期刊
PHYTOMEDICINE
卷 17, 期 8-9, 页码 674-678出版社
ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.020
关键词
Valeriana officinalis; elevated plus maze; anxiolytic; benzodiazepine; GABA; valerenic acid
资金
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute [52006297]
- National Science Foundation [CHE-0741868]
- Division Of Chemistry
- Direct For Mathematical & Physical Scien [0741868] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular and widely available herbal supplement, primarily used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Until recently, its mechanism of action has remained unknown. Neurobiological research has begun to show that the herb, with its active valerenic acid, interacts with the GABA(A)-ergic system, a mechanism of action similar to the benzodiazepine drugs. This series of experiments sought to corroborate these findings with behavioral measures, compare them to the benzodiazepine diazepam, and to analyze the chemical composition of Valeriana officinalis. Rats were administered either ethanol (1 ml/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), valerian root extract (3 ml/kg), valerenic acid (3 mg/kg), or a solution of valerenic acid and exogenous GABA (75 mu g/kg and 3.6 mu g/kg, respectively) and assessed for the number of entries and time spent on the open arms of an elevated plus maze. Results showed that there was a significant reduction in anxious behavior when valerian extract or valerenic acid exposed subjects were compared to the ethanol control group. The evidence supports Valeriana officinalis as a potential alternative to the traditional anxiolytics as measured by the elevated plus maze. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
作者
我是这篇论文的作者
点击您的名字以认领此论文并将其添加到您的个人资料中。
推荐
暂无数据