Research AIM

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The optimum development and functioning of the nervous system are crucial for ahigh quality of life, as indicated by robust cognition, memory, and sensory-motor functions. Impaired nervous system function can manifest as memory loss, sensory deficits, abnormal motor activities, or speech deterioration—symptoms commonly observed in age-related neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

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Our lab is dedicated to exploring the neurocognitive benefits of traditional Ayurvedic plants extract with a focus on enhancing memory, cognitive function and other aspects of neurodegenerative diseases.

Current Funding Sources: Pratiksha Trust, DST-SHRI, RIST

Past Finding Sources: DST-SERB (Young scientists), DST-DPRP

Our ongoing studies aim to advance the scientific understanding of Medhyarasayana herbs and their potential applications in combating neuro degenerative disorders. 

Research from our group is mainly focused on, 

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1. Understanding memory enhancing effect of traditional Medhyarasana formulations eg. Brahmi swarasa (juice) and Brahmi Ghrita (ghee)
2. Effect of Ayurveda treatment on cognitive functions and brain changes in T2DM.
3. Mechanism of action underlying therapeutic effect of different herbs and formulations of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), Sida cordifolia (Bala), Centella asiatica (Mandookaparni), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Clitoria ternatea (Shankhapushpi) and Mucuna pruriens (Kapikachu) in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
   
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Clinical Research

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Apart of our team is working with the community based clinical study where participants of different age group is treated with Brahmi formulation to understand enhancement of cognitive performance. Our results till date show effect of Brahmi extract in younger population (25-55), and Brahmi ghrita forelderly (55-85) showed significant improvement in cognition.

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Experimental Research

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At TDU, our research on Medhyarasayana aims to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying their neuroprotective effects. In collaboration with clinicians and Ayurvedic experts, we develop assays and experimental designs tailored to this goal.

1.       We are investigating the therapeutic potential of selected Medhyarasayana in models of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

2.      Also, we are trying to understand difference in the nootropic effect of indigenous and hydrid cow ghee

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Model System: Caenorhabditis elegans

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We utilize Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as our model organism due to its high genomic homology with humans, practical advantages (small size, short lifecycle, transparent body), and the availability of transgenic strains and genetic tools. Its well-developed nervous system and relevance to human health make C. elegans an ideal model for pharmacological research.

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Outreach Program:

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Through the Pratiksha Trust-funded project (2019–2024), we established Ayurveda Neurobiology research, yielding promising results on Brahmi and Ayurvedic nootropics. These findings suggest potential outreach through healthcare professionals and senior citizen forums.

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• Outreach through Ayurveda Vaidya, Allopathy Physicians, Public Health Professionals and Nutritionists
• Senior citizen forums
• Specialised organisation for implementation of findings

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Consultancy and Services:

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Consultation and R&D services for nootropic health foods.

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Past Projects

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• Faculty Support Grant from Pratiksha Trust (Shri Senapathy (Kris) Gopalakrishnan for research in Ayurveda Neurobiology.
• Effect of Brahmi Ghrita on ‘Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairment’: Project under AYUSH-EMR Scheme.

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Ongoing Projects /Research

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• Effect of Brahmi Ghrita on Age related Cognitive Impairment’ : RIST grant-Brain Health
• Cognitive wellness with holistic treatment for diabetes (Pratiksha Trust)
• “Comparative analysis of nootropic effects of Indigenous Cow and Cross breed Cow Ghee using Caenorhabditis elegans models” - DST SHRI

Selected Publications

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1. Simha, P.K., Mukherjee, C., Gupta,V.K., Bhatia, K., Nagar, P., Za, A.N., Godbole, A., Sahu, B.S. and Upadhyay,S.K., 2025. Sida cordifolia is efficacious in models of Huntington’s disease byreducing ER stress. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 12,p.1567932.

2. Small organism models for mode ofaction research on anti- ageing and nootropic herbs, foods and formulations.Anjaneyulu J and Godbole A. Nutritional neuroscience. 21:1-19, Oct 2024, https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2024.2409128.

3. Chapter Eighteen - Parkinson’sDisease Models of Caenorhabditis Elegans to Study Mechanism of Action ofAyurvedic Nootropics. Jalagam Anjaneyulu, and Ashwini Godbole. 2023.

4. Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations in NeurologicalDisorders, edited by Murali Muralidhara and Padmanabhan S. Rajini, 487–520.Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-19084-1.00010-7.

5. Differential Effect of Ayurvedic Nootropics onCaenorhabditis elegans models of Parkinson’s Disease J Anjaneyulu, VidyashankarR and Godbole A* (Corresponding author) Journal of Ayurveda and IntegrativeMedicine, Sep 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2020.07.006

6. Regulation of VDAC TraffickingModulates Cell Death. Dubey AK*, Godbole A*, Mathew MK. Cell Death Discovery2016 Dec; Article no: 16085 doi:10.1038/ cddiscovery.2016.85 *Equal contribution,Nature Group Journal

7. Channels in artificial membranes Godbole A,Dubey AK, Lall S and Mathew MK. Atlas of Science 2016 Apr; https://atlasofscience.org/channels-in-artificial-membranes

8. Pomegranate Juice Improves IronStatus and Ameliorates Iron Deficiency Induced Cellular Changes inSaccharomyces cerevisiae Balasubramani S P, Padmagiri G, Venkatasubramanian P*,Vidyashankar R and Godbole A. Journal of Nutritional Therapeutics, 2015, 4,104-112

9. Expression and purification of OsVDAC4. GodboleA, Dubey AK, Mitra R, Reddy PS, Mathew MK. Method Enzymol. 2015 Aug; 556:51-75.doi: 10.1016/ bs.mie.2014.12.019.

10. Evaluation of traditionalanthelmintic herbs as substitutes for the endangered Embelia ribes, usingCaenorhabditis elegans model. Venkatasubramanian P, Godbole A, Vidyashankar Rand Kuruvilla GR. Current Science. 2013 Dec, 105(11):1593—1598

11. Mitochondrial VDAC and hexokinasetogether modulate plant programmed cell death. Godbole A, Dubey AK, Reddy PS,Udayakumar M, Mathew MK. Protoplasma. 2013 Aug;250(4):875-84. doi: 10.1007/s00709-012-0470-y.Epub 2012 Dec 18.

12. Bacterial expression, purificationand characterization of a rice voltage-dependent, anion-selective channelisoform, OsVDAC4. Godbole A, Mitra R, Dubey AK, Reddy PS, Mathew MK. J MembrBiol. 2011 Nov;244(2):67-80. doi: 10.1007/s00232-011-9399-x. Epub 2011 Nov 6.

13. Repression of the glucose-inducibleouter-membrane protein OprB during utilization of aromatic compounds andorganic acids in Pseudomonas putida CSV86. Shrivastava R, Basu B, Godbole A,Mathew MK, Apte SK, Phale PS. Microbiology. 2011 May;157(Pt 5):1531-40. Epub2011 Feb 17.

14. VDAC is a conserved element ofdeath pathways in plant and animal systems. Godbole A, Varghese J, Sarin A,Mathew MK.Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003 Sep 23; 1642(1-2):87-96.

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Awards/Grants:

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1. PratikshaTrust Grant for Ayurveda Neurobiology Research

2. DSTSHRI Grant  for “Comparative analysis of nootropic effects of Indigenous Cow and Cross breed Cow Ghee using Caenorhabditis elegans models”.

3. FacultySupport Grant from Pratiksha Trust (Shri Senapathy (Kris) Gopalakrishnan)

4. BioMereuix-TDUGrant Challenge Award.

5. DST-SERB,Start-Up Research Grant for Young Scientists (November 2013)

6. Awardedthe Sarojini Damodaran International Fellowship for undertaking a short- termproject in the laboratory of Prof. Russell Jones in the University ofCalifornia, Berkeley, USA and to attend Plant Biology 2003, The annual meetingof the American Society of Plant Biologists, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

7. Awardeda fellowship from Company of Biologist, Cambridge, UK for undertaking a short-termproject in the laboratory of Prof. Russell Jones in the University ofCalifornia, Berkeley, USA.

8. ReceivedCareer Development Award from Kanwal and Ann Rekhi Fund, California, USA andTIFR Endowment Fund.

Received PostdoctoralFellowship from Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.Memberships:1. Associate Editor for Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine2. Member of NCBS Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research (IC-SCR)