Valtrate

Valtrate is a natural product that has been isolated from valerian plants, notably Valeriana officinalis and related Valeriana species. It is one of several constituents identified in valerian root extracts and has been studied in the context of valerian’s traditional use as a sedative and anxiolytic. In the valerian suite, valtrate occurs alongside other related compounds known as valepotriates; these compounds are typically unstable and prone to hydrolysis, especially outside of tightly controlled conditions.

Chemically, valtrate is characterized by its association with laboratory studies of valerian's complex mixture of constituents. Its presence and relative abundance in valerian extracts can vary with species, geographic origin, plant part (root versus rhizome), harvest timing, and storage conditions. Because valepotriates, including valtrate, are unstable, the composition of commercial valerian products can change over time, particularly during processing and storage.

Pharmacologically, valtrate has been examined as part of efforts to understand valerian’s CNS effects. The literature often emphasizes the instability of valepotriates and related compounds, which makes it difficult to attribute specific therapeutic effects to valtrate alone. Human data are limited and results across studies are not consistent. For quality control, valtrate and related valepotriates are sometimes used as chemical markers to standardize valerian extracts, alongside other constituents such as valerenic acids.

Safety and handling considerations reflect the compound’s instability; degradation of valepotriates can produce products with uncertain activity or irritant properties in experimental settings. As with other herbal preparations, valerian products containing valtrate are generally used within the context of standard dosing guidelines, with recognition that definitive clinical guidance remains limited.