Comparison of Anxiolytic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Root of Valeriana officinalis with Buspirone in Mature Male Mice

Background: Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorder which can be cured by herbal and chemical medicine. Herbal medicine and complementary medicine are widely used among people suffering from anxiety disorder. Valeriana officinalis known to cause anxiolytic and sedative effects to have a special place in traditional Chinese, Indian and Iranian medicine.

Aims: This study aims to compare the anxiolytic effect of aqueous extract of root of V. officinalis root with Buspirone in mature male mice.

Study Design: Study was conducted in the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad to an animal room of the Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azad University of Nishabur, under standard conditions. This experimental study has been demonstrated by control and experimental groups. The sample consisted of 30 mature male mice assigned into five groups of six: group A receiving distilled water (control group), group B, group C and group D receiving 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg aqueous extract of V. officinalis, respectively, and group E receiving 30 mg/kg buspirone orally in drinking water. Anxiolytic effects were evaluated 10 days after receiving by using maze. One-way ANOVA and T-test were analyzed by using SPSS 19 software package.

Results and Discussion: The results show that the aqueous extract of V. officinalis root causes a significant increase in the number of arrivals and elapsed time in open arms compared to Buspirone. Medicinal plants currently form an important part of traditional medicine in many countries and they have a special place in new therapeutic approaches. ANOVA and T-test results showed a significant (P<0.05) relationship between the anxiolytic effect of aqueous extract of V. officinalis root and Buspirone in mice.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that V. officinalis are more effective in reducing anxiety compared to buspirone.