Valerian in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Valerian

Scientific name

Valeriana officinalis

Family

Valerianaceae

Origin

Europe

Parts Used

Drug consisting of the roots and rhizomes of the plant (Official Pharmacopoeia)

Chemical constituents

• Essential oil (antispastic effect);
• Valepotriati (sedative effect) (valtrato, baldrinale);
• Valeric acid;
• Isovaleranic acid;
• Valerenic acids;
• Malic acid;
• Carbohydrates;
• Tannins;
• Flavonoids;
• Resins;
• Alkaloids (valeranine, actinidine and valtrossal).

Valerian in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Valerian

Valerian is a plant used mainly for its tranquilizing activity. In fact, in standardized extract, valerian is used in the treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders, but also in the complementary therapy of some anxious manifestations (panic attacks, anxiety attacks, tremors, abdominal cramps, irritability, nervous tension , psychogenic dizziness, irritable bowel, palpitations, headache).