Valerian (herb)

For other uses, see Valerian.

Valerian (plant)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Dipsacales
Family:	Valerianaceae
Genus:	Valeriana
Species:	V. officinalis
Binomial name
Valeriana officinalis L.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months. Valerian flower extracts were used as a perfume in the sixteenth century.

Native to Europe and parts of Asia, valerian has been introduced into North America. It is consumed as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species including Grey Pug.

Other names used for this plant include garden valerian (to distinguish it from other Valeriana species), garden heliotrope (although not related to Heliotropium) and all-heal. The garden flower red valerian is also sometimes referred to as "valerian", but is a different species from the same family and not very closely related.

Valerian, in pharmacology and phytotherapic medicine, is the name of an herb or dietary supplement prepared from roots of the plant, which, after maceration, trituration and dehydration processes, are packaged, usually into capsules. Based on its pharmacological mode of action, valerian root has been demonstrated to possess sedative and anxiolytic effects.

The amino acid valine is named after this plant.

History

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates described its properties, and Galen later prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia. In medieval Sweden, it was sometimes placed in the wedding clothes of the groom to ward off the "envy" of the elves.^[1] In the sixteenth century the Anabaptist reformer Pilgram Marpeck prescribed valerian tea for a sick woman. ^[2]

Etymology

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (second edition 1989), valerian is derived from a Latin adjectival form of the personal name Valerius.

Valerian extract

Biochemical composition

Known compounds detected in valerian that may contribute to its method of action are:

• Alkaloids: actinidine,^[3] chatinine,^[3][4] shyanthine,^[3] valerianine,^[3] and valerine.^[3]
• Isovaleramide may be created in the extraction process.^[5]
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).^[6]
• Isovaleric acid.^[7]
• Iridoids, including valepotriates: isovaltrate^[3] and valtrate.^[3]
• Sesquiterpenes (contained in the Volatile oil): valerenic acid,^[8] hydroxyvalerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid.^[9]
• Flavanones: hesperidin,^[10] 6-methylapigenin^[10] and linarin.^[11]

Mechanism of action

Because of valerian's historical use as a sedative, anticonvulsant, migraine treatment and pain reliever, most basic science research has been directed at the interaction of valerian constituents with the GABA neurotransmitter receptor system. These studies remain inconclusive and all require independent replication. The mechanism of action of valerian in general, and as a mild sedative in particular, remains unknown. Valerian extracts appear to have some affinity for the GABA_A receptor, a class of receptors on which benzodiazepines are known to act.^[12][13]

Valerian also contains isovaltrate, which has been shown to be an inverse agonist for adenosine A₁ receptor sites.^[14] This action likely does not contribute to the herb's sedative effects, which would be expected from an agonist, rather than an inverse agonist, at this particular binding site. Hydrophilic extractions of the herb commonly sold over-the-counter, however, probably do not contain significant amounts of isovaltrate (according to the paper cited previously).

Preparation

Valeriana officinalis

The chief constituent of valerian is a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil which is present in the dried root, varying from 0.5 to 2.0 percent, though an average yield rarely exceeds 0.8 percent. This variation in quantity is partly explained by location; a dry, stony soil, yields a root richer in oil than one that is moist and fertile.^[15] The volatile oils that form the active ingredient are extremely pungent, somewhat reminiscent of well-matured cheese. Valerian tea should not be prepared with boiling water, as this may drive off the lighter oils.

Medicinal use

Valerian is used for insomnia and other disorders as an alternative to benzodiazepine drugs, and as a sedative for nervous tension, hysteria, excitability, stress and intestinal colic or cramps.^{[16][17][18][19]}

In the United States, valerian is sold as a nutritional supplement. Therapeutic use has increased as dietary supplements have gained in popularity, especially after the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was passed in 1994. This law allowed the distribution of many agents as over-the-counter supplements, and therefore allowed them to bypass the regulatory requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Valerian is used for sleeping disorders, restlessness and anxiety, and as a muscle relaxant. Certain data suggests that Valerian has an effect that is calming but doesn't cause sleepiness the following day.^{[citation needed]} When used as a sleeping aid, valerian appears to be most effective on users who have difficulty falling asleep. Also noteworthy is that valerian has been shown to have positive results on users who wake up during the night.^[20] Valerian often seems only to work when taken over longer periods (several weeks), though many users find that it takes effect immediately.^{[citation needed]} Some studies have demonstrated that valerian extracts interact with the GABA receptors. Valerian is also used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel syndrome. However, long term safety studies are absent.

Valerian is sometimes recommended as a first-line treatment when risk-benefit analysis dictates. Valerian is often indicated as transition medication when discontinuing benzodiazepines.

Valerian has uses in herbal medicine as a sedative. Results of investigations into its effectiveness have been mixed.^[21] It has been recommended for epilepsy,^{[citation needed]} but that is not supported by research (although valproic acid—an analogue of one of valerian's constituents, valeric acid—is used as an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug). Valerian root generally does not lose effectiveness over time.

