Valeriana
officinalis. Valerian
Family: Valerianaceae
PART USED:Underground parts,
collected in the autumn and slowly dried. TASTE: Bitter and camphoraceous ODOR: Aromatic
and pungent. Valerian is unmistakable due to its umpleasant, characteristic nauseous
odor. Smells like a mouldy dish cloth. ACTIONS GROUP: Hypnotics
1. Hypnotic.[1,2,4]
2. Antispasmodic.[1,2]Carminative.[1]
3. Hypotensive.[1,2,4]
4. Sedative nervine.[1,4]
5. Mild anodyne.[1,2] INDICATIONS
1. Excitability.[1,2,4] Hysterical
states.[1,2] Insomnia.[1,2]Hypochondriasis.[1] Headaches.[2]
Migraines.[1] Spasms and convulsions
as in epilepsy. St, Vitus' Dance. Infantile convulsions.
2. Rheumatic pain.[1,2] Cramps
and chronic muscle spasm.[1,2]
3. Nervous heart disorders.
4. Dysmenorrhea.[1,2]
5. Intestinal cramps and colic.[1,2]
6. Noises in the ears.
7. Urinary Gravel.
8. Dullness of sight.
9. Fevers including malaria and intermittent fevers.[1,2]
10. Exhaustion.[4]
11. External application in skin creams for the treament of eczema.[4] SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Conditions presenting nervous excitability.[1,2] COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS
Dried rhizome and root 0.3-1 g[1]
or by infusion or decoction.[1]
Infusion 0.3-1 g in 6-20 ml water.[2]
Fluid extract (BPC1963) 1:1 in 60% alcohol,[1,3]
0.3-1 ml.[1,4] (45%- Mediherb)
Tincture simple (BPC1949) 1: 8 in 60% alcohol 4-8 ml.[1,4]
Ammoniated valerian tincture BPC1963 2-4 ml.[4]
Concentrated infusion (BHP1963) 1:5 in 25% alcohol 2-4 ml. [1,2] ORIGIN: Europe and Asia, naturalized in N. America. DESCRIPTION: The root consists of a short root-stock, about 2
cm long and 1 cm in diameters, with numerous short, lateral branches, and rootlets
2-10 cm long, the corwn often showing scales from the stem base. The transverse
section is horny with a narrow, woody ring and is pale grey-brown. References
[1] British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983 Published by the British Herbal Medicine
Association ISBN 0 903032 07 4.
[2] Herbal Materia Medica Course Notes For Diploma of Naturopathy and Diploma
of Herbalism Students by Lydia Mottram.
[3] The Pharmaceutical Plant Company Pty Ltd ppcherbs.com.au
[4] Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations R.C.
Wren Revised by Elizabeth M. Williamson and Fred J Evans. First published in
Great Britain in 1988 and reprinted in 1989 and 1994 by the C. W. Daniel Company
Limited. 1 Church Path, Saffron Walden Essex. Published 1988 Printed and bound
by Biddles, Guildford ISBN 085207 1973. Images
1. en.wikipedia.org
by H. Zell CC BY-SA 3.0
2. flanat.com
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the
use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Constituents.
Alkaloids 0.05-0.1%[1]
including chatinine and valerine,[2]
actinidine, valerine, valerianine and chatinine.[13,14]
Bitter principles.[2] Methyl-2-pyrroyl
ketone.[1]
Volatile oil 0.5-1%[1] containing
isovalerianic acid and valerianol.[2]
Valerenic acid, valerenone, valerenal, hydroxyvalerenic acid, a-kessyl
alcohol, isovaleric acid, cirtonellyl isovalerate, eugenyl and isoeugenyl isovalerate,
bornyl acetate, bornyl isovalerate, faurinone and faurinols.[3,4,5,6,7,8]
Iridoids known as valeportriates; mainly valtrate and didrovaltrate, with isovaltrate,
deacetylisovaltrate, homovaltrate, acevaltrate, homo-divaltrate, valechorine,
valeridine.[9,10,11,12]
Choline, flavonoids, sterols, tannins.[15,16]
Indian valerian contains valtrate and isovaltrate.[17]
V. thalictroides , V. edulis, and V. kilimandschatic also have high concentrations
of valepotriates;[18] however they
do not contain verenic acid.[19] Drug Interactions- Alcohol- Reduces adverse effects of alcohol on concentration.
