Analgesic Effect of Valerian Root and Turnip Extracts

BACKGROUND Medicinal plants are considered as one of the important sources of chemical substances with therapeutic effects. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of alcoholic extract of valerian root and turnip in rats. METHODS Fifty female Wistar rats weighing 190 g were divided into 5 equal groups of control (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin in the right foot), sham (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+distilled water), experimental 1 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+200 mg/kg turnip extract), experimental 2 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin 2+200 mg/kg valerian root extract) and experimental 3 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+200 mg/kg turnip extract+200 mg/kg valerian root extract). The time duration of 0-5 and 16-60 minutes after injection of formalin were respectively considered as acute and chronic phases. Injection of distilled water and the extracts was conducted 30 minutes before assessing the analgesic effects. RESULTS A significant decrease in pain score in the acute phase was observed in the group received valerian root extract compared to the control group. Also, a significant reduction in pain score was noted in the acute and chronic phases of the group receiving simultaneous administration of valerian root and turnip extracts when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Simultaneous use of valerian root and turnip extracts is recommended for analgesic effects in both acute and chronic phases of the pain.