Valerian Extract Research Articles

Impact of a Novel Valerian Extract on Sleep Quality, Relaxation, and GABA/Serotonin Receptor Activity in a Murine Model.

Insomnia is a major global health issue, highlighting the need for treatments that are both effective and safe. Valerian extract, a traditional remedy for sleep problems, offers potential therapeutic options. This research examined the potential sleep-enhancing effects of VA (Valerian Pdr%2) in mice. The study evaluated sleep quality by comparing the impact of the VA extract against melatonin on brain activity, using electrocorticography (ECoG) to assess changes in brain waves. For this purpose, the study utilized two experimental models on BALB/c mice to explore the effects of caffeine-induced insomnia and pentobarbital-induced sleep. In the first model, 25 mice were assigned to five groups to test the effects of caffeine (caffeine, 7.5 mg/kg i.p) alone, caffeine with melatonin (2 mg/kg), or caffeine with different doses of valerian extract (100 or 300 mg/kg) given orally on brain activity, assessed via electrocorticography (ECoG) and further analyses on the receptor proteins and neurotransmitters. In the second model, a different set of 25 mice were divided into five groups to examine the impact of pentobarbital (42 mg/kg) alone, with melatonin, or with the valerian extract on sleep induction, observing the effects 45 min after administration. The study found that ECoG frequencies were lower in groups treated with melatonin and two doses of valerian extract (100 and 300 mg/kg), with 300 mg/kg showing the most significant effect in reducing frequencies compared to the caffeine control group, indicating enhanced sleep quality (p < 0.05). This was supported by increased levels of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine and higher levels of certain brain receptors in the melatonin and valerian extract groups (p < 0.05). Modulatory efficacy for the apoptotic markers in the brain was also noted (p < 0.05). Additionally, melatonin and both doses of VA increased sleep duration and reduced sleep onset time compared to the pentobarbital control, which was particularly notable with high doses. In conclusion, the findings suggest that high doses (300 mg/kg) of valerian extract enhance both the quantity and quality of sleep through the GABAergic pathway and effectively increase sleep duration while reducing the time to fall asleep in a pentobarbital-induced sleep model in mice.

Effectiveness of attractants and bait for Iberian wolf detection: captivity-based and free-ranging trials

Monitoring large carnivores requires substantial effort, which is why indirect methodologies such as camera trapping with attractants or baits are commonly employed. The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is one of the top predators in the Iberian Peninsula, and monitoring its packs is essential to understand its distribution and mitigate conflicts arising from livestock predation. We performed a captivity-based study evaluating the effectiveness of five attractants (beef extract, cadaverine, Fatty Acid Scent (FAS), lynx urine and valerian extract) on wolf detection. To accomplish this objective, Jacobs selectivity index and generalized linear models were employed to assess the attractiveness and induced behaviour of each attractant. Subsequently, the three most effective attractants, combined or not with a bait, were tested in the field and analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. The five attractants tested elicited different behavioural responses in the wolves in captivity, including smelling, rubbing, rolling, marking and licking. Among the captive wolves, cadaverine, FAS and lynx urine emerged as the top three preferred attractants. In the field tests with these three attractants cadaverine remained the most preferred option. The inclusion of bait did not have any significant effect on the wolf’s visitation rates. Our results show that employing species-specific attractants can significantly improve the efficiency of carnivore surveys conducted in the field. Specifically, cadaverine was the most effective attractant for wild Iberian wolves. Consequently, the careful selection of an appropriate attractant becomes crucial to attain the precise objectives of the study, such as camera trapping, bait deployment or DNA sampling.