Clinical significance unclear.
Barbiturates- May prolong sleep induced by barbiturates. Avoid.
CNS depressants- May potentiate drug effects. Clinical significance unclear. References
[1] British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983 Published
by the British Herbal Medicine Association ISBN 0 903032 07 4.
[2] Herbal Materia Medica Course Notes For Diploma of Naturopathy and Diploma
of Herbalism Students by Lydia Mottram.
[3] Hendriks, H. et al. (1981) Planta Med. 42 (1), 62
[4] Hazelhoff, B. et al. (1979) Pharm. Weekbl. Sci. Ed. 1, 71
[5] Hansel, V.R. and Schultz, J. (1982) Deutsch. Apoth. Ztg. 122 (5), 215
[6] Hendricks, H. and Bruins, A.B. (1980) J. Chrom. 190, 321
[7] Hendricks, R. et al. (1977) Phtyochem. 16. 1853
[8] Bos, R. et al. (1983) Phytochem. 22 (6), 1505
[9] Thies, P.W. and Funke, S. (1966) Tet. Lett. 11, 1155
[10] Van Meer, J.H. and Labadine, R.P. (1981) J. Chrom. 205 (1), 206
[11] Popov, S. et al. (1974) Phytochem. 13, 2815
[12] Funke, E.D. and Friedrich, H. (1975) Planta Med. 28, 215
[13] Torsell, K. and Wahberg, K. (1966) Tet. lett. 4, 445
[14] Gross, D. et al. (1971) Arch. Pharm. 304, 19
[15] Drogenkunde, 8th Ed. Heinz, A., Hop0pe. Pub. W. de Gruyter (1975) Berlin
[16] Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients used in Food Drugs and Cosmetics,
Albert Y. Leung. Pub. John Wiley & Sons Inc. (1980) NY
[17] Bounthanh, C. et al. (1981) Planta Med. 41, 21
[18] Becker, H. et al. (1983) Planta Med. 49 (1), 64
[19] Eickstedt, K.W. von (1969) Arzneim. Forsch, 19, 995
Research.
The sedative activity is thought to be due partly to the valepotriates and some
of their degradation products,[1,2]
and partly to valerenic acid, valerenone and other components of the volatile
oil,[3,4] all of which have in vivo
activity.
It has been suggested that there is an interaction between these constituents,[5]
however they both have primary CNS depressant activity.[3]
Valerian, valerenic acid and the products of the valepotriates had a higher therapeutic
index in mice than didrovatrate,[2]
a significant finding since the valepotriates are notoriously unstable. Valerenic
acid and derivaties ahve been shown to inhibit g-aminobutyric
acid (GABA).[6]
The valepotirates have cytotoxic and antitumour activity in a number of in
vitro systems;[7,8] they inhibit
the synthesis of DNA and proteins,[9]
by covalent bonding.[8] Tests in mice
show that toxicity is low due to restricted distribution of the drug,[10]
and no adverse reactions to humans have been noted.[8]
Clinical studes of valerian show that is improves the quality of sleep as measured
by subjective assessment by the patients themselves; this is measured by subjective
assessment by the patients themselves; this is confirmed to some extent by EEG.
It reduced the time taken to fall asleep, paritcularly in older people and in
habitually poor sleepers, and did not cause somnolence in the morning or affect
dream recall.[11,12] References
[1] Eickstedt, K.W. von (1969) Arzneim. Forsch. 19, 995
[2] Veith, J. et al. (1986) Planta Med. (3), 179
[3] Hendriks, H. et al. (1981) Planta Med. 42 (1), 62
[4] Hendriks, H. et al. (1985) Planta Med. (3), 28
[5] Hazelhoff, B. et al. (1979) Pharm. Weekbl. Sci. Ed. 1, 71
[6] Reidel, E. et al. (1982) Planta Med. 46, 219
[7] Bounthanh, C. et al. (1981) Planta Med. 41, 21
[8] Braun, R. et al. (1982) Deutsche Apoth. Ztg. 122, 1109
[9] Bounthanh, C. et al. (1983) Planta Med. 49, 138
[10] Braun, R. et al. (1984) Planta Med. 1
[11] Leathwood, P.D. and Chauffard, F. (1983) Psychiatr. Res. 17 (2), 115
[12] Leathwood, P.D. et al. (1982) Pharmacol Biochem. Behav. 17,65
Extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. s.l. show anxiolytic and antidepressant
effects but neither sedative nor myorelaxant properties.
