Plant Comparison

Figwort vs Valerian

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant

Second plant

Plant AFigwortScrophularia nodosaScrophulariaceaeFull monograph →

Plant BValerianValeriana officinalisCaprifoliaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Figwort and Valerian: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), menstrual cramps, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.

FigwortValerian

Constituents33

Pharmacological actions44

Indicated uses126

Safety notes22

Cited sources1623

Indicated uses

Only Figwort

AcneDetox / cleansingEczemaPsoriasisSwelling / fluid retentionUrinary supportUrinary tract infection (UTI)

Shared (5)

Arthritis / joint painInflammation (general)Menstrual crampsMuscle spasmSkin irritation

Only Valerian

Insomnia / sleeplessness

Pharmacological actions

Only Figwort

Alterative / depurative ('detox')Diuretic

Shared (2)

Anti-inflammatoryAntispasmodic

Only Valerian

AntioxidantSedative / sleep support

Evidence face-off — shared uses

Condition	Figwort	Valerian	Verdict
Arthritis / joint pain	1/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian
Inflammation (general)	2/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian
Menstrual cramps	1/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian
Muscle spasm	1/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian
Skin irritation	2/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Iridoid glycosides (aucubin, harpagoside, harpagide, catalpol)^{[3, 4, 11, 12]}

Anti-inflammatory constituents; harpagoside also has cardiac (inotropic) activity.

Iridoid glycosidesHarpagosideGlycosides

Flavonoids^{[5, 11]}

Antioxidant constituents.

Flavonoids

Phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, vanillic)^[11]

Supporting antioxidant constituents.

Phenolic acidsCaffeic acidFerulic acid

Valerenic acid and valerenal^[13]

Sesquiterpenes thought to be key contributors to the sedative, GABA-A-modulating action.

Valerenic acid

Iridoids (valepotriates)^[12]

Unstable iridoid esters historically of pharmacological interest, though their contribution to the whole-root effect is debated.

Iridoid glycosides

Essential oil (bornyl acetate and sesquiterpenes)^[12]

Responsible for the root's characteristic strong aroma.

Essential (volatile) oilSesquiterpenes

Pharmacological Actions

Alterative / depurative ('detox')^{[6, 9, 10, 11, 12]}

Mild diuretic and lymphatic 'detoxifying' herb (traditional); Traditional 'alterative' for chronic skin conditions - eczema, psoriasis, rashes (as a poultice, salve or tea)

Anti-inflammatory^{[2, 7, 11]}

Anti-inflammatory; soothes inflamed, irritated skin

Antispasmodic^[13]

Antispasmodic / smooth-muscle relaxant (preclinical - an extract relaxed isolated intestinal smooth muscle, apparently via muscarinic receptors)

Diuretic^[11]

Mild diuretic and lymphatic 'detoxifying' herb (traditional)

Anti-inflammatory^{[12, 13, 14]}

Antioxidant^{[12, 13, 14]}

Antispasmodic^{[12, 13, 14]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Sedative / sleep support^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14]}

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Acne^{[11, 12]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from alterative action

Evidence: 1

Label: Acne

Arthritis / joint pain^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Detox / cleansing^{[11, 12]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from alterative action

Evidence: 1

Label: Detox / cleansing

Eczema^{[11, 12]}Traditional · 1/10

Traditional 'alterative' for chronic skin conditions - eczema, psoriasis, rashes (as a poultice, salve or tea)

Evidence: 1

Label: Eczema

Inflammation (general)^{[7, 11]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2

Label: Inflammation (general)

Menstrual cramps^[13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^[13]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Muscle spasm

Psoriasis^{[11, 12]}Traditional · 1/10

Traditional 'alterative' for chronic skin conditions - eczema, psoriasis, rashes (as a poultice, salve or tea)

Evidence: 1

Label: Psoriasis

Skin irritation^{[1, 6, 11, 12]}Traditional · 2/10

Anti-inflammatory; soothes inflamed, irritated skin; Traditional 'alterative' for chronic skin conditions - eczema, psoriasis, rashes (as a poultice, salve or tea)

Evidence: 2

Label: Skin irritation

Swelling / fluid retention^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Swelling / fluid retention

Urinary support^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Urinary support

Urinary tract infection (UTI)^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Arthritis / joint pain^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 8

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Inflammation (general)^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 8

Label: Inflammation (general)

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14]}Strong · 10/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 10

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

Menstrual cramps^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

Evidence: 8

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 8

Label: Muscle spasm

Skin irritation^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 8

Label: Skin irritation

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[11, 12]}Caution

Avoid if you have a heart condition or take cardiac medicines: figwort's harpagoside has a stimulating (inotropic) effect on the heart, so it is traditionally avoided with rapid heartbeat or heart disease.

