Valarian

Question 1

What is the scientific name for valarian? What part of the plant is used?

Answer 1

Valeriana officinalis

Root

Question 2

What are the active constituents of valerian?

Answer 2

• Essential oils
• Sesquiterpenes such as valerenic acid
• Iridoid esters such as valepotriates
• Flavonoids such as linarin

Question 3

Of the active constituents in valerian, which is considered the common standard? Does one active constituent have more relative importance?

Answer 3

Common standard: valerenic acid

It is unclear if one active constituent is more important than the others.

Question 4

Clinical Uses for Valerian are?

Answer 4

Insomnia
Anxiety
Stress

Question 5

What is the clinical results of Valerian regarding Sleep disturbance?

Answer 5

– Most research studied chronic insomnia in adults – Subjective ratings more likely to improve than objective measures
– Regular use may be needed for best results
– Combination formulas are more promising (Valerian-Hops best studied)
– Other therapies (melatonin) are more consistently effective

Question 6

What is the clinical results of Valerian regarding Anxiety/stress?

Answer 6

Some evidence for effectiveness of valerian alone or combined with other herbs
(Evidence for kava is much
stronger)

Question 7

What is the clinical results of Valerian regarding Muscle tension/spasm?

Answer 7

No human studies!

Popularity for this use is based on theory only