Products
Valerian is usually taken in the form of valerian drops (alcoholic tincture), film-coated tablets or dragées. Other dosage forms are available, such as valerian juice, capsules, powders, baths, mother tinctures, and teas. Valerian is often combined with other sedative medicinal plants, especially hops. Among the best-known products in many countries are, for example, the medicines of Zeller and Valverde (sleep, relaxation), valerian paran, Hova, the Sidroga sleep and nerve tea and the Hänseler valerian tincture. Valerian tincture is also mixed with doxylamine (Sanalepsi) in pharmacies, see Sanalepsi with valerian.
Stem plant
Medicinal valerian L. s.l., of the valerian family (Valerianaceae), is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia and introduced to North America. (s.l. = sensu latiore = in the broader sense; valerian is taken as a collective species).
Medicinal drug
Valerian root (Valerianae radix) is used as a medicinal drug, the dried, whole or crushed underground parts of L. The drug includes the rhizome (rootstock), roots, and stolons, and has an intense and typical odor of isovaleric acid.
Preparations
Liquid and dry extracts are obtained from the root using ethanol and other methods. Valerian tincture (Valerianae tinctura) is prepared from 1 part drug and 5 parts ethanol 60 to 80% (V/V). It is a brown liquid with a typical odor.
Ingredients
Ingredients include:
- Essential oil (valerian oil, Valerianae aetheroleum).
- Iridoids: Valepotriate
- Sesquiterpenes
- Fatty acids
- Lignans, flavonoids
- Alkaloids
Effects
Valerian (ATC N05CP01) and its preparations are believed to have sedative, antianxiety, and sleep-inducing properties. The mechanism of action is not precisely known. According to the literature, an effect on GABA neurotransmission or serotonin receptors may be involved.
Indications for use
Valerian is mainly used for the treatment of sleep disorders, restlessness and tension states, nervousness, irritability, stress, and test anxiety.
Dosage
According to the package leaflet. Preparations for relaxation are usually administered three times a day. To promote sleep, valerian is taken half an hour to an hour before bedtime. Regular intake and a longer duration of therapy of at least two weeks is recommended. The tea is prepared with the medicinal herb as follows: pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain it.
Contraindications
Valerian is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity. Some preparations should not be used in children. Due to insufficient data, administration during pregnancy and lactation is not indicated as a precaution. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Stimulants may reverse the sedative effects of valerian. Interactions with centrally depressant drugs cannot be ruled out. Some preparations contain alcohol.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include digestive discomfort and hypersensitivity reactions. Valerian is much better tolerated than synthetic sleep aids such as the benzodiazepines and is not addictive.
