & wellness. Ashwagandha is effective for insomnia but does not act as a sedative. Its rejuvenative & nervine properties produce energy which in turn helps body to settle & sleep. It rejuvenates the nervous system, erases insomnia and eases stress. It also replenishes the lowered energy of body due to over work, mental exertion thus preventing early aging. Ashwagandha is approved as a greatest rejuvenative herb in Indian herbal system. (The Pharma Journal, vol. 1, No. 9, 2012)
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile in the form of an aqueous extract has been frequently used as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce anxiety, to treat hysteria, nightmares, insomnia and other sleep problems. Traditionally, chamomile preparations such as tea and essential oil aromatherapy have been used to treat insomnia and to induce sedation (calming effects). Chamomile is widely regarded as a mild tranquillizer and sleep-inducer. Sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. (Mol Med Report. 2010 November 1; 3(6): 895–901.)
Parsika Yavani (Hyoscyamus Niger)
H. niger has been used as a medicine since last centuries and has been described in all traditional medicines. All parts of the plant including leaves, seeds and roots contain some alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, atropine, tropane & scopolamine. It has pharmacological effects like bronchodilating, antisecretory, urinary bladder relaxant, spasmolytic, hypnotic, hallucinogenic, pupil dilating, sedative and anti-diarrheal properties. In Indian & Chinese traditional medicine it was applied for treatment of chronic cough, manic psychosis & neuralgic pains. It was also recommended for treatment of chronic bronchitis, psychosomatic disorders, tremor, insomnia, neuropathic pain, abdominal pain and anticonvulsant. It has been traditionally used as anti-inflammatory drug. The methanolic extract of its seeds has shown acute and chronic analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The seeds also show antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal, antispasmodic and hypotensive affects. (Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 2014; 4(5): 297-311)
As per ayurveda, H. niger is bitter and pungent in taste and has hot potency. It balances kapha & vata and increases pitta. It improves digestion and relieves spasmodic pain related to stomach and intestines. It is good for heart. Because of its narcotic effect, it is used to induce sleep and is indicated in insomnia. (www.esayayurveda.com)
Khaskhas (Papaver Somniferum)
P. somniferum is an outstanding medicinal plant. The plant is the lone commercial source of narcotic analgesics, codeine and morphine. The dried latex, called opium, obtained from the plant, has traditionally been used as a natural base for opioid drugs. It is the oldest known hypnotic agent. It is used as a hypnotic & sedative and frequently administered to reduce anxiety, induce calm and sleep. Opium has been used as a tranquilizer for centuries. (International Journal of Botany Studies, 2021)
Mukta Pishti
Mukta pishti is an ayurvedic medicine prepared from pearl. It is made by pounding purified pearl with rose water for 3-4 days, till it becomes very fine. It is madhura (sweet) in taste, laghu (light) and sheeta (cool) in qualities. It has madhura vipaka (post digestive effect) and sheet virya (cool potency). It balances kapha & pitta dosha. It acts as a cardiac tonic & anti hypertensive. It is also effective in bleeding disorders. It is mostly used in treatment of psychological disorders such as mental weakness, short temper, decreased ability to think, phobia, severe mental shock etc. (www.ayurmedinfo.com).