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Dai W, Feng K, Sun X, Xu L, Wu S, Rahmand K, Jia D, Han T. Natural products for the treatment of stress-induced depression: Pharmacology, mechanism and traditional use. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 285:114692. [PMID: 34742864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Depression, one of the most common psychiatric disorders, is the fourth leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. A series of causes triggered depression, including psychological stress and conflict, as well as biological derangement, among which stress has a pivotal role in the development of depression. Traditional herbal medicine has been used for the treatment of various disorders including depression for a long history with multi-targets, multi-levels and multi-ways, attracting great attention from scholars. Recently, natural products have been commercialized as antidepressants which have become increasingly popular in the world health drug markets. Major research contributions in ethnopharmacology have generated and updated vast amount of data associated with natural products in antidepressant-like activity. AIMS OF THE REVIEW This review aims to briefly discuss the pathological mechanism, animal models of stress-induced depression, traditional use of herbal medicines and especially recapitulate the natural products with antidepressant activity and their pharmacological functions and mechanism of action, which may contribute to a better understanding of potential therapeutic effects of natural products and the development of promising drugs with high efficacy and low toxicity for the treatment of stress-induced depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS The contents of this review were sourced from electronic databases including PubMed, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Chinese Knowledge On frastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, Chinese Scientific and Technological Periodical Database (VIP) and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). Additional information was collected from Yao Zhi website (https://db.yaozh.com/). Data were obtained from April 1992 to June 2021. Only English language was applied to the search. The search terms were 'stress-induced depression', 'pathological mechanism' in the title and 'stress', 'depression', 'animal model' and 'natural products' in the whole text. RESULTS Stress-induced depression is related to the monoaminergic system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, neuronal plasticity and a series of inflammatory factors. Four main types of animal models of stress-induced depression were represented. Fifty-eight bioactive phytochemical compounds, fifty-six herb medicines and five formulas from traditional Chinese medicine were highlighted, which exert antidepressant effects by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO) reaction, alleviating dysfunction of the HPA axis and nerve injury, and possessing anti-inflammatory activities. CONCLUSIONS Natural products provide a large number of compounds with antidepressant-like effects, and their therapeutic impacts has been highlighted for a long time. This review summarized the pathological mechanism and animal models of stress-induced depression, and the natural products with antidepressant activity in particular, which will shed light on the action mechanism and clinical potential of these compounds. Natural products also have been a vital and promising source for future antidepressant drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Jinan 250355, China; Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Kunmiao Feng
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Jinan 250355, China; Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lingchuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Jinan 250355, China.
| | - Sijia Wu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Khalid Rahmand
- Faculty of Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Dan Jia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Shahrajabian MH. Powerful Stress Relieving Medicinal Plants for Anger, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress During Global Pandemic. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2022; 16:284-310. [PMID: 35319401 DOI: 10.2174/1872208316666220321102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Consideration and improvement for anxiety and depression are important during a global pandemic. Appropriate healthcare can be obtained by paying more attention to traditional medicinal sciences. The adverse effects of stress with various symptoms can be managed by introducing plants that boost mental health. The most relevant psychological reactions in the general population related to the global pandemic are pervasive anxiety, frustration and boredom, specific and uncontrolled fear, disabling loneliness, significant lifestyle changes, and psychiatric conditions. Ginseng, chamomile, passionflower, herbal tea, lavender, saffron, kava, rose, cardamom, Chinese date, and some chief formula like yokukansan, Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san, so-ochim-tang-gamiband, and saikokaryukotsuboreito are notable herbal treatments for mental health problems. The most common medicinal plants that have been used in Iran for the cure of stress and anxiety are Viper's-buglosses, Dracocephalum, valerian, chamomile, common hop, hawthorns, and lavender. Medicinal plants and herbs can be used for the treatment and alleviation of the negative effects of stress, anger, and depression during the global pandemic.
