study about Valerian

 

Valerian

(valeriana officinalis)

·  Part used:

   Whole underground parts, including the rhizome surrounded by the roots and stolon’s.

Constituents:

a) 1-Volatile oils 0.5-2%: NLT 0.5% of volatile oil, and NLT 0.17% of total valerenic acids, calculated on the dried basis.

b) 2- Iridoids (valepotriates): Valerates, didrovaltrates and isovalerates groups. The valepotriates are unstable and decompose on storage or processing.

Note: valerian is preferably to be administered as a herb tea or well-preserved pharmaceutical products.

c)  3- Alkaloids (Pyridine type): e.g. valerianine and valerine.

d) 4- Other constituents: Amino acids (e.g. arginine, y- aminobutyric acid (GABA) which argued if small or substantial amount can pass BBB (R3), caffeic and chlorogenic acids (polyphenolic).

 Active Constituents:

The sedative activity attributed to both the volatile oil and iridoid valepotriate (highly unstable) and GABA, also the other unknown compounds may contribute the activity (R2).

Actions and Uses

 Main Actions

·   The traditional use of valerian as a mild sedative and hypnotic is supported by evidence from preclinical and some clinical studies. Some studies suggest that valerian may have a more favourable tolerability profile than certain benzodiazepines, particularly in view of its apparent lack of 'hangover' effects, although this requires further investigation (R2).

Other actions

·   Valerian is stated to possess mild analgesic, antispasmodic, carminative, and hypotensive properties (R2).

Uses based on scientific research in management and treatment of diseases.

·   1-Insomnia: support of mental relaxation and to aid natural sleep; well-established use, for the relief of mild nervous tension and difficulty in falling asleep.

·   2- Nervous agitation

·   3- Nervous heart complaints

·   4- Functional stomach disorders

·   5- Irritable bowel syndrome

Traditional uses:

used for hysterical states, insomnia, hypochondriasis, migraine, cramp, intestinal colic. rheumatic pains, dysmenorrhea, and specifically for conditions presenting nervous excitability.

Hypochondriasis

Mechanism of action

As sedative and hypnotic

1-Increasing availability of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) by Decreasing its removal or metabolism.

2- GABA receptors agonist.

For intestinal colic and hypertension (smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator):

 Valepotriates are proven to be calcium channel blocker (R4) 

·   Dose generally and for each use (if any) and Preparation method

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in standard herbal reference texts are given below.

Dried rhizome/root:

as an infusion or decoction 1-3 g/ up to three times/ daily.

Extracts: 400 mg/day.

·   Herb (single and blend) prescription

The effects of valerian can be enhanced by combining it with other medicinal plants such as Melissa for nervous agitation and/or Hops for nervous sleep disorders.

·   Egyptian pharmaceutical products

Dormival capsule (insomnia), Sedaneurin tab. (anxiolytic), Calm tab, Songha night tab (insomnia), Dentibaby teething gel 25 ml and Dologel gingival teething gel 25 ml.

·   Interactions (if any) with other drugs or herbs or food

Valerian interferes with medicines of similar such as barbiturates and other sedatives or opposing effects (R2).

Precautions

1- Intake of valerian preparations immediately (up to two hours) before driving or operating machinery is not recommended.

2- Excessive consumption of alcohol should be avoided.

3- Patients should seek medical advice if symptoms worsen beyond two weeks' continuous treatment with valerian.

4- Post-marketing surveillance-type studies are required to establish the safety of valerian preparations, particularly with long-term use (R2).

Contraindications

sensitivity to valerian

Its use should be avoided in Pregnancy and lactation.

References

·  https://cognosy4all.blogspot.com/2021/06/valerian.html

·   Barnes, J., and L. A. Anderson. "Phillipson JD Herbal Medicines." (2007). (No. Ed. 3). pharmaceutical press.

·   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins 2020.00923/full