Valerian [Valeriana officinalis]
Valerian grows in Europe. Its root has been used in herbal
preparations for digestive problems, nausea, liver problems, and
even urinary tract disorders. With limited scientific evidence,
Valerian may benefit people suffered from insomnia, anxiety, and
pain. The volatile oils in its root may contribute to these health
benefits by weakly binding to GABA-A receptor to produce
sedative effects. [1, 2] The active ingredients of valerian root are
valepotriates and sesquiterpenes. Both have sedative effects.
[15,18] Probably, 300-500 mg of a concentrated valerian root
herbal extract (standardized to at least 0.5% volatile oils) in
capsules can produce the sedative effects and help insomnia. [3]
Health Benefits of Valerian
Studies show that valerian may benefit people suffered from
insomnia.
The beneficial effects of valerian on sleeping disturbance or
difficulties have been studied with various methods including
multiple dosages and different preparations. Research has
focused on subjective evaluations of sleep patterns, particularly
sleep latency, and study populations have primarily consisted of
self-described poor sleepers. Valerian has been found to benefit
subjects with subjective experiences of sleep when taken nightly
over one- to two-week periods, and it appears to be a safe
sedative/hypnotic choice in patients with mild to moderate
insomnia. [8-10]
Sleep latency
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. [13] Researchers observed a
significant shortening in sleep latency after sleep-disturbed model
rats took valerian extract at doses of 1000 and 3000 mg/kg. [16]
REM sleep
Valerian extract had no significant effects on total times of
wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep, or REM
sleep, even at a dose of 3000 mg/kg in sleep-disturbed model
rats. [16]
Researchers from Berlin did not noticed any effect of valerian
extract supplementation on sleep onset time, REM sleep or time
awake after sleep onset in a study of 14 elderly poor sleepers on
three nights, at one-week intervals. [17]
Delta Activity
Valerian extract at doses of 1000 and 3000 mg/kg showed a
significant increase in the delta activity during non-REM sleep in a
study of sleep-disturbed rats. [16]
In conclusion, valerian extract may be useful as an herbal
medicine having not only sleep-inducing effects but also sleep
quality-enhancement effects. [16]
Feeling Sleepy
The only change for intake of valerian supplement was a
significant increase in reports of feeling more sleepy than normal
the next morning. [13]
The effect of an aqueous extract of valerian root on sleep was
studied in two groups of healthy, young subjects. One group (N
= 10) slept at home, the other (N = 8) in the sleep laboratory.
[14]
Dose-Proportionality The beneficial effect of valerian was found to
be dose-dependent. [14]
Mechanism
Japanese researchers examined the effects of valerain inhalation
on the sleep-wake states in rats. They observed a significant
prolonged total sleep time with valerian inhalation. Gamma-
Aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase assay indicates that
valerian inhalation decreases the activity of the enzyme and
enhances GABA activity. Thus, the present study suggests the
potential benefits of valerian inhalation on sleep disturbance. [11]
Other potential health benefits of valerian
Valerian may also benefit patients with mild anxiety and
restlessness, but the data supporting this health claim are
limited. [8] One recent study has shown valerian may benefit
children suffered from restlessness in Germany. Researchers
supplemented 918 children suffered from restlessness and
nervous dyskoimesis with a combination of lemon balm and
valerian in an open multi-center study. They found a significant
reduction in their core symptoms. [12]
Valerian preparations yield isovaleric acid, a substance analogous
to valproic acid and likely to possess anticonvulsant properties,
as isovaleramide does. Thus, some researchers believe valerian
may benefit people suffered from epilepsy. [19]
Side Effects or Interaction of Valerian
In a study of 102 subjects treated by valerian root extract,
German reserachers concluded that neither single nor repeated
evening administrations of 600 mg of VRE have a relevant
negative impact on reaction time, alertness and concentration the
morning after intake. [20] In addition, acute administration of
valerian does not have mood-altering or psychomotor/cognitive
effects in young healthy volunteers. [23]
However, valepotriate is generally considered to be cytotoxic. In
a double blind study, researchers supplemented subjects with
sesquiterpene preparation, they found no side effect but a
significant improvement in sleep. [15]
Though valerian does not impair one's ability to drive or operate
machinery nor impair reaction time, alertness or concentration,
it's still better to avoid dangerous activities that require high
alertness. [4,7] Excessive intake of valerian root causes side
effects including fatigue, abdominal pain and mild tremor of
hands and feet. [6]
A man experienced severe cardiac symptoms after withdrawal of
valerian supplements. [5]
Huge Variation in Quality from Product to Product
Thirty-one commercial valerian preparations available in Australia,
including teas, tablets, capsules and liquids, were analysed for
valepotriates, valerenic acid and valerenic acid derivatives.
