Pharmacological effects of extracts from Valeriana adscendens Trel. II. Effects on GABA uptake and amino acids.

Methanolic and aqueous extracts from Valeriana adscendens (Valerianaceae), that previously demonstrated neuroleptic-like properties, were studied for their effects on GABA uptake and amino acid neurotransmitter levels. The methanolic estract showed a significant effect in inhibiting GABA uptake and in decreasing the intracellular content of amino acid neurotransmitters in crude synaptosomes of rat. The data obtained could explain the neuroleptic activity of methanolic extract of the plant and confirm its traditional use. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.