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'''Valerian''' may mean:
''This article is about the herb. For other uses of the term see [[Valerian]]''
{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Valerian (plant)
| image = Valeriana officinalis.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Dipsacales]]
| familia = [[Valerianaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Valeriana]]''
| species = '''''V. officinalis'''''
| binomial = ''Valeriana officinalis''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]] & Maillefer
}}
{{disambig}}
'''Valerian''' (''Valeriana officinalis'', [[Valerianaceae]]) is a hardy [[perennial plant|perennial]] flowering [[plant]], with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers. This "sweet" smell is quite overpowering when the flower is placed into a vase. The flowers are in bloom from June to September. Valerian was used as a perfume in the sixteenth century.
[[Category:Given names]]
Native to [[Europe]] and parts of [[Asia]], Valerian has been [[introduced species|introduced]] into [[North America]]. It is consumed as food by the [[larva]]e 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'''.
'''Valerian''', in [[Pharmacology]] and [[Phytotherapy|Phytotherapic Medicine]], is the name of a [[herb]] or [[dietary supplement]] prepared from roots of the plant, which, after [[maceration]], [[trituration]], [[dehydration]] processes, are conveniently packaged, usually into [[capsule]]s, that may be utilized for certain effects including [[sedative|sedation]] and [[anxiolytic]] effect.
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]].
==Etymology==
The name Valerian comes from the [[Latin]] word ''valere'', meaning "to be strong or healthy", generally thought to refer to its medicinal use, though many references suggest that it also refers to the strong odor.
==Biochemical composition==
The biochemical active components of valerian extract are:
* [[Alkaloid]]s: [[actinidine]], [[catinine]], [[isovaleramide]], [[valerianine]] and [[valerine]];
* [[GABA|Gamma-aminobutyric acid]] ([[GABA]]), [[neurotransmitter]] connected to the [[sedative]] plant effects;
* [[Valeric acid]];
* [[Ester|Valepotriates]], [[ester]]s [[Glicose|non-glicosidic]], firstly [[acevaltrate]], [[isovaltrate]] and [[valtrate]];
* [[Essential oil|Volatile oil]] containing active [[sesquiterpene]]s ([[acetoxivalerenic acid]], [[valerenic acid]]);
* [[Flavanone]]s such as [[hesperidin]], 6-methyl[[apigenin]] and [[linarin]].
==Mechanism of action==
Due to valerian's historical use as a sedative, anti-convulsant, 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, as a mild sedative in particular, remains unknown.
Valerian extracts appear to have some affinity for the GABA<sub>A</sub> (benzodiazepine) receptor,<ref>{{cite journal | author=Holzl J, Godau P. | title=Receptor binding studies with Valeriana officinalis on the benzodiazepine receptor. | journal=Planta Medica | volume=55 | year=1989 | page=642}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author=Mennini T, Bernasconi P, et al. | title=In vitro study in the interaction of extracts and pure compounds from Valerian officinalis roots with GABA, benzodiazepine and barbiturate receptors | journal=Fitoterapia | volume=64 | year=1993 | pages=291-300}}</ref> but this activity does not appear to be mediated by valerenic acid, but rather by the relatively high content of [[γ-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA) itself.
==Preparation==
''[[Image:Valeriana officinalis1.jpg|right|thumb|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 per cent though an average yield rarely exceeds 0.8 per cent. This variation in quantity is partly explained by location: a dry, stony soil, yielding a root richer in oil than one that is moist and fertile.<ref name="botanical">
{{cite web
| title = Valerian
| publisher = botanical.com
| date =
| url = http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/v/valeri01.html
| accessdate = 2007-04-15}}
</ref> The volatile oils that form the active ingredient are extremely pungent, somewhat reminiscent of well-matured [[cheese]] or wet dog. 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.<ref name="ods">{{cite web
| title = Questions and Answers About Valerian for Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders
| publisher = Office of Dietary Supplements • National Institutes of Health
| date = 4/13/2006
| url = http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian.asp
| accessdate = 2007-04-11 }}
</ref><ref name="family">
{{cite web
| title = Valerian
| publisher = American Family Physician
| date = 4/13/2006
| url = http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030415/1755.html
| accessdate = 2007-04-12 }}
</ref><ref name="medline">
{{cite web
| title = Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.)
| publisher = Medline Plus
| date = 10/1/2006
| url = http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-valerian.html
| accessdate = 2007-04-12 }}
</ref>
In the [[United States]] Valerian is sold as a [[dietary supplement|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 against sleeping disorders, restlessness and anxiety, and as a muscle relaxant. Valerian seems only to work when taken over longer periods (several weeks), though many users find that it takes effect immediately. Some studies have demonstrated that valerian extracts interact with the GABA and benzodiazepine receptors. Valerian is also used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal pain and spastic colitis. Long term safety studies are missing. As valepotriates may be potential mutagens, valerian should only be used after consultation with a physician.
