Uses and Benefits of Valerian – Side Effects of Valerian

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Uses and Benefits of Valerian – Side Effects of Valerian

30 September 2007

Written by: steve Posted under Herbal Medicines

Taxonomic Class

Valerianaceae

Common Trade Names

Valerian Easy Step, Valerian Extract, Valerian Nighttime, Valerian Root, Valerian Root Extract

Multi-ingredient preparations: Alluna Sleep (combination of valerian root 500 mg, and hops 120 mg, extracts)

Common Forms

Standardized capsules, tablets (0.8% valerenic acid): 180 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 400 mg, 410 mg, 450 mg, 493 mg, 500 mg, 520 mg, 530 mg, 550 mg

Standardized tinctures: 2% essential oil

Also available as tinctures and teas that contain crude dried herb and in combination with other dietary supplements.

Source

Active components are derived from rhizomes and roots of Valeriana officinalis, a perennial herb that is native to Eurasia and naturalized worldÂwide.

Chemical Components

Valerian contains volatile oils, iridoid triesters known as valepotriates, aliphatic acids, alkaloids, amino acids, aromatic acids, flavonoids, free fatty acids, phenolic acids, sugars, and salts.

Actions

In vitro studies found that aqueous extracts of valerian inhibit the uptake and stimulate the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which may increase the extracellular concentration of GABA in the synaptic cleft and thereby contribute to the herb’s sedative effect. The increased GABA release is independent of sodium-potassium-adenosinetriphosÂphatase activity. One study found that at higher concentrations, valerian inhibited binding to GABA . Most researchers attribute the sedative effect more to the valepotriates and less to the sesquiterpene

components of the volatile oils; others think that it is attributed to the valepotriate decomposition products (baldrinal and homobaldrinal). Because of their epoxide structure, the valepotriates are cytotoxic in cell cultures. They are also highly unstable, decompose easily, and are not readily absorbed. Most preparations contain only small amounts.

The extract has weak anticonvulsant and antidepressant properties . The herb also has antispasmodic effects on GI smooth muscle produces coronary dilation, and has antiarrhythmic activity .

Reported Uses

Valerian is widely used in Europe, particularly in France and Germany, as an antispasmodic and a sedative. The German Commission E recommends valerian for restlessness and nervous disturbances of sleep . Multiple studies have demonstrated improvement in sleep . Valerian is also used as a daytime sedative for restlessness and tension. Data on its anticonvulsant and antidepressant effects are lacking.

Dosage

The composition and purity of valerian preparations vary greatly.

For sleep disorders, 400 to 900 mg of standardized valerian extract P.O. 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime.

Tea: 2 to 3 g (1 tsp) of crude dried herb P.O. several times daily.

Tincture: 3 to 5 ml (1/2 to 1 tsp) P.O. several times daily.

Adverse Reactions

With overdose or long-term use:

CNS: excitability, headache, insomnia.

CV: cardiac dysfunction.

EENT: blurred vision.

GI: hepatotoxicity, nausea.

Other: hypersensitivity reactions.

Interactions

Alcohol, CNS depressants: Risk of additive effects. Avoid administration with valerian.

Disulfiram: Disulfiram reaction if herbal product contains alcohol. Avoid administration with valerian.

Contraindications and Precautions

Valerian is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this herb. Because of the risk of hepatotoxicity, avoid its use in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Also avoid its use in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.

Special considerations

Alert Caution the patient about the risk of hepatotoxicity from combination products that contain valerian and from overdosage averaging 2.5 g .

Monitor liver function test results periodically in patients with preexisting hepatic disease or with prolonged use.
Inform the patient that many extract products contain 40% to 60% alcohol and may not be appropriate for all patients.
Caution the patient taking disulfiram not to take an herbal form that contains alcohol.
Inform the patient about valerian’s sedative effects, and advise him to avoid hazardous activities until the CNS effects are known.
Advise women to avoid using valerian during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.
Inform the patient that safety and efficacy data in children are lacking.

Commentary

Valerian appears to exert mild sedative-hypnotic effects; the extract improved the subjective-recalled quantity of sleep and decreased sleep latency without causing hangover effects. Most studies have been flawed methodologically: they were of short duration, used small sample sizes, and defined patient populations inadequately. Better planned and wellÂcontrolled studies are needed. A USP expert advisory panel has determined that evidence supporting the use of valerian for treating insomnia is insufficient.