VALERIAN Valeriana Officinalis HerbMed

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SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Valeriana officinalisFAMILY NAME:

ValerianaceaeCOMMON NAME:

Valerian

Evidence for Efficacy (Human Data)

Clinical Trials (66)

Observational Studies/Case Reports (17)

Traditional and Folk Use (33)

Safety Data

Adverse Effects & Toxicity (19)

Interactions (14)

Contraindications (0)

Evidence of Activity

Animal Studies (22)

Pharmacodynamics (40)

Analytical Chemistry (38)

Pharmacokinetics (ADME) (3)

Genetics & Molecular Biology (3)

Formulas/Blends

Modern Methods of Preparation (12)

Patents (18)

Folk Blends (component) (0)

Contemporary Mixtures (component) (0)

Other Information

Pictures & Distribution Maps (4)

Cultivation, Conservation & Ecology (4)

Related Links (7)

Dynamic Updates

Live PubMed Searches (15)

History of Records

History of Record (1)

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EVIDENCE FOR EFFICACY (HUMAN DATA)

Clinical Trials

The sleep improving effects of a single dose administration of aValerian/Hops fluid extract was studied in a double blind, randomized,placebo-controlled sleep-EEG Study in a parallel design usingelectrohypnograms, and proved superiority of the valerian/hopscombination over placebo. Dimpfel 2008

Review on complementary and alternative medicine for sleepdisturbances in older adults indicates that valerian has shown a benefit

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in some, but not all clinical trials. Gooneratne 2008

Among the 860,215 women on register, 787 (0.9%) reported use ofherbal drugs during early pregnancy. The most frequently used herbaldrugs were Floradix (iron-rich herbs), ginseng and valerian. Holst 2008

Testing the effects of nightly valerian (Valeriana officinalis) extract toimprove sleep of older women with insomnia showed that Valerian didnot improve sleep in this sample. Taibi 2008

An open-label, prospective cohort study in 89 German centers offeringboth conventional and complementary therapies in 409 subjects showsthat Neurexan might be an effective and well-tolerated alternative toconventional valerian-based therapies for the treatment of mild tomoderate insomnia. Waldsch?08

Observations in 33 subjects exhibited that Valeriana wallichii not onlysignificantly (p < 0.001) attenuated stress and anxiety, but alsosignificantly (p < 0.001) improved depression and also enhanced thewillingness to adjustment. Bhattacharyya 2007

The associations between melatonin use and insomnia and betweenvalerian use and insomnia in a representative sample of the UnitedStates population were analyzed. Bliwise 2007

Systematic review found ginkgo and valerian do not appear to beuseful in reducing depression or anxiety in perimenopausal andpostmenopausal women. Geller 2007

A fixed valerian hops extract combination was significantly superior toplacebo in reducing sleep latency whilst the single valerian extractfailed to be superior to the placebo in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder. Koetter 2007

At least one treatment in insomnic patients (eszopiclone [5 studies],zopiclone [2 studies], progressive muscle relaxation [2], zolpidem [2],valerian/hops [1], and stimulus control [1]) led to a significantimprovement compared with placebo in at least one of thesemeasures in 14/20 studies. Krystal 2007

Valerian appears to be safe, in 405 participants who were 18 to 75years old and had insomnia but with modest beneficial effects at moston insomnia compared to placebo. Oxman 2007

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced cross-overexperiment with 24 healthy volunteers suggests that a combination ofMelissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis possesses anxiolyticproperties. Kennedy 2006

The effectiveness and safety of valerian for treating anxiety disorderswas investigated in 36 patients wih generalised anxiety disorder.



Miyasaka 2006

Efficacy & tolerability of a combined valerian/lemon balm preparationwere investigated in an open, multicentre study in 918 children under12 years suffering from restlessness & nervous dyskoimesis whichconfirmed that this combination was effective and well tolerated inchildren. M?2006

[Kava, valerian no more effective than placebo.] [No authors listed]2005

[Fluctuations of the antianxiety effect of valerian and grandaxin duringdaytime wakefulness in humans with different chronotypes] [Article inRussian] Arushaian 2005

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performedusing a novel Internet-based design to determine if kava is effective forreducing anxiety and if valerian is effective for improving sleep quality.Neither kava nor valerian relieved anxiety or insomnia more thanplacebo. Jacobs 2005

In 233 breast cancer patients the use of 35 alternative medicineproducts were identified and 7 of these increase the risk of breastcancer or interact with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors: soy, garlic,ginko biloba, echinacea, ginseng, valerian and phytoestrogens.[Article in Swedish] Malekzadeh 2005

Review suggests there is preliminary but conflicting evidence thatValerian officinalis L. and first-generation histamine-1-receptorantagonists have efficacy as mild hypnotics over short-term use.Meolie 2005

It has been indicated that Kan Jang, ginseng and valerian are safe withrespect to effects on human male sterility when administered at doselevels corresponding to approximately 3 times the human daily dose.Mkrtchyan 2005

The efficacy and safety of a valerian-hops combination anddiphenhydramine was evaluated in 184 adults for treatment of mildinsomnia revealing that a valerian-hops combination anddiphenhydramine might be useful adjuncts in treatment of mildinsomnia. Morin 2005

It is shown that in a personal trial (not double-blind) in stress-inducedinsomnia, both kava and valerian improved sleep and the ill-effects ofstress, and the combination of the two was even more effective for thecontrol of insomnia. Wheatley 2005

Study of peculiarities in the effect of tofisopam and valerian extract onshort-term memory and anxiety states in healthy humans indicated thatvalerian extract did not produce significant effects on anxiety states



and short-time memory. [Article in Russian] Arushanian 2004

A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of 2doses (300 & 600 mg) of a valerian preparation on the sleep,cognitive & psychomotor function of 16 sleep-disturbed older adultsrevealed that that these doses were ineffective in sleep-disturbedparticipants aged 50 to 64 years. Diaper 2004

Oral administration of two 500-mg valerian tablets nightly for twoweeks in 12 healthy volunteers, had minimal effects on CYP3A4activity and no effect on CYP2D6 activity. Donovan 2004

Examination of valerian extract at 600, 1200, and 1800 mg doses hadno effects on subjective and psychomotor variable dependentmeasures of 10 young healthy volunteers. Acute administration ofvalerian does not have mood-altering or psychomotor/cognitive effectsin them. Gutierrez 2004

Of 42 enrolled patients, with chronic insomnia in a series ofrandomised n-of-1 trials valerian was not shown to be better thanplacebo in promoting sleep or sleep-related factors for any individualpatient or for all patients as a group. Coxeter 2003

Comparison of acute pharmacological effects of temazepam,diphenhydramine, & valerian (400 and 800 mg) in 14 healthy elderlyvolunteers (mean age, 71.6 years; range, 65-89) revealed that valerianwas not different from placebo on any measure of psychomotorperformance or sedation. Glass 2003

Valerian was without effect on either cognitive or psychomotorperformance in healthy volunteers at the doses of 500 mg, 1000 mg,but triazolam at 0.25 mg found to have detrimental effects on cognitiveprocesses in healthy volunteers. Hallam 2003

n-of-1 trials and their combination: suitable approaches for CAMresearch? Hart 2003