Safety note^[12]Caution

Avoid during pregnancy. There is insufficient reliable evidence on the safety of taking figwort by mouth, so internal use should be cautious and short-term.

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14]}Caution

Generally well tolerated for short-to-medium term use. May cause vivid dreams, morning grogginess, or headache in some individuals. Avoid combining with alcohol, sedatives, or anaesthetics. Do not drive immediately after taking high doses. Do not use in children under 3 years. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14, 15]}Caution

Duke (2002) does not appear to include a primary entry for Valeriana officinalis (European valerian) in the sections searched. The entry found was for Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi). Commission E approves European valerian for restlessness and sleep disorders. Dose: 400–900 mg standardized root extract before bedtime. Interactions include potentiation of CNS depressants and sedatives.

External Ids

Gbif: 3170886

Wikidata: Q159115

Gbif: 2888763

Wikidata: Q157819

Botanical Description

Tall perennial herb (Scrophulariaceae), 50-100 cm (occasionally more), with a distinctly square stem. Leaves are opposite, ovate, toothed and unpleasant-smelling. Small, dull maroon-brown, two-lipped flowers are borne in loose, branched clusters (cymes), followed by small dry seed capsules.^[11]

Height: 50-100 cm (occasionally more)

Habit: Tall, square-stemmed perennial herb

Leaves: Opposite, ovate, toothed, unpleasant-smelling

Flowers: Small, dull maroon-brown, two-lipped, in loose branched cymes

Stem: Distinctly square

Root: Knotty rhizomatous root (historically likened to swollen glands, per the Doctrine of Signatures)

Fruit: Small dry seed capsule

Flowering Period: June-September

Tall, upright perennial herb with hollow, grooved stems and opposite, pinnately divided leaves. Small, pale pink to white, sweetly scented flowers are borne in dense, domed clusters (cymes) at the top of the stem; the dried root has a distinctive strong, earthy, 'dirty sock' smell.^[12]

Height: 1-1.5 m

Habit: Tall, upright perennial herb

Leaves: Opposite, pinnately divided into toothed leaflets

Flowers: Small, pale pink to white, sweetly scented, in dense domed cymes

Stem: Hollow, grooved, upright, unbranched below the flower head

Root: Short rhizome with numerous fibrous roots, strongly aromatic when dried

Fruit: Small achene with a feathery pappus

Flowering Period: June-August

Habitat

Native to Europe and western Asia, growing in damp woods, hedge banks, ditches and shady waste ground on moist, nutrient-rich soils.^[11]

Grows in damp meadows, ditches, riverbanks and marshy ground, tolerating both sun and partial shade; native to Europe and parts of Asia and naturalised in North America.^[12]

Harvesting

Aerial parts are cut during flowering (summer); the root can also be dug in autumn.^[11]

Parts: Aerial parts, Root

Season: Aerial parts in summer (flowering); root in autumn

The rhizome and roots are dug in autumn of the second year, once the strong characteristic aroma has developed, then cleaned and dried.^[12]

Parts: Rhizome, Root

Season: Autumn (second year)

Traditional Uses

Figwort takes one common name, 'scrofula plant', from its historic traditional use for scrofula (tuberculous lymph-node swelling) under the Doctrine of Signatures, its knotty root resembling swollen glands. It has a long folk-medicine reputation as an 'alterative' (blood-purifying) herb for chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, applied as a poultice, salve or tea.^{[11, 12]}

Valerian root has a long European tradition, formalised in Commission E approval, as a sedative and mild anxiolytic for restlessness and sleep disorders, and as an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps and muscle spasm; modern systematic reviews support a modest benefit for sleep quality.^{[12, 13, 14]}

Preparations

Poultice/salve (topical)^[11]

Crushed fresh or prepared aerial parts applied to skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Infusion (tea)^[11]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, a traditional alterative/diuretic preparation.