Hattesohl M, Feistel B, Sievers H, Lehnfeld R, Hegger M, Winterhoff H. Abstract
Extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. s.l. are used for treating mild sleep disorders
and nervous tension. Despite intensive research efforts, the pharmacological actions
accounting for the clinical efficacy of valerian remain unclear. Thus, it was
the aim of this study to evaluate CNS-related effects of different valerian extracts
using behavioral paradigms (mice and rats). Following oral administration two
commercially available preparations (extraction solvents: 45% methanol m/m and
70% ethanol v/v), a 35% ethanolic v/v extract and a refined extract derived from
it (patented special extract phytofin Valerian 368) were tested for sedative (locomotor
activity, ether-induced anaesthesia) and anxiolytic (elevated plus maze) activity.
Using the forced swimming and the horizontal wire test the latter two extracts
were additionally tested for antidepressant and myorelaxant properties. Up to
maximum dosages of 500 or 1000 mg/kg bw none of the valerian extracts displayed
sedative effects. Neither spontaneous activity was reduced nor the duration of
ether-induced narcosis was prolonged. In contrast, results obtained in the elevated
plus maze test revealed a pronounced anxiolytic effect of the 45% methanolic and
35% ethanolic extract as well as of phyotofin Valerian 368 in a dose range of
100-500 mg/kg bw. Additionally and different from its primary extract (35% ethanolic
extract) phytofin Valerian 368 showed antidepressant activity in the forced swimming
test after subacute treatment. Myorelaxant effects were not observed in dosages
up to 1000 mg/kg bw. Due to these findings it is proposed that not sedative but
anxiolytic and antidepressant activity, which was elaborated particularly in the
special extract phytofin Valerian 368, considerably contribute to the sleep-enhancing
properties of valerian.
PMID: 18160026 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2007.11.027 Phytomedicine. 2008 Jan;15(1-2):2-15.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) vs. placebo in treatment
of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized double-blind study. Pakseresht S, Boostani H, Sayyah M. Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric condition. Many
herbs with psychotropic effects exist which can have fewer side effects compared
to more conventional medications. Valeriana Officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal
plant with a long history of usage in the world with an effect on GABA. This plant
is reported to be safe on humans. Our objective in this study was to compare the
efficacy of the extract of Valeriana Officinalis L. with placebo in the treatment
of OCD.
METHODS:
The study was an 8-week pilot double-blind randomized trial. Thirty-one adult
outpatients who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for OCD based on the structured clinical
interview participated in the trial. In this double-blind and randomized trial,
patients were randomly assigned to receive either capsule of the extract (765
mg/day) or placebo (30 mg/day) for 8 weeks.
RESULTS:
The results showed significant difference between the extract and placebo in the
end of treatment (P=0.000). Somnolence was the only significant difference between
the two groups in terms of observed side effects (P=0.02).
CONCLUSION:
The results suggest that Valeriana Officinalis L. has some antiobsessive and compulsive
effects. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Psychiatrists
often find that many patients cannot tolerate the side effects of psychiatry medicine
Valeriana Officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant with a long history of
usage in world with effect on GABA.The results showed significant difference between
the extract and placebo in the treatment of OCD. There was also no significant
difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects.
