Caprifoliaceae (Valerianaceae) All-heal; St. George’s herb; setwall Valerianae radix Roots, rhizomes and stolons The chemical composition of V. officinalis varies considerably, depending on subspecies or variety, growing conditions and age or type of extract (WHO 1999). Significant constituents include the volatile oil, which contains bornyl acetate and bornyl isovalerate, β-carophyllene, valeranone, valerenic acid and other sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenes, iridoids (valepotriates), alkaloids, sterols and amino acids (Pharmaceutical Press Editorial Team 2013; WHO 1999). Systematic reviews of clinical trials have been inconclusive as to the efficacy of valerian to treat either sleeping disorders or anxiety (Miyasaka et al. 2006; Nunes and Sousa 2011; Stevinson and Ernst 2000; Taibi et al. 2007). A recent study, in 100 women aged 50–60, found that a herbal preparation containing valerian with lemon balm produced a significant reduction in levels of sleep disorders compared to placebo (Taavoni et al. 2013). A study by Cuellar and Ratcliffe (2009) suggested that the use of 800 mg of valerian for 8 weeks improved symptoms of restless leg syndrome and decreased daytime sleepiness in patients who had reported an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score of 10 or greater. A double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in 68 menopausal women with hot flushes investigated the effects of valerian capsules (255 mg 3 times a day for 8 weeks) on their severity and frequency as recorded through questionnaires, 2 weeks before, and four and eight weeks after the treatment. There was a statistical difference pre- and post-valerian treatment (p < 0.001) but not with placebo, regarding both severity and frequency 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment (p < 0.001) (Mirabi and Mojab 2013).
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis L.
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Restless leg syndrome:
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