An open, practice-oriented study revealed that combination of StJohn's wort WS 5572 and valerian extract for treating depressivedisorders in comorbidity with anxiety disorders was well tolerated, andno side-effects occurred. Muller 2003

Valepotriates (valerian extract) at the mean daily dose of 81.3 mg anddiazepam 6.5 mg in 36 outpatients with generalized anxiety disordershowed reduction in the psychic factor of Hamilton anxiety scale & hada potential anxiolytic effect on the psychic symptoms of anxiety.Andreatini 2002

Among 1057 patients presenting for anaesthesia 9% were taking oneor more of the 6 herbal remedies inclding valeriane, ginseng, ginkgo,St John's wort, echinacea and ephedra which are known to interact



with the perioperative period. [Article in French] Baillard 2002

Results suggest that kava and valerian may be beneficial to health byreducing physiological reactivity during stressful situations. Cropley2002

In small pilot trial of children with intellectual deficit, valerian treatmentled to significant reductions in sleep latencies and nocturnal timeawake, lengthened total sleep time and improved sleep quality.Francis 2002

Through a literature search 18 experimental studies examining theeffects of valeriana on human sleep was identified and majority ofstudies reported positive effects of valeriana on subjective sleepparameters and few side effects of valeriana were also reported.[Article in Norwegian]. Pallesen 2002

Valerian subjects reported significantly better subjective sleep qualitythan placebo ones, after BZD withdrawal, despite the presence of afew side effects. Results suggest that valerian had a positive effect onwithdrawal from BDZ use. Poyares 2002

600 mg/die valerian extract LI 156 was as efficacious as a treatmentwith 10 mg/die oxazepam in patients aged 18 to 73 years anddiagnosed with non-organic insomnia. No serious adverse drugreactions were reported in either group. Ziegler 2002

Evaluation of hypnotic effect and safety of 450 mg each of Valerianaedulis & V. officinalis in 20 patients with insomnia, revealed that theseextracts produced beneficial effects on sleep architecture bydiminishing the time of stages 1 & 2 in non-REM sleep whileincreasing delta sleep. Herrera-Arellano 2001

Kava 120 mg or Valerian at 600 mg daily for 6 weeks in 19 patientswhen given for treatment of stress and insomnia, both the drugsrelieved total stress severity as well as insomnia with no significantdifferences between them. Both drugs also produced side effects in42% patients. Wheatley 2001

Total stress severity and insomnia were significantly relieved by bothKava (p < 0.01) and Valerian (p < 0.01) compounds. Valerian likely toproduce vivid dreaming. Wheatley 2001

Total stress severity and insomnia were significantly relieved by bothKava (p < 0.01) and Valerian (p < 0.01) compounds. Valerian likely toproduce vivid dreaming. [Double publication]. Wheatley 2001a

Radix valerianae produced positive effects on sleep structure andsleep perception of insomnia patients with very low number of adverseevents. Donath 2000



75 patients of non-organic & non-psychiatric insomniacs agedbetween 18 & 70 years, in a randomised, double-blind, clinical,comparative study showed no differences in the efficacy for valerianand oxazepam and more favourable adverse effect profile of valerianwas reported. [Article in German]. Dorn 2000

Patient reported improvement found in pilot study of effect of a fixedvalerian-Hop extract combination on sleep polygraphy in patients withnon-organic insomnia. Fussel 2000

[Critical evaluation of the effect of valerian extract on sleep structureand sleep quality.] Giedke 2000

Systematic review found the evidence for valerian as a treatment forinsomnia is inconclusive. Stevinson 2000

Quantitative topographical EEG was able to show slight, but clearvisible effects on the CNS after intake of high dosage of a valerian-hops mixture, indicating reproducible pharmacodynamic responses ofthe target organ. Vonderheid-Guth 2000

Baths with added pine oil or valerian may be helpful for fibromyalgiapatients. Plain water baths modify the pain intensity, medicinal bathsimprove well-being and sleep. Ammer 1999

In this review, the history and current use of plant-based medicine andhighlights of evidence of risks and benefits associated with 6 plantsincluding echinacea, ginger, and valerian have been summarised asstudied from randomized controlled trials. Barrett 1999

Results of randomised, controlled, double-blind trial found neithersingle nor repeated evening administrations of 600 mg of valerian rootextract have a negative impact on reaction time, alertness andconcentration the morning after intake. Kuhlmann 1999

Review usage and adverse effects of Valerian, melatonin, St John'swort and kava -kava Heiligenstein 1998

Valerian-hops combination, in a randomized double-blind comparisonwith benzodiazepine for 2 weeks, helped sleep disorder patients andhad less withdrawal symptoms than with benzodiazepine Schmitz1998

USP progress in botanical information (no abstract) Thompson 1998

Review of the literature of nonbenzodiazepine sedatives. Valerian &melatonin may be useful but require further clinical trials Wagner 1998

Methods of clinical trial Wassmer 1998

80 healthy adults in 4 groups: valerian, valerian+hops, flunitrazepam or



placebo. Subjective sleep quality improved in all three medicationgroups, compared to placebo. Residual sedation (hangover) notconfirmed Gerhard 1996

New Clinical Drug Eval. Unit (NCDEU) review of natural psychotropics,highlighting Hypericum, Valerian, Ginkgo & Ginseng Cott 1995

Elderly poor sleepers (6 placebo, 8 valerian extract-Valdispert forte,405 mg t.i.d.) had increased slow-wave sleep (SWS) & decreasedsleep stage 1. No effect on sleep time, REM nor self rated sleepquality Schulz 1994

Root extract (Valdispert) reduces mouse movement and increasesthiopental sleeping-time. Effect is moderate compared with diazepamand chlorpromazine. Has only weak anti-convulsive propertiesLeuschner 1993

Single dose of Valverde (valerian, balm, passion-flower, andpestilence wort) compared with 3 mg bromazepam or placebo:subjective sedation but tests unable to verify Gerhard 1991

Double blind study shows the sesquiterpenes are sedative, without thecytotoxicity of valepotriates Lindahl 1989

"The effects of valerian, propranolol, and their combination onactivation, performance, and mood of healthy volunteers under socialstress conditions" (no abstract) Kohnen 1988

450 or 900 mg of valerian extract reduced perceived sleep latency andwake time in healthy adults Balderer 1985

Measuring EEG, REM & sleep stages in a double-blind placebo-controlled study on 11 healthy adults found dose related hypnoticeffects with 60 or 120 mg valerian. Peak effect 2-3 hours aftertreatment Gessner

Placebo controled trial with 128 people found 400 mg increasessleep, especially for those who are poor sleepers Leathwood 1982

Observational Studies/Case Reports

A Case of Valerian-associated Hepatotoxicity. Cohen 2008

Examination of the use of over-the-counter medications and herbal ordietary supplements among college students shows that higher dosesof products containing pseudoephedrine or valerian were associatedwith self-reported anxiety. Stasio 2008

Insomnia in older adults is usually treated with benzodiazepines,nonbenzodiazepines, and other agents, such as trazodone, valerian,and melatonin. Tariq 2008



