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Abstract
Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health disorders affecting millions globally. Due to the limitations and side effects of conventional pharmacological treatments, there is growing interest in exploring herbal alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-anxiety and antidepressant activities of methanolic extract of Valeriana officinalis L. leaves using various behavioral models in Swiss albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides. Acute toxicity testing revealed the extract was safe at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. The extract's efficacy was tested using elevated plus maze, open field test, light-dark model, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. The extract demonstrated significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to standard drugs like diazepam and imipramine. These findings suggest that the methanolic extract of Valeriana officinalis has potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing anxiety and depression, possibly through modulation of the GABAergic system and other neurotransmitter pathways. Further research is recommended to isolate specific active constituents and assess long-term safety and efficacy.