Didrovaltrate

Didrovaltrate is a natural product found in valerian plants, classified as a member of the valepotriates, a family of iridoid-type esters commonly reported in Valeriana species. It is considered to be a dihydro derivative of valtrate and is one of several valepotriates described from valerian roots and rhizomes.

Chemical and storage considerations: Valepotriates, including didrovaltrate, are known for their instability. They readily degrade in light, heat, and in the presence of moisture or pH changes, which complicates isolation, storage, and pharmacological assessment. In research contexts, samples are typically prepared and stored at low temperature and protected from light to slow degradation.

Natural occurrence and isolation: Didrovaltrate occurs in Valeriana officinalis and related Valeriana species in relatively small amounts. It can be isolated from dried root or rhizome material using solvent extraction followed by chromatographic purification, though its instability can make purification challenging.

Biological activity and significance: Valepotriates have been investigated for various pharmacological effects associated with valerian extracts, including central nervous system activity. However, the specific contribution of didrovaltrate to observed biological effects is not well defined, in part because of its rapid degradation. There are no established clinical uses for didrovaltrate as an isolated compound, and valerian preparations are used primarily as herbal remedies with traditional sleep-related claims.

Safety and handling: Due to its instability and potential to form reactive degradation products, didrovaltrate is handled under controlled laboratory conditions with appropriate precautions. It is not used as a standalone pharmaceutical agent.