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Valeriana officinalis (Valerian root)

Uses: Traditional use: 1) tranquilizer & calming agent in cases of nervousness & hysteria 2) nervous stomach 3) nausea 4) poor digestion 5) muscle pains 6) dysmenorrhea Folklore suggests that the volatile oil found in the root of the plants attracts rodents. It has been suggested that the Pied Piper of Hamlin sewed Valerian root to his coat to lure the rats out of the city. Current uses: 1) insomnia: sleeping aid - data inconclusive [6] 2) anxiety: anxiolytic - ineffective [6] 3) irritable bowel syndrome * no trials for depression [5] Contraindications: Caution: 1) products based on Mexican & Indian valerian should not be vused 2) avoid other species of Valeriana, i.e. V. edulis & V. wallichii which have more psychostimulatory effects 3) No data on safety during pregnancy * not effective, evidence is inconclusive [6] Dosage: 1) tincture 1:3 in 45% alcohol, a) 3-10 mL one hour before bedtime b) 1-3 mL TID for anxiety 2) extract 1:1 in 45% alcohol a) 1-3 mL one hour before bedtime b) 0.3-1.0 mL TID for anxiety 3) taper dose several weeks before surgery [4] Adverse effects: 1) headache 2) morning drowsiness 3) sedation 4) benzodiazepine-like withdrawal [4] 5) concern for mutagenic effects 6) tremor 7) hepatotoxicity [6] Mechanism of action: 1) valerenic acid binds to GABA receptors 2) pharmacologic action similar to benzodiazepines

Related

Alluna (valerian & hops) benzodiazepine gamma amino butyric acid [GABA] receptor

General

pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical

References

  1. Victoria Rand, UCSF Fresno Lecture, 10/7/98
  2. Leathwood et al, Pharmacology Biochemistry & Behavior, 1982
  3. Leathwood et al, Planta Medica, 1985
  4. Geriatrics at your Fingertips, 13th edition, 2011 Reuben DB et al (eds) American Geriatric Society
  5. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 9th edition (GRS9) Medinal-Walpole A, Pacala JT, Porter JF (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2016
  6. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 18, 19 American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2018, 2022

Component-of

Alluna (valerian & hops) Avlimil gamma aminobutyrate/melatonin/valeriana officinalis