Comparison of an aerobic training course with a herbal supplementation (Valeriana wallichii and Melissa officinalis) regarding serotonin levels, nitric oxide and headache indices in women with migraine

Migraine is a neurovascular disorder that decreases the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic training and a combination of herbal supplements including Valeriana wallichii and Melissa officinalis on serotonin, nitric oxide and headache indices.
The present study was a semi-experimental and applied research. Eighteen female patients with migraine who were eligible to participate in the study were randomly divided into two groups: aerobic training (n=9) and herbal supplements (n=9). Patients in the aerobic exercise group performed the exercise for eight weeks, three sessions per week and each session was 75 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (15 minute warm-up, 45 workouts, 15 minute cool-down). The combination of herbal supplement group received herbal capsules for eight weeks and each capsule was included 200 mg of valerian and 80 mg of Melissa officinalis. They used it twice daily in the first four weeks and three times a day in the next four weeks. Blood samples were taken in the fasting state to determine the serotonin and nitric oxide levels of the subjects before and after the intervention. Headache indexes were also assessed by a headache questionnaire. Data were analyzed by Kolmogrov-Smirnov, independent and paired T-tests and Covariance analysis at a significance level of p Results showed that in the complementary combination group, taking eight weeks of capsule significantly increased blood serotonin levels and headache frequency and intensity significantly decreased. In addition, nitric oxide levels and duration of headache did not significantly differ as compared to before the study. In the aerobic training group, eight weeks of activity significantly increased serotonin and nitric oxide levels and significantly decreased headache frequency and headache intensity, but did not change the duration of the headache. Also, by comparing the variables between the two groups, other than serum nitric oxide and aerobic power, the changes of the other variables were similar at the end of the study, and no significant difference was observed between them.
Aerobic training and a combination of herbal supplements including valerian and Melissa officinalis can be a good complement therapy for women with migraine.