Valerian

Valerian

(Valeriana officinalis)

Used as a sedative or hypnotic and antispasmodic; nervous tension during PMS and menopause; restlessness and sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions; daytime sedative for tension and restlessness.

Sedative: Balderer, 1985

Antispasmodic: Houghton, 1988, Hazelhoff et al., 1982

Sleep disorders: Schulz et al., 1998, Vorbach, 1996

Standardized: 25% standardized extract containing Valerenic Acids 2.4mg
1-2 capsules with water daily.

For sleep take 1 hour before bedtime.

Whole Herb: (Root powder) 400mg
2 capsules with water 3 x daily.

For sleep take 1 hour before bedtime.

Pharmacology:

Valerian components include valepotriates, valerenic acid, and pungent oils. These have a sedative effect on the central nervous system, as well as inducing smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract. Valeportiates and valerenic acid are believed to bind to receptor sites, which are similar to the benzodiazepines, influencing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) affinity in the CNS.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

May cause drowsiness or sedation. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until CNS effects of the herb are known. Use caution in individuals taking medications that cause CNS depression, including sedative-hypnotics, antihistamines, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. May increase sleeping time from hypnotic agents. Effects do not appear to be potentiated by ethanol. Long term use may result in: headache, disorders of cardiac function, mydriasis, restless states and sleeplessness. Liver function should be monitored periodically in patients with preexisting hepatic disease or with extended use. Note: Do not use Valerian supplements in children <3 years of age. Safety and efficacy data on Valerian use in children are lacking.

Theoretical Interactions:

CNS depressants, sedative-hypnotics (barbiturates), antidepressants, anxiolytics and antihistamines. May increase the effects of sedatives and tranquilizers. May interfere with iron absorption.

References:

Balderer G and Borbely AA, "Effect of Valerian on Human Sleep," Psychopharmacology (Berl), 1985, 87(4): 406-9.

Boss R, Woerdenbag HJ, DeSmet PAGM, et al. Valeriana species. In: De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, et al, editors. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs, Vol 3. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1997.

Hazelhoff , B., et al. "Antispasmodic Effects of Valeriana Compounds: An In-Vivo and In-Vitro Study on the Guinea Pig Ileum," Arch Intern Pharmacodyn 257:274-87, 1982.

Houghton PJ, "The Biological Activity of Valerian and Related Plants,"J Ethnophamacol, 1988, 22(2): 121-42.

Schulz, V., et al. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine, 3rd ed. New York: Springer Publishing Co., 1998.

Shepard, C., "Sleep Disorders. Liver Damage Warning with Insomnia Remedy," BMJ 306:1472, 1993.

Upton R, editor. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Soquel (CA): American Herbal Pharmacopoeia; 1999.

Vorbach EU, Gortelmeyer R and Bruning J: "Therapie von Insomnien. Wirksamkeit and Vertraeglichkeit eine Baldrianpraeparats," Psychopharmakotherapie 1996; 3:109-115.

Ernst, E. "Harmless Herbs? A Review of the Recent Literature" American Journal of Medicine, vol. 104, 1998, pp.170-8.

Klepser, T.B. and Klepser, M.E. "Unsafe and Potentially Safe Herbal Therapies." American Journal of Helath-System Pharmacy, vol. 56, 1999, pp.125-38.

Miller, L.G. "Herbal Medicinals: Selected Clinical Considerations Focusing on Known or Potential Drug-Herb Interactions." Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 158, 1998, pp. 2200-11.

Zink, T. and Chaffin, J. "Healthy 'Health' Products: What Family Physicians Need To Know." American Family Physician, vol 58, 1998, pp. 1133-1140.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Valerian Herbal Supplement 400 mg 9.99

Valerian Standardized Herbal Supplement 13.99

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