Evaluation of the Antiemetic Effect of Valeriana officinalis Root Extract in Young Chicken

In traditional medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) have been used to decrease gastrointestinal tract motility in intestinal spasms, colic and gastrointestinal disorders of nervous origin. It has been also suggested for alleviation of nausea. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiemetic effect of V. officinalis extract (aqueous-ethanolic) for documentation of reports available in traditional medicine. The antiemetic effect of V. officinalis extract (aqueous-ethanolic) against emesis induced by copper sulfate (60 mg/kg, orally) and ipecac (600 mg/kg, orally) was investigated. The number of emesis was counted for 50 and 20 minutes after copper sulfate and ipecac administration, respectively. The extract at doses of 0.28, 0.49 and 0.7 g/kg (ip) exhibited significant protection against copper sulfate and ipecac induced – emesis. The dose of 0.7 g/kg lowered the number of copper sulfate induced- and ipecac induced – emesis of negative control (saline), respectively 65.704% and 79.88%. According to the results, the antiemetic effect of Valerian was significant and it confirms the traditional uses of Valerian in attenuation of nausea.