While shown to be an effective remedy for the reduction of anxiety, it has also been reported to cause agitation, headaches and night terrors in some individuals.^{[citation needed]} This may be due to the fact that some people lack a digestive conversion property necessary to effectively break it down.

One study found valerian tends to sedate the agitated person and stimulate the fatigued person, bringing about a balancing effect on the system.^[22]

One study found valerian effective in controlling infantile rota viral diarrhea.^[23]

In ayurveda, valerian is considered to work on the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems as a stimulant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative, analeptic, carminative, and nervine. While it is used for various disorders of these systems, it is noted that excessively, it may dull the mind or cause severe conditions such as central paralysis, thus it is recommended to be used under the supervision of an ayurvedic doctor. Possibly because of its dulling effects, another herb is mainly used for nerve and mind disorders like insomnia: jatamamsi (nardostachys jatamansi).^[24]

Oral forms, usage and adverse effects

Oral forms

Oral forms are available in both standardized and unstandardized forms. Standardized products may be preferable considering the wide variation of the chemicals in the dried root, as noted above. When standardized, it is done so as a percentage of valerenic acid or valeric acid.

Dosage

Dosage is difficult to determine due to the lack of standardization and variability in available forms. Typical dosages of the crude herb vary from 2-10 grams per day. Valerian root is nontoxic, but may cause side effects, such as giddiness and disorientation, when taken in large excessive doses.

Adverse effects

Few adverse events attributable to valerian have been reported.^[16] Large doses may result in stomach ache, apathy, and a feeling of mental dullness or mild depression. Because of the herb's tranquilizer properties, it may cause dizziness or drowsiness, effects that should be considered before driving or operating heavy or hazardous equipment.^[25] In some individuals, valerian can cause stomach ache, anxiety, and night terrors (see above).

Though some people like the earthy scent, many others find it unpleasant, even comparing the odor to that of unwashed feet.^[26] In rare cases, valerian may cause an allergic reaction, typically as a skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.^[25]

Because the compounds in valerian produce central nervous system depression, they should not be used with other depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opiates.^[27][28][29] Moreover, nonpregnant adult human hepatotoxicity has been associated with short-term use (i.e., a few days to several months) of herbal preparations containing valerian and Scutellaria (commonly called Skullcap).^[30] Long-term use in a male has also been associated with benzodiazepine-like withdrawal symptoms, resulting in cardiac complications and delirium.^[31]

The very limited animal and human data do not allow a conclusion as to the safety of valerian during pregnancy. Moreover, as a natural, unregulated product, the concentration, contents, and presence of contaminants in valerian preparations cannot be easily determined. Because of this uncertainty and the potential for cytotoxicity in the fetus and hepatotoxicity in the mother, the product should be avoided during pregnancy.^[27][28] The risk to a fetus from short-term or inadvertent use during any part of gestation, however, is probably low, if it exists at all.

Effect on cats, rats and slime mold

An unusual feature of valerian is that the essential oil of valerian root is a cat attractant similar to catnip.^{[citation needed]} Valerian contains the cat attractant actinidine. Cat attractants might mimic the odor of cat urine,^{[citation needed]} which is caused by 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol (MMB).^{[citation needed]} Anecdotal reports claim that valerian is also attractive to rats—so much so that it had been used to bait traps. Stories describe the Pied Piper of Hamelin using both his pipes and valerian to attract rats.^[15] Research also shows that Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is the strongest chemo-attractant of slime molds (P. polycephalum).^[32]

See also

• Nepeta
• Valine
• Sedative
• Valeric acid
• Sweet valerian
• Tisane
• Insomnia
• Red valerian
• Spikenard
• ATC code N05
• Köhler's Medicinal Plants
• Anxiety
• Herbalism
• Special Herbs, Vols. 4, 5 & 6
• Special Herbs, Vols. 5 & 6
• Orvietan