Standardized root extract (capsule/tablet)^[13]

Standardized root extract taken shortly before bedtime, the form most used in clinical research.

Dosage

Infusion (tea)^{[11, 12]}

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, taken cautiously and short-term given limited safety data and the cardioactive harpagoside content. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid with heart conditions/cardiac medicines and in pregnancy.

Standardized extract^[12]

Commission E and clinical research commonly suggest around 400-900 mg standardized root extract taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1035, REF-1036, REF-1037, REF-1038, REF-1039, REF-1040, REF-1041, REF-1042, REF-1043, REF-1044

REF-1348, REF-1349, REF-1350, REF-1351, REF-1352, REF-1353, REF-1354, REF-1355, REF-1356, REF-1357, REF-0092

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: has-lookalikes

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Outcome: has-lookalikes

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dangerous Lookalikes

Safety note^{[14, 15, 16]}Fatal

Dangerous Plant: atropa-belladonna

Confused Part: Tall shady-ground plant with small dark flowers gathered for herbal use; deadly nightshade grows in similar ground and has been confused with figwort.

Confusion Context: Common figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) is a tall plant of damp woods and hedge banks used in traditional herbal medicine. As the botanical reference First Nature notes, it is sometimes confused with deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) - both are shade-loving plants with dull, dark-coloured flowers. Deadly nightshade is one of the most poisonous plants in Europe: its tropane alkaloids (atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine) cause a dry flushed skin, dilated pupils, hallucinations, seizures and can be fatal. Because the two can be mistaken, especially by the dark flowers, careful identification matters.

Distinguishing Features: Stem (decisive): common figwort has a distinctly SQUARE stem in cross-section. Deadly nightshade has a round stem., Flower size: figwort's flowers are tiny (only about 8 mm across), roughly a third the size of deadly nightshade's larger purplish-brown bell flowers., Fruit: figwort forms small dry seed capsules, whereas deadly nightshade bears shiny black cherry-sized berries in a green star-shaped calyx - any such berries mean deadly nightshade.

Key Test: Feel the stem and look at the flowers/fruit. A square stem with tiny (~8 mm) dark flowers and dry seed capsules = figwort. A round stem, larger brown-purple bell flowers and shiny black berries = deadly nightshade - potentially fatal, do not gather it. If you see black berries, do not use the plant.

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Safety note^{[21, 22, 23]}Fatal

Dangerous Plant: conium-maculatum

Confused Part: Tall damp-ground plant with divided leaves and clusters of tiny white/pink flowers gathered for its root; poison hemlock has a similar growth habit and white flowers.

Confusion Context: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a tall plant of damp ground, dug for its sedative root. As Practical Self Reliance warns, other plants with a similar growth habit and white flowers are deadly toxic - namely poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which shares the damp habitat and tall stature; water hemlock (Cicuta) can grow in the same wet ground. Poison hemlock contains coniine and kills by paralysis and respiratory failure. Because valerian's divided leaves and frothy pale flower clusters can be taken for a hemlock at a glance, careful identification is essential.

Distinguishing Features: Leaf and flower structure: valerian has OPPOSITE, pinnately divided leaves and domed clusters (cymes) of tiny pink-tinged white flowers. Poison hemlock has alternate, finely feathery (fern-like) leaves and flat-topped white umbels., Stem: poison hemlock has a hairless stem conspicuously blotched and streaked with red-purple, especially near the base. Valerian stems are plain green and grooved, without purple blotches., Smell: the pulled valerian root smells unmistakably of dirty socks/earthy funk; poison hemlock smells rank, musty and mouse-like.

Key Test: Check the stem, leaves and root smell. Opposite divided leaves, a plain green stem, domed pink-white flower clusters and a dirty-sock root smell = valerian. A hairless stem with red-purple blotches, feathery leaves, flat white umbels and a musty/mousy smell = poison hemlock - deadly, do not gather. If the stem is purple-blotched, do not touch it to your mouth.

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Drug Class Interactions

Not documented

Safety note^{[16, 17]}Caution

Drug Class: sedatives-cns-depressants

Mechanism: Valerian acts on GABA-A receptors like benzodiazepines and may add to the sedative effect of CNS depressants, sleep medicines, benzodiazepines and alcohol (a meta-analysis supports valerian improving sleep quality).