Valerian medication is sometimes recommended as a first line when benefit-risk analysis dictates. Valerian is often indicated as transition medication during discontinuation processes involving [[bromazepan]], [[clonazepam]] and [[diazepam]], among others.
Valerian has uses in [[herb]]al medicine as a [[sedative]]. The main current use of valerian is as a remedy for [[insomnia]], with a recent [[meta-analysis]] providing some evidence of effectiveness.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17145239&query_hl=27&itool=pubmed_docsum ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]</ref> It has been recommended for [[epilepsy]] but that is not supported by research (although its analogue [[valproic 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 headaches and [[night terrors]] in some individuals. This may be due to the fact that some people lack a digestive conversion property necessary to effectively break down Valerian. In these individuals, Valerian can cause agitation.<ref>[http://www.herbaleducator.com/herbs_valerian.html herbaleducator.com]</ref>
One study found that valerian tends to sedate the agitated person and stimulate the fatigued person, bringing about a balancing effect on the system.<ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/valerian]</ref>
== 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. Physician Formulas makes a 300 mg capsule standardized to 0.8% valerenic acid (2.4mg).<ref name="physician">{{cite web
| title = Valerian Root Extract 300 mg
| publishe = physicianformulas.com
| date =
| url = http://www.physicianformulas.com/
| accessdate = 2007-04-11 }}
</ref> Nature's Sunshine Time-Release Valerian tablet contains 500 mg of valerian root extract standardized to 0.8% valerenic acid (4mg).<ref name="sunshine">
{{cite web
| title = VALERIAN ROOT EXTRACT TIME RELEASE
| publisher = naturessunshine.com
| date =
| url = http://www.naturessunshine.com/products/catalog/products.asp?StockNum=721
| accessdate = 2007-04-11 }}
</ref> Nature Made makes a 400mg capsule standardized to only 0.28% valerenic acid (0.56mg).<ref name="naturemade">
{{cite web
| title = Valerian Root 400mg
| publisher = naturemade.com
| date =
| url = http://www.naturemade.com/
| accessdate = 2007-04-11 }}
</ref> Nutraceutical makes two 50mg capsules under the names Solaray and Thompson standardized to 0.8% <u>valeric</u> acid (0.4mg).<ref name="nutraceutical">
{{cite web
| title = Valerian Root Extract 50mg
| publisher = nutraceutical.com
| date =
| url = http://www.nutraceutical.com/
| accessdate = 2007-04-11 }}
</ref>
===Usage===
Dosage is difficult to determine due to the lack of standardization and variability in available forms. Typical dosages of the crude herb vary from 1-10 grams per day. Valerian root is non-toxic but may cause side effects in excessive doses.
===Adverse effects===
Few adverse events attributable to valerian have been reported.<ref name="ods"/> Large doses or chronic use may result in stomach ache, apathy, and a feeling of mental dullness or mild depression. In some individuals, valerian can cause stomach ache, anxiety, and night terrors (see above).
==Effect on Cats and Rats==
An unusual feature of valerian is that the dried root affects the [[domestic cat]] in a similar way as that of [[catnip]]. If valerian root is left in a place to which cats have access, they will roll in it, salivate onto it and eat it.<ref name="botanical"/> [[Burmese cat]]s are attracted to the dried herb and will deliberately destroy containers to obtain it. However, some cats will not go near valerian root. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
Valerian's effect on cats is featured as a clue in two works by [[Agatha Christie]].{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
Valerian is also very attractive to [[rat]]s, so much so that it has been used to bait traps. Some versions of the legend of the [[Pied Piper of Hamelin]] have him using valerian, as well as his pipes, to attract the rats.<ref name="botanical"/>
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==See also==
*[[Anxiolytic]]
*[[Nepeta]]
*[[Valine]]
*[[Sedative]]
*[[Valeric acid]]
*[[Valeriana]]
*[[Sweet Valerian]]
*[[Tisane]]
*[[Valerianaceae]]
*[[Insomnia]]
*[[Red Valerian]]
*[[Spikenard]]
*[[ATC code N05]]
*[[Valeriana]]
*[[Köhler's Medicinal Plants]]
*[[Anxiety]]
*[[Herbalism]]
*[[Special Herbs, Vols. 4, 5 & 6]]
*[[Special Herbs, Vols. 5 & 6]]
*[[Orvietan]]
==External links==
* [http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030415/1755.html Valerian at AAFP]
[[Category:Dipsacales]]
[[Category:Cat attractants]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Flora of Europe]]
[[Category:Flora of Estonia]]
[[Category:Flora of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Psychoactive drugs]]