Researchers found powder capsules, on average, contained the
highest concentration of valerenic acids (2.46 mg/g) and liquids
the lowest concentration (0.47 mg/ml). The mean concentration
of valerenic acid in the five products standardized against
valerenic acid (3.56 mg/g) was significantly higher than in the 26
non-standardized products (0.89 mg/g). Valepotriates were
found at low levels (< 1.0 mg/g) in some teas but were not
detected in any of the finished products. [21]
Dose and Effectiveness
UK researchers found that valerian at 300-600 doses is
ineffective as an acute dose for sleep problems in a placebo-
controlled three way crossover clinical trial of 16 sleep-disturbed
subjects. [22]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
FOR ANY QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2006 ZHION.
References 1. Mennini T, Bernasconi P, Bombardelli E, et al. In vitro study on the
interaction of extracts and pure compounds from Valeriana officinalis roots with
GABA, benzodiazepine and barbiturate receptors. Fitoterapia 1993;64:291–300.
2. Kohnen R, Oswald WD. The effects of valerian, propranolol and their
combination on activation performance and mood of healthy volunteers under
social stress conditions. Pharmacopsychiatry 1988;21:447–8. 3. Brown DJ. Herbal
Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 173–8. 4.
Albrecht M, Berger W, Laux P, et al. Psychopharmaceuticals and safety in traffic.
Zeits Allegmeinmed 1995;71:1215–21 [in German]. 5. Garges HP, Varia I,
Doraiswamy PM. Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root
withdrawal. JAMA 1998;280:1566–7. 6. Wiley LB, Mady SP, Cobaugh DJ, Wax PM.
Valerian overdose: A case report. Vet Human Toxicol 1995;37:364–5. 7.
Kuhlmann J, Berger W, Podzuweit H, Schmidt U. The influence of valerian
treatment on “reaction time, alertness and concentration” in volunteers.
Pharmacopsychiatry 1999;32:235–41. [8] Hadley S, Petry JJ. Valerian. Am Fam
Physician. 2003 Apr 15;67(8):1755-8. [9] Taibi DM, Bourguignon C, Taylor AG.
Valerian use for sleep disturbances related to rheumatoid arthritis. Holist Nurs
Pract. 2004 May-Jun;18(3):120-6. [10] Pallesen S, Bjorvatn B, Nordhus IH, Skjerve
A. Valerian as a sleeping aid? Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2002 Dec 10;122(30):2857-
9. [11] Komori T, Matsumoto T, Motomura E, Shiroyama T. The Sleep-Enhancing
Effect of Valerian Inhalation and Sleep-Shortening Effect of Lemon Inhalation.
Chem Senses. 2006 Jul 20. [12] Muller SF, Klement S. A combination of valerian
and lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in
children. Phytomedicine. 2006 Jun;13(6):383-7. Epub 2006 Feb 17. [13]
Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. Aqueous extract of valerian
root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem
Behav. 1982 Jul;17(1):65-71. [14] Balderer G, Borbely AA. Effect of valerian on
human sleep. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1985;87(4):406-9. [15] Lindahl O,
Lindwall L. Double blind study of a valerian preparation. Pharmacol Biochem
Behav. 1989 Apr;32(4):1065-6. [16] Shinomiya K, Fujimura K, Kim Y, Kamei C.
Effects of valerian extract on the sleep-wake cycle in sleep-disturbed rats. Acta
Med Okayama. 2005 Jun;59(3):89-92. [17] Schulz H, Stolz C, Muller J. The effect
of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers: a pilot study.
Pharmacopsychiatry. 1994 Jul;27(4):147-51. [18] Houghton PJ. The scientific
basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999 May;51(5):505-
12. [19] Eadie MJ. Could valerian have been the first anticonvulsant? Epilepsia.
2004 Nov;45(11):1338-43. [20] Kuhlmann J, Berger W, Podzuweit H, Schmidt U.
The influence of valerian treatment on "reaction time, alertness and concentration"
in volunteers. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1999 Nov;32(6):235-41. [21] Shohet D, Wills
RB, Stuart DL. Valepotriates and valerenic acids in commercial preparations of
valerian available in Australia. Pharmazie. 2001 Nov;56(11):860-3. [22] Diaper A,
Hindmarch I. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of two
doses of a valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function
of sleep-disturbed older adults. Phytother Res. 2004 Oct;18(10):831-6. [23]
Gutierrez S, Ang-Lee MK, Walker DJ, Zacny JP. Assessing subjective and
psychomotor effects of the herbal medication valerian in healthy volunteers.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 May;78(1):57-64.
