Common Name Valerian
Latin Binomial Valerian officinalis L.
Family: Valerianaceae
Part used Rhizome, root (1)
Active Constituents Sesquiterpenes
Valeranal
Valerenic acid
Acetoxyvalerenic acid
Monoterpenes
Bornyl acetate
Side effects Few controlled clinical trials of Valerian preparations have provided detailed information on safety. Where data is available, types and frequency of adverse events reported for Valerian were similar to placebo. (80)(83)(84)(51)(85)
Pharmacokinetics A limited study (6 individuals) received 600 mg in the morning. Mean standard deviation t1/2 for valerenic acid is 1.1 hours. Mean standard deviation area under the plasma concentration time curve was 4.8 ug/ml/hour. (1)
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Pharmacological actions It is unclear which of the constituents are responsible for sedative and hypnotic properties. (89) Attention has focused on the volatile oil, and then the valepotriates and their degradation products. (1)However, it appears that the effects of the volatile oil could not account for the whole action of the drug, and the valepotriates, which degrade rapidly are unlikely to be present in significant concentrations. Current thinking is that the overall effect of Valerian is due to several different groups of constituents and their varying mechanisms of action. (1)
One mechanism of action is likely to involve increased concentrations of GABA in the brain. Increased concentrations of GABA are associated with a decrease in CNS activity and this action may, therefore, be involved in the reported sedative activity. (1)
Biochemical studies have documented that valerenic acid inhibits the enzyme system responsible for the central catabolism of GABA. (81)Valerenic acid induces the release of GABA by reversal the GABA carrier, and that the mechanism is Na+ dependent and Ca2+ independent. (82)
Herbal Use/Indication Valerian consists of dried rhizome, roots and stolon. (32)(33)Valerian is stated to possess sedative, mild anodyne, hypnotic, antispasmodic, carminative and hypotensive properties. (1)Today it is mostly used as a sedative. Can be used to support mental relaxation, to aid natural sleep and for the relief of mild nervous tension. (86)
Contra-Indications Intake of Valerian preparations immediately (up to two hours) before driving or operating machinery is not recommended. (86)The effect of Valerian preparations may be enhanced by consumption of alcohol, so excessive consumption of alcohol whilst receiving treatment with Valerian root preparations should be avoided. (86)
Drug Interactions
Co-medication with barbiturates and other sedatives is not recommended because of the potential for excessive sedation. (86)
Pregnancy and lactation
The safety of Valerian during pregnancy and lactation has not been established and, therefore, its use should be avoided. (86)
Dosage Dried rhizome/root: 1-3 g as an infusion or decoction up to three times per day. (19)
Tincture: 3-5 ml (1:5; 70% ethanol) up to three times per day; (19)(37) 1-3 ml once to several times daily.
Extracts: Clinical trials investigating the effects of Valerian root extracts on sleep parameters have used varying dosages. For example, Valerian extract 400 mg per day (drug to extract ratio 3:1) and 1215 mg per day (drug to extract ratio 5-6:1). (88)

Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson DJ. Herbal Medicines. Third edition. Grayslake, Il Phrmaceutical Press; 2007. 710p.

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AHP

American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium. Analytical, quality control and therpeutic monographs. Santa Cruz, California: American Herbal Pharmacopeoia, 1997-2005.

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BHC 1992

Bradley PR, ed. British Herbal Compendium, vol.1 Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.

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BHP 1996

British Herbal Pharmcopoeia, 1996. Exeter: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1996.

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BHMA 2003

British Herbal Medicine Association. A Guide to Traditional Herbal Medicine's Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association Publishing, 2003.

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BP 2007

British Pharmacopoeia 2007. London: The Stationery Office, 2007.

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Complete German Commission E 1998

Blumenthal M et al., eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Texas: American Botanical Council, 1998.

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European Medicines Agency. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Community Herbal Monograph on Valerian officinalis L., radix. London, 26 October 2006. Doc. Ref. EMEA/HMPC/340719/2005.

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ESCOP 2003

European Scintific Co-operative on Phytotherapy. ESCOP monographs. 2nd edition. Exeter, Stuttgart, New York: ESCOP, Georg Thieme Verlag, Thieme New York, 2003.

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Martindale 35th Edition

Martindale. The Complete Drug Reference, 35th edn. (Sweetman S, ed.) London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

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Ph Eu 2007

European Phamcopoeia, 5th edn, and Supplements 5.1-5.7. Strasbourg: Council of Europe, 2004-2007.

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US 29/NF24

United States Pharmacopeia 29 and National Formulary 24 and Supplements. Rockville, Maryland, US, United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 2006.

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WHO Volume 1 1999

World Health Organization. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, vol.1. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1999.

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Stevinson C, Ernst E. Valerian for insomnia: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Sleep Med 2000; 1: 91-99.

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Coexter PD et al. Valerian does not appear to reduce symptoms for patients with chronic insomnia in general practice using a series of randomized n-of-1 trials. Complement Ther Med 2003; 11(4): 215-222.

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Diaper A, Hindmarch I. A double-blind placebo controlled investigation of the effects of two doses of valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function of sleep-disturbed older adults. Phytoother Res 2004; 18: 831-836.

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Horrobin DF. Gammalinolenic acid: an intermediate in essential fatty acid metabolism with potential as an ethical pharmaceutical and as a food. Rev Contemp Pharmacother 1990; 1: 1-45.

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Kuhlmann J et al. The influence of valerian treatment on reaction time alertness and concentration in volunteers. Pharmacophychiatry 1999; 32: 235-241.

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Houghton PJ, ed. Valerian. The genus Valeriana. Amersterdam: Harwood Academic Publishers, 1997.

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Riedel E. et al. Inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid catabolism by valerenic acid derivatives. Planta Med 1982; 48: 219-220.

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Santos MS et al. Synaptosomal GABA release as influenced by valerian root extract-involvement of the GABA carrier. Arch Int Pharmacology 1994; 327: 220-231.

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Mills S, Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinbugh: Chuchill Livingstone, 2000.

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Schultz K et al. The effect of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers: a pilot study. Pharmcopscychiatry 1994; 27: 147-151.

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