EVALUATION OF INVOLVEMENT OF NEURO-CHEMICAL MECHANISM IN VALERIANA WALLICHII INDUCED ANTIDEPRESSANT EFFECT IN MICE

Neuro-chemical mechanism of Valeriana wallichii induced antidepressant effect

Abstract

Valeriana wallichii DC an herbal medicine in Indian systems of medicine and is found among the ground flora of Himalayan regions. In the study, aimed to investigation of involvement of neuro-chemical-systems in Valeriana wallichii induced antidepressant effects in mice.

Antidepressant activity of aqueous alcoholic extracts of Valeriana wallichii was measured by using Forced Swim Test and Tail Suspension Test in mice, whereas locomotor activity was observed by Actophotometer. Interaction of adrenergic receptor antagonist, dopaminergic receptor antagonist and serotonin synthesis inhibitor with Valeriana wallichii induced antidepressant effects in mice were also observed.

Sub-acute administration of Valeriana wallichii in mice showed significant (P<0.05) increase in the antidepressant activity similar to the Imipramine, but did not show at lower dose in FST. Whereas, pretreatment of adrenergic receptor antagonist, dopaminergic receptor antagonist and serotonin synthesis inhibitor prevented Valeriana wallichii induce antidepressant effect in mice. Lower doses of hydoalcoholic extract of Valeriana wallichii did not interfere the locomotor activity in mice during sub-acute administration but at higher dose significantly (P<0.05) decrease the locomotor activity.

Hence, it is concluded that antidepressant effect of Valeriana wallichii in mice may mediates via adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.

Keywo

Adrenergic, Antidepressant, Dopaminergic, Serotonergic Systems and Valeriana wallichii