VALERIAN

Common Name:	Valerian
Botanical Name:	Valeriana officinalis
Family:	Valerianaceae
Plant Part Used:	Root and rhizome
Common Name:	Mexican valerian
Botanical Name:	Valeriana edulis
Family:	Valerianaceae
Plant Part Used:	Root and rhizome

Contraindications None known. Warnings and Precautions None required. Interactions Use in Pregnancy and Lactation No adverse effects expected. Side Effects In some individuals, valerian can aggravate a sensation of tiredness or drowsiness, particularly in higher doses, but this is usually more a case of an increased awareness of the body’s needs rather than a negative depressant effect. A few individuals find valerian stimulating and should avoid its use. Headaches have been reported after overdose with valerian.   A male patient taking multiple medications experienced serious cardiac complications and delirium following a surgical procedure.² The man had self-medicated for “many years” with valerian root extract (530 mg to 2 g/dose, five times daily). However, given the person’s multiple medications, valerian cannot be causally linked to his symptoms. These other factors may have increased the risk of a withdrawal reaction. Dosage Valerian:   Dose per day^* Dose per week^*   2-6 ml of 1:2 liquid extract 15-40 ml of 1:2 liquid extract   Mexican valerian:   Dose per day^** Dose per week^**   1.5-4.5 ml of 1:2 liquid extract 10-30 ml of 1:2 liquid extract

* This dosage is extrapolated from the British Pharmaceutical Codex 1949, the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983, the British Herbal Compendium 1992, and the author’s education and experience.

** This dose range is extrapolated from the pharmacologic and clinical information available on valepotriates.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Traditional Prescribing	Traditional Western herbal medicine uses of valerian include: • Insomnia, hysterical states, excitability, hypochondria, nervousness; migraine, nervous headache, depressive states, reduced cerebral circulation3,4 • Cramps, intestinal colic, dysmenorrhea, rheumatic pains, chorea, mild spasmodic movements, epilepsy3,4 Mexican valerian is used traditionally in Mexico for its tranquilizing and sedative effects.5 Native Americans used Mexican valerian internally for hemorrhages and tapeworm infestation and topically for rheumatism, swollen and bruised parts, wounds, and to draw out boils.6–8
Pharmacologic Research	Valerian root contains iridoids (known as valepotriates), essential oil, and cyclopentane sesquiterpenes (e. g., valerenic acid). Mexican valerian root has a higher percentage of valepotriates (and a larger valtrate-isovaltrate content) than valerian; it does not contain valerenic acid. Valepotriates are unstable compounds; they decompose under acid or alkaline conditions or in alcoholic solutions (such as liquid extracts). However, the initial decomposition products of valepotriates are active as sedatives and are probably among the active products in the human system after ingestion of valerian. • Aqueous extract of valerian induced the release of GABA from brain tissue. Many in vitro studies have investigated the interaction of valerian or its components with receptors mediating sedation, such as GABA, adenosine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A, serotonin) receptors. • The sedative effect of the valepotriates has been demonstrated in several experimental models. Oral valepotriates improved coordination, and (by unknown dose route) valepotriates decreased anxiety and aggression. In an experimental model, intraperitoneal administration of valerenic acid demonstrated sedative activity resembling central nervous system depression, rather than muscle relaxation or a neuroleptic effect. • Antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle tissue (ileum) were observed for valepotriates and an essential oil component of valerian in vitro and in vivo (by injection).9
Clinical Studies	• The sedative effects of valepotriates on humans was confirmed a number of times in German research conducted in the late 1960s. • A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial demonstrated single or repeated administrations of valerian did not have a negative impact on reaction time, alertness, and concentration the morning after intake. The dose used was equivalent to 3 g per day of root and was prescribed for 2 weeks.10 • In a randomized, double-blind trial, valerian tablets demonstrated similar efficacy to oxazepam (10 mg/day) for treating insomnia. The daily dose of valerian corresponded to approximately 3 g of original root.11 Buy Membership for Complementary Medicine Category to continue reading. Learn more here