Effects of Hydro Alcoholic Extraction of Valeriana on Astrocyte Raphe Magnus in Adult Rats

Introduction & valerian root extraction is used in the treatment of sleep disorders, stress, depression, anxiety, muscle stiffness and tension. Astrocytes have role of nutrition, protection and support of the neurons. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Valeriana extract on nucleus raphe magnus in the number and size of rat astrocytes. In the present experimental study, forty male Wistar rats weighing170-250g were randomly divided into four groups, including control and three experimental groups. The control group received distilled water and three experimental groups received 300, 400 and 60 mg valerian root extract daily respectively for two weeks by gavage. Phsophotangestic acid staining was used to examine astrocytes. The size and number of astrocytes were calculated with LS.starter software. Data were analyzed, using SPSS software for statistical analysis and ANOVA and LSD tests. The mean number of astrocytes in the experimental groups of three and four with the control group and experimental two showed a significant increase (P <0.05). Compare mean of great length of astrocytes in experimental groups of two, three and four with the control group showed a significant decrease and between the experimental group two and experimental groups of three and four a statistically significant differences were observed (P <0.05). Oral administration of hydro alcoholic extract of valerian increases astrocytes number and decreases their size in nucleus of raphe Magna, which indicated the effect of this extraction on proliferation of astrocytes increasing.