VALERIAN ROOT[VALERIANA OFFICINALIS]
Listing Description:
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Caprifoliaceae) is a perennial flowering plant,
with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer
and can reach a height of 1.5 metres (5 ft). Valerian flower extracts were
used as a perfume in the 16th century.
Detailed Description:
Valerian extract
Biochemical composition
Known compounds detected in valerian that may
contribute to its method of action are:
·
Sesquiterpenes (contained in
the volatile oil): valerenic acid,[12] hydroxyvalerenic
acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid[13]
Mechanism of action
Because of valerian's historical use as a sedative,
antiseptic, anticonvulsant, migraine treatment, and pain reliever, most basic
science research has been directed at the interaction of valerian constituents
with the GABA receptor.[16] Many studies
remain inconclusive and all require clinical validation. The mechanism of
action of valerian in general, and as a mild sedative in particular, has not
been fully elucidated. However, some of the GABA-analogs, particularly valerenic acids as components of the
essential oil along with other semivolatile sesquiterpenoids, generally are believed to
have some affinity for the GABAA receptor, a class of receptors
on which benzodiazepines are
known to act.[17][18] Valeric acid, which is responsible for the
typical odor of mostly older valerian roots, does not have any sedative
properties. Valeric acid is related to valproic acid, a widely prescribed anticonvulsant; valproic acid is a
derivative of valeric acid.
Valerian also contains isovaltrate, which has been
shown to be an inverse agonist for adenosine A1 receptor sites. This action likely does not contribute to the
herb's possible sedative effects, which would be expected from an agonist, rather than
an inverse agonist,
at this particular binding site. Hydrophilic extractions of
the herb commonly sold over the counter, however, probably do not contain
significant amounts of isovaltrate.[19] Valerenic acid
in valerian stimulates serotonin receptors as a partial agonist,[20] including 5-HT5Awhich is implicated
in the sleep-wake cycle.[21]
Preparation
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 2.0%, though an average yield rarely exceeds 0.8%. This
variation in quantity is partly explained by location; a dry, stony soil yields
a root richer in oil than one that is moist and fertile.[22] The volatile oils
that form the active ingredient are extremely pungent, somewhat reminiscent of
well-matured cheese. Though some people
remain partial to the earthy scent, some may find it to be unpleasant,
comparing the odor to that of unwashed feet.[23] Valerian tea should not be prepared with boiling water, as this
may drive off the lighter oils.[citation needed]
Medicinal use
Although valerian is a popular herbal medicine used for
treating insomnia, there is no good evidence it is effective for this purpose,
and there is some concern it may be harmful.[24]
There is no good evidence that valerian is helpful in
treating restless leg syndrome,[25] or anxiety.[26] There is
insufficient evidence for efficacy and safety of Valerian for anxiety
disorders.[27]
The European Medicines
Agency (EMA) approved the claim that valerian can be
used as a traditional herbal medicinal product in order to relieve mild
symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep. The EMA stated that although there
is insufficient evidence from clinical studies, the effectiveness of the
traditional use of valerian is considered plausible when it has been used
safely for this purpose for many years.
PRICES
$42.77/KG
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