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Carvalho DP, Peters VM, Dias AF, Dutra SCPL, Guerra MO. Valerian treatment during the postpartum period alters breast milk composition and impairs long-term memory in female rat offspring. Braz J Med Biol Res 2021; 54:e10192. [PMID: 34586325 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2021e10192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period might have long-term health effects on both the mother and the developing child. Valerian is a phytotherapeutic agent that is widely used for the treatment of anxiety. This study investigated the effects of valerian treatment in postpartum rats on maternal care, toxicity, and milk composition. Postnatal development, memory, and anxiety behavior in the offspring were also assessed. Postpartum Wistar rats received the valerian (500, 1000, or 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1) by oral gavage. Clinical and biochemical toxicity was evaluated with commercial kits. Maternal behavior was observed daily. Milk composition was analyzed by colorimetric methods. Physical and neuromotor tests were used to analyze postnatal development. Anxiolytic activity was assessed by the elevated plus maze, and memory was evaluated by the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. Maternal toxicity and care behavior were not altered by the treatment, while only the highest dose promoted a significant increase of lactose, and the doses 1000 and 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1 promoted a reduction of protein contents in milk. Postnatal development was similar in all offspring. Adult offspring did not display altered anxiety behavior, while long-term memory was impaired in the female adult offspring by maternal treatment with 1000 mg·kg-1·day-1. These results suggested that high doses of valerian had significant effects on important maternal milk components and can cause long-term alterations of offspring memory; thus, treatment with high doses of valerian is not safe for breastfeeding Wistar rat mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Carvalho
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juíz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | - V M Peters
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juíz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | - A F Dias
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juíz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | - S C P L Dutra
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juíz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | - M O Guerra
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juíz de Fora, MG, Brasil
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Ardianto C, Budiatin AS, Sumartha INB, Nurrahmi N, Rahmadi M, Khotib J. Resveratrol ameliorates physical and psychological stress-induced depressive-like behavior. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 32:335-340. [PMID: 34214312 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression is a mental disorder that profoundly affects all aspects of life, but currently, antidepressants have some problems with their effectiveness and side effects. Resveratrol is a compound that has the ability to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This study aimed to determine resveratrol's effect on physical and psychological stress-induced depressive-like behavior. METHODS Mice were divided into control, physical stress, psychological stress groups. Treatment was conducted with fluvoxamine 20 mg/kg and resveratrol 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for seven days. The depressive-like state was evaluated using a forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT). RESULTS Physical stress and psychological stress induction increase the immobility time on FST and TST. Besides, there is an increase in time in central on OFT, which indicates an anxiety or mental illness-like behavior. However, the OFT examination on sniffing, rearing, grooming, and crossing behavior did not show a significant difference. Resveratrol 80 mg/kg and fluvoxamine 20 mg/kg were significantly reduced immobility time at TST compared to the physical stress group. While in psychological stress, resveratrol 80 mg/kg tended to decrease immobility time but not significant. A significant increase in time in central duration was seen in the resveratrol 40 mg/kg compared to the psychological stress. Stress induction causes increased amygdala corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA expression. However, neither resveratrol nor fluvoxamine affected amygdala CRF mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol ameliorates depressive-like behavior induced by physical and psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrismawan Ardianto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Aniek Setiya Budiatin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - I Nengah Budi Sumartha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Nurrahmi Nurrahmi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Mahardian Rahmadi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Junaidi Khotib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Plant Species of Sub-Family Valerianaceae-A Review on Its Effect on the Central Nervous System. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10050846. [PMID: 33922184 PMCID: PMC8144999 DOI: 10.3390/plants10050846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Valerianaceae, the sub-family of Caprifoliaceae, contains more than 300 species of annual and perennial herbs, worldwide distributed. Several species are used for their biological properties while some are used as food. Species from the genus Valeriana have been used for their antispasmodic, relaxing, and sedative properties, which have been mainly attributed to the presence of valepotriates, borneol derivatives, and isovalerenic acid. Among this genus, the most common and employed species is Valerianaofficinalis. Although valerian has been traditionally used as a mild sedative, research results are still controversial regarding the role of the different active compounds, the herbal preparations, and the dosage used. The present review is designed to summarize and critically describe the current knowledge on the different plant species belonging to Valerianaceae, their phytochemicals, their uses in the treatment of different diseases with particular emphasis on the effects on the central nervous system. The available information on this sub-family was collected from scientific databases up until year 2020. The following electronic databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct, NCBI, and Google Scholar. The search terms used for this review included Valerianaceae, Valeriana, Centranthus, Fedia, Patrinia, Nardostachys, Plectritis, and Valerianella, phytochemical composition, in vivo studies, Central Nervous System, neuroprotective, antidepressant, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, anxiety, preclinical and clinical studies.
