Initial exploratory observational pharmacology of Valeriana wallichii on stress management: a clinical report

Nepal Med Coll J. 2007 Mar;9(1):36-9.

Abstract

Valeriana wallichii, an Indian medicinal plant, has been on trial for its role in stress disorders in hospital based clinical set-up. Hamilton's Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used and thorough clinical investigations were carried out to screen the subjects. Thirty-three subjects (20 male and 13 female; average age 34.2 years) were medicated with the plant extract in a fixed dose regime (500 mg/capsule, twice daily, p.o. after meal). They were thoroughly investigated clinically and using standard questionnaires based on different psychological rating scale at baseline (day 0), mid-term (day 30) and final (day 60). The observations exhibited that, V wallichii not only significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated stress and anxiety, but also significantly (p < 0.001) improved depression and also enhanced the willingness to adjustment. Nevertheless it did not alter memory, concentration or attention of the volunteers. The results suggest that V wallichii may be useful in the treatment of stress related disorders in human and may be a promising anti-stress agent in near future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology*
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Plant Roots*
  • Stress, Psychological / drug therapy*
  • Valerian*

Substances

  • Plant Preparations