PMID: 22718671 DOI: 10.2202/1553-3840.1465 J Complement Integr Med. 2011
Oct 11;8. pii: /j/jcim.2011.8.issue-1/1553-3840.1465/1553-3840.1465.xml. doi:
10.2202/1553-3840.1465. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep
quality in man. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. Abstract
The effect of an aqueous extract of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) root on
subjectively rated sleep measures was studied on 128 people. Each person received
9 samples to test (3 containing placebo, 3 containing 400 mg valerian extract
and 3 containing a proprietary over-the-counter valerian preparation). The samples,
identified only by a code number, and presented in random order, were taken on
non-consecutive nights. Valerian produced a significant decrease in subjectively
evaluated sleep latency scores and a significant improvement in sleep quality:
the latter was most notable among people who considered themselves poor or irregular
sleepers, smokers, and people who thought they normally had long sleep latencies.
Night awakenings, dream recall and somnolence the next morning were relatively
unaffected by valerian. With the proprietary valerian-containing preparation,
the only change was a significant increase in reports of feeling more sleepy than
normal the next morning. Thus the questionnaire, simple to use and non-invasive,
provides a sensitive means for detecting the effects of mild sedatives on different
aspects of sleep in man. It also allows identification within the test population
of the subgroups most affected.
PMID: 7122669 Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1982 Jul;17(1):65-71. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Valeriana officinalis L. for conscious sedation of patients submitted
to impacted lower third molar surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
split-mouth study. Pinheiro ML, Alcântara CE, de Moraes M, de Andrade ED. Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Anxiety is one of the components of patient stress in the dental office and is
recognized as one of the main factors that negatively affect treatment. The control
of anxiety can be performed through conscious sedation, for which benzodiazepine
is the drug of choice in dental practice, however present side-effects.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the following study is to evaluate the efficacy of Valeriana
officinalis L. (Valerian) for control of anxiety during the third molar surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A single oral dose of either Valerian (100 mg) or placebo was randomly administered
1 h before each surgical procedure to 20 volunteers between 17 and 31 years of
age. Anxiety level was assessed by physiological parameters (blood pressure and
heart rate [HR]) and the observation of signs. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square
test, Friedman test, Wilcoxon test and effect size test were performed (P <
0.05).
RESULTS:
According to the researcher's (80%) and surgeon's (75%) evaluations, the patients
treated with Valerian were calmer and more relaxed during surgery. Valerian had
a greater effect on the maintenance of systolic blood pressure and HR after surgery.
CONCLUSION:
Valerian was more effective at controlling anxiety than a placebo when used for
the conscious sedation of adult patients submitted to impacted lower third molar
surgery.
KEYWORDS:
Anxiety; oral surgery; phytotherapy
PMID: 24741279 PMCID: PMC3983740 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.129176 J Pharm Bioallied
Sci. 2014 Apr;6(2):109-14. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.129176. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Relaxing effects of Valeriana officinalis extracts on isolated human non-pregnant
uterine muscle. Occhiuto F, Pino A, Palumbo DR, Samperi S, De Pasquale R, Sturlese E,
Circosta C. Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
This study investigated the relaxing effects of Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerianaceae)
on human uterine muscle. The major uses of this species in Europe are as a sedative
and an anxiolytic; it is also used as a spasmolytic to treat gastrointestinal
spasm.
METHODS:
We evaluated two valerian extracts (ethanolic and aqueous) in comparison with
a natural mixture of valepotriates and nifedipine on spontaneous and agonist-induced
contractions in non-pregnant human myometrium in vitro. Qualitative and quantitative
chemical analysis was used to correlate the chemical composition of extracts with
their spasmolytic effects. Myometrial strips were obtained from hysterectomy specimens
of premenopausal women. Longitudinal muscle strips were mounted vertically in
tissue baths under physiological conditions to record their isometric contraction.
The responses of cumulative concentrations of valerian extracts on spontaneous
contractions in the presence and absence of the beta-adrenoceptor blocker atenolol
or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indometacin, and on agonist-induced contractions,
were investigated.
KEY FINDINGS:
Valerian extracts and valepotriates inhibited uterine contractility in a concentration-dependent
manner. Pretreatment with either atenolol or indometacin did not affect the uterine
responses to valerian extracts. Valerian extract reduced the maximal contractile
response induced by acetylcholine, phenylephrine and histamine independent of
the stimulus.
CONCLUSIONS:
Valerian extracts may have direct inhibitory effects on the contractility of the
human uterus and this justifies the traditional use of this plant in the treatment
of uterine cramping associated with dysmenorrhoea.
