Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of compound Valeriana jatamansi Jones in mice

Abstract

Background: Compound Valeriana jatamansi Jones is a formula for treating anxiety-related diseases in the clinic, which is composed of Valeriana jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, Albiziae Cortex and Junci Medulla. The purpose of this study was to explore the anxiolytic properties of this compound in mice.

Methods: Male ICR mice were treated with compound Valerianae Jatamansi Jones (1.2 g/kg, 2.4 g/kg, 4.8 g/kg), saline, diazepam (2 mg/kg) orally for 10 days and then exposed to elevated maze-plus (EPM) and light-dark box (LDB). The effects of the compound on spontaneous activity were evaluated by locomotor activity test. We further investigated the mechanism of action underlying the anxiolytic-like effect of compound by pre-treating animals with antagonists of benzodiazepine (flumazenil, 3mg/kg) prior to evaluation using EPM and LDB.

Results: Compound Valerianae Jatamansi Jones (2.4, 4.8 g/kg, p.o.) significantly increased entries (P<0.05) into and time spent (P<0.05) on the open arms of the EPM, and number of transitions (P<0.05) and time spent (P<0.05) in the light compartment of the LDB. However, the anxiolytic-like effects of compound were significantly reduced by pre-treatment with flumazenil (P>0.05). In addition, compound Valerianae Jatamansi Jones treatment didn't affect the spontaneous activity in mice (P> 0.05).

Conclusions: The present study supports the hypothesis that compound Valeriana jatamansi Jones exert anxiolytic action but no sedative effects in mice and that this effect might be mediated by benzodiazepine receptors.

Figure 1

HPLC profile of Hesperidin(a) and sample solution(b) using acetonitrile - 0.3% phosphoric acid (20∶80, v/v) at 1.0mL/min on a Agilent ® C18 column, 5 μm, 150 × 4.6mm , 35°Cwith UV detection at 280 nm.

Figure 2

Behavioral outcome of compound Valerianae Jatamansi Jone during 5 min on the elevated plus-maze. (a) The percentage of time spent in open arms. (b) The percentage of open arms entries. (c) The total number of entries. Bars represent mean ± S.E.M. *P<0.05 or **P<0.01 vs. control group. One way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keul’s post hoc test.

Figure 3

Behavioral outcome of flumazenil on the anxiolytic-like effect of compound Valerianae Jatamansi Joneduring 5 min on the elevated plus-maze. (a) The percentage of time spent in open arms. (b) The percentage of open arms entries. Bars represent mean ± S.E.M. *P<0.05 or **P<0.01 vs. control group. One way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keul’s post hoc test.

Figure 4

Behavioral outcome of compound Valerianae Jatamansi Jone during 5 min in the light–dark box. (a) The numbers of transition. (b) Time spent in light compartment. Bars represents mean ± S.E.M. *P<0.05 or **P<0.01 vs. control group. One way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keul’s post hoc test.

Figure 5

Behavioral outcome of flumazenil on the anxiolytic-like effect of compound Valerianae Jatamansi Jone during 5 min in the light–dark box. (a) The numbers of transition. (b) Time spent in light compartment. Bars represents mean ± S.E.M. *P < 0.05 vs. control group. One way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keul’s post hoc test.

Figure 6

The counts of compound Valerianae Jatamansi Jone during 5 min in spontaneous activity. Bars represents mean ± S.E.M. of activity counts in 5 min *P < 0.05 vs. control group. One way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keul’s post hoc test.