Abstract
Maternal anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period might have long-term health effects on both the mother and the developing child. Valerian is a phytotherapeutic agent that is widely used for the treatment of anxiety. This study investigated the effects of valerian treatment in postpartum rats on maternal care, toxicity, and milk composition. Postnatal development, memory, and anxiety behavior in the offspring were also assessed. Postpartum Wistar rats received the valerian (500, 1000, or 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1) by oral gavage. Clinical and biochemical toxicity was evaluated with commercial kits. Maternal behavior was observed daily. Milk composition was analyzed by colorimetric methods. Physical and neuromotor tests were used to analyze postnatal development. Anxiolytic activity was assessed by the elevated plus maze, and memory was evaluated by the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. Maternal toxicity and care behavior were not altered by the treatment, while only the highest dose promoted a significant increase of lactose, and the doses 1000 and 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1 promoted a reduction of protein contents in milk. Postnatal development was similar in all offspring. Adult offspring did not display altered anxiety behavior, while long-term memory was impaired in the female adult offspring by maternal treatment with 1000 mg·kg-1·day-1. These results suggested that high doses of valerian had significant effects on important maternal milk components and can cause long-term alterations of offspring memory; thus, treatment with high doses of valerian is not safe for breastfeeding Wistar rat mothers.
Highlights
The perinatal period is complex and vulnerable
Challenges during pregnancy can cause the development of postpartum psychiatric disorders (PPDs) [1]
Milk composition After the treatment, the protein content was significantly lower in the T-1000 and T-2000 groups compared to that in the control group
Summary
The perinatal period is complex and vulnerable. Challenges during pregnancy can cause the development of postpartum psychiatric disorders (PPDs) [1]. PPDs, such as depression and anxiety, are relatively common and are described as emotional conditions with frequent anxiety symptoms and episodes of low attention span, tiredness, muscle tension, and excitement [2]. Women with psychiatric disorders during the perinatal period are at increased risk for adverse maternal and child outcomes [3]. Environmental changes during the periods of enhanced plasticity (intrauterine life and/or lactation) can induce disorders in the offspring. This phenomenon is known as programming or developmental plasticity [4,5]
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