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Pairings

Not documented

Valerian and hops are traditionally combined for sleep; a controlled trial found the valerian-hops combination shortened the time to fall asleep more than valerian alone. Both add to sedation, so expect stronger drowsiness.^{[18, 19]}

Partner Id: humulus-lupulus

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Valerian and passionflower are both mild GABA-acting sedatives often blended in sleep and calming formulas; combined use may enhance relaxation but also additive drowsiness.^{[19, 20]}

Partner Id: passiflora-incarnata

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Valerian and lemon balm are a classic calming pair acting on the GABA system to improve sleep quality; combined use may increase sedation.^[19]

Partner Id: melissa-officinalis

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

References & Sources

Stevenson, P.C., Simmonds, M.S.J., Sampson, J., Houghton, P.J. and Grice, P (2002) 'Wound healing activity of acylated iridoid glycosides from Scrophularia nodosa', Phytotherapy Research, 16(1), pp. 33-35. doi:10.1002/ptr.798 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.798
Ahmad, M., Muhammad, N., Mehjabeen, Jahan, N. and others (2012) 'Biological screening of Scrophularia nodosa extract and its fractions', Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 25(2), pp. 307-313. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Biological%20screening%20of%20Scrophularia%20nodosa%20extract%20and%20its%20fractions
Miyase, T. and Mimatsu, A (1999) 'Acylated iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides from the aerial parts of Scrophularia nodosa', Journal of Natural Products, 62(8), pp. 1079-1084. doi:10.1021/np9805746 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/np9805746
Sesterhenn, K., Distl, M. and Wink, M (2006) 'Occurrence of iridoid glycosides in in vitro cultures and intact plants of Scrophularia nodosa L', Plant Cell Reports, 26(3), pp. 365-371. doi:10.1007/s00299-006-0233-3 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-006-0233-3
Soualeh, N., Stiévenard, A., Baudelaire, E., Bouayed, J. and Soulimani, R (2019) 'Powders with small microparticle size from Hedera helix and Scrophularia nodosa exhibited high preventive antioxidant activity against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in mouse primary spleen cells', International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 88(3-4), pp. 208-218. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000526 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000526
Papp, N., Czégényi, D., Tóth, M., Dénes, T. and others (2022) 'Ethnomedicine survey on folk dermatology in Transylvania, Romania', Clinics in Dermatology, 40(6), pp. 651-664. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2022.07.013 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2022.07.013
Soulimani, R., Dicko, A., Baudelaire, E. and Bouayed, J (2021) 'Increased anti-inflammatory activity and enhanced phytochemical concentrations in superfine powders obtained by controlled differential sieving process from four medicinal plants', International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 93(4), pp. 339-351. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000739 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000739
Ohiienko, T., Kutsyk, R., Kurovets, L., Ohiienko, S. and others (2023) 'Screening of medicinal and aromatic plants extracts for the synergism with fluconazole against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis fungi associated with denture stomatitis', Wiadomosci Lekarskie, 76(7), pp. 1615-1620. doi:10.36740/WLek202307115 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.36740/WLek202307115
Leclerc, H (1949) '[The scrofular, Scrophularia nodosa L.]', Revue de Phytotherapie, 13(87), pp. 381-383. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%5BThe%20scrofular%2C%20Scrophularia%20nodosa%20L.%5D
Akerreta, S., Cavero, R.Y. and Calvo, M.I (2007) 'First comprehensive contribution to medical ethnobotany of Western Pyrenees', Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 3, pp. 26. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-3-26 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-3-26
Medicinal Herbals (n.d.) 'Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa): The Natural Skin Healer'. Available at: https://medicinalherbals.net/figwort-scrophularia-nodosa-natural-skin-healer/ Traditional / reference
https://medicinalherbals.net/figwort-scrophularia-nodosa-natural-skin-healer/
WebMD (n.d.) 'Figwort: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions'. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-446/figwort Traditional / reference
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-446/figwort
Ahmad, M., Muhammad, N., Mehjabeen, Jahan, N., Ahmad, M., Obaidullah, Qureshi, M. and Jan, S.U (2012) 'Spasmolytic effects of Scrophularia nodosa extract on isolated rabbit intestine', Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 25(1), pp. 267--275. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Spasmolytic%20effects%20of%20Scrophularia%20nodosa%20extract%20on%20isolated%20rabbit%20intestine
First Nature 'Scrophularia nodosa, Common Figwort'. Available at: https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/scrophularia-nodosa.php Traditional / reference
https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/scrophularia-nodosa.php
Berdai, M.A. and Labib, S. and Chetouani, K. and Harandou, M (2012) 'Atropa belladonna intoxication: a case report', Pan African Medical Journal, 11, pp. 72. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22655106/ Clinical study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22655106/
Oerlemans, C. and de Vries, I. and van Riel, A.J.H.P (2017) 'Anticholinergic syndrome caused by contaminated herbal tea; acting swiftly to identify the source', Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, 161, pp. D1261. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28612694/ Clinical study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28612694/