Optimizing the extract yield of bioactive compounds in Valeriana officinalis root: a D-optimal design

It is estimated that 80% of all synthetic drugs are derived from medicinal plants, and nowadays, many synthetic drugs are derived from medicinal plants. Valeriana officinalis can treat many diseases of the nervous system. A crucial aspect of valerian extract is that it inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells. To optimize the yield of bioactive compounds in the V. officinalis root extraction, a response surface methodology-based D-optimal design was used. To fulfill this aim, the effects of various factors such as solvent type and concentration, mixing temperature, ultrasound time, and drying method were examined. The optimal conditions for solvent percentages, mixing temperature, ultrasound time, solvent type, and drying methods were determined to be 94.88%, 25 °C, 48.95 min, methanol, and microwave, respectively, with a desirability of 0.921. The predicted valerenic acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity in V. officinalis extract were 1.19 (mg/g DW), 8.22 (mg/g DW), 5.27 (mg/g DW), and 92.64%, respectively. In optimal conditions, the extracted amounts of valerenic acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were 2.07 mg/g DW, 7.96 mg/g DW, 5.52 mg/g DW, and 78.68%, respectively, which were consistent with the model predicted amounts (based on 95% prediction interval). This study could be useful as a model for demonstrating the efficacy of microwave drying to maximize the biochemical content of V. officinalis, as well as the antioxidant activity of the root extracts of V. officinalis on industrial scale.

The Root Extracts of Valeriana Officinalis L. may Control Programmed Cell Death Pathways in Breast Cancer Cell Line, MCF-7

Natural product-derived phytochemicals are now accepted as promising agents in developing new strategies for cancer treatment and prevention. The root extracts of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), which is a supplement widely used for improving circadian rhythm-dependent sleep disorders and insomnia, might be a good candidate in that context. In the present study we hypothesized whether extract of valerian root induce programmed cell death machineries in a human breast cancer model, MCF-7 cells. To test the hypothesis, we treated MCF-7 cells with the extract at different concentrations for 24 h. Giemsa staining was used to evaluate the apoptotic morphology and apoptotic index, and monodancylcadaverine assay was used to determine vacuoles that are associated with autophagic flux. Our results indicated that extracts of the roots of valerian have apototic and autophagic effect on human breast cancer cell MCF-7 in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the typical cobblestone morphology of the cells was disrupted after the extract treatments and the cells lost contact with each other. This morphological alteration was attributed to anoikis, is a programmed cell death type induced by loss of cell communication with extracellular matrix or neighboring cells. In conclusion, although this study has many methodological shortcomings, our findings suggest that Valeriana officinalis L. might be a potential anti-cancer agent for the treatment of breast cancer.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Cultivated Valeriana officinalis

Drug resistance refers to the reduction in the effectiveness of a drug in treating a disease or improving the stability of symptoms. It can occur in various types of pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. This experimental study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 in an area with an annual mean rainfall of 130mm. The sowing date was September 10th, and 2-3 seeds were planted per cell. MTT assays (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) were used to determine the percentage of viability in adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) and Medical Research Council cell strain 5 (MRC5) cell lines incubated with methanolic extract and valerenic acid for 48 hr. The methanol extract was prepared by adding 1000 mg of rhizomes to 100 mL of methanol, followed by sonication for 30 minutes, stirring, and centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and agar gel diffusion were used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract of valerian against two important pathogenic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. However, valerenic acid did not reveal antimicrobial activity at doses of 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 µg/mL. The methanolic extract of V. officinalis contains high quantities of sesquiterpenes, specifically valerenic acid, which did not show cytotoxic effects on A549 and MRC5 cell lines as assessed by the MTT assay. In vivo evaluation of the extract in mice and guinea pigs did not reveal any toxic effects based on histopathological and clinical symptom assessments. Our study confirms that Valeriana officinalis has dose-dependent potential to improve existing treatment approaches for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans infections.

Assessment of Trans-Environmental Transitions of Heavy Metals and Arsenic in Herbal Drugs and Herbal Medicinal Products of Valerian Rhizomes with Roots and Motherwort Herb

