Valerian root

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 07.11.2022

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Synonym(s)

Cat Root; radix valerianae; Rhizoma valerianae; Valerian; Valerianae radix; Valeriana officinalis

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Root of the true valerian, used phytotherapeutically. see under Valeriana radix.

Extracts of valerian root. These consist mainly of 3 substance groups:

  • Valepotriates (main component = valtrate)
  • Monoterpene alkaloids (actinidin, chatinidin, valerianin)
  • Essential oil with monoterpenes(pinene, camphene, myrcene, limonene), esters of borneol as well as sesquiterpenes (among others valerenic acid - with spasmolytic and papaverine-like effect)

Valerian root in the form of dry extracts (DEV 3-7.4:1, extractant ethanol 40 - 70 %); see under Valeriana radix.

In combination with hop cones in the form of dry extracts also positive HMPC monograph: well-established use: improvement of sleep disorders.


ESCOP mon ograph and Commission E mon ograph: restlessness, nervous sleep disorders.

Regarding quality, drugs or drug preparations are defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.): valerian root (Valerianae radix), valerian tincture (Valerianae tinctura)

Valerian dry extract (Valerianae extractum hydroalcoholicum siccum) prepared with aqueous-alcoholic mixtures, and Valerian dry extract (Valerianae extractum aquosum siccum) prepared with water.

In contrast, there is no pharmacopoeia quality description for valerian oil (Valerianae aetheroleum).

Valerianoil:

HMPC monograph: traditional use: mild mental stress symptoms and sleep promotion .

Pharmacodynamics (Effect)This section has been translated automatically.

Valerian root is used as a mild sedative and spasmolytic, see under Valeriana radix. Its effect is based on the interaction of all its components. There are no acute effects; an effect sets in only after many days or even weeks. However, it improves sleep onset and sleep quality in general.

Valeric acid has sedative, anticonvulsant, mortality-reducing effects; stimulates the release of GABA, inhibits its degradation and increases GABA in the synaptic cleft.

Valtrate lowers muscle tone

Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.

Interaction with the benzodiazepine-chloride channel receptor with the following results: inhibition of the reuptake or release of GABA from the synapses. This reduces excitability to excitatory stimuli and inhibits central nervous processes). It binds to the dopamine receptor, the HT1A receptor and the antagonist to the adenosine 1 receptor (has a sedative effect and is responsible for drowsiness and vigilance).


IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Restlessness, nervousness, insomnia; anxiety in childhood (G47.-, G47.0, F93.2, F51.-)

Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.

No indication of risks, intake should only be made after medical advice.

Dosage and method of useThis section has been translated automatically.

2.0-3.0 g valerian root (infus) or 1-2 teaspoons of valerian tincture

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, abdominal cramps

Recipe(s)This section has been translated automatically.

The fixed combination"Valerian root+hop cone+melissa leaves" made of:

has a sedative effect, is prescribed for restlessness, states of tension and sleep disorders. The combination can also be used in children under 12 years of age.

The fixed combination "valerian root+melissa leaves" made of:

has a sedative effect, is prescribed for restlessness and sleep disorders (trade name: Euvegal® 320/160mg Film tab. 2-0-2 tab/day).

The fixed combination"Valerian root+hopper cone+passion flower herb" from:

has a sedative effect. The combination can also be used in children under 12 years of age.

  • Other fixed combinations are: valerian root+ St. John's wort (Psychotonin® -sed. Kps. 1-(1)-1)
  • Valerian root+St. John's wort+melissa leaves (SedaristonC® Trofp 20-20-20 drops /day)

PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.

Valerian monopreparations: Baldorm® tablets, Valerian-Dispert® day to calm 125 mg tablets, Baldravit®600 mg tablets, Baldurat®650 mg tablets, Cefan® tablets, Dolestan® valerian 450 mg film-coated tablets, Euvegal®500 balance film-coated tablets, Ivel® mono 300 mg tablets, Kneipp® valerian extract, Luvased® mono tablets, Pascosedon® valerian tablets, Sedonium®300 mg tablets.

Valerian + hop cones: Alluna ®Nighttablets, Ardeysedon® Night tablets, Valerian-Dispert®-Night to fall asleep tablets, Kneipp Good Night to fall asleep tablets®, Sedaselect® D coated tablets, Selon ®coatedtablets.

Valerian+ Melissa leaves: Euvegal® 320/160 mg coated tablets, Euvegal® relaxation and sleeping drops, Plantival® forte, -novoTablets, SE Valerian/Melisse forte® film-coated tablets

Valerian+ lemon balm leaves + hop cones: Pascosedon® film-coated tablets, Sedacur® forte coated tablets

Valerian + Melissaleaves + Passionflower herb: Phytonoctu ® film-coated tablets, Valeriana Hevert ® sedativetablets

Valerian+ hop cones + passionflower herb: Biosedon® tablets, Kytta® Sedativum coated tablets, Moradorm® S film-coated tablets, Vivinox sedative tablets.

Valerian + St. John's w ort: Psychotoninsed capsules®, Sedariston® concentrate capsules.

Valerian+ St. John's wort or passion flower herb: Neurapasbalance® film-coated tablets, Cor-Select® ointment, Leukona® sedative bath, Leukona® sedative bath sine chloral hydrate, Fugacid® sedative tea®, Gerner Nervinum N, Heumann® sedative tea Tenerval® N, Rhoival® tea.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Because of its sedative effect and the associated negative impact on the ability to react, valerian should not be used by participants in road traffic or when operating machinery.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Bogacz A et al (2014) The influence of standardized Valeriana officinalis extract on the CYP3A1 gene expression by nuclear receptors in in vivo model. Biomed Res Int doi: 10.1155/2014/819093.
  2. Gromball J et al (2014) Hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsiveness improve during seven weeks' treatment with valerian root and lemon balm extracts in primary school children. Phytomedicine 21:1098-1103.
  3. Jung HY et al. (2014) Valeriana officinalis root extract suppresses physical stress by electric shock and psychological stress by nociceptive stimulation-evoked responses by decreasing the ratio of monoamine neurotransmitters to their metabolites. BMC Complement Altern Med 14:476. Kakehashi A et al.(2014) Valerian inhibits rat hepatocarcinogenesis by activating GABA(A) receptor-mediated signaling. PLoS One 9:e113610.
  4. Kim JS et al. (2015) Effects of Valerianae Radix et Rhizoma extract on psychological stress in mice. Pharmacogn Mag 11:381-388.
  5. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-valeriana-officinalis-l-radix_en.pdf
  6. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/baldrian.php.
  7. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp.75-76

Authors

Last updated on: 07.11.2022

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer