Valerian
Related Terms
- (1R,3R,5R,7S,8S,9S)-3,8-epoxy-1-O-ethyl-5-hydroxyvalechlorine, (1S,3R,5R,7S,8S,9S)-3,8-epoxy-1-O-ethyl-5-hydroxyvalechlorine, (1S,3R,5R,7S,8S,9S)-3,8-epoxy-1,5-dihydroxyvalechlorine, 2S(-)-hesperidin, (5S,6S,8S,9R)-1,3-isovaleroxy-?4,11-1,3-diol, (5S,6S,8S,9R)-3-isovaleroxy-6-isovaleroyloxy-?4,??-1,3-diol, (5S,6S,8S,9R)-6-isovaleroyloxy-?4,??-1,3-diol, (5S,7S,8S,9S)-7-hydroxy-8-isovaleroyloxy-?4,??-dihyronepetalactone, (5S,7S,8S,9S)-7-hydroxy-10-isovaleroyloxy-?4,??-dihyronepetalactone, (5S,8S,9S)-10-isovaleroyloxy-?4,??-dihyronepetalactone, 6-methylapigenin, 6'-O-acyl-beta-D-glucosyl-clionasterols, 14-methylpentadecanoyl, actinidine, all-heal, amantilla, Balderbrackenwurzel (German), Baldisedron?, Baldrian (German), Baldrian-Dispert, Baldrianwurzel (German), baldrinal, baldrion, Belgian valerian, blessed herb, capon's tail, chlorogenic acid, chlorovaltrates A-O, clionasterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, common valerian, English valerian, Euvegal? forte, flavonoids, fragrant valerian, garden heliotrope, garden valerian, German valerian, great wild valerian, Harmonicum Much?, heliptrope, herba benedicta, hexadecanoyl 8E, hexadecanoyl, 8E,11E-octadecadienoyl, homobaldrinal, Indian valerian, irioids, isovaleric acid, Jacob's ladder, Japanese valerian, jatadoids A-B, jatairidoids A-C, Katzenwurzel (German), kessanes, laege-baldrian (Danish), Li 156, lignans, Mexican valerian, monoterpenes, Nature Made?, Nature's Resource?, Nature's Way Valerian, Nervex?, Neurapas? balance, Neurol?, Orasedon?, Pacific valerian, phu, phu germanicum, phu parvum, pinnis dentatis, racine de val?riane (French), radix valerian, red valerian, rupesin B, Sanox-N?, Seda-Kneipp, Sedamine, Sedonium?, sesquiterpenes, setewale capon's tail, setwall, setwell, tagara (Sanskrit), terpenoids (valepotriates), theriacaria, Ticalma?, vaimane, valariana, Valdispert, Valdispert forte, valepotriates, valeranone, valerenal, valeriana (Italian), Valeriana edulis, Valeriana edulis Nutt., Valeriana faurieri, Valeriana foliis pinnatis, Valeriana jatamansi, Valeriana jatamansi Jones, Valeriana officinalis L., Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia, Valeriana procera Kunth (Mexican valeriana), Valeriana radix, Valeriana sitchensis, Valeriana sitchensis Bong., Valeriana wallichii, Valeriana wallichii DC., Valerianaceae (family), Valerianae radix, Valerianaheel?, val?riane (French), Valerina Forte?, Valerina Natt?, valerinic acid, Valmane?, valtrate, Valverde?, Valverde Sleeping Syrup, vandal root, Vermont valerian, volatile oils, volvaltrate B, wild valerian, Ze 185, Ze 91019, Ze 911.
- Note: Valeriana procera Kunth (Mexican valerian) is sometimes used as a substitute for Valeriana officinalis L. Other valerian species used in commercial preparations include Valeriana jatamansi Jones, Valeriana edulis Nutt., and V. sitchensis Bong. Although the primary focus of this bottom line is on Valeriana officinalis, information pertaining to other Valeriana species has been identified whenever possible.
Background
- Limited evidence suggests that valerian may benefit women with moderate-to-severe menstrual cramps by relieving pain and reducing the need for pain relievers.
- Valerian is often used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. Early studies suggest that valerian may help improve sleep quality. Ongoing use may be more effective than single-dose use. However, more high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.
- Studies report that valerian is generally well tolerated for up to 4-6 weeks. It may rarely cause mild side effects such as dizziness, hangover, or headache. Early research suggests that small doses of valerian may lack effect on alertness, concentration, coordination, and reaction time. However, other studies report that valerian may slow the processing of complex thoughts for a few hours after use.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Early research suggests that valerian may help reduce the pain of menstrual cramps and lower the intake of pain relievers. Although promising, further study is needed to confirm these results.
|
B |
Early research suggests that valerian may help reduce the pain of menstrual cramps and lower the intake of pain relievers. Although promising, further study is needed to confirm these results.
|
B |
Valerian has been proposed as a treatment for anxiety and panic disorder. However, compelling evidence is lacking. Available studies may be of low quality, and several have used valerian in combination with other herbs, such as passion flower or St. John's wort. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Valerian has been proposed as a treatment for anxiety and panic disorder. However, compelling evidence is lacking. Available studies may be of low quality, and several have used valerian in combination with other herbs, such as passion flower or St. John's wort. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early research suggests valerian, passion flower, and St. John's wort combined may have effects on brain activity similar to those of some antidepressants. However, there is a lack of information on the effects of valerian alone. Further study is needed before conclusions can be made.
|
C |
Early research suggests valerian, passion flower, and St. John's wort combined may have effects on brain activity similar to those of some antidepressants. However, there is a lack of information on the effects of valerian alone. Further study is needed before conclusions can be made.
|
C |
Research suggests that depression and anxiety symptoms may improve faster with valerian and St. John's wort combined. Higher doses of valerian may be more effective. Although promising, further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Research suggests that depression and anxiety symptoms may improve faster with valerian and St. John's wort combined. Higher doses of valerian may be more effective. Although promising, further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Valerian supplements have been studied for sleep disorders, such as insomnia. However, findings have been inconsistent. Although some studies report improvement in sleep quality, others have found unclear results. Early evidence suggests that ongoing use may be more effective than single-dose use. Products that use a combination of valerian with hops or St. John's wort may be promising. More research is needed before the effectiveness of valerian may be confirmed.
|
C |
Valerian supplements have been studied for sleep disorders, such as insomnia. However, findings have been inconsistent. Although some studies report improvement in sleep quality, others have found unclear results. Early evidence suggests that ongoing use may be more effective than single-dose use. Products that use a combination of valerian with hops or St. John's wort may be promising. More research is needed before the effectiveness of valerian may be confirmed.
|
C |
Valerian has been studied along with other herbs for sleep problems and hot flashes during menopause. Early research suggests that a combination formula containing ginseng, black cohosh, soy, green tea extracts, kava, hops, and valerian extracts may be effective. Further study is needed on the effects of valerian alone.
|
C |
Valerian has been studied along with other herbs for sleep problems and hot flashes during menopause. Early research suggests that a combination formula containing ginseng, black cohosh, soy, green tea extracts, kava, hops, and valerian extracts may be effective. Further study is needed on the effects of valerian alone.
|
C |
There is some evidence that valerian may have sedative effects. However, there is controversy in this area. Research suggests that single doses taken by mouth in healthy people may lack effect on alertness or sedation. However, early study of combination valerian and lemon balm has shown promise in treating restlessness in children. More study is needed to determine the possible effects of valerian in different populations.
|
C |
There is some evidence that valerian may have sedative effects. However, there is controversy in this area. Research suggests that single doses taken by mouth in healthy people may lack effect on alertness or sedation. However, early study of combination valerian and lemon balm has shown promise in treating restlessness in children. More study is needed to determine the possible effects of valerian in different populations.
|
C |
Valerian has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in healthy people undergoing mental stress. When combined with lemon balm, valerian may help reduce anxiety, although increased anxiety has been seen with higher doses. More high-quality study is needed to understand the effects of valerian alone.
|
C |
Valerian has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in healthy people undergoing mental stress. When combined with lemon balm, valerian may help reduce anxiety, although increased anxiety has been seen with higher doses. More high-quality study is needed to understand the effects of valerian alone.
|
C | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- In general, valerian has been studied for 4-6 weeks. It should not be used for longer without the supervision of a healthcare provider.
- For anxiety disorders, 81-270 milligrams of valerian extract (Valdispert?) has been taken by mouth as a single dose or daily for four weeks. Doses of 100 milligrams of valerian have been taken by mouth three times daily for 21 days. Doses of 150-300 milligrams of a valerian product (Valmane?) have been taken by mouth daily.
- For menstrual cramps, one capsule containing 255 milligrams of powdered valerian root has been taken by mouth three times daily for three days, starting on the first day of menstruation for two menstrual cycles.
- For insomnia, valerian has been taken by mouth in the form of a tea (1.5-3 grams of root steeped for 5-10 minutes in 150 milliliters of boiling water). Doses of 45-1,800 milligrams of valerian (Nature Made? Nutritional Products, Nature's Resource?, Valerina Forte?, LI 156, Harmonicum Much?) have been taken by mouth daily one hour before bedtime for up to eight weeks or as a single dose. The following forms and doses of valerian have been taken by mouth: Baldisedron?, dose and duration unknown; 500-1,200 milligrams of concentrated valerian; 60-900 milligrams of extract (alcoholic, aqueous, root, Sedonium?, Valdispert Forte?, or Ze911), 2-3 times daily for eight days up to four weeks; 6.4 milligrams of valerianic acid, for periods of 1-56 days; and two tablets or capsules (Baldrian Dispert?, Nature's Way) containing 200-470 milligrams of dried valerian root or powder 30 minutes before bedtime for one night, nightly for one week, or twice daily for 14 days. A single dose of Valerina Natt? containing 400 milligrams of valerian, 160 milligrams of lemon balm, and 375 milligrams of hops has been taken by mouth.
- For sedation, valerian has been taken by mouth as a tea (1.5-3 grams of root steeped for 5-10 minutes in 150 milliliters of boiling water). Valerian has been taken by mouth in the following forms and doses: 600 milligrams of valerian extract daily for 14 days; 800 milligrams of Valverde? before bed; and 150-300 milligrams of Valmane? daily.
- For stress, two 600 milligram valerian tablets (LI 156) have been taken by mouth daily for seven days.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Valerian may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Valerian may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
- Valerian may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
- Valerian may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
- Valerian may also interact with acetaminophen, agents for the heart, agents that affect blood vessel width, agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the lungs, agents that affect the nervous system, agents that harm the liver, alcohol, anti-anxiety agents, anticancer agents, antidepressants (including monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs] and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]), anti-diarrhea agents, antihistamines, anti-seizure agents, anti-spasm agents, aromatase inhibitors, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, caffeine, codeine, diphenhydramine (Benadryl?), disulfiram (Antabuse?), flunitrazepam, hormonal agents, loperamide (Imodium?), lorazepam, loreclezole, metronidazole (Flagyl?), mood stabilizers, morphine, pain relievers, pentobarbital, skin agents, stomach agents, tamoxifen, and vasopressin.
Attribution
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This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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