Valeriana officinalis is Effective on Stress-Induced Infertility, Delayed Maternity, and Intrauterine Growth Restriction of the Fetus in Female Rats

SUMMARY. Infertility is a tragic option for reproductive-aged women. About 20 % of lost ability to conceive are caused by unexplained etiology. Some of these cases are linked with psychological stress. It can cause depression and anxiety, and the latter can cause infertility. The therapy with sedative, antidepressant, anxi-olytic and antioxidant effects may be beneficial in preventing infertility caused by psychological disorders and maintaining normal intrauterine physical development of the fetus. The aim of our study is to investi-gate the protective effect of Valeriana plant root extract against stress-induced reproductive disorders. The protective effect of Valeriana plant root extract against infertility and delayed maternity was investigated in a stress model induced by the forced immobilization method in albino Wistar female rats and compared with ascorbic acid. Valeriana officinalis plant root extract was effective against psychological stress-related infertility and delayed maternity, ascorbic acid was found to be ineffective. This information suggests that psychological stress-related ovarian damage, infertility, delayed maternity, and great obstetric syndromes are based on the role of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression rather than oxidative stress. Our experimental results indicate that Valeriana officinalis plant root extract can be useful in the treatment of stress-related ovarian damage and reproductive disorders. © 2021, Colegio de Farmaceuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. All rights reserved.