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Efficacy of Valerian Extract on Sleep Quality after Coronary Artery bypass Graft Surgery: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Chin J Integr Med 2021; 27:7-15. [PMID: 33420602 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-020-2727-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of valerian root extract on the sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS The patients who participated in this triple-blind clinical trial were selected by permuted block randomization. The participants were assigned to the valerian (n=36) and placebo (n=36) groups. The valerian group received 530 mg of valerian capsules for 30 nights after CABG surgery, and the placebo group received 530 mg of the placebo capsules containing wheat flour. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were assessed on four occasions, including the baseline, the 3rd, 14th and 30th days following intervention. RESULTS The odds ratio of worsened sleep quality significantly varied over time (the interaction of time and group) in the valerian group compared to the placebo group in various dimensions including total sleep quality (P=0.001), sleep latency (P<0.01), sleep duration (P=0.020), sleep efficiency (P=0.001) and daytime dysfunction (P=0.025). No significant difference was observed in the alterations of the odds ratio of PT in the two groups over time. (P=0.371). CONCLUSION The consumption of oral valerian root extract over 30 nights could significantly improve the patients' sleep quality safely after CABG surgery.
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Cornara L, Ambu G, Trombetta D, Denaro M, Alloisio S, Frigerio J, Labra M, Ghimire G, Valussi M, Smeriglio A. Comparative and Functional Screening of Three Species Traditionally used as Antidepressants: Valeriana officinalis L., Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. and Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9080994. [PMID: 32764268 PMCID: PMC7464919 DOI: 10.3390/plants9080994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The essential oils (EOs) of three Caprifoliaceae species, the Eurasiatic Valeriana officinalis (Vo), the Himalayan Valeriana jatamansi (Vj) and Nardostachys jatamansi (Nj), are traditionally used to treat neurological disorders. Roots/rhizomes micromorphology, DNA barcoding and EOs phytochemical characterization were carried out, while biological effects on the nervous system were assessed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and microelectrode arrays (MEA). Nj showed the highest inhibitory activity on AChE (IC50 67.15 μg/mL) followed by Vo (IC50 127.30 μg/mL) and Vj (IC50 246.84 μg/mL). MEA analyses on rat cortical neurons, carried out by recording mean firing rate (MFR) and mean bursting rate (MBR), revealed stronger inhibition by Nj (IC50 18.8 and 11.1 μg/mL) and Vo (16.5 and 22.5 μg/mL), compared with Vj (68.5 and 89.3 μg/mL). These results could be related to different EO compositions, since sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes significantly contribute to the observed effects, but the presence of oxygenated compounds such as aldehydes and ketones is a discriminating factor in determining the order of potency. Our multidisciplinary approach represents an important tool to avoid the adulteration of herbal drugs and permits the evaluation of the effectiveness of EOs that could be used for a wide range of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Gabriele Ambu
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (D.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Marcella Denaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (D.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Susanna Alloisio
- ETT Spa, via Sestri 37, 16154 Genova, Italy;
- Institute of Biophysics-CNR, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Labra
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Govinda Ghimire
- Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal;
| | - Marco Valussi
- European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA), Norwich 13815, UK;
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (D.T.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0906-764-039
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Mineo L, Concerto C, Patel D, Mayorga T, Paula M, Chusid E, Aguglia E, Battaglia F. Valeriana officinalis Root Extract Modulates Cortical Excitatory Circuits in Humans. Neuropsychobiology 2018; 75:46-51. [PMID: 29035887 DOI: 10.1159/000480053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valeriana officinalis extract (VE) is a popular herbal medicine used for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. Although the anxiolytic and sedative effects are mainly attributed to the modulation of GABA-ergic transmission, the mechanism of action has not been fully investigated in humans. Noninvasive brain stimulation protocols can be used to elucidate the mechanisms of action of psychoactive substances at the cortical level in humans. In this study, we investigated the effects of a single dose of VE on cortical excitability as assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). METHODS Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were required to take either 900 mg of VE (valerenic acid 0.8%) or placebo (an equal dose of vitamin E). Motor cortex excitability was studied by single and paired TMS before and at 1 h and 6 h after the oral administration. Cortical excitability was assessed using different TMS parameters: resting motor threshold, motor-evoked potential amplitude, cortical silent period, short-interval intracortical inhibition, and intracortical facilitation. Furthermore, we assessed sensorimotor integration by short-latency and long-latency afferent inhibition. RESULTS We found a significant reduction in ICF, without any significant changes in other TMS measures of motor cortex excitability. The amount of ICF returned to baseline value 6 h after the intake of the VE. CONCLUSION A single oral dose of VE modulates intracortical facilitatory circuits. Our results in healthy subjects could be predictive markers of treatment response in patients and further support the use of pharmaco-TMS to investigate the neuropsychiatric effects of herbal therapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Mineo
