What Is Valerian? Other Names: All-Heal, Amantilla, Baldrian
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What is Valerian?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Valerian, scientifically known as Valeriana officinalis, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, particularly for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. This article explores the historical use, active compounds, and scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of valerian in treating sleep disorders and anxiety. Other names include: All-Heal, Amantilla, Baldrian, Baldrianwurzel, Belgium Valerian, Common Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Garden Valerian, Grande Valériane, Guérit Tout, Herbe à la Femme Meurtrie, Herbe aux Chats, Herbe aux Coupures, Herbe de Notre-Dame, Herbe de Saint-Georges, Herbe du Loup, Indian Valerian, Mexican Valerian, Pacific Valerian, Rhizome de Valériane, Tagar, Tagar-Ganthoda, Tagara, Valeriana, Valeriana angustifolia, Valeriana edulis, Valeriana fauriei, Valeriana jatamansii, Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana Pseudofficinalis, Valeriana Rhizome, Valeriana sitchensis, Valeriana wallichii, Valerianae Radix, Valeriane, Valériane, Valériane à Petites Feuilles, Valériane Africaine, Valériane Celtique, Valériane Commune, Valériane de Belgique, Valériane des Collines, Valériane Dioïque, Valériane du Jardin, Valériane Indienne, Valériane Mexicaine, Valériane Officinale, Valériane Sauvage.
Historical Use
Valerian has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It was commonly used in ancient Greece and Rome to treat insomnia and anxiety. The roots of the plant are typically dried and used to make teas, tinctures, or capsules. The herb’s calming effects have made it a popular choice for those seeking natural alternatives to pharmaceutical sedatives.
Active Compounds
The therapeutic effects of valerian are primarily attributed to its active compounds, including valepotriates, borneol derivatives, and isovalerenic acid2. These compounds are believed to interact with the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Scientific Evidence
Valerian for Sleep
Several studies have investigated the efficacy of valerian in improving sleep quality. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials found that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing significant side effects1. However, the studies reviewed had methodological issues, and the results were inconsistent. Another systematic review concluded that the evidence for valerian as a treatment for insomnia is inconclusive, highlighting the need for more rigorous trials7.
In a study involving older women with insomnia, valerian did not significantly improve sleep compared to a placebo4. Conversely, an aqueous extract of valerian root was found to significantly decrease sleep latency and improve sleep quality in a study involving 128 participants5. These mixed results suggest that while valerian may benefit some individuals, its overall efficacy remains uncertain.
Valerian for Anxiety
Valerian is also used for its anxiolytic properties. Research has shown that valerian root extracts have potent anxiolytic effects in laboratory rats, comparable to the effects of diazepam, a well-known benzodiazepine10. The active compound valerenic acid is believed to interact with the GABA(A)-ergic system, similar to benzodiazepines, which may explain its calming effects.
Valerian in Special Populations
Valerian has also been studied in specific populations, such as children with intellectual deficits. A randomized trial found that valerian significantly reduced sleep latencies and nocturnal awakenings, lengthened total sleep time, and improved sleep quality in children with intellectual deficits3. These findings suggest that valerian may be a safe and effective treatment for sleep difficulties in this population.
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Safety and Side Effects of Valerian
Valerian is generally considered safe for most people when used in recommended doses. A systematic review of valerian as a sleep aid found that it is associated with only rare adverse events9. However, the quality of valerian preparations can vary, and more research is needed to standardize its use and ensure its safety and efficacy8.
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How has Valerian Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in Sleep Quality
Valerian significantly improved sleep quality in hemodialysis patients, ICU patients, and those recovering from coronary artery bypass graft surgery1 3 4.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest valerian might improve sleep quality without significant side effects, although methodological issues in studies were noted2 7 8.
Reduction in Anxiety and Depression
Valerian reduced symptoms of state anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients1.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Valerian improved cognitive scores in hemodialysis patients, although no significant changes were observed in electroencephalography5.
Postoperative Sleep Disturbances
Valerian was commonly used to treat postoperative sleep disturbances, particularly in women, elderly patients, and those with prolonged hospital stays9.
Combination with Acupressure
Valerian acupressure improved sleep quality and quantity in ICU and cardiac intensive care unit patients3 6.
Cancer Treatment
In cancer patients undergoing treatment, valerian did not significantly improve sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, but it did show some benefits in reducing fatigue and drowsiness10.
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Valerian Mechanisms of Action
Interaction with GABA(A) Receptors
Valerenic acid, a key component of valerian, acts as an allosteric modulator of GABA(A) receptors, enhancing the response to GABA and exhibiting anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines1 2 5 7 8.
The modulation of GABA(A) receptors by valerenic acid is subunit-specific, particularly involving beta(2) and beta(3) subunits, and is not significantly dependent on alpha or gamma subunits2 5 7.
Valerenic acid binds to a specific site on GABA(A) receptors, and mutations in the beta subunits can significantly reduce its efficacy2 5.
Serotonergic Pathway
Valerian essential oil, particularly its component caryophyllene, may upregulate the 5-HT1A receptor, enhancing serotonergic activity and contributing to its anxiolytic and sleep-inducing effects4.
Valerian extracts and valerenic acid also act as partial agonists of the 5-HT5a receptor, which is implicated in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle6.
Phytochemical Contributions
Besides valerenic acid, other compounds such as isovaleric acid, didrovaltrate, and borneol also contribute to the anxiolytic effects of valerian3.
The efficacy of valerian extracts in modulating GABA(A) receptors is directly related to the content of sesquiterpenic acids, particularly valerenic acid7.
Adenosine Mechanism
A combination of valerian and hops has been shown to act via a central adenosine mechanism, which may contribute to its sedative properties by competing with caffeine9.
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Common Complaints Associated with Valerian Use
Dizziness: Dizziness is a frequently reported side effect of valerian use. In a study involving HIV-positive patients, 92% of those in the valerian group experienced dizziness during the first days of the intervention1.
Nausea: Nausea is another common complaint. In the same study, 84% of patients in the valerian group reported experiencing nausea1.
General Safety: Despite these side effects, valerian is generally considered safe with no severe adverse events reported across a wide age range (7 to 80 years) in a systematic review and meta-analysis2.
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Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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