Scientific relevance. In the context of pharmacopoeial harmonisation, the available methods for quantifying the total heavy metal content in tinctures are not sufficient to demonstrate the safety of liquid dosage forms based on herbal drugs. However, the establishment of individual limits for the heavy metal content requires analysing the patterns of environmental toxicant transitions from plant raw materials to herbal medicinal products in finished dosage forms.Aim. This study aimed to analyse the trans-environmental transitions of heavy metals and arsenic from the soil through plants to herbal medicinal products using a case study of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of valerian and motherwort herbal drugs.Materials and methods. The study focused on motherwort herb and valerian rhizomes with roots, the corresponding herbal medicinal products, and the rhizospheric soil. The elemental composition of the studied samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.Results. The authors determined the content of 15 elements (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Cd, Sb, Hg, and Pb) in plant raw materials, the rhizosphere, and herbal drug infusions and tinctures. The concentrations of elements were 0.002–109.884 mg/kg in motherwort herb samples and 0.017–866.618 mg/kg in the samples of valerian rhizomes with roots. Pb, Cd, and As were detected in all plant raw materials, while Hg was found only in 25% of the study samples. The content of these elements was within acceptable limits. Valerian and motherwort infusions contained all elements, except for Hg; valerian tinctures were free from Fe and Hg; and motherwort tinctures included no Fe, Hg, Sr, Cd, and Pb. The concentrations of elements in the infusions did not exceed 3.169 mg/kg, while the concentrations of elements in the tinctures were below 1.27 mg/kg. In the tinctures, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Ti were the most abundant elements, and Sb and Cd were present in minimum amounts.Conclusions. Valerian and motherwort plants can concentrate Cu, Cr, Fe, and V from the soil. The transition of heavy metals and arsenic into infusions did not exceed 65% of the content of these elements in herbal drugs, while tinctures contained less than 30% of the content of heavy metals and arsenic in herbal drugs. Some elements passed into infusions 1.5–5 times more efficiently than into tinctures.

Valerian extract used as potential corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in different media

Valerian extract used as potential corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in different media

Investigation of adenosine A1 receptor-mediated β-arrestin 2 recruitment using a split-luciferase assay.

Background: Adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) plays a prominent role in neurological and cardiac diseases and inflammatory processes. Its endogenous ligand adenosine is known to be one of the key players in the sleep-wake cycle. Like other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), stimulation of A1AR leads to the recruitment of arrestins in addition to the activation of G proteins. So far, little is known about the role of these proteins in signal transduction and regulation of A1AR compared to the activation of G proteins. In this work, we characterized a live cell assay for A1AR-mediated β-arrestin 2 recruitment. We have applied this assay to a set of different compounds that interact with this receptor. Methods: Based on NanoBit® technology, a protein complementation assay was developed in which the A1AR is coupled to the large part of the nanoluciferase (LgBiT), whereas its small part (SmBiT) is fused to the N-terminus of β-arrestin 2. Stimulation of A1AR results in the recruitment of β-arrestin 2 and subsequent complementation of a functional nanoluciferase. For comparison, corresponding data on the effect of receptor stimulation on intracellular cAMP levels were collected for some data sets using the GloSensor™ assay. Results: The assay gives highly reproducible results with a very good signal-to-noise ratio. Capadenoson, in contrast to adenosine, CPA, or NECA, shows only partial agonism in this assay with respect to the recruitment of β-arrestin 2, whereas it shows full agonism in the case of the inhibitory effect of A1AR on cAMP production. By using a GRK2 inhibitor, it becomes clear that the recruitment is at least partially dependent on the phosphorylation of the receptor by this kinase. Interestingly, this was also the first time that we demonstrate the A1AR-mediated recruitment of β-arrestin 2 by stimulation with a valerian extract. Conclusion: The presented assay is a useful tool for the quantitative study of A1AR-mediated β-arrestin 2 recruitment. It allows data collection for stimulatory, inhibitory, and modulatory substances and is also suitable for more complex substance mixtures such as valerian extract.

Iridoid esters from Valeriana pavonii Poepp. &amp; Endl. as GABAA modulators: Structural insights in their binding mode and structure-activity relationship