PMID: 19178774 DOI: 10.1211/jpp/61.02.0016 J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009 Feb;61(2):251-6.
doi: 10.1211/jpp/61.02.0016. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The effects of Valeriana officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract on depression
like behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats
Ali Neamati, Fariba Chaman, Mahmoud Hosseini, and Mohammad Hossein Boskabady Abstract
Background:
Neuroimmune factors have been considered as contributors to the pathogenesis of
depression. Beside other therapeutic effects, Valeriana officinalis L., have been
suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effects
of V. officinalis L. hydro alcoholic extract was investigated on depression like
behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 50 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 (control group)
received saline instead of Valeriana officinalis L. extract. The animals in group
2 (sensitized) were treated by saline instead of the extract and were sensitized
using the ovalbumin. Groups 3-5 (Sent - Ext 50), (Sent - Ext 100) and (Sent -
Ext 200) were treated by 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of V. officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic
extract respectively, during the sensitization protocol. Forced swimming test
was performed for all groups and immobility time was recorded. Finally, the animals
were placed in the open-field apparatus and the crossing number on peripheral
and central areas was observed.
Results:
The immobility time in the sensitized group was higher than that in the control
group (P < 0.01). The animals in Sent-Ext 100 and Sent-Ext 200 groups had lower
immobility times in comparison with sensitized group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).
In the open field test, the crossed number in peripheral by the sensitized group
was higher than that of the control one (P < 0.01) while, the animals of Sent-Ext
50, Sent-Ext 100 and Sent-Ext 200 groups had lower crossing number in peripheral
compared with the sensitized group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively).
Furthermore, in the sensitized group, the central crossing number was lower than
that of the control group (P < 0.001). In the animals treated by 200 mg/kg
of the extract, the central crossing number was higher than that of the sensitized
group (P < 0. 05). Conclusions:
The results of the present study showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of V.
officinalis prevents depression like behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats. These
results support the traditional belief on the about beneficial effects of V. officinalis
in the nervous system. Moreover, further investigations are required in order
to better understand this protective effect.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2014 Apr-Jun; 6(2): 97–103. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.129174
PMCID: PMC3983753 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Anticonvulsant effect of aqueous extract of Valeriana officinalis in amygdala-kindled
rats: possible involvement of adenosine.
Rezvani ME, Roohbakhsh A, Allahtavakoli M, Shamsizadeh A. Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Valeriana officinalis L. (valerian) root extract has been used as an antiepileptic
herbal medicine in Iran.
AIM OF THIS STUDY:
In the present study the effect of valerian extracts on an experimental model
of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was evaluated. Moreover, the involvement of adenosine
system in the actions of aqueous extract of valerian was evaluated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Bipolar stimulating and monopolar recording electrodes were implanted stereotaxically
in the right basolateral amygdala of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After kindling,
the effect of aqueous (200, 500 and 800 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) and petroleum
ether (PE; 50 and 100mg/kg; intraperitoneal) extracts of valerian and CPT (selective
A(1) receptor antagonist; 10 and 20 microM; intracerebroventricular) on afterdischarge
duration (ADD), duration of stage 5 seizure (S5D) and latency to the onset of
bilateral forelimb clonuses (S4L) were measured. The effect of CPT (10 microM)
on the response of aqueous extract of valerian (500 mg/kg) was also determined.
RESULTS:
The results showed that aqueous extract of valerian had anticonvulsant effect.
However, PE extract and CPT (20 microM) had proconvulsant effect. Administration
of CPT (10 microM) before the administration of aqueous extract decreased the
anticonvulsant effect of valerian.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results showed significant anticonvulsant effect for aqueous but not PE extract
of valerian. Moreover, CPT as a selective adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist decreased
the anticonvulsant effect of valerian aqueous extract. Therefore, we concluded
that part of anticonvulsant effect of valerian probably is mediated through activation
of adenosine system.
PMID: 19900527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.11.002 J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Feb
3;127(2):313-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.11.002. Epub 2009 Nov 10. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Research.#/media/File:Valeriana_officinalis_001.JPG){kind=link}