Review on herbal medications & their importance for anaesthesia &intensive care medicine led to skepticism towards the use of garlic,ginkgo, cranberry, valerian or St. John's wort leading torecommendation that herbal medications should be discontinued 2weeks before surgery. [Article in German] Kleinschmidt 2007

A patient who had taken drugs (ibuprofen, paracetamol and valerian)was described with cholestatic hepatitis and acute Epstein-Barr virusinfection with atypical lymphocytes and positive anti-VCA IgM. [Articlein Spanish] Barreales 2006

Results of a study on choice of agent to correct psychoemotional statein women with dyshormonal focal breast diseases were presented.The correction involved dimedrol, valerian extract, Novopassite,diazepam,amitryptiline, coaxil, grandaxine, alprozam or atarax. [Articlein Russian] Ustimov DIu 2005

Repeated administration of the anxiolytic tofisopam reduced anxietyand improved both visual and verbal short-term memory in young maleand female humans. But valerian extract did not produce effect on theanxiety states and short-time memory. [Article in Russian]. [No authorslisted] 2004

Sleepless in Sydney--is valerian an effective alternative tobenzodiazepines in the treatment of insomnia? Trevena 2004

The morning/evening menopausal formula (evening capsule containsblack cohosh, soy, kava, hops, and valerian extracts) was found to besafe and effective for relieving menopausal symptoms including hotflashes and sleep disturbance in healthy postmenopausal women. Sun2003

[Mental status changes in an alcohol abuser taking valerian and gingkobiloba.] Chen 2002

Case series of 23 outpatient symptomatic Hispanic volunteersreceiving mental health services suggests that valerian may improveinsomnia in a symptomatic population. Dominguez 2000

[Acute hepatitis after phytotherapy] [Article in French]. Mennecier 1999

"Superficial and deep EEG recordings of valerian-related drugs" (noabstract, Italian) de Romanis 1988

Sleep latency shortened and length of sleep increased by 400 mg ofan aqueous extract of V officinalis. Review Leathwood 1982

"Disturbed sleep II.: Therapy of sleep disorders" (no abstract, German)Faust 1980

"Evaluation of Valerian drug and its preparations" (no abstract,



German) Wagner 1970

"The importance of valerian roots in therapy" (no abstract, German)Straube 1968

Traditional and Folk Use

The most important findings in ethno-medicine relate to the lichenLobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. (wounds) and to some vascular plantspecies including Valeriana officinalis L., as used for woundssustained by mules. Guarrera 2008

Review on therapeutic options for sleep-maintenance and sleep-onsetinsomnia indicates that herbal and alternative preparations includemelatonin and valerian. Morin 2007

Review of the available literature on 2 traditional herbal approaches tosleep problems in long-term care found the largest body of evidenceexists for the use of the dietary/herbal supplements valerian andmelatonin. Shimazaki 2007

A systematic review was conducted to examine the evidence on theefficacy of valerian as a sleep aid with specific attention to the type ofpreparations tested and the characteristics of the subjects studied.Taibi 2007

A systematic review and meta-analysis on valerian suggests thatvalerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects.Bent 2006

An attempt has been made to review the most important medicinalplants, including Ginkgo biloba, St John's wort, Kava-kava, Valerian,Bacopa monniera and Convolvulus pluricaulis, which are widely usedfor their reputed effectiveness in CNS disorders. Kumar 2006

Potentially useful substances include ginkgo and hydergine ascognitive enhancers, passion flower and valerian as sedatives, StJohn's wort and s-adenosylmethionine as antidepressants, andselenium and folate to complement antidepressants. Werneke 2006

The behavior patterns and decision-making modalities about herbalremedy use among a sample of Italian women was analyzed. The 10most frequently used herbal products to stimulate the immune systemand to cure respiratory problems includes propolis, aloe, valerian root,blueberry & fennel. Zaffani 2006

It is suggested that valerian extracts have a modest impact onsubjective sleep quality; they are nevertheless more effective than aplacebo and valerian products that do not contain valepotriates haveno apparent adverse effects. [No authors listed] 2005



I read that the herbal supplement valerian helps people with insomniafall asleep. Is valerian safe, and does it actually work? [No authorslisted] 2004

An evaluation of consumption of herbs in 539 patients attendinggastroenterology O.P clinic indicated that among 57 botanicalvarieties used, 6 were the most frequent varieties including Santolinachamaecyparissus (18.8%), and Valeriana officinalis (4.4%). [Article inSpanish] Devesa Jorda 2004

Valerian found to possess an anticonvulsant effect, but the uncertainchemical composition and content of valerian preparations, and theirodor and taste, made it unlikely that they could ever prove satisfactoryin widespread use. Eadie 2004

[Valeriana] [Article in Norwegian]. Nokleby 2004

In this review it has been indicated that the herb valerian may be usefulas a mild sleep aid in clinical populations, such as persons withrheumatoid arthritis. Taibi 2004

Herbal medications in the perioperative orthopedic surgery patient.Trapskin 2004

The review about valerian reveals that it improves subjectiveexperiences of sleep when taken nightly over one- to two-weekperiods, and it appears to be a safe sedative/hypnotic choice inpatients with mild to moderate insomnia. Hadley 2003

An evidence-based review of herbs commonly used by women revealsthat valerian is beneficial for insomnia, but there is no long-term safetydata. Tesch 2002

Data on the use of St. John's Wort, S-adenosyl-methionine, B vitamins,inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline for mood disorders; data onthe use of kava and other herbal agents and fish extract for anxiety andinsomnia; and data on valerian and melatonin for insomnia werereviewed. Brown 2001

Fever-few, milk thistle, tea tree oil, and valerian have been used forcenturies and were considered safe for use by most patients and theyappear to provide benefits in treating or preventing illness but thesupporting evidence is inconclusive in some cases. Petry 2001

The review of Herbal Medicines and Epilepsy revealed that the herbalsedatives (kava, valerian, chamomile, passionflower) may potentiatethe effects of antiepileptic medications, increasing their sedative andcognitive effects. Spinella 2001

[Valeriana officinalis.] Upton 2001



Phytopharmacons like hop, balm, lavender, passiflora and valerianwere traditionally administered against nervousness and sleepdisturbances. Controlled clinical trials were only available for valerian,but no sleep inducing potential of valerian was observed. [Article inGerman]. Volz 2001

A review of the most common herbal stimulants and sedatives showedthat valerian and kava have received the most research attention; bothhave decreased sleep onset time and promoted deeper sleep in smallstudies, and kava also shows anxiolytic effects. Gyllenhaal 2000

[Valerian: Valeriana officinalis.] Plushner 2000

In the review of dietary supplements and natural products aspsychotherapeutic agents, there is evidence supporting the use ofkava for anxiety and valerian for insomnia. Fugh-Berman 1999

Three nervines (ie) herbs used for psychiatric or neurologicaldisorders, which have attracted considerable attention are St John'sWort, Gingko biloba and Valeriana officinalis. Walter 1999

In earlier days Valerianae Radix (VR) has been quoted in all books onmedicinal plants. Recently V.R. was not included in many medicalbooks. It has been pointed out that the action of VR is gentle hence itis suggested to include it under OTC drugs and to revaluate it for thetreatment of elderly. Yanagisawa1996

