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Scientific Names: valeriana officinalis
Common Names: all heal, amantilla, baldrianwurzel, capon's tail, setewale, setwell, theriacara
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, that is today cultivated throughout the world. Virtually all commercial herbal sleeping aids contain valerian.3
Scientific Names | | Scientific Evidence | Adverse Effects | References
Reported Uses:
- Anxiolytic.
- Sleep aid.
- Mild sedation.
- Gastrointestinal hyperactivity.
- Historically used as an anti-epileptic.8
Scientific Names | Reported Uses | | Adverse Effects | References
Scientific Evidence:
- In a placebo-controlled double blind clinical study of 14 people who self reported as "poor sleepers", those taking 405 mg of a dried valerian extract demonstrated an increase in sleep phases 3 and 4, with no alteration of REM sleep.6
- A more recent placebo-controlled study of 121 subjects showed, in the group that ingested a 600 mg alcoholic valerian extract every day for 4 weeks, a significant increase in sleep rating and scores on the von Zerssen well being scale.9
In a review of studies such as the aforementioned, the authors pointed to the fact that the significant effects often take at least two weeks to manifest, and that there appears to be little hangover effect or interaction with alcohol, in contrast to many other hypnotic agents.3
- The valerenic acid component of valerian has been shown to inhibit the enzyme system causing breakdown of GABA in the CNS, with the resulting increase in GABA levels perhaps leading to sedation and overall decrease in CNS activity.4
- Valerian extracts have also been shown to have GABA as one of the many constituents, but the authors of this study are quick to point out the doubtful bio-availabilty from an orally administered source.5
- Despite evidence for possible modifications of neurotransmission with valerian extracts, one author notes that the overall effect is without a doubt due to several types of constituent chemicals and modes of activity, and that only rigorously standardized extracts will prove useful for further scientific study.3
Scientific Names | Reported Uses | Scientific Evidence | | References
Adverse Effects, Contraindications, Drug Interactions:
- May increase the effect of CNS depressants such as alcohol, opiates, barbiturates, and sedative/hypnotic drugs.
- May negate the therapeutic effects of MAOIs.7
- Hepatotoxicity with overdose.7
- Potential carcinogenicity of valepotriate constituents.3
- An acute benzodiazepine-like withdrawal syndrome may occur with abrupt discontinuation of valerian use. Case studies demonstrate this in post operative patients who have discontinued use immediately prior to surgery.2
In cases such as this, it may be necessary to taper valerian for several weeks prior to surgery, or administer benzodiazepines post-operatively.1
Scientific Names | Reported Uses | Scientific Evidence | Adverse Effects |
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References:
1. Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan C. Herbal medicines and perioperative care. JAMA. 2001;286:208-216.
2. Garges HP, Varia I, Doraiswamy PM. Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal. JAMA. 1998;280:1566-1567.
3. Houghton PJ. The scientific basis for the reputed activity of valerian. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999;51:505-512.
4. Reidel E, Hansel R, Ehrke, G. Inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid catacbolism by valerenic acid derivatives. Planta Med. 1982;46:219-220.
5. Santos MS, Ferreira F, Cunha AP, Carvalho AP, Ribeiro CF, Macedo T. Synaptosomal GABA release as influenced by valerian root extract. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 1994;327:220-231.
6. Schultz H, Stolz C, Müller J. The effect of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers; a pilot study. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1994;27:147-151.
7. Skidmore-Roth L. Mosby's handbook of herbs and natural supplements. 2001.
8. Spinella M. Herbal medicines and epilepsy: the potential for benefit and adverse effects. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2001;2:524-532.
9. Vorback EU, Görtelmeyer R, Brüning T. Therapie von insomnien: wirksumkeit und vertraglichkeit eines baldrian - praparates. Psychopharmakotherapie. 1996;3:109-115.
2. Garges HP, Varia I, Doraiswamy PM. Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal. JAMA. 1998;280:1566-1567.
3. Houghton PJ. The scientific basis for the reputed activity of valerian. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999;51:505-512.
4. Reidel E, Hansel R, Ehrke, G. Inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid catacbolism by valerenic acid derivatives. Planta Med. 1982;46:219-220.
5. Santos MS, Ferreira F, Cunha AP, Carvalho AP, Ribeiro CF, Macedo T. Synaptosomal GABA release as influenced by valerian root extract. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 1994;327:220-231.
6. Schultz H, Stolz C, Müller J. The effect of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers; a pilot study. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1994;27:147-151.
7. Skidmore-Roth L. Mosby's handbook of herbs and natural supplements. 2001.
8. Spinella M. Herbal medicines and epilepsy: the potential for benefit and adverse effects. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2001;2:524-532.
9. Vorback EU, Görtelmeyer R, Brüning T. Therapie von insomnien: wirksumkeit und vertraglichkeit eines baldrian - praparates. Psychopharmakotherapie. 1996;3:109-115.