Effects of Herbal Supplements on PTSD-Induced Changes in Rat Behavior & Brain Gene Expression

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in 20% of Veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is closely linked and a probable sequelae to traumatic brain injury (TBI), the “signature injury” of these wars. Herbal supplements have become very popular and a significant alternative to traditional medicines. The use of herbal medicine use has increased 380% in the U.S. There are no data regarding the effectiveness of herbal supplements in the treatment of PTSD. This research proposal will investigate the herbal supplements, corydalis yanhusuo and green tea, on neurobehavioral effects and specific gene expression in a PTSD rodent model. 

This is the first prospective experimental study that will investigate possible herbal supplement treatment for PTSD. The aims of this study are to determine the effects of tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and l-theanine in a PTSD rodent model.  Specifically, the aims are as follows:  

1. Determine the effects of tetrahydropalmatine and l-theanine on anxiety.

2. Determine the effects of tetrahydropalmatine and l-theanine on locomotion

3. Determine the effects of tetrahydropalmatine and l-theanine on memory.  

4. Determine the effects of tetrahydropalmatine and l-theanine on hyperarousal or startle. 

5. Determine the possible interaction effects of tetrahydropalmatine and l-theanine with midazolam on anxiety, locomotion, memory, and hyperarousal or startle.

6. Determine the effects of tetrahydropalmatine and l-theanine on gene expression in the brain. 

The study design integrates neurobehavioral effects with neurotransmitter systems gene expression in a rodent model of PTSD. The rationale for this proposed research is based on the lack of consistent and effective treatments for PTSD. The American Psychiatric Association suggests that there is a need for more effective pharmacological treatments, especially for veterans with combat-related PTSD. PTSD is very complex and treatment urgently needed to sustain Force Health Protection.

Final Report is available on NTRL: https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB2014106...