Effect of valerian extract preparation (BIM) on the sleep-wake cycle in rats

Biol Pharm Bull. 2007 Feb;30(2):363-6. doi: 10.1248/bpb.30.363.

Abstract

In the present study, we studied the effect of valerian extract preparation (BIM) containing valerian extract, golden root (Rhodiola rosea L.) extract and L-theanine (gamma-glutamylethylamide) on the sleep-wake cycle using sleep-disturbed model rats in comparison with that of valerian extract. A significant shortening in sleep latency was observed with valerian extract and the BIM at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. On the other hand, valerian extract and the BIM caused no significant effects on total times of wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep and REM sleep. Valerian extract and the BIM at a dose of 1000 mg/kg also had no significant effect on delta activity. In conclusion, it became clear that the BIM could be useful as a herbal medicine having a sleep-inducing effect without causing an alteration of the sleep-wakefulness cycle.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Delta Rhythm / drug effects
  • Electromyography
  • Glutamates / pharmacology*
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rhodiola / chemistry*
  • Sleep / drug effects
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / physiopathology
  • Valerian / chemistry*
  • Wakefulness / drug effects

Substances

  • Glutamates
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Plant Extracts
  • theanine