Evaluation of the Analgesic Effects of Valerian, Aspirin, and Their Combined Treatment on Pain Induced by Relevant Tests in Male Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Scientists are investigating methods for pain management, with aspirin and Valeriana officinalis frequently used for their pain-relieving properties. This study evaluated the impact of Valeriana officinalis extract, aspirin, and their combination on pain reduction in male Wistar rats using pain-inducing tests.

Methods: Seventy-five animals were divided into five groups: a control group (no treatment), a sham group (gavage without treatment), a group receiving aspirin alone (15 mg/kg), a group receiving Valeriana officinalis extract alone (25 mg/kg), and a group receiving a combination of Valeriana officinalis extract and aspirin. Pain was assessed using the formalin test, hot plate test, and tail withdrawal test.

Results: Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. The formalin test showed that aspirin, Valeriana officinalis extract, and their combined use had similar pain-reducing effects P<0.001. In contrast, the tail flick and hot plate tests indicated that the combined treatment provided significantly stronger analgesic effects than either treatment alone P<0.05.

Conclusion: The combined use of Valeriana officinalis extract and aspirin significantly reduces pain more than either treatment alone, indicating a synergistic interaction between the two agents that enhances pain relief.