Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder recognized for inducing endothelial dysfunction in coronary arteries. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of valerian hydroalcoholic extract and exercise in diabetic rats. METHODS: Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetes, diabetic rats undergoing treadmill exercise, diabetic rats administered valerian extract (200 mg/kg, oral), and diabetic rats receiving a combination of valerian extract and treadmill exercise for 8 weeks. Antioxidants and lipoproteins were assessed via blood sampling at the study's conclusion. Hemodynamic parameters and the response of the coronary artery bed to constrictors and dilators were evaluated by connecting the heart to a Langendorff device. RESULTS: Diabetes was associated with a diminished vascular vasodilator response, which was enhanced by the combined treatment of valerian extract and 8 weeks of exercise. Moreover, elevated levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed in groups receiving both valerian extract and exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the combination of treadmill exercise and hydroalcoholic extract may hold promise in managing cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients by leveraging their antioxidant properties.