Context: Valeriana pavonii Poepp. &amp; Endl. (Caprifoliaceae), is a plant used in traditional medicine as a tranquilizer in Colombia. Valerian extracts have been widely used since ancient times for their sedative and anxiolytic properties; however, the way its active metabolites, including iridoids, interact on their respective targets is not fully understood. Aims: To isolate and identificate active iridoid esters from V. pavonii. Perform in vitro inhibition assays and computational analyses to study their possible interaction on the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor. Methods: Two compounds were obtained from dichloromethane and petroleum ether fractions of V. pavonii, respectively, by chromatographic techniques. The structural elucidation was performed by NMR and spectroscopic analyses. In vitro inhibition assays of the binding of 3H-flunitrazepam (3H-FNZ) for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptor (BDZ-bs of the GABAA receptor) were carried out. Results: Two iridoid esters, hydrine-type valepotriates (compounds 1 and 2), were reported for the first time in V. pavonii. Both iridoids, 1 and 2, inhibited the binding of 3H-FNZ on the BDZ-bs of the GABAA receptor (40% at 300 µM). Docking studies and MMGBSA calculations revealed that these compounds exhibited molecular interactions with crucial residues of the benzodiazepine site, similar to those observed for drugs like flunitrazepam, diazepam, and flumazenil. Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding the in vivo activity of extracts of Valeriana pavonni on the central nervous system, which showed promising effects, especially as anticonvulsants, sedative-hypnotics, and antidepressants, through the modulation of the GABAergic system by hydrine-type valepotriates and its derivatives.

Bioactive Compounds of Underground Valerian Extracts and Their Effect on Inhibiting Metabolic Syndrome-Related Enzymes Activities.

Extractions of the underground parts of valerian were prepared with water and ethanol (25-95%) at 25-75 °C. Extraction yields, bioactive compounds, and the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability of lyophilized extracts were determined. The inhibitory effects of the extracts, valerenic acid derivatives and phenolic acids, on metabolic syndrome (MS)-related enzymes activities were further examined. Both roots and rhizomes extracted with 95% ethanol at 75 °C had the highest levels of bioactive compounds. The antioxidant capacity and inhibition of MS-related enzymes of the roots extract were better than those of the rhizomes. The roots extract more strongly inhibited pancreatic lipase (inhibition of 50% of enzyme activity (IC50), 17.59 mg/mL), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, IC50, 3.75 mg/mL), α-amylase (IC50, 12.53 mg/mL), and α-glucosidase (IC50, 15.40 mg/mL). These four phenolic acids inhibited the activity of MS-related enzymes. Valerenic acid demonstrated more of an inhibitory ability for ACE (IC50, 0.225 mg/mL, except for caffeic acid) and α-glucosidase (IC50, 0.617 mg/mL) than phenolic acids. Valerian extract inhibited key enzyme activities that were associated with obesity (lipase), hypertension (ACE), and type 2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), suggesting that it is a potential candidate for the development of functional supplements.

Effect of Fennel-Valerian Extract on Hot Flashes and Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Trial.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a mixture of fennel and valerian extracts on hot flashes and sleep disorders of postmenopausal women in Iran. A randomized trial was conducted. A total of 76 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either of the two groups: fennel-valerian extract or control. One 500 mg fennel-valerian extract capsule was given twice, daily for 8 weeks. The 500 mg oral placebo capsule (starch) was given the same way. The mean duration of hot flashes increased in both the groups over time (P < 0.001). The mean frequency and severity of hot flashes in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group, in the first and second months after intervention (P < 0.050). Women in the fennel-valerian extract group had a significantly lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score than the control group 2 months after intervention (P = 0.030). This study found that fennel-valerian extract was effective for relieving sleep disorders as well as the severity and frequency of hot flashes compared with a placebo.

Capacidad pro-apoptótica in vitro de Valeriana rígida y Valeriana decussata sobre una línea celular de cáncer de mama.

Cancer represents a worldwide public health problem, with high incidence and mortality rates in developed and undeveloped countries. Cur-rently, therapeutic alternatives of natural origin are being evaluated with the purpose of establishing more efficient and less invasive treatments. Apoptosis is the type of programmed death cancer cells undergo during treatment with anti-neoplastic drugs. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate in vitro the pro-apoptotic and cytotoxic capacity of valerian extracts on a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). In this study, MCF7 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the extracts of the root, leaves and stems of Valeriana rígida and Valeriana decussata. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR assays were used for the determi-nation of gene expression of anti- and proapoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, p53). Different concentrations of the extracts (10–8 to 10–1 mg/mL) decreased cell viability (proliferation) in a concentration-dependent manner. These extracts induced gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins but not of p53. The expres-sion of Bax was higher than that of Bcl-2, causing an elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (proapoptotic condition). In conclusion, it was determined that Valeriana de-cussata and Valeriana rígida extracts have a viability (proliferation) reducing effect on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, probably mediated by altering the ratio of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins linked to apoptosis.

