Valerian extract 0.8% | Valeriana officinalis

Properties: Valerian is widely used in natural therapy as a nervous tension reliever. It is very often found in combination with plants such as lemon balm, hops or Rhodiola rosea. It had been already used in antiquity, then it became an important component of many herbal medicine systems. For centuries, the benefits of taking valerian have been described in popular medical books, and today, thanks to scientific research, we can take an even closer look at how it affects the body.

One of the most important properties of valerian is its influence on the activity of key neurotransmitters. First of all, it is worth remembering that the active compounds contained in the valerian root stimulate the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is one of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the human nervous system. Its main function is to limit the excessive excitation of nerve cells. As a result, it affects a number of key processes in the body, and also allows us to relax, provides emotional stability and facilitates a good night’s sleep. It is worth noting that the increased activity of GABA also helps in stressful situations. Therefore, valerian works great as a sedative compound. Moreover, the use of valerian root does not impede cognitive abilities. Research has shown that it’s quite the opposite – valerian can even improve efficiency of thinking and memory.

Valeriana officinalis is also quite popular in aromatherapy. This is possible because  essential oil contains compounds such as valeric and isovaleric acid. This is why the smell of valerian is so intense and pleasant. Inhalation with the aroma of essential oils has a calming effect on our body and helps to relax. It is therefore worth supplementing the valerian when we have trouble with falling asleep or have emotional problems, because the increased activity of GABA will certainly help to maintain mental balance.

Occurrence: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a two-year-old perennial that belongs to the Valerianaceae family. It is common in Europe, North America and Asia, where it can be found most often in wet areas, near rivers and on fens. The plant reaches up to 2 meters in height and develops in stages. In the first year, it produces pinnate and petiole leaves just above the ground, and in the second year, a thick stem develops. Typical for this plant are small flowers arranged in umbels, white or lily white in color. This part of the plant is distinguished by a specific and intense smell. The herbal raw material is mainly root and rhizome.

In traditional medicine, valerian root has been used since ancient times mainly as a sedative, i.e. calming agent. The Greek physician Pedanios Dioscorides (1st century AD) wrote about the properties of this plant in his work “De Materia Medica“. It was the most important ancient book about herbs, a precursor to the later Pharmacopoeia, which remained in use until the 17th century. This plant was also known to the “father of medicine” – Hippocrates (5th century AD). In Poland, the first use of valerian root is dated to the 15th century. It was given the old Polish name “Waldrian”, under which it is included in the Latin-Polish dictionary of Jan Stańko (around 1468).

Biochemistry: The substances to which valerian root owes its properties are primarily sesquiterpenes. Chemically, they belong to the group of terpenes. Some of the most important ingredients are also mono- and diene valepotriates – compounds from the group of iridoids. However, their content in dried raw materials is negligible, as they are relatively unstable compounds (they decompose at temperatures above 35 ℃). Moreover, the plant also contains: organic acids, flavonoids and essential oil.

Fun fact: The generic name of valerian “Valeriana” comes from the Latin word “valere”. It means “to be strong, healthy” and indicates the multidirectional, positive effect of valerian on the body. In turn, in ancient Greece and Rome, valerian was also known as “phu”.