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Ameliorative Effect of Valeric Acid Against Psychophysiological Chronic Unpredictable Stress
Bindu Kumari1, Gireesh Kumar Singh1, Gyan Prakash Modi2
1Department of Pharmacy, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India.
Abstract:
Background: Chronic unpredictable stress triggers various pathological and metabolic alterations by modulating psychophysiological balance. Valeric acid (VA), a postbiotic material, has been reported to mitigate stress-induced behavioral changes in rodents. Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of valeric acid against chronic unpredictable stress in a rodent model by assessing neuro-physiological alterations along with changes in biochemical parameters to confirm the possible mechanism. Methods: A 14-day chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model in albino Wistar rats was developed to check the stress-induced changes using forced swim test, tail suspension test and sexual behavior observation. Quantification of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, plasma corticosterone level and oxidative stress parameters were also done. Results: Findings revealed the protective effects of valeric acid against CUS, which reversed the depression caused by a forced swim and tail suspension test in rats. Proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers were significantly (p < 0.05) restored in CUS rats treated with valeric acid as compared with the vehicle control, which was comparable to the standard drug, Panax ginseng. Conclusions: The present study concludes that valeric acid demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) anti-stress effect by modulating both behavioral responses and stress-related biochemical modifications.
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