Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[11, 12, 13]}

Antioxidant^{[11, 12, 13]}

Antispasmodic^{[11, 12, 13]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Sedative / sleep support^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13]}

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[11, 12, 13]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Inflammation (general)^{[11, 12, 13]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13]}Strong · 10/10

inferred from sedative action

more plants for insomnia / sleeplessness →detailed sources →

Menstrual cramps^{[11, 12, 13]}Good · 8/10

more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →

Muscle spasm^{[11, 12, 13]}Good · 8/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

more plants for muscle spasm →detailed sources →

Skin irritation^{[11, 12, 13]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[11, 12, 13]}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^{[11, 12, 13]}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.

References

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

References & Sources

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
Find this source
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
Find this source
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
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. Meta-analysis / review
Find this source
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. Randomized trial
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Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
Find this source

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