Lúpulo y valeriana en el manejo del insomnio. Opinión de expertos; recomendaciones para su uso en el primer nivel de atención médica

Introduction. Insomnia is a complaint of dissatisfaction with the quantity and/or quality of sleep. It may consist of difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep and waking up early in the morning, which leads to a significant deterioration in daily functioning. The breaking point between acute and chronic insomnia is three months duration. Occasionally there is an identifiable trigger. Insomnia is a frequent and commonly overlooked disorder in the primary care setting. It produces frequent complications such as anxiety, depression, decreased quality of life, diminished cognitive abilities and memory, accidents, lower productivity at work, increased risk of alcoholism, as well as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia and type II diabetes mellitus. Valeriana officinalis (valerian extract) has been used as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia since the Middle Ages. It is currently approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) as a treatment for mild anxiety and insomnia. Likewise, Humulus lupulus (hops extract) has been traditionally used since ancient times for treating insomnia as part of the European herbal pharmacopoeia. Material and Methods. An interdisciplinary group of experts held several meetings to generate search terms, develop a literature search protocol to examine and weigh the evidence and create consensus recommendations for the use of a fixed and standardized dose of 250 mg of valerian extract and 60 mg of hops extract in the management of insomnia in primary care. Results. The evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of a fixed and standardized dose of 250 mg of valerian extract and 60 mg of hops extract in the management of mild to moderate insomnia. In order to support the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia, recommendations were generated for using these phytopharmaceuticals in the first level of medical care. Conclusions. The fixed combination of valerian and hops extracts helps manage insomnia in the practice of family and general medicine, as well as in obstetrics and gynecology at the recommended doses and duration. It is crucial to make a timely and correct diagnosis and refer patients with severe insomnia or associated pathology to a specialist.

Effect of Oral Administration of Valerian Extract at Different Doses on Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Carbamazepine in Rabbits

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a narrow therapeutic index drug used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and psychiatric disorders. Valerian (VAL) is a popular herbal product which should be prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety. The study was designed to investigate the presence of significant pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction between Valerian (VAL) at different concentrations on Carbamazepine (CBZ) pharmacokinetic parameters in healthy male rabbits. In an in vivo, parallel-randomized controlled trial, the rabbits in three groups "first (control), second and third" were given oral doses of CBZ (50 mg/kg), for "second and third" groups (as test groups) rabbits were given (20 and 40 mg/kg/day) of the VAL respectively, as suspension in normal saline for eight consecutive days. On the eighth day, CBZ was co-administered an hour after adding the last dose of VAL suspension. Venous blood samples (1.0-1.5 mL) were obtained from rabbits' ears' marginal vein at predetermined different periods. The plasma of this blood separation was done using centrifugation and stored at -80°C, prior to analysis by using CBZ chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay detection kit. Different PK parameters such as Cmax, tmax, t½, ke, AUC0-24 and AUC0-∞ were determined for the three groups, applying Statistical testing (ANOVA). The results showed statistical insignificant differences for all PK parameters among the three groups with (p˃0.05). The findings showed that VAL at both concentrations is not likely to interfere with PK parameters related to CBZ, Further confirmation in humans shoud be done before these findings are applied to patient care.