By analyzing antique, medieval and later sources attempts to identifythe often used Latin botanical term, 'saliunca' it was found that the herbwas identical with the Valeriana celtica L., the close relative of thetranquillant V.officinalis L.[Article in Hungarian]. Stirling 1991

[Phu: valerian and other anti-hysterics in European and Americanmedicine(1733-1936).] Hobbs 1990

Review of the constituents and sedative activity of Valerian Houghton1988

"Medicinal valerian" (no abstract, Russian) Molodozhnikova 1988

"Comparative ethnomedical study of Valeriana officinalis L" (noabstract, Cyrillic) Tucakov 1965

Dan Moerman's Native American Ethnobotany DB

SAFETY DATA

Adverse Effects & Toxicity

Review on herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety



disorders suggests that physicians should not encourage the use of St.John's wort, valerian, Sympathyl, or passionflower for the treatment ofanxiety based on small or inconsistent effects observed in a fewstudies. Saeed 2007

A preliminary study showed that consumption of up to 65 times thehuman dose of the valerian extract supplied by Mediherb did not havean adverse reproductive outcome in rats. Yao 2007

Dietary supplement-related adverse events were reported in 353patients (74%) who ingested products containing ephedra; otherexposures frequently involved zinc, kava, creatine, and valerian.Dennehy 2005

Six herbal infusions including Matricaria chamomilla, Mentha piperita,M. pulegium, Uncaria tomentosa & Valeriana officinalis were assayedfor anti-genotoxicity using Somatic Mutation And Recombination Testin Drosophila melanogaster & none showed any genotoxicity. Romero-Jim?z 2005

Farmers cultivating valerian could be exposed during processing ofvalerian roots to large concentrations of airborne microorganisms,dustand endotoxin posing a risk of work-related respiratory disease. Sk?a2005

Farmers growing valerian showed a moderate frequency of work-related symptoms & low reactivity to most microbial and herbalallergens. They exhibited an increased immunologic response toGram-negative bacterium Pantoea agglomerans - an important riskfactor associated with valerian dust. Sk?a 2005a

In a review it has been indicated that, studies of better-known herbalsedatives, notably valerian and kava, showed moderate evidence forboth safety and efficacy for valerian while revealing disturbing toxicityconcerns for kava. Block 2004

[A riddle solved--why valerian-hops extract makes you drowsy] [Articlein German]. Holzgrabe 2004

In vitro toxicity of high doses of valerian & peppermint oil(PO) incultured human hepatoma cells & at doses 2-3 orders of magnitudegreater than those recommended for human use, increase in rat bileflow after acute PO & increase in alkaline phosphatase after chronicPO were demonstrated. Vo 2003

Complications can arise from Echinacea, ephedra garlic, ginkgo,kava, St John's wort & Valerian by their direct and pharmacodynamicor pharmacokinetic effects. Pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactionsinclude potentiation of the sedative effect of anaesthetics by kava andvalerian. Ang-Lee 2001



Herbs affecting the central nervous system: gingko, kava, St. John'swort, and valerian. Assemi 2001

Valerian is used as an anti-anxiety drug & reported to have sedative &antidepressant properties. There are several reports on valerian roottoxicity which includes nephrotoxicity, headaches, chest tightness,mydriasis, abdominal pain & tremor of the hands & feet. [Article inHebrew] Boniel 2001

Review usage and adverse effects of Valerian, melatonin, St John'swort and kava -kava Heiligenstein 1998

'Sleep-Qik' (valerian dry extract 75 mg, hyoscine HBr 0.25 mg,cyproheptadine HCl 2 mg) associated with CNS depression andanticholinergic poisoning in 23 patients who had taken 7-160 doses;no evidence of liver damage Chan 1995

An individual taking 20 times the normal dose had mild symptomswhich resolved within 24 h. Willey 1995

Letter warns of liver damage warning with insomnia remedy Shepherd1993

300 and 600 mg/kg/day of V. officinalis and Crataegus oxyacantha for30 days to rats to test for toxicity Fehri 1991

Toxicity evaluation of Valerian and Crataegus in rats given 300 and600 mg/kg/24 h for 30 days Fehri 1991

Baldrinals, metabolites of valtrate and isovaltrate, but not dihydro-valtrate, appears to be mutagenic in the sensitive Salmonella assayvon der Hude 1986

Interactions

Determination of whether the treatment with haloperidol (HP), valerianor both in association impairs liver or kidney functions indicates thepotentially adverse interactions between haloperidol and valerian.Dalla Corte 2008

Extracts of 6 commercially available herbal products, St. John's wort,common valerian, common sage, Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpureaand horse chestnut were investigated for their in vitro inhibitorypotential of CYP3A4 mediated metabolism and P-glycoprotein effluxtransport activity. Hellum 2008

The 5 most common natural products with a potential for interaction(garlic, valerian, kava, ginkgo, and St John's wort) accounted for 68%of the potential clinically significant interactions. Sood 2008

The in vitro inductive potential of 6 herbal products including St. John'swort & common valerian was evaluated on CYP1A2, CYP2D6 &



CYP3A4 metabolic activities and revealed that G. biloba, valerian &St. John's wort are suggested as candidates for clinically significantCYP interactions in vivo. Hellum 2007

Investigation of six commonly used trade herbal products includingcommon valerian & common sage, for their in vitro inhibitory potentialof cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) -mediated metabolism showscommon valerian was the only herb that showed a mechanisticinhibition of CYP2D6 activity. Hellum 2007

Examination of the effects of odorant inhalation on the sleep-wakestates in rats shows valerian and rose inhalation significantlyprolonged the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, while lemoninhalation significantly shortened it. Komori 2006

Using [3H]flunitrazepam binding as an indicator, the interactions ofcommercial Valerian extracts with GABA(A) receptors wereexamined. Ortiz 2006

Botanical supplements containing goldenseal strongly inhibitedCYP2D6 and CYP3A4/5 activity in vivo, whereas kava inhibitedCYP2E1 and black cohosh weakly inhibited CYP2D6. But Valerianappears to be less likely to produce CYP-mediated herb-druginteractions. Gurley 2005

An evidence-based literature review of five commonly used herbs inDenmark namely St John's wort, ginkgo biloba, valerian, garlic &ginseng were presented and attention to clinical practice &recommendations for discontinuation of the five herbs were givenbefore surgery.[Article in Danish]. Kistorp 2002

Examples of synergy which may occur in psychoactive herbs throughpharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interactions includesHypericum perforatum, Piper methysticum, and Valeriana officinaliswhich may be due to additive and supra-additive effects of plant'smultiple constituents. Spinella 2002

28 articles have been identified that describe interactions betweenherbal (i.e. St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, kava, valerian, and ginseng)and conventional drug therapies used for the treatment of dementia.Gold 2001

A 23-year-old woman with no psychiatric history developed acutemania & psychosis while using a high dosage of Valdispert'balans', acombination of valerian extract and hypericin). Discontinuation ofproduct & treatment with olanzapine led to complete recovery. [Articlein Dutch]. Guzelcan 2001

Herbs including Ginkgo biloba, Piper methysticum (Kava-Kava),Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis,



