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Abstract. Aim: The Valerian plant is known as a medicinal plant with sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory properties and somnifacient effect. Therefore studying cardiac effects of this plant can help to gain a better understanding of its pharmacodynamic effects in order to provide above properties. Material and method: In this research 18 healthy female pet cats, 2 years old in the mean, were selected. Cardiac function indexes including the fractional shortening, ejection fraction and normal stroke volume were measured using echocardiography. Cats were fed by 500 mg/kg Valerian root extract and clinical signs like distraction and incoordination were observed after 15 minutes; the factors were measured. Results were analyzed by the statistical method of independent T-test. Results: Obtained data was showed satisfactory results which are detailed described in the text below. The results showed that stroke volume index increased significantly while fractional shortening index decreased significantly. Also the ejection fraction index was not significant statistically. Conclusion: Therefore extract of the Valerian root decreases the sympathetic performance, effects on the heart indirectly, relaxes the myocardium in result of the decrease in the fractional shortening of the heart muscle and consequently increases the diastolic and systolic volume and increases the stroke volume of the blood accompanied by the decrease in the preload and after load.
Key Words: Valerian root extract, echocardiography, Cat, cardiac function index, ejection fraction, stroke volume.
Introduction
The Valerian plant is an herbaceous plant with multiple upright stalks and length of its stem which can reach up to 2m. This plant has sweetly scented pink or white flowers and grows in clusters. The plant odor is very attractive for the cats, so this is the reason why it is also known as 'cat grass'. Cats follow the plant odor and approach it where it is existed and after smelling its odor the state of thirst is provided. The Valerian plant is known as a desirable medicinal plant between users of natural drugs with sedative, anxiolytic, and somnifacient effects. Among available compounds in the aqueous extract of the Valerian root (for example alkaloids, Iridoids, flavonoids and terpenoids) and valeric acid have been reported to be responsible for the plant medicinal effects (Mirabi & Mojab 2013; Taavoni et al 2013). Recommended effects are resulted from the mechanism...