Abstract
BackgroundIn this study, we investigate the effects of valerian root extracts (VE) on physical and psychological stress responses by utilizing a communication box.MethodsEight-week-old ICR mice received oral administration of VE (100 mg/kg/0.5 ml) or equal volume of distilled water in every day for 3 weeks prior to being subjected to physical or psychological stress for 3 days, which are induced by communication box developed for physical electric shock and psychological stress by nociceptive stimulation-evoked responses. The stress condition was assessed by forced swimming test and serum corticosterone levels. In addition, norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), and their metabolites such as 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol sulfate (MHPG-SO4) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in the hippocampus and amygdala at 1 h after final stress condition, respectively.ResultsImmobility time and corticosterone levels were significantly increased in both the physical and psychological stress groups compared to the control group. The administration of VE significantly reduced these parameters in both the physical and psychological stress groups. In addition, compared to the control group, physical and psychological stress groups showed significantly increased levels of MHPG-SO4 and 5-HIAA in the hippocampus and amygdala, respectively. The administration of VE significantly suppressed the increase of MHPG-SO4 and 5-HIAA in the two stress groups.ConclusionThese results suggest that VE can suppress physical and psychological stress responses by modulating the changes in 5-HT and NE turnover in the hippocampus and amygdala.
Highlights
In this study, we investigate the effects of valerian root extracts (VE) on physical and psychological stress responses by utilizing a communication box
In the psychological stress (PCS)-V group, immobility time was significantly increased to 125.6% of that in the control group
Effects of VE on corticosterone levels following physical stress (PS) or PCS Corticosterone levels were measured because changes in the level of plasma glucocorticoids are commonly used as a measure of stress in animals
Summary
We investigate the effects of valerian root extracts (VE) on physical and psychological stress responses by utilizing a communication box. Root extracts from Valeriana officinalis (VE) are popular herbal supplements and are widely used in the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, and epilepsy [1]. VE can modulate anxiety and insomnia by interacting with different neurotransmitter systems [4,5,6,7,8,9]. The relationship between 5-HT and NE is important for regulation of the sympathetic adrenomedullary system under stress conditions [14,15,16]. It is important to investigate the compounds affecting 5-HT and NE in males
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.