Valeriana Officinalis: A Review of its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Abstract

Valerianao?cinalis,commonlyknownasValerian,isaperennial?owering plantthathasbeenusedforcenturiesintraditionalmedicineforitssedativeand anxiolyticproperties.Thiscomprehensivestudy aimstoexplorethebotanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacologicalactivities,healthbene?ts,recommendeddosages,and potential sideeffectsof theValerian plant.Through a detailed examination of bothhistoricalandcontemporaryresearch,thisstudyprovidesanin-depth understandingof thetherapeuticpotential andapplicationsof Valerian.Thepharmacologicale?cacyofValerianisprimarilyattributedtoitsrich chemicalcomposition.Keyconstituentsincludevolatileoils,valepotriates,and sesquiterpenes,withvalerenicacididenti?edasa majoractivecompound.ThesecomponentsarebelievedtoworksynergisticallytoenhanceGABAergic neurotransmission,therebyexertingsedativeandanxiolyticeffectsonthe centralnervoussystem.Contemporarypharmacologicalstudieshavecon?rmed

Introduction

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb with a long history of medicinal use dating back over 2,000 years in ancient Greece, Rome, and China. The plant’s name reflects its traditional association with strength and health. Valerian belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and grows up to 1.5 meters tall, featuring pinnate leaves and clusters of fragrant flowers. It thrives in temperate regions of Europe and Asia, especially in moist, well-drained soils.

The medicinal part of Valerian is primarily its roots and rhizomes, which contain active compounds like valerenic acid, valepotriates, flavonoids, and GABA-related substances. These contribute to its pharmacological effects, notably its ability to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and alleviate stress by modulating GABA neurotransmission and lowering cortisol levels.

Historically, Valerian was used by Hippocrates and Galen for nervous system disorders, insomnia, and digestive issues. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s valued for calming the spirit and balancing energy.

Modern studies confirm Valerian’s benefits in:

• Improving sleep: reducing time to fall asleep and enhancing sleep quality.

• Relieving anxiety and stress: calming the nervous system and reducing cortisol.

• Alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort: relaxing smooth muscle spasms in the digestive tract.

Dosage varies depending on the condition, with typical extract doses ranging from 100 mg to 600 mg.

Conclusion

Valerian(Valerianao?cinalis) emergesasamultifacetedherbalremedy withprofound implicationsforhealthandwell-being.Itshistoricalsigni?cance,coupledwithmodern scienti?cunderstanding,underscoresitstherapeuticversatilityandpotential.ThissectionencapsulatesthecomprehensiveinsightsgainedfromexaminingValerian\'s botanicalcharacteristics,traditionaluses,chemicalconstituents,pharmacological activities,healthbene?ts,dosageguidelines,sideeffects,andprecautions. Valerian\'srichhistoricalbackgroundasareveredmedicinalherbspanscivilizationsand culturesworldwide.FromancientGreekandRomancivilizationstomedievalEuropeand traditionalAsianmedicinesystems,Valerianhasbeenesteemedforitscalming propertiesanditsroleinpromotingsleepandrelaxation.Botanically,Valerianischaracterizedbyitsperennialherbaceousnature,withfragrant?owersandarobustroot system,primarily indigenoustotemperateregionsof EuropeandAsia

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Tushar Ramdas Mhaske , Dr. Hiteshkumar Shantilal Agrawal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.