Cannabis sativa, Salix alba and others have been reviewed for thesynergistic interactions in experimental, in vitro as well as clinicalstudies. Williamson 2001

Use of problematic plants like Echinacea, Allium cepa, Gingko biloba,Panax ginseng and Valeriana officinalis should be limited, orcompletely excluded in cases of simultaneous therapy with, e.g.,warfarin, hepatotoxic agents, MAOI inhibitors, phenelzin sulphate, orphenytoin. [Article in Czech]. Tumova 2000

ContraindicationsNo Records

EVIDENCE OF ACTIVITY

Animal Studies

Evaluation of CNS-related effects of valerian extracts using mice andrats shows not sedative but anxiolytic and antidepressant activity,which was elaborated in the special extract phytofin Valerian 368,considerably contributing to the sleep-enhancing properties ofvalerian. Hattesohl 2008

Minidose Valerian may promote the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine andcell proliferation in the hippocampus of depressive rats, and may playa role in saving injured neurons of the hippocampus. [Article inChinese] Tang 2008

The effects on emergence from isoflurane anesthesia using acombination of valerian & midazolam compared with valerian alone,midazolam alone, in Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated andrevealed that rats given a combination of midazolam & valerian tooklonger to emerge from anesthesia. Chaplin 2007

The anticoronary-spastic and antibroncho-spastic activities ofethanolic and aqueous extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. roots wereinvestigated in anaesthetized guinea-pigs and the results correlatedwith the qualitative/quantitative chemical composition of the extracts.Circosta 2007

The effects of Valeriana officinalis, a medicinal herb widely used ascalming and sleep-promoting, in an animal model of orofacialdyskinesia induced by long-term treatment with haloperidol wasexamined with inconclusive results. Fachinetto 2007

The effect of a 14-day course of valerian, a herbal anxiolytic, on NK cellactivity in male Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing abdominal surgery



was examined. More research is needed. Neill 2007

Study suggests that chlorophyll and aqueous extracts of Bacopamonniera and Valeriana wallichii prevent ischaemia-reperfusioninduced cerebral injury in mice with comparable potency. Rehni 2007

The effect of valerian extract preparation (BIM) also containingRhodiola rosea extract and L-theanine on the sleep-wake cycle usingsleep-disturbed model rats in comparison with valerian extract aloneshowed that the BIM could be useful as a sleep-inducer. Tokunaga2007

The genotoxic effects of valerian in somatic and germ cells of micewere determined and the role of epigenetic mechanisms wasinvestigated. Al-Majed 2006

Valerian and the fixed valerian hop extract combination Ze 91019seems to cause the change of spectral power acting as an adenosineA1 receptor agonist in freely moving rats. Dimpfel 2006

Study found that extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. could affectmorphine withdrawal syndrome via possible interactions with inhibitoryneurotransmitters in nervous system on naloxone-induced jumping inmorphine-dependent mice. Sharifzadeh 2006

Free radical oxidation in the brain and blood serum from experimentalanimals exposed to chronic stress and receiving psychotropic drugs(phenazepam, Atarax, Fluanxol, and valerian) was studied. Kutlubaev2005

The effects of valerian extract on the sleep-wake cycle using sleep-disturbed model rats showed that valerian extract may be useful as anherbal medicine having not only sleep-inducing effects but also sleepquality-enhancement effects. Shinomiya 2005

Study found that valerian extract did not potentiate in mice the sedativeeffect of commonly prescribed CNS depressant drugs like haloperidol,diazepam, buspirone, pentobarbital, diphenhydramine and ethanol asexpected. Ugalde 2005

The elucidation of neuropharmacological profile of a hydroalcoholextract of Valeriana edulis roots in several experimental modelsrevealed anticonvulsant & anxiolytic effects. It decreased rotarodperformance & traction force & prolonged the pentobarbital-inducedsleeping time at high doses. Oliva 2004

Pigs supplemented with sedafit, a commercial herbal productcontaining Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L., resultedin smaller increases of the heart variables during and after stressevocation transport simulation, suggesting sedative and antianxietyeffects. Peeters 2004



Valeriana officinalis var latifolia reduced the serum levels of totalcholesterol, low density lipoprotein, urinary albumin and serumcreatinine in dietary-induced hypercholesterolemic male Wistar rats.[Article in Chinese] Si 2003

Exposure of C57BL/6 mice to the odorants, terpinyl acetate andvalerian oil, had minor effects on the contact hypersensitivity reaction.Valerian oil, but not, 1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene downregulatedstress-induced plasma corticosterone levels. Hosoi 2001

In a review it has been showed that valerian preparations, which havesedative & muscle-relaxant effects may have a mechanism of actionand clinical characteristics that differ from the benzodiazepine-relatedsedative/hypnotics, making them more suitable for long-term use.Krystal 2001

Decreased pleasure response to valerian was seen in cats aftergamma irradiation Davydov 1985

Isovaltrate, valtrate, and the essential oil compound valeranone, at 10(-5) M concentrations, relaxed muscle cells Hazelhoff 1982

The relaxing effects on CNS of mice by Crataegus, Valeriana,Passiflora, Matricaria, Piscidia, Hyoscyamus & Atropa Della Loggia1981

Pharmacodynamics

A specific binding site on GABA(A) receptors with nM affinity forvalerenic acid and valerenol, common constituents of valerian, wasdescribed. Both agents enhanced the response to GABA at multipletypes of recombinant GABA(A) receptors. Benke 2008

The potential cytoprotective effects of aqueous extract of Valerianaofficinalis on rotenone-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastomaSH-SY5Y cells were demonstrated. de Oliveria 2008

Among commercial essential oils from 28 plant species goodnematicidal activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was achievedwith essential oils of coriander, Oriental sweetgum, and valerian. Kim2008

The relationship between modulation of GABAA receptors by Valerianextracts of different polarity and the content of sesquiterpenic acids(valerenic acid, acetoxyvalerenic acid) was investigated. Trauner 2008

The inhibitory effects of valerian and valerian/hops extracts as well asvalerenic acid (a major constituent of valerian) on glucuronidation wereevaluated in human liver microsomes and with expressed uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases. Alkharfy 2007



Study of effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymesof the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system shows that extractsfrom Centella asiatica (gotu kola) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian)stimulated glutamic acid decarboxylase activity by over 40% at a doseof 1 mg/mL. Awad 2007

Valerian and hops are traditionally used as sleep-inducing aids.Valerian has an adenosine-like action and supports the readiness tofall asleep. Brattstr?007

The stimulation of chloride currents through GABA(A) receptors byvalerenic acid, a constituent of Valerian was reported. Khom 2007

The common use of hydrophilic, but not lipophilic valerian extracts asmild sleep-inducing agents is consistent with the opposite actions ofhydrophilic and lipophilic extracts on adenosine receptors. Lacher2007

The action of a methanol, ethanol and an extract macerated withethylacetate from roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.,Valerianaceae) on postsynaptic potentials in cortical neurons werecompared. Sichardt 2007

Affinity and selectivity of two Valeriana adscendens extracts(methanolic and aqueous) towards 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C)serotononergic, D(1) and D(2) dopaminergic, alpha(1) and alpha(2)noradrenergic receptors by a preliminary binding screen wasexamined. Nencini 2006