- Department of Interprofessional Health Science and Health Administration, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
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The Anti-Stress Effect of Mentha arvensis in Immobilized Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020355. [PMID: 29370076 PMCID: PMC5855577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress can lead to inflammation, accelerated aging, and some chronic diseases condition. Mentha arvensis (MA) is a traditional medicine having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated the anti-stress role of MA and fermented MA (FMA) extract in immobilized rats. We studied the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells and rats were immobilized for 2 h per day for 14 days using a restraining cage. MA (100 mg/kg) and FMA (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats 1 h prior to immobilization. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, we determined the rosmarinic acid content of MA and FMA. The generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 246.7 cells were suppressed by both MA and FMA. In rats, MA and FMA notably improved the body weight, daily food intake, and duodenum histology. MDA and NO level were gradually decreased by MA and FMA treatment. MA and FMA significantly controlled the stress-related hormones by decreasing corticosterone and β-endorphin and increasing serotonin level. Moreover, protein expression levels of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were markedly downregulated by MA and FMA. Taken together, MA and FMA could ameliorate immobilized-stress by reducing oxidative stress, regulating stress-related hormones, and MAPK/COX-2 signaling pathways in rats. Particularly, FMA has shown greater anti-stress activities than MA.
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Jung HY, Yoo DY, Nam SM, Kim JW, Choi JH, Yoo M, Lee S, Yoon YS, Hwang IK. Valerenic Acid Protects Against Physical and Psychological Stress by Reducing the Turnover of Serotonin and Norepinephrine in Mouse Hippocampus-Amygdala Region. J Med Food 2015; 18:1333-9. [PMID: 26177123 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2014.3412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we demonstrated that a Valeriana officinalis extract could attenuate increases in serum corticosterone levels in a mouse model of physical and psychological stress. In addition, our results showed that the extract could modulate serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) turnover in the hippocampus and amygdala region. In this study, we intended to investigate the effects of valerenic acid (VA), the main component of V. officinalis extract, on corticosterone levels in serum in normal mice and monoamine turnover in hippocampus-amygdala homogenates in a mouse model of physical and psychological stress. To determine the minimum dose of VA for antianxiety effect, eight-week-old ICR mice were orally administered VA (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg/0.3 mL) once daily for 3 weeks to probe for immobility time and serum corticosterone levels. At a VA dose of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, animals showed a decrease in the duration of immobility time and serum corticosterone levels. To confirm the antianxiety effect of VA, eight-week-old ICR mice received VA at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, orally, once daily for 3 weeks, before being subjected to physical or psychological stress for 3 days, in a specially designed communication box, followed by estimation of levels of monoamines and their metabolites in the hippocampus-amygdala region. In conclusion, VA administration at 0.5 mg/kg can mitigate the physical and psychological stress response by decreasing the turnover of 5-HT to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and NE to 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol sulfate in the hippocampus and amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Young Jung
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University , Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae Young Yoo
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University , Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Min Nam
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University , Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Whi Kim
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University , Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Choi
- 2 Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University , Gangwon, South Korea
| | - Miyoung Yoo
- 3 Food Analysis Center, Korea Food Research Institute , Gyeonggi, South Korea
| | - Sanghee Lee
- 3 Food Analysis Center, Korea Food Research Institute , Gyeonggi, South Korea
| | - Yeo Sung Yoon
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University , Seoul, South Korea
| | - In Koo Hwang
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University , Seoul, South Korea
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