Anxiolytic potency of iridoid fraction extracted from Valeriana jatamansi Jones and its mechanism: a preliminary study

Valeriana jatamansi Jones (V. jatamansi) has been widely used for treating anxiety and its mechanism involves many aspects including GABA level. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic potency of an iridoid fraction extracted from the radix and rhizomes of V. jatamansi. The iridoid fraction was extracted by using D101 resin; its major components were analysed preliminarily by thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography; and its anxiolytic effects at 6 mg/kg (low-dose), 9 mg/kg (medium-dose) and 12 mg/kg (high-dose) were evaluated using the elevated plus maze test, the light–dark box test, the Vogel’s drinking conflict test, and the open field drink test. Its action mechanism was investigated using the ELISA. This study provided evidence on the anxiolytic potency of the iridoid fraction from V. jatamansi and revealed its action mechanism of regulating the GABA level.