Title:A Review Focused on Molecular Mechanisms of Anxiolytic Effect of Valerina officinalis L. in Connection with Its Phytochemistry through in vitro/in vivo Studies
Volume: 27
Issue: 28
Author(s): Ilkay E. Orhan*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara,Turkey
Keywords:
Valeriana officinalis, valerianaceae, valerian, anxiolytic effect, valerenic acid, GABA.
Abstract: Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerianaceae) is one of the most reputed ancient medicinal plants used in
modern phytotherapy and traditional medicine. Its root extract is one of the most effective herbal sedatives and
tranquilizers, where the plant is also used for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasms. V. officinalis has complex
phytochemistry consisting of the esterified iridoid derivatives known as valepotriates (e.g., valtrate, didrovaltrate,
isovalerenic acid), sesquiterpenes (e.g., valerenic acid), flavonoids (e.g., linarin, apigenin), lignans
(e.g., pinoresinol, hydroxypinoresinol), alkaloids (e.g., actinidine, valerine), triterpenes (e.g., ursolic acid),
monoterpenes (e.g., borneol, bornyl acetate). Among them, valerenic acid is a marker compound for standardization
of the root extracts of the plant and has been reported in many in vitro/in vivo studies to be responsible
for anxiolytic action of the plant. Although modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors has
been revealed to be the leading mechanism of the plant-based on the existence of valerenic acid, several studies
described the interaction of valerenic acid with glutamergic receptors. In addition to valerenic acid, isovaleric
acid, didrovaltrate, borneol, and some lignans have also been proposed to contribute to the anxiolytic effect of
the plant. In the current review, the data selectively scrutinized from the in vitro/in vivo studies about identifying
anxiolytic molecular mechanisms of V. officinalis is focused.
