Antidepressant effect of Valeriana wallichii patchouli alcohol chemotype in mice: Behavioural and biochemical evidence.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Valeriana wallichii DC, an ayurvedic traditional medicine has now been shown to exist chemically as three distinct chemotypes. The study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of dichloromethane extract of Valeriana wallichii patchouli alcohol chemotype.

Materials And Methods: Antidepressant effect of dichloromethane extract of Valeriana wallichii (10, 20 and 40mg/kg, p.o.) using forced swim test, was determined in both acute and chronic study. The neurotransmitter levels were estimated in mouse forebrain after two weeks of dosing.

Results: Single administration of extract (40mg/kg) significantly inhibited the immobility period in mice (p<0.05). Similarly, chronic administration of extract (20 and 40mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility period and significantly increased the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in mouse forebrain (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The extract demonstrated antidepressant effect and significantly increased the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in forebrain.