Notes

1. ^ Thorpe, Benjamin; Northern Mythology, Vol. 2, pp. 64-65
2. ^ Torsten Bergsten, Two Letters by Pilgram Marpeck, Mennonite Quarterly Review, 32, 1958: 200.
3. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} Fereidoon Shahidi and Marian Naczk, Phenolics in food and nutraceuticals (Boca Raton, Florida, USA: CRC Press, 2004), pages 313-314.
4. ^ Although many sources list "catinine" as an alkaloid that's present in extracts from the root of Valeriana officinalis, those sources are incorrect. The correct spelling is "chatinine". It was discovered by S. Waliszewski in 1891. See: S. Waliszewski (15 March 1891) L'Union pharmaceutique, page 109. Abstracts of this article appeared in: "Chatinine, alcaloïde de la racine de valériane" Répertoire de pharmacie, series 3, vol. 3, pages 166-167 (April 10, 1891) ; American Journal of Pharmacy, vol. 66, page 285 (June 1891).
5. ^ Isovaleramide does not appear to be a naturally occurring component of Valerian plants; rather, it seems to be an artifact of the extraction process; specifically, it's produced by treating aqueous extracts of Valerian with ammonia. See: Balandrin, M. F., Van Wagenen, B. C. and Cordell, G. A. (1995) "Valerian-derived sedative agents. II. Degradation of Valmane-derived valepotriates in ammoniated hydroalcoholic tinctures," Journal of Toxicology - Toxin Review, vol. 14, no. 2, pages 165 ff.
6. ^ Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Valerian
7. ^ Isovaleric acid does not appear to be a natural constituent of Valeriana officinalis; rather, it is a breakdown product that is created during the extraction process or by enzymatic hydrolysis during (improper) storage. See page 22 and page 123 of Peter J. Houghton, Valerian: the genus Valeriana (Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Harwood Academic Press, 1997).
8. ^ Yuan CS, Mehendale S, Xiao Y, Aung HH, Xie JT, Ang-Lee MK (2004). "The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity.". Anesth Analg 98 (2): 353–8, table of contents. PMID 14742369. 
9. ^ R.B.H. Wills and D. Shohet (7 2009). "Changes in valerenic acids content of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L. s.l.) during long-term storage". Food Chemistry 115 (1): 250–253. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.12.011. 
10. ^ ^{a b} Marder M, Viola H, Wasowski C, Fernández S, Medina JH, Paladini AC (2003). "6-methylapigenin and hesperidin: new valeriana flavonoids with activity on the CNS". Pharmacol Biochem Behav 75 (3): 537–45. doi:10.1016/S0091-3057(03)00121-7. PMID 12895671. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12895671. 
11. ^ Fernández S, Wasowski C, Paladini AC, Marder M (2004). "Sedative and sleep-enhancing properties of linarin, a flavonoid-isolated from Valeriana officinalis". Pharmacol Biochem Behav 77 (2): 399–404. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2003.12.003. PMID 14751470. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14751470. 
12. ^ Holzl J, Godau P. (1989). "Receptor binding studies with Valeriana officinalis on the benzodiazepine receptor". Planta Medica 55 (7): 642. doi:10.1055/s-2006-962221. 
13. ^ Mennini T, Bernasconi P, et al. (1993). "In vitro study in the interaction of extracts and pure compounds from Valerian officinalis roots with GABA, benzodiazepine and barbiturate receptors". Fitoterapia 64: 291–300. 
14. ^ Science Direct, volume 73, issue 2, 15 January, 2007
15. ^ ^{a b} "Valerian". botanical.com. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/v/valeri01.html. Retrieved 2007-04-15. 
16. ^ ^{a b} "Questions and Answers About Valerian for Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders". Office of Dietary Supplements • National Institutes of Health. 2006-04-13. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian.asp. Retrieved 2007-04-11. 
17. ^ Hadley S, Petry JJ (April 2003). "Valerian". Am Fam Physician 67 (8): 1755–8. PMID 12725454. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030415/1755.html. 
18. ^ "Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.)". Medline Plus. 2006-10-01. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-valerian.html. Retrieved 2007-04-12. 
19. ^ Schmitz M, Jäckel M (1998). "[Comparative study for assessing quality of life of patients with exogenous sleep disorders (temporary sleep onset and sleep interruption disorders) treated with a hops-valarian preparation and a benzodiazepine drug]" (in German). Wien Med Wochenschr 148 (13): 291–8. PMID 9757514. 
20. ^ http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/valerian-topic-overview
21. ^ Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling W (December 2006). "Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Am. J. Med. 119 (12): 1005–12. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026. PMID 17145239. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002-9343(06)00275-0. 
22. ^ Haas M.D., Elson; Buck Levin, PhD, RD (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Berkeley, California: Celestial Arts. ISBN 1-58761-179-1. OCLC 62755545. 
23. ^ Jing, M. et al., Study on the mechanism of Valeriana officinalis for infantile viral diarrhea, Yunnan J. Traditional Chin. Med., 8(4), 1, 1987.
24. ^ Swami Sadashiva Tirtha; The Ayurvedic Encyclopedia, Second Edition, p. 105
25. ^ ^{a b} "Valerian Roots Side Effects at LoveToKnow Herbs". http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Valerian_Roots_Side_Effects. Retrieved 2008-09-30. 
26. ^ Harrington, H.D., Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains, The University of New Mexico Press, 1967, LCCN 67-29685, p. 225
27. ^ ^{a b} Klepser TB, Klepser ME (1999). "Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies". Am J Health-Syst Pharm 56 (12538). 
28. ^ ^{a b} Wong AHC, Smith M, Boon HS (1998). "Herbal remedies in psychiatric practice". Arch Gen Psychiatry 55 (103344). 
29. ^ Miller LG (1998). "Herbal medicines. Selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions". Arch Intern Med 158 (220011). 
30. ^ MacGregor FB, Abernethy VE, Dahabra S, Cobden I, Hayes PC (1989). "Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies". British Medical Journal 299 (11567). 
31. ^ Garges HP, Varia I, Doraiswamy PM (1998). "Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal". JAMA 280 (15667). 
32. ^ AndrewAdamatzky (31 May 2011). "On attraction of slime mould Physarum polycephalum to plants with sedative properties". precedings.nature.com. doi:10.1038/npre.2011.5985.1. http://precedings.nature.com/documents/5985/. Retrieved 2011-05-31. 

External links

• Valerian at AAFP