The multiparametric assessment of electrical activity changes causedby psychoactive herbal extracts from Hypericum, Passiflora andValeriana, and various combinations thereof revealed a receptor-specific and concentration-dependent inhibition of the firing patterns.Gramowski 2006

Study reports that EtOAc extract of the underground parts of Valerianaofficinalis showed inhibitory activity against NF-kappaB at 100microg/mL in the IL-6/Luc assay on HeLa cells & provided protectionagainst excitotoxicity in primary brain cell cultures at micromolarconcentrations. Jacobo-Herrera 2006

The adenosine A1 receptor-mediated effect of valerian extract (Ze911) on postsynaptic potentials in pyramidal cells of the rat cingulatecortex in a slice preparation was evaluated. Vissiennon 2006

To determine novel mechanisms of action, radioligand binding studieswere performed with valerian extracts (100% methanol, 50% methanol,dichloromethane, and petroleum ether) at the melatonin, glutamate,and GABA(A) receptors, and 8 serotonin receptor subtypes. Dietz2005



It is indicated that the antispasmodic and hypotensive effects ofValeriana wallichii may be mediated through K(ATP) channelactivation, which justifies its use in gastrointestinal and cardiovasculardisorders. Gilani 2005

(+)-Borneol, a bicyclic monoterpene from essential oils of valerian, hasa positive modulating action at GABA(A) receptors, and at highconcentrations (>1.5mM) (+)- and (-)-borneol directly activatedGABA(A) receptors producing 89% and 84%, respectively, of themaximal GABA response. Granger 2005

The two herbal extracts Valeriana officinalis L. and St. John's wort(Hypericum perforatum L.) were studied for their metabolic changesupon incubation with freshly prepared rat hepatocytes andsubsequently analysed phytochemically as well as pharmacologicallyin vitro. Simmen 2005

The in vitro binding of Ze91019, and the component valerian and hopsextracts within, was tested on 14 subtypes of five classes of centralreceptors (dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, MCH and neuropeptide-Y).Abourashed 2004

A flavone glycoside linarin has been identified in Valeriana officinaliswhich has been shown to have sedative and sleep-enhancingproperties like 2S (-) hesperidin that are potentiated by simultaneousadministration of valerenic acid. Fernandez 2004

The neuroprotective properties of valerian against Abeta toxicity wasreported which may, long-term, contribute to introduction of a newrelevant use of valerian alcoholic extract to prevent neuronaldegeneration in aging or neurodegenerative disorders. Malva 2004

The in vitro evaluation of potential for cytochrome P450 enzymeinhibition from herbals and other natural remedies revealed thatextracts of Valeriana as well as a fish oil preparation were potentinhibitors of the tested enzymes. Strandell 2004

It has been shown in rat brainstem preparation that effects of Valerianin treating anxiety & insomnia were found to be mediated through braingamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) receptors & potentiate the effects ofanesthetics that act on GABA receptors, & presurgical valerian usemay cause interaction. Yuan 2004

The methanolic extract of Valeriana adscendens showed inhibitingeffect in GABA uptake and in decreasing the intracellular content ofamino acid neurotransmitters in crude synaptosomes of rat. De Feo2003

Among water-soluble polysaccharides obtained from some Europeanherbaceous plants, examined for their immunomodulatory activities



using in vitro mitogenic and comitogenic rat thymocyte tests, the pecticpolysaccharide-rich complex from Valeriana stimulated immunefunction of bone marrow cells. Ebringerova 2003

Valerian root extract was found to be a potent smooth muscle dilator inthe feline pulmonary vascular bed & the vasodilatory effects of valerianroot extract were unchanged after the administration of NG-L-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester glibenclamide, and meclofenamate. Fields 2003

DNA damage in human endothelial ECV304 cells induced by highconcentrations of dichloromethane extracts of valerian(DEV) wasmainly through epigenetic mechanisms, and at low doses DEV did notappear to have any genotoxicity in ECV304 cells. Hui-lian 2003

It has been reported for the first time that 2S (-)-hesperidin is presentin valeriana and it has sedative and sleep-enhancing properties. 6-methylapigenin from Valeriana wallichii, was found to have anxiolyticproperties and was able to potentiate the sleep-enhancing propertiesof hesperidin. Marder 2003

Review of data on St. John's wort, kava, valerian, and gingkoconcludes that psychiatric patients treated with herbal drugs needintensive medical advice and supervision. Kalus 2002

Valtrate (1), a new Rev-transport inhibitor from the nucleus tocytoplasm was isolated from Valerianae Radix.& it was found to inhibitthe p-24 production of HIV-1 virus without showing any cytotoxicityagainst the host MT-4 cells. Murakami 2002

Herbal medicine is just one approach to the treatment of childhoodhyperactivity. Sedative plants like passion flower, valerian or lemonbalm are seen as useful aids - also liquorice, fennel and berries canbe used for different physiological actions. Berdonces 2001

The review of A1 adenosine receptors (AR) reveals that somemedicinal plants (e.g. Hypericum perforatum and Valeriana officinalis)contain compounds that are antagonists or partial agonists at A1 ARsand effects on ARs contribute to their pharmacological activity. Muller2001

Although evidence on efficacy of herbal preparations in treatingpsychiatric conditions is growing, translating the study results intoeffective treatments is difficult due to the chemical complexity ofproducts, lack of standardization and paucity of well-controlled studies.Beaubrun 2000

The variation in composition and content of Valerian, and the instabilityof some constituents pose serious problems for standardization butalso suggest that it may correct a variety of underlying causes ofconditions requiring a general sedative or tranquilizing effect.



Houghton 1999

Valerian extracts have effects on GABA(A) receptors, but can alsointeract at other presynaptic components of GABAergic neurons. Ortiz1999

Over-the-counter agents such as valerian and melatonin may be usefulin alleviating mild, short-term insomnia, but further clinical trials arerequired to fully evaluate their safety and efficacy. Wagner 1998

'Natural premedication for mast cell proliferative disorders.' (letter, noabst) Yaniv 1995

Aqueous extract stimulated the release of [3H]GABA and inhibitedreuptake by reversing Na+ dependent GABA carrier Santos 1994

Aqueous extract of valerian influences the transport of GABA insynaptosomes. Santos 1994

Cardiovascular agents (valocordin, valerian, ouabain, and digoxin)synergize gamma radiation inhibition of proliferation of humanlymphoid cells Narimanov 1989

Analytical Chemistry

The protocols for an approach for rapid HPLC-based profiling for newGABA (A) ligands of natural origin were validated by spikingexperiments with inactive extract & profiling active extracts such asvalerian extract containing known GABA (A) receptor ligand valerenicacid. Kim 2008

Forty-seven components representing 89.3% and 35 constituentsvarying from 86.1% to 95.1% of the essential oil extracted fromValeriana officinalis L. roots growing wild in Iran, obtained byhydrodistillation and supercritical CO2 were identified. Safaralie 2008

4 compounds including valerenic acid, beta-sitosterol, and ursolic acidwere isolated and identified from Valeriana officinalis L., by variousspectral analysis and chemical conversion. [Article in Chinese] Jiang2007