Protective effect of valerian extract capsule (VEC) on ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric mucosa injury and ameliorative effect of VEC on gastrointestinal motility disorder

Context Valerian extract capsule (VEC) is an effective Chinese patent medicine used for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Objective To investigate the detailed pharmacological activity for VEC clinical effects in GI diseases. Materials and methods Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: control, model, and drug-treated (VEC-L, VEC-M, VEC-H, and teprenone). Rats were orally administered VEC (124, 248, 496 mg/kg) and teprenone (21.43 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. After 1 h, the five groups (except the control group) were orally given ethanol (10 mL/kg) for 1 h or indomethacin (80 mg/kg) for 7 h. The spasmolytic activity of VEC (0.01–1 mg/mL) on ACh/BaCl2-induced New Zealand rabbit smooth muscle contraction was performed. The C57BL/6 mice carbon propelling test evaluated the effects of VEC (248–992 mg/kg) on intestinal motility in normal and neostigmine/adrenaline-induced mice. Results Compared with the model group, VEC treatment reduced the gastric lesion index and mucosal damage. Further experiments showed that the pathological ameliorative effect of VEC was accompanied by augmentation of the enzymatic antioxidant system and cytoprotective marker (COX-1, p < 0.01; PGI2 p < 0.05;), along with the alleviation of the levels of MPO (ethanol: 15.56 ± 0.82 vs. 12.15 ± 2.60, p < 0.01; indomethacin: 9.65 ± 3.06 vs. 6.36 ± 2.43, p < 0.05), MDA (ethanol: 1.66 ± 0.44 vs. 0.81 ± 0.58, p < 0.01; indomethacin: 1.71 ± 0.87 vs. 1.09 ± 0.43, p < 0.05), and inflammatory mediators. VEC decreased the high tone induced by ACh/BaCl2 and promoted intestinal transit in normal and neostigmine/adrenaline-induced mice. Discussion and conclusions VEC showed a potential gastroprotective effect, suggesting that VEC is a promising phytomedicine for the treatment of GI diseases.

Effect of a Novel Valerian Extract on Sleep Duration, Latency, Pro-sleep Neurotransmitters and Neuronal Receptors in a Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep Model in Mice

ObjectivesInsomnia and sleep associated disorders continue to remain one of the significant health challenges affecting more than 30% of adult population. Valeriana officinalis is being used since ancient times for treatment of conditions associated with sleep. The current study aimed to validate the effect of a novel valerian (VA) extract on sleep quality and molecular mechanisms of action using pentobarbital-induced sleep model in mice.MethodsThirty-five male BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups: 1) Control, 2) Pentobarbital (42 mg/kg), 3) Pentobarbital + melatonin (2 mg/kg BW) 4) Pentobarbital + VA1 (100 mg/kg BW), 5) Pentobarbital + VA2 (300 mg/kg BW). Forty-five minutes following oral treatment, mice were injected with a hypotonic dose of pentobarbital into the left side of abdomen. Sleep duration was measured as the time elapsed between reflex loss and recovery. Sleep latency was measured as the period between pentobarbital injection and sleep onset. Melatonin was used as reference in the study. Animals were euthanized at the end of the study and analyzed for serum neurotransmitter levels and various neurotransmitter receptor levels in the brain tissues.ResultsMelatonin and VA extract increased the sleep duration and decreased the sleep latency as compared to Pentobarbital group (P < 0.05), wherein the VA2 group showed significantly higher improvements in sleep latency compared to VA1 and melatonin groups (P < 0.05). Further, both groups of valerian (VA1 & VA2) and melatonin increased the serum levels of pro-sleep neurotransmitters; serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine along with increased expression of their receptors (GABAA R2, GABAB R1- R2, serotonin receptor, Glutamate receptors GluA1, GluN2A, and GluN1) in the brain tissues. We also observed increased expression of modulators of apoptotic pathway and reduced oxidative stress in valerian as well as melatonin groups.ConclusionsValerian extract 2% powder prolongs sleep duration and decreases sleep latency in a pentobarbital-induced sleep model in mice. Further valerian extract modulated the serum levels of all three pro-sleep neurotransmitters and enhanced the expression of various sleep promoting neuronal receptors of brain involved in sleep biology in a dose-dependent manner.Funding SourcesOmniActive Health Technologies (India) and partially by the Turkish Academy of Sciences (Turkey).

Лечение тревожно-депрессивных расстройств в соматической практике: назначение комбинации экстрактов зверобоя и валерианы

Обзор посвящен результатам клинических исследований по изучению эффективности и безопасности применения комбинированного препарата экстрактов зверобоя и валерианы у пациентов с тревожно-депрессивными расстройствами.

