Effects of Valerianae Radix et Rhizoma extract on psychological stress in mice

摘要

Background:The aim of this study was to identify the effects of Valerianae Radix et Rhizoma water extract (VRe) originated from Valeriana fauriei Briquet on reducing psychological stress (PS) on mice.Objective:Mice were put under PS with communication box method: Restraining mice and forcing to see other mice underfoot shock stress.Materials and Methods:Measurements on plasma corticosterone, noradrenaline and lipid peroxidation, and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests were carried out to determine the effect of VRe administration on physiological and behavioral responses of mice.Results:VRe showed anxiolytic effects in plasma corticosterone, noradrenaline, and EPM transfer latency levels, but it did not show any significant effects on the other indicators.Conclusion:V. fauriei, which has been used as a natural anxiolytic drug, exerts positive effects in the communication box induced PS in mice.