Analysis of GABRB3 gene mRNA expression and motor coordination after administration of valerian extracts (Valeriana officinalis) in BALB/c mice

Abstract

<ns5:p> <ns5:bold>Background:</ns5:bold> <ns5:italic>Valeriana officinalis</ns5:italic> has often been used to treat sleep disorders as a traditional medicine for 2000 years. The sedative effect of valerian extract is facilitated by the GABA <ns5:sub>A</ns5:sub> receptor β3 subunit. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of valerian extract on <ns5:italic>GABRB3</ns5:italic> gene mRNA expression and sedative effect in BALB/c mice. </ns5:p> <ns5:p> <ns5:bold>Methods:</ns5:bold> This is an experimental preclinical study using a posttest-only control group design. A total of 20 BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into four groups consisting of five mice each. Group I was given 5 ml of Aqua Dest (distilled water), group II was given 0.025 mg/10 g of diazepam, group III was given 2.5 mg/10 g of valerian extract, and group IV was given 5 mg/10 g of valerian extract. The drugs were administrated for seven days through a gastric gavage. The rotarod test was performed on the seventh day. A blood sample was taken on the first day before drug administration and after the rotarod test on the seventh day to be analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. </ns5:p> <ns5:p> <ns5:bold>Results:</ns5:bold> <ns5:italic>GABRB3</ns5:italic> gene mRNA expression showed a significant increase in groups II, III, and IV (p &lt;0.0001). There was significant difference between group III and IV. The examination of motor coordination (rotarod test) showed a significant difference (p &lt;0.05) between group I and group II, between group I and group III, and between group I and group IV. There was no significant difference between group II and both groups III and IV. </ns5:p> <ns5:p> <ns5:bold>Conclusions:</ns5:bold> <ns5:italic>GABRB3</ns5:italic> gene mRNA expression was significantly increased after the administration of valerian extract. Based on the rotarod test, valerian extract and diazepam had a clinically similar sedation effect. A higher dose of valerian extract does not yield a higher level of GABRB3 gene mRNA expression nor sedative effects. </ns5:p>

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