Study on anti-anxiety activity of extract and total valepotriate in Valerianae Rhizoma / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the anti-anxiety effects of the extract and total valeportriate from Valerianae Rhizoma and the relative mechanism. Methods: The behaviors of mice were investigated in terms of using in light/dark transition test, open field test, and the elevated plus maze test and spontaneous activity. The the anti-anxiety effect of the extract and total valeportriate from Valerianae Rhizoma have been studied, serum corticosterone and mouse brain hippocampal tissue in the neurotransmitter 5-serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) levels were determined by ELISA kit. Results: The behavior manifestations of mice in the light/black transition test, open field test, spontaneous activity, and elevated plus maze experiment of mice were improved by the extract and total valeportriate from Valerianae Rhizoma in each dosage group. Test result showed that they could reduce corticosterone level and down-regulate NE, DA, and 5-HT levels. Conclusion: The extract and total valeportriate from Valerianae Rhizoma have the anti-anxiety effect and the potential to become the anti-anxiety drug.