Valerian

Chemical properties

Valerian, from the Latin “valere,” meaning “to be well,” is a perennial herb approximately 1.5 m (5 ft) high, native to Europe and Asia. Valerian grows wild on roadsides and in thickets. The plant has short rhizomes, fibrous roots, erect stalk, opposite pinnate leaves, cymose hermaphrodite flowers (March to April) with a pale pink corolla. The parts used are the rhizomes and roots (harvested in the spring). Valerian has a warm, balsamic, characteristic odor.

Occurrence

Valerian is a perennial that is now cultivated throughout the world.

The Uses of Valerian

Valerian is used to treat nervous disorders such as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.

Composition

The important constituents of valerian are valepotriates or nonglycosidic iridoid esters (valtrate, isovaltrate, acevaltrate), sesquiterpenes (valeric acid), small number of alkaloids (actinidine isovaleramide valerianine valerine chatinine) and volatile oil containing active sesquiterpenes. Valepotriates (most important chemical group) are present in all parts of the plant (highest concentration is in the root). Alkaloids are present in roots and rhizosomes.