Three new germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids, heishuixiecaoline A-C (compounds 1-3), were isolated along with ten known compounds 4-13 from fraction of Valeriana amurensis roots and rhizomes effective against Alzheimer's disease (AD). The structures of 1-3 were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data. We also investigated the protective effect of compounds 1-13 on the neurotoxicity of...

This study describes the antidiarrhoeal and bronchodilatory activities of Valeriana wallichii D.C. (Valerianaceae). The crude extract of V. wallichii (Vw.Cr) caused inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice at 300-600 mg kg⁻¹. In guinea-pig trachea, Vw.Cr concentration dependently (0.03-3.0 mg mL⁻¹) relaxed the low K+ (25 mM)-induced contractions, with a mild effect on the contractions...

The volatile constituents from roots of Valeriana officinalis L. were investigated using GC and GC/MS methods. Valerianae radix samples were obtained from retail pharmacies or cultivated in Estonia. The roots of five V. officinalis samples yielded 0.28–1.16% essential oil in the cut drug, which usually corresponded (four samples) to the European Pharmacopeia standard (0.3%). The basic oil compo...

A plasmodium of acellular slime mould Physarum polycephalum is a large single cell with many nuclei. Presented to a configuration of attracting and repelling stimuli a plasmodium optimizes its growth pattern and spans the attractants, while avoiding repellents, with efficient network of protoplasmic tubes. Such behaviour is interpreted as computation and the plasmodium as an amorphous growing b...

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of soil pH on the uptake of copper, zinc, and manganese by Valeriana officinalis. Preliminary studies involved soil analyses to determine acidity, organic matter content, and copper, zinc, and manganese total and bioavailable forms. The study involved atomic absorption spectrometry to determine the concentration of the elements, and mineral soi...

OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of NSF-3, a polyherbal sedative-hypnotic (containing standardized extracts of Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnate and Humulus lupulus), in comparison to zolpidem in primary insomnia. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was designed as a parallel group, double- blind, randomized, controlled trial and registered with Clinical Trials Regis...

Valeriana wallichii (Family Valerianaceae), popularly named as Indian valerian, exists as three chemotypes. Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of V. wallichii chemotype (patchouli alcohol) extract (DCME) and essential oil (VPAEO) on experimental models of nociception and to elucidate its possible mechanism of action. Analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing and...

The risk of interaction between dietary supplements, herbal drugs and synthetic drugs increases when patients are treated chronically, e.g. due to impairment of central nervous system (CNS)--depression, psychotic disorders, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. On the basis of scientific literature, there was shown that simultaneous intake of antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs and herbal drug...