Valerian grows in Europe. Its root has been used in herbal
preparations for digestive problems, nausea, liver problems, and
even urinary tract disorders. With limited scientific evidence,
Valerian may benefit people suffered from insomnia, anxiety, and
pain. The volatile oils in its root may contribute to these health
benefits by weakly binding to GABA-A receptor to produce
sedative effects. [1, 2] The active ingredients of valerian root are
valepotriates and sesquiterpenes. Both have sedative effects.
[15,18] Probably, 300-500 mg of a concentrated valerian root
herbal extract (standardized to at least 0.5% volatile oils) in
capsules can produce the sedative effects and help insomnia. [3]
Health Benefits of Valerian
Studies show that valerian may benefit people suffered from
insomnia.
The beneficial effects of valerian on sleeping disturbance or
difficulties have been studied with various methods including
multiple dosages and different preparations. Research has
focused on subjective evaluations of sleep patterns, particularly
sleep latency, and study populations have primarily consisted of
self-described poor sleepers. Valerian has been found to benefit
subjects with subjective experiences of sleep when taken nightly
over one- to two-week periods, and it appears to be a safe
sedative/hypnotic choice in patients with mild to moderate
insomnia. [8-10]
Sleep latency
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. [13] Researchers observed a
significant shortening in sleep latency after sleep-disturbed model
rats took valerian extract at doses of 1000 and 3000 mg/kg. [16]
REM sleep
Valerian extract had no significant effects on total times of
wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep, or REM
sleep, even at a dose of 3000 mg/kg in sleep-disturbed model
rats. [16]
Researchers from Berlin did not noticed any effect of valerian
extract supplementation on sleep onset time, REM sleep or time
awake after sleep onset in a study of 14 elderly poor sleepers on
three nights, at one-week intervals. [17]
Delta Activity
Valerian extract at doses of 1000 and 3000 mg/kg showed a
significant increase in the delta activity during non-REM sleep in a
study of sleep-disturbed rats. [16]
In conclusion, valerian extract may be useful as an herbal
medicine having not only sleep-inducing effects but also sleep
quality-enhancement effects. [16]
Feeling Sleepy
The only change for intake of valerian supplement was a
significant increase in reports of feeling more sleepy than normal
the next morning. [13]
The effect of an aqueous extract of valerian root on sleep was
studied in two groups of healthy, young subjects. One group (N
= 10) slept at home, the other (N = 8) in the sleep laboratory.
[14]
Dose-Proportionality The beneficial effect of valerian was found to
be dose-dependent. [14]
Mechanism
Japanese researchers examined the effects of valerain inhalation
on the sleep-wake states in rats. They observed a significant
prolonged total sleep time with valerian inhalation. Gamma-
Aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase assay indicates that
valerian inhalation decreases the activity of the enzyme and
enhances GABA activity. Thus, the present study suggests the
potential benefits of valerian inhalation on sleep disturbance. [11]
Other potential health benefits of valerian
Valerian may also benefit patients with mild anxiety and
restlessness, but the data supporting this health claim are
limited. [8] One recent study has shown valerian may benefit
children suffered from restlessness in Germany. Researchers
supplemented 918 children suffered from restlessness and
nervous dyskoimesis with a combination of lemon balm and
valerian in an open multi-center study. They found a significant
reduction in their core symptoms. [12]
Valerian preparations yield isovaleric acid, a substance analogous
to valproic acid and likely to possess anticonvulsant properties,
as isovaleramide does. Thus, some researchers believe valerian
may benefit people suffered from epilepsy. [19]
Side Effects or Interaction of Valerian
In a study of 102 subjects treated by valerian root extract,
German reserachers concluded that neither single nor repeated
evening administrations of 600 mg of VRE have a relevant
negative impact on reaction time, alertness and concentration the
morning after intake. [20] In addition, acute administration of
valerian does not have mood-altering or psychomotor/cognitive
effects in young healthy volunteers. [23]
However, valepotriate is generally considered to be cytotoxic. In
a double blind study, researchers supplemented subjects with
sesquiterpene preparation, they found no side effect but a
significant improvement in sleep. [15]
Though valerian does not impair one's ability to drive or operate
machinery nor impair reaction time, alertness or concentration,
it's still better to avoid dangerous activities that require high
alertness. [4,7] Excessive intake of valerian root causes side
effects including fatigue, abdominal pain and mild tremor of
hands and feet. [6]
A man experienced severe cardiac symptoms after withdrawal of
valerian supplements. [5]
Huge Variation in Quality from Product to Product
Thirty-one commercial valerian preparations available in Australia,
including teas, tablets, capsules and liquids, were analysed for
valepotriates, valerenic acid and valerenic acid derivatives.
