Generic placeholder image

The Natural Products Journal

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 2210-3155
ISSN (Online): 2210-3163

Review Article

A Review on History, Chemical Constituents, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Recent Patents of Valerian

Author(s): Pankaj Malhotra, Neha Minocha, Parijat Pandey, Dhirender Kaushik and Neelam Vashist*

Volume 14, Issue 2, 2024

Published on: 18 August, 2023

Article ID: e180723218822 Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/2210315514666230718100526

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Valerian officinalis is a variant of herbaceous flowering plants in the Caprifoliaceae family, members of which can be generally called valerians. Valerian is derived from Valerius, the Latin term “valere”, which means health or well-being. It is used as a sedative and anxiolytic in many countries. The beneficial effects of valerian have always been controversial due to inconsistent clinical trial results. Valerian contains more than 150 chemical constituents. Valerian exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic activities, and is used to treat various diseases.

Objective: The main aim of this study was to gather knowledge on this herbal plant, its chemical constituents, and how they can be used to treat the most common diseases, such as depression, anxiety, headache, insomnia, etc.

Result: Studies show that valerian is used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, sleep disorders, depression, and headaches, as this plant possesses sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic activities.

Conclusion: This review has explored the different types of studies conducted on valerian, and with their help, we can learn more about its activities and medicinal uses. Additionally, this review paper includes the recent patents on this herbal plant.

Keywords: Valerian, anxiolytic, sedative, chemical constituents, heart palpitations, Caprifoliaceae family.

Graphical Abstract
[1]
Hobbs, C. Valerian Monograph. HerbalGram, 1989, 21(19), 3-34.
[2]
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal; Leyel, C.F., Ed.; Tiger Books International: London, 1976, p. 912.
[3]
Miyasaka, L.S.; Atallah, A.N.; Soares, B.G. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev., 2006, 1(4), CD004515.
[PMID: 17054208]
[4]
Benigni, R.; Capra, C.; Cattorini, P. Medicinal Plants Chemistry. Pharmacology And Therapy;, 1971, 730-735.
[5]
Shinjyo, N.; Waddell, G.; Green, J. Valerian root in treating sleep problems and associated disorders-A systematic review and metaanalysis. J Evid Based Integr Med, 2020, 25, 2515690X20967323.