Abstract
Objective: Valeriana (V) wallichii DC is found among the ground flora of Himalayan regions and used as herbal medicine for CNS disorders in Indian systems of medicine. In the study, aimed to investigation of involvement of neuro-chemical-systems in V. wallichii induced antidepressant effects in mice.
 Methods: The antidepressant activity of aqueous alcoholic extracts of V. wallichii was measured by using Forced Swim Test and Tail Suspension Test in mice, whereas locomotor activity was observed by Actophotometer. Involvement of adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors in V. wallichii induced antidepressant effects in mice were also observed.
 Results: Sub-acute administration of V. wallichii in mice showed significant (P<0.05) increase in the antidepressant activity similar to the Imipramine, but did not show at lower doses in FST. Whereas, pretreatment of adrenergic receptor antagonist, dopaminergic receptor antagonist and serotonin synthesis inhibitor prevented V. wallichii induce anti-depressant effect in mice. Lower doses of hydoalcoholic extract of V. wallichii did not interfering the locomotor activity in mice during the sub-acute administration, but at a higher dose significantly (P<0.05) decreases the locomotor activity.
 Conclusion: Hence, it is concluded that the antidepressant effect of V. wallichii in mice may mediate via adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.
Highlights
Valeriana (V.) wallichii DC, commonly called the Indian valerian, is found among the ground flora of Himalayan regions (1500-3000 m) [1, 2]
No significant changes in food intake, body weight, general, physical and psychological behaviour of treated animals were observed as well as there were no signs of toxicity and mortality found in oral doses of ethanolic extract of V. wallichii up to 2 g/kg body weight
The results of the present study revealed that oral administration of ethanolic extract of V. wallichii (50, 125 and 300 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P
Summary
Valeriana (V.) wallichii DC (synonym V. jatamansi; family Valerianaceae), commonly called the Indian valerian, is found among the ground flora of Himalayan regions (1500-3000 m) [1, 2]. V. wallichii is used in the treatment of epilepsy, skin disease, hysteria, insanity, cholrea, shell shock, neurosis, snake poisoning, ulcers, asthma, jaundice etc [1, 4,5,6]. It is used as a stimulant, diuretic, anti-spasmodic and antioxidant [4, 7, 8]. Aimed of the study was to evaluate involvement of neurochemical receptors in V. wallichii induced antidepressant effects
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