Valerian

Valerian, commonly referring to the plant Valeriana officinalis, is a flowering perennial in the Valerianaceae family. The name also applies to other species in the genus Valeriana. It is native to Europe and western Asia and has been naturalized in other regions. Valerian grows in damp soils and is characterized by pinnate leaves and clusters of small white to pale pink flowers. The root and rhizome are the parts most used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal use is centered on the dried root, which has been employed to treat insomnia and anxiety in traditional European and Asian practice. It is sold as teas, tinctures, capsules, and standardized extracts. The active constituents are complex and include valepotriates, valerenic and valerenal acids, and various essential oils, which are believed to contribute to a calming effect.

Pharmacology suggests that valerian may exert sedative effects by modulating the GABA neurotransmitter system, though the exact mechanism remains uncertain and likely involves multiple constituents. Clinical evidence from systematic reviews is mixed; some trials report modest improvements in sleep onset and quality compared with placebo, while others show limited or no benefit. Overall, effects tend to be small and vary by preparation and population.

Safety considerations include generally favorable short-term tolerability in healthy adults, with possible side effects such as headache, dizziness, and stomach upset. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported, prompting caution with certain preparations. Valerian can interact with other CNS depressants, including alcohol. It is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation, and long-term safety remains uncertain. Quality and standardization of products vary, underscoring the importance of reputable sources.