Epoxysesquithujene, a new sesquiterpene epoxide has beencharacterized in the essential oil of Valeriana hardwickii var.hardwickii on the basis of chemical reactions and extensive NMRdata. Mathela 2007

The species composition of thrips from flowers of Valeriana officinalisL., Hypericum perforatum L. and Levisticum officinale and the periodsof the occurrence of the particulars species of thrips and theirnumerousness were observed. Pobozniak 2007

4 new diene valepotriates, sorbifolivaltrates A-D, and the known



compounds isovaltrate, valtrate, seneciovaltrate, valtrate hydrine B3,and valtrate hydrine B7, have been isolated by bioassay-guidedfractionation of crude extracts of the aerial parts of Valerianasorbifolia. Xu 2007

Metal content of ephedra-containing dietary supplements and selectbotanicals including black cohosh, echinacea, goldenseal, kava kava,milk thistle, saw palmetto, Synephrine, and valerian root was studied.Grippo 2006

Three novel three-membered ring sesquiterpenoids, named kissooneA (1), kissoone B (2), and its acetylated product, kissoone C (3), wereisolated from the roots of Valeriana fauriei. Their structures wereelucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Guo 2006

A new iridoid glycoside, 10-isovaleryl kanokoside C (1), and a newsesquiterpene (2) together with two known compounds (3, 4) wereisolated from the rhizomes and roots of Valeriana fauriei. Theirstructures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Guo2006

A liquid chromatography method has been developed that permits theanalysis of chlorogenic acid, lignans, flavonoids, valerenic acids, andvalpotrates in various valerian samples. Navarrete 2006

A sedative tea made of Valerianae radix (Valeriana officinalis L.),Lupuli strobuli (Humulus lupulus L.), Melissae folium (Melissa officinalisL.) & Menthae piperitae folium (Mentha piperita L.) was studied toidentify the constituent drugs using restriction analysis of ITS DNA andreal-time PCR. Slanc 2006

A new iridoid tetraester, namely valeriotetrate A was isolated from theroots of Valeriana jatamansi Jones, together with the known iridoidsIVHD-valtrate and valerosidate. Yu 2006

Nine compounds were isolated from the roots of Valeriana fauriei Briq,of which one is a new germacrane-type sesquiterpenoid named asvalerianin E and its structure was elucidated. Zhang 2006

Determination of metal content in valerian root by atomic spectrometryreveals that Fe, Al, Ca, and V in the solid sample study were within therange 100-1000 mg/kg, and for Mn, Zn, and Pb within the range 10-100 mg/kg. Cadmium was found at levels up to 0.0125 mg/kg. Arce2005

Macro- and microscopic comparative analyses were performed todifferentiate Valeriana procera Kunth from V. officinalis L. and othercommercially important Valerian species such as V. jatamansi Jones,Valeriana edulis Nutt, and V. sitchensis Bong. Joshi 2005

So as to determine their chemical diversity, 4 Valeriana genera,



including V. wallichii, were investigated for their terpenoidcompositions by means of GC and GC/MS analyses of their essentialoils, as well as by one- and two-dimensional NMR studies of theisolates. Mathela 2005

The chloroform extract of Valeriana officinalis led to the isolation ofclionasterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and a mixture of 6'-O-acyl-beta-D-glucosyl-clionasterols. The acyl moieties were identified byGC-MS analysis. Pullela 2005

The HPLC-UV assay was used to establish the fingerprint of thehydrophilic constituents of Valeriana medicinal plants. [Article inChinese] Shi 2005

A HPLC-method for separation of medium polar and nonpolarcompounds in preparations of Valeriana officinalis was established forstability control. Hydroxyvalerenic acid, pinoresinol &hydroxypinoresinol were identified as degradation products in Valerianroot. Goppel 2004

Two new lignans along with 5 known compounds have been isolatedfrom the roots of Valeriana prionophylla and their structures have beenestablished on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments. They foundto have a powerful antioxidative and vasorelaxant activities. Piccinelli2004

A tandem intermolecular Michael addition-intramolecular Michaeladdition-alkylation sequence and an electron-transfer-mediated 6-endo-trig cyclization as key steps were employed in theenantioselective total synthesis of valeriananoids A-C from (R)-carvone. Srikrishna 2004

Two new flavone glycosides, including acacetin 7-O-beta-sophoroside, have been isolated from the rhizomes and roots ofValeriana jatamansi together with 15 known compounds. Theirstructures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical means.Tang 2003

The interspecific and intraspecific comparison of valepotratescontents in three Valeriana plants Valeriana jatamansi Jones, V.officinalis L., and V. officinalis var. latifolia Miq. showed that they weredifferent & among them, Valeriana jatamansi Jones was the highest.[Article in Chinese]. Chen 2002

A new bicyclic sesquiterpene acid, (-)-3 beta,4 beta-epoxyvalerenicacid together with valerenic acid and hexadecanoic acid were isolatedand the structure of the new compound was elucidated byspectroscopic data. Dharmaratne 2002

Valtrate, DIA-valtrate, acevaltrate, 1-beta-acevaltrate and didrovaltrate



have been quantitatively estimated by reversed-phase HPLC in theleaves, flowers, stems and roots of 9 Valeriana species including V.glechomifolia which was the richest one for valepotriates. Silva 2002

Five new iridoids, including 1-homoacevaltrate,1-homoisoacevaltratealong with 10 known analogues, were isolated from the rhizomes androots of Valeriana jatamansi. Structural elucidation was based onspectroscopic data interpretation. Tang 2002

The flavonoid 6-methylapigenin was isolated from the rhizomes androots of Valeriana wallichii and identified by using UV, NMR and massspectral data. The calculated percentage of 6-methylapigenin in thecrude drug was in the range of 0.013% to 0.0013%. Wasowski 2002

Sesquiterpenes like valerenic acid, its hydroxy and acetoxyderivatives, were determined by capillary electrophoresis method, witha detection limit of 5.8 micrograms/ml or less. Mikell 2001

Experiments related to the industrial production of medicinal tincturesof sage and valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) were performed usingultrasonically assisted extraction. The influence of ultrasound on thequality of valerian tincture was examined by HPLC. Valachovic 2001

The performance of 8 commercially available solid-phasemicroextraction fibres was compared to evaluate the recoveries ofsome characteristic components with different polarities and structurespresent in the headspace of four aromatic and medicinal plantsValeriana officinalis. Bicchi 2000

Analysis by HPLC method showed different species of Valerianayielded 11.65-0.05mg/g of Valerianic acid derivatives (VAD) & 1.81-0.03mg/g of valepotriates. Variation between individuals of onecultivar of V. officinalis ranged from 12.34 to 3.01mg/g of VAD & 3.67-0.92mg/g of Valepotriates. Gao 2000

Tamariscene, a new sesquiterpene, valerena-4,7(11)-diene and fivenew pacifigorgiadienes, were isolated and identified from theessential oils of Frullania species and of the angiosperm Valerianaofficinalis. Structure elucidation was carried out by NMR spectroscopyand chemical correlations. Paul 2001

Water and alcoholic extracts, containing amino acids and valerenicacid, displace 3H-muscimol from synapse membrane of rat brainCavadas 1995

