Evaluation of Hepatotoxicity of Aqueous Extract of Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) in Laboratory Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Concerns have been raised about the toxic effects of medicinal plants due to their increased consumption. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatotoxic effects of aqueous extract of valerian in laboratory mice.
 Methods: After preparation of plant materials and aqueous extract of valerian, concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight were administered to laboratory mice for 14 days. On the day 14th, blood samples were taken from the hearts of mice after anesthesia and the serum levels of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were studied. Furthermore, the animals' weight was recorded at 0, 7 and 14 days and weight changes were also studied.
 Results: The results of the present study showed the concentration-dependent effects of aqueous extract of valerian on increasing serum levels of liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP and GGT and the highest serum levels of these enzymes were observed at a concentration of 20 mg/kg. Moreover, the concentration of 20 mg/kg aqueous extract of valerian caused severe weight loss in mice over a period of 14 days.
 Conclusion: In general, it was concluded that a concentration of 20 mg/kg causes liver damage. However, low concentrations of 10 mg/kg valerian extract showed no toxic effects on the liver. Therefore, in the formulations prepared from valerian, attention to the concentration of the extract is very important and the use of lower concentrations to prevent hepatotoxicity is very important.