The foreign research team published the title "Effect of Valerian Extract on GABRB3 Gene MRNA Expression and Sedation in BALB/C Mice" in Current Bioactive Compounds on November 10, 2020. The article showed that the GABRB3 gene after the action of Valerian extract mRNA expression was significantly increased, and valerian extract and diazepam had similar clinical sedative effects.
Valerian is a perennial herb produced in Europe and Asia. It is widely distributed in almost all countries where the soil is acidic. Valerian has been used in traditional medicine to treat sleep disorders, anxiety, fatigue, epilepsy, epilepsy and depression for 2000 years. The main ingredient of medicinal valerian is valeric acid containing hydroxyl and acetone derivatives.
Valeric acid has anti-anxiety, sedative and sleep-inducing effects, which have been confirmed in animal studies and clinical trials. Valeric acid inhibits the decomposition of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) caused by catabolic enzymes in the brain, thereby producing a sedative effect. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is the most important brain inhibitory neurotransmitter, which plays a key role in the regulation and function of the central nervous system. The sedative effect of valerian extract is promoted by the GABAA receptor β3 subunit. The GABRB3 gene belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel family and encodes the β3 subunit of the GABAA receptor. GABRB3 is also a receptor for diazepam and other anesthetics (ie, phenobarbital).
Valerian affects the presynaptic components of GABAergic neurons, and these components affect the release of synaptic GABA. Valerian also inhibits the reuptake and catabolism of γ-aminobutyric acid by inhibiting γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase.
