| PDF[?] (Download) | InsomniaSedativesValerian (Valeriana officinalis) | | Date: August 31, 2005 | HC# 040454-287 |
Re:Literature Review on Valerian
Monograph. Valeriana officinalis Alt Med Rev. 2004;9(4):438-441.
While valerian is the common name for over 250 species of plants of the genus Valeriana (Valerianaceae), Valeriana officinalis is the most common species found in Western preparations. The valerian root contains more than 150 constituents that have been identified. Some of the constituents include valepotriates (notably valtrate and dihydrovaltrate) and volatile oils (valeranone, valerenal, and valerenic acid). Free amino acids such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tyrosine, arginine, and glutamine are also present. The valepotriates were once thought to be the sole active component. However, other components such as the metabolism product, the baldrinals, are thought to have therapeutic value. Due to the variation in content and composition as well as breakdown of some constituents, valerian standardization has been difficult.
Valerian is employed as a sedative, sleep aid, and gastrointestinal spasmolytic. In a double-blind trial, adults placed in an experimental situation of social stress reported a reduction of anxiety when they had been given valerian beforehand. Valerian is also used for the treatment of insomnia. Four placebo-controlled studies have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of valerian in the treatment of insomnia. Participants reported a reduction in the amount of time it took to fall asleep as well as an improvement in sleep quality. Valerian is traditionally used in the treatment of intestinal spasms, colic, and 'nervous stomach.'
According to this review, the essential oils in valerian appear to be responsible for its sedative activity, while the valepotriates exert an effect on the autonomic nervous system. The specific mechanism of valerian's actions is unknown. This is partly due to the interaction of the many components of valerian. One such interaction is with neurotransmitters such as GABA. Valarian's interaction produces a further release of GABA within the body and inhibits the breakdown of GABA in the brain, thus magnifying a sedative effect.
Valerian is on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. However, as with all herbals, care must be exercised to reduce toxicity due to valerian interactions with other agents. One in vitro study reported that high concentrations of valerian exhibited inhibition of CYP3A4. In addition, valerian was reported to prolong barbiturate-induced sleep in mice. Valerian also may be expected to potentiate the sedative effect of drugs such as midazolam that act at the GABA receptor. However, studies in German medical journals have shown that valerian does not amplify the negative effects of alcohol on driving performance with combined use.
Dosage: In general, insomnia treatment ranges from 300-600 mg of valerian before bedtime, which is equivalent to 2-3 g (~2 teaspoons) of dried valerian root steeped covered for 15 minutes. When using tincture, 2.5-5 mL is needed. Residual daytime sedation has been reported with daily dosages of 900 mg of valerian.
—Heather S. Oliff, PhD |