Liquisolid Orodispersible Tablets of Valeriana officinalis L. Root Extraction: Formulation, Development and Evaluation

Background: Valerian root extract is used in traditional medicine to treat sleep disorders. According to previous studies, sedative effects are related to the presence of valerenic acid. Formulating orodispersible tablets (ODTs) is an effective and cost-benefit technique for accelerating drugs' therapeutic effects. This study aimed to formulate ODTs of valerian root extract and evaluate their properties. Materials and Methods: Valerian root was extracted by percolation in 70% ethanol. The solubility of valerenic acid was investigated in various liquid carriers. The extract was uniformly dispersed in the selected carrier (Tween 80), then mixed with other excipients, and compressed into tablets. Fourteen formulations with different amounts of sodium starch glycolate (SSG, as a super disintegrant) and camphor (as a sublimating agent) were prepared. The physicochemical properties of the ODTs, drug release rates, and microbial limit tests (MLTs) were studied. Results: Both SSG and camphor accelerated tablet disintegration rates and their composition showed a synergistic effect (P&lt;0.05). The infrared spectroscopy revealed no chemical interaction between formulation components. The MLTs confirmed that a limited number of microbial colonies were grown in the liquid medium, and no pathogen growth occurred in the specific culture media. Conclusion: The results revealed that Valerian ODT's physicochemical properties were significantly improved compared to conventional tablets. The technique can be utilized for other poorly watersoluble pharmaceuticals.

Evaluation of Hepatotoxicity of Aqueous Extract of Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) in Laboratory Mice

Introduction: Concerns have been raised about the toxic effects of medicinal plants due to their increased consumption. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatotoxic effects of aqueous extract of valerian in laboratory mice. Methods: After preparation of plant materials and aqueous extract of valerian, concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight were administered to laboratory mice for 14 days. On the day 14th, blood samples were taken from the hearts of mice after anesthesia and the serum levels of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were studied. Furthermore, the animals' weight was recorded at 0, 7 and 14 days and weight changes were also studied. Results: The results of the present study showed the concentration-dependent effects of aqueous extract of valerian on increasing serum levels of liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP and GGT and the highest serum levels of these enzymes were observed at a concentration of 20 mg/kg. Moreover, the concentration of 20 mg/kg aqueous extract of valerian caused severe weight loss in mice over a period of 14 days. Conclusion: In general, it was concluded that a concentration of 20 mg/kg causes liver damage. However, low concentrations of 10 mg/kg valerian extract showed no toxic effects on the liver. Therefore, in the formulations prepared from valerian, attention to the concentration of the extract is very important and the use of lower concentrations to prevent hepatotoxicity is very important.

The effects of Valerian on sleep spindles in a model of neuropathic pain.

IntroductionValeriana officinalis is known to be one of the most famous herbal supplements for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Despite its widespread use in most countries all around the world, there is little scientific information and research on how this medication affects sleep patterns, and there are almost no studies on its effects on the characteristics of sleep spindles.Material and MethodsThe present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Valerian extract (VAL) on sleep spindles and induced anxiety in chronic neuropathic pain model in rats. 24 male rats were divided into three groups: neuropathic group (n=9) in which the rats underwent chronic constriction injury (CCI), sham group (n=7) in which the sciatic nerves of the animals were exposed without any constriction and also fed with the vehicle, and the third group was under CCI condition and treated with Valerian (n=8). All the rats underwent electrode implant surgery so that we could record electroencephalogram and electromyography waves. In all the three groups, EEG and EMG recordings were recorded three times (150min each time). The initial recording was just prior to the CCI surgery and the rest were 3 and 6 days following CCI surgery. Moreover, cold allodynia and elevated plus maze tests were performed 3 and 6 days following the CCI surgery.ResultsValerian treatment could repair the allodynia induced by neuropathy. On the other hand, by Valerian treatment (400mg/kg) during neuropathy, the REM sleep, decreased and the non-REM sleep increased. Moreover, there was an increment in sleep spindle density and spindle frequency even in neuropathic condition.DiscussionThis herbal supplement improves the quality of sleep in neuropathy conditions.