The amount of GABA present in aqueous extracts of valerian issufficient to account for [3H]GABA release in synaptosomes Santos

Review of the constituents and sedative activity of Valerian Houghton1988



"Pharmacological screening of valerenal and some other componentsof essential oil of Valeriana officinalis" (no abstract) Hendriks 1981

"Procedure for measuring the value of valproates in pharmacopoeia-prescribed valeriana tinctures" (no abstract, Hungarian) Liptakne 1978

"Isolation, structure and synthesis of alkaloids from Valerianaofficinalis L." (no abstract) Torssell 1967

Pharmacokinetics (ADME)

Maximum prolongation of barbiturate- induced sleep was achievedwhen "no-effect" doses of "natural" powdered Leonurus cardiaca &valerian root suspensions were administered concurrently,demonstrating mutual potentiation of specific activity & excellentbioavailability of their active principles. Gedevanishvili 2006

Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid in a group of healthy adults after asingle oral dose of valerian using a newly developed sensitive assayfor serum concentrations of valerenic acid, a commonly used markerfor qualitative & quantitative analysis of valerian root & valerianproducts, was described. Anderson 2005

Determination of in vitro effect of 14 commercially available single-entity & blended products containing valerian root on cytochromeP450 CYP3A4-mediated metabolism and P-glycoprotein transportshowed variation between samples & compared to concentrationsnoted on product labels. Lefebvre 2004

Genetics & Molecular Biology

Random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses were performed on anumber of botanicals including Gingko biloba L., Valeriana officinalisL., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Viburnum prunifolium L., Humuluslupulus L.,etc., which are currently used for women's health. Xu 2002

Chrome acumulation Lovkova 1996

Valeriana officinalis in Mendel Plant Gene Nomenclature Database

FORMULAS/BLENDS

Modern Methods of Preparation

Monograph. Valeriana officinalis. [No authors listed] 2004

The best performance in valepotriate production, growth and survivalunder ex vitro conditions following plant acclimatization was achievedin the continuous presence of 5.71 microM indole acetic acid, inmicropropagated Valeriana glechomifolia culture. Bello de Carvalho



2004

The study of extraction of valerenic acids from dry ground rhizomes ofValeriana officinalis revealed that increased processing temperaturefavors extraction kinetics, but provokes moderate degradation ofvalerenic acids. Boyadzhiev 2004

Herbal products should be regulated for quality control. Larimore 2004

A drug release test suitable for studying and comparing differentvalerian tablets was established and thus, hydroxyvalerenic andvalerenic acid concentrations were assayed by HPLC. The uncoatedtablet formulation was found to have the fastest release profile.Torrado 2003

The water-soluble polysaccharide fractions from both the conventionaland ultrasonical experiments exhibit significant immunostimulatoryactivities in mitogenic and comitogenic thymocyte tests. Hromadkova2002

Analysis of 31 commercial valerian preparations of Australia, includingteas, tablets, capsules and liquids, by HPLC for valepotriates,valerenic acid and its derivatives (VA&D) showed that VA&Dconcentration ranged from < 0.01 to 6.32mg/g of product. Shohet2001

Diazepam and valerian 12.0 mg/kg reversed anxiety effect of ratswithdrawn from diazepam. 6 mg/kg of valerian was insufficient forbenefit Andreatini 1994

Valerian Hops combination (no abstract, German review) Kammerer1993

Aromatherapy with valerian root oil or bornyl acetate is sedative tomice Buchbauer 1992

Chemical herbicides used for the cultivation of Valerian Pank 1980

Valerian-hops combination aided sleep Muller-Limmroth 1977

Patents

Conduct a search on V. officinalis or valerian in the title, abstract orclaims section of the US patent database

Food supplement formulation US Patent 6,555,142

Treating a variety of pathological conditions, including spasticity andconvulsions, by effecting a modulation of CNS activity withisovaleramide, isovaleric acid, or a related compound US Patent6,589,994



Odor-masking coating for a pharmaceutical preparation US Patent6,667,059

Compositions comprising valerian extracts, isovaleric acid orderivatives thereof with a NSAID US Patent 6,383,527

Anti-inflammatory, sleep-promoting herbal composition and method ofuse US Patent 6,391,346

Fabric protectant against pests US Patent 6,436,150

Herbal treatments for improving skin appearance US Patent5,869,540

Composition with plant additives and treatment method for reducingstress levels in fish US Patent 5,942,232

Herbal compound for relief of PMS through menopausal symptoms.US Patent 5,707,630

Use of valerian plant and/or root as a scent-attractant for stimulatingcanines and felines US Patent 5,786,382

Composition and method for reducing blood sugar levels in diabetichumans US Patent 5,846,544

Pharmaceutical compositions for the management of premenstrualsyndrome and alleviation of menopausal disorders US Patent5,569,459

Process for the preparation of a powdered extract of valerian roots.US Patent 5,211,948

Method of causing the reduction of physiological and/or subjectivereactivity to stress in humans being subjected to stress conditions USPatent 4,670,264



Compositions for combating nicotinism in man. US Patent 3,989,823

Folk Blends (component)No Records



Contemporary Mixtures (component)No Records

OTHER INFORMATION

Pictures & Distribution Maps

Illustration from Carl Lindman's Bilder ur Nordens Flora

Illustration at K?r's Medicinal Plants

Plant picture at Michael Moore

Flower close-up at TAMU-BWG

Cultivation, Conservation & Ecology

An investigation on the resources of genus Valeriana in China showsthat of about 30 species distributed in Southwest and Northeast China,only four of them were used mostly as medicine. [Article in Chinese]Huang 2004

Among 2 Valerian cultivars, oil of cv. Select had antimicrobial effectagainst Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, Staph.aureus, andSaccharomyces cerevisiae while cv. Anthose showed low or noactivity suggesting that inhibitory activity of valerian oil depends on thecultivar & its development. Letchamo 2004

Since the valepotriate production in in vitro cultures of Valeriana edulisssp. procera was closely related to rhizome and root differentiation inthe reproductive stage, the large-scale propagation of the endangeredplant offer an attractive alternative for its production for medicinalpurposes. Castillo 2002

Valerianae Radix (VR) a sedative drug had both domestic & foreignmarkets before the Second World War in Japan. Now, VR are grownonly in the Hokkaido area for the purpose of preserving the species.Cultivation of VR & its quality improvement in Japan may be researchsubjects in the near future. Yanagisawa 1996

Related Links

Valerian report at ConsumerLabs.com

Valerian at GRIN

Valerian at HortiPlex



HISTORY OF RECORD

RESEARCHED BY: Soaring Bear, Ph. D. 1998

RESEARCH UPDATED BY: Michael C. Tims, Ph. D. cand. 2003

REVISED BY: J Mohanasundaram, MD, PhD July 2008

Monograph at NCCAM Herbs-at-a-glance

Search for Valeriana officinalis in Dr. Duke's Phytochemical andEthnobotanical Databases. Phytochem and Ethnobot DB

Valerian at Plants for the Future

Scroll down index of herbs to find Radix Valerianae within the pdf file inWHO monograph

DYNAMIC UPDATES

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