Chandra Shekhar, H., Joshua, L. and Thomas, J.V (2024) 'Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study', Advances in Therapy, 41(1), pp. 246-261. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6
Shinjyo, N., Waddell, G. and Green, J (2020) 'Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 25, pp. 2515690X20967323. doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X20967323
Borras, S., Martinez-Solis, I. and Rios, J.L (2021) 'Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review', Planta Medica, 87(10-11), pp. 738-753. doi:10.1055/a-1510-9826 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1510-9826
Nunes, A. and Sousa, M (2011) 'Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?', Acta Medica Portuguesa, 24(Suppl 4), pp. 961-966. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Use%20of%20valerian%20in%20anxiety%20and%20sleep%20disorders%3A%20what%20is%20the%20best%20evidence%3F
Tammadon, M.R., Nobahar, M., Hydarinia-Naieni, Z., Ebrahimian, A. and others (2021) 'The Effects of Valerian on Sleep Quality, Depression, and State Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Clinical Trial', Oman Medical Journal, 36(2), pp. e255. doi:10.5001/omj.2021.56 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2021.56
Alternative Medicine Review (2004) 'Monograph: Valeriana officinalis', Alternative Medicine Review, 9(4), pp. 438-441. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Monograph%3A%20Valeriana%20officinalis
Soltani, A., Bahrami, F., Bahari, Z., Shankayi, Z. and others (2021) 'The effects of Valerian on sleep spindles in a model of neuropathic pain', Sleep Science, 14(Spec 2), pp. 133-139. doi:10.5935/1984-0063.20200110 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200110
Mineo, L., Concerto, C., Patel, D., Mayorga, T. and others (2017) 'Valeriana officinalis Root Extract Modulates Cortical Excitatory Circuits in Humans', Neuropsychobiology, 75(1), pp. 46-51. doi:10.1159/000480053 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1159/000480053
Jacobs, B.P., Bent, S., Tice, J.A., Blackwell, T. and Cummings, S.R (2005) 'An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia', Medicine (Baltimore), 84(4), pp. 197-207. doi:10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95
Alkharfy, K.M. and Frye, R.F (2007) 'Effect of valerian, valerian/hops extracts, and valerenic acid on glucuronidation in vitro', Xenobiotica, 37(2), pp. 113-123. doi:10.1080/00498250601050420 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/00498250601050420
Garges, H.P., Varia, I. and Doraiswamy, P.M (1998) 'Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal', 280(18), pp. 1566--1567. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Cardiac%20complications%20and%20delirium%20associated%20with%20valerian%20root%20withdrawal
Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism
Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', 119(12), pp. 1005--1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026
Francis, A.J. and Dempster, R.J (2002) 'Effect of valerian, Valeriana edulis, on sleep difficulties in children with intellectual deficits: randomised trial', 9(4), pp. 273--279. doi:10.1078/0944-7113-00110 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00110
Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Ortiz, J.G., Rassi, N., Maldonado, P.M., Gonzalez-Cabrera, S. and Ramos, I (2006) 'Commercial valerian interactions with [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes', Phytotherapy Research, 20(9), pp. 794-798. doi:10.1002/ptr.1960 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1960
Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026
Koetter, U., Schrader, E., Kaeufeler, R. and Brattstroem, A (2007) 'A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder', Phytotherapy Research, 21(9), pp. 847-851. doi:10.1002/ptr.2167 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2167
Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201
Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153-1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400
Practical Self Reliance 'Foraging Wild Valerian For Better Sleep'. Available at: https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ Traditional / reference
https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/
Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328
King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock

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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.