Valerian

NATURAL PRODUCTS

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian has been promoted as an aid to help with nervousness and insomnia, but it has been used in so many other conditions, that it makes it appear as a "cure all." Its other uses include headache, menopause, uterine spasticity, hysteria, agitation, and nervous stomach. There are few studies offering any of these conclusions.

There are several mechanisms by which it is believed valerian extract is able to promote sleep. One component of the extract, valerenic acid, has been shown to inhibit the breakdown of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, and this can result in sedation. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Drugs that increase the activity of GABA or increase its levels in the brain are used in the treatment of epilepsy. Whether valerian will interact with drugs that act on the GABA receptors in the brain is unknown, and further studies and case reports will be required to determine if this is a potential problem. However, there is a likely drug interaction with benzodiazepines and barbiturates, since they act on GABA receptors in the brain.

The suggested daily dose of Valerian extract in some studies is reported to be 400 - 450 milligrams daily. Other studies concluded the daily dose should be 15 grams. The variation between these ranges is 33 times and is so significant that little can be concluded from these studies. Additionally, due to variations in quality and the many chemical compounds within valerian extract, it is difficult to know how much of any certain brand or lot number is an appropriate dose.

A recent study by Donath F., Qusipe S., Diefenbach K., et. al., in the March 2000 issue of Pharmacopsychiatry looked at the effects of valerian extract on insomnia. They found that a single dose of valerian had no effect on treating the insomnia, but there was a significant improvement versus placebo when multiple doses were taken over several days during a controlled study. They concluded that valerian extract had a positive effect on improving sleep and they recommended it for people with a mild insomnia. However, if single doses had no effect, then valerian would be of no value in promoting sleep, if not taken for several nights in a row. This is unlike prescription and nonprescription drugs for insomnia that help promote sleep on any night they are taken.

Another study by Kuhlann J., Berger W., et. al., in the November 1999 issue of Pharmacopsychiatry compared a 600 mg evening dose of valerian root extract to placebo and a benzodiazepine (flunitrazepam, Rohypnol) that is not legally available in the U.S. They concluded that valerian extract had no impact on reaction time, alertness, and concentration the morning after it was taken. Benzodiazepines, like Restoril and Halcion are the most prescribed drugs to treat insomnia and all have some residual level of sedation the following morning or longer. There are newer drugs used to treat insomnia that do not have this residual sedative effect. Valerian extract may prove to be an alternative to prescription drugs, but additional studies will be needed to determine an appropriate dose using the same extraction process that could be considered a standard. Any dosage may need to be adjusted for the person's age and weight.

Drug interactions are unknown but can be postulated and include antiepileptic drugs, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. Since valerian is used as a sedative and for its antianxiety effects, caution should be exercised when driving and working with machinery. It should not be taken with drugs or other natural products that have sedative, sleep promoting, or antianxiety properties, because it will likely increase their effect, which will cause increased sedation and interference with cognitive motor skills, such as working with machinery or driving.

Legal Info: Solumedia is not responsible for errors or omissions. The information provided on the natural product pages is only a guideline based on current literature and the pharmacological action of these products. It should not be used as the sole source of information on these products. Many of the drug interactions listed are not found in current literature but are based on likely interactions due to the actions of the interacting drugs. It is recommended that a qualified and licensed healthcare professional be consulted for additional information. Although the information provided is from reliable sources, Solumedia has no liability. This information is provided only as a service.

This page was last updated on 04/29/05.