Researchers found powder capsules, on average, contained the
highest concentration of valerenic acids (2.46 mg/g) and liquids
the lowest concentration (0.47 mg/ml). The mean concentration
of valerenic acid in the five products standardized against
valerenic acid (3.56 mg/g) was significantly higher than in the 26
non-standardized products (0.89 mg/g). Valepotriates were
found at low levels (< 1.0 mg/g) in some teas but were not
detected in any of the finished products. [21]
Dose and Effectiveness
UK researchers found that valerian at 300-600 doses is
ineffective as an acute dose for sleep problems in a placebo-
controlled three way crossover clinical trial of 16 sleep-disturbed
subjects. [22]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
FOR ANY QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2006 ZHION.
References 1. Mennini T, Bernasconi P, Bombardelli E, et al. In vitro study on the
interaction of extracts and pure compounds from Valeriana officinalis roots with
GABA, benzodiazepine and barbiturate receptors. Fitoterapia 1993;64:291–300.
2. Kohnen R, Oswald WD. The effects of valerian, propranolol and their
combination on activation performance and mood of healthy volunteers under
social stress conditions. Pharmacopsychiatry 1988;21:447–8. 3. Brown DJ. Herbal
Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 173–8. 4.
Albrecht M, Berger W, Laux P, et al. Psychopharmaceuticals and safety in traffic.
Zeits Allegmeinmed 1995;71:1215–21 [in German]. 5. Garges HP, Varia I,
Doraiswamy PM. Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root
withdrawal. JAMA 1998;280:1566–7. 6. Wiley LB, Mady SP, Cobaugh DJ, Wax PM.
Valerian overdose: A case report. Vet Human Toxicol 1995;37:364–5. 7.
Kuhlmann J, Berger W, Podzuweit H, Schmidt U. The influence of valerian
treatment on “reaction time, alertness and concentration” in volunteers.
Pharmacopsychiatry 1999;32:235–41. [8] Hadley S, Petry JJ. Valerian. Am Fam
Physician. 2003 Apr 15;67(8):1755-8. [9] Taibi DM, Bourguignon C, Taylor AG.
Valerian use for sleep disturbances related to rheumatoid arthritis. Holist Nurs
Pract. 2004 May-Jun;18(3):120-6. [10] Pallesen S, Bjorvatn B, Nordhus IH, Skjerve
A. Valerian as a sleeping aid? Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2002 Dec 10;122(30):2857-
9. [11] Komori T, Matsumoto T, Motomura E, Shiroyama T. The Sleep-Enhancing
Effect of Valerian Inhalation and Sleep-Shortening Effect of Lemon Inhalation.
Chem Senses. 2006 Jul 20. [12] Muller SF, Klement S. A combination of valerian
and lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in
children. Phytomedicine. 2006 Jun;13(6):383-7. Epub 2006 Feb 17. [13]
Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. Aqueous extract of valerian
root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem
Behav. 1982 Jul;17(1):65-71. [14] Balderer G, Borbely AA. Effect of valerian on
human sleep. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1985;87(4):406-9. [15] Lindahl O,
Lindwall L. Double blind study of a valerian preparation. Pharmacol Biochem
Behav. 1989 Apr;32(4):1065-6. [16] Shinomiya K, Fujimura K, Kim Y, Kamei C.
Effects of valerian extract on the sleep-wake cycle in sleep-disturbed rats. Acta
Med Okayama. 2005 Jun;59(3):89-92. [17] Schulz H, Stolz C, Muller J. The effect
of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers: a pilot study.
Pharmacopsychiatry. 1994 Jul;27(4):147-51. [18] Houghton PJ. The scientific
basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999 May;51(5):505-
12. [19] Eadie MJ. Could valerian have been the first anticonvulsant? Epilepsia.
2004 Nov;45(11):1338-43. [20] Kuhlmann J, Berger W, Podzuweit H, Schmidt U.
The influence of valerian treatment on "reaction time, alertness and concentration"
in volunteers. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1999 Nov;32(6):235-41. [21] Shohet D, Wills
RB, Stuart DL. Valepotriates and valerenic acids in commercial preparations of
valerian available in Australia. Pharmazie. 2001 Nov;56(11):860-3. [22] Diaper A,
Hindmarch I. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of two
doses of a valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function
of sleep-disturbed older adults. Phytother Res. 2004 Oct;18(10):831-6. [23]
Gutierrez S, Ang-Lee MK, Walker DJ, Zacny JP. Assessing subjective and
psychomotor effects of the herbal medication valerian in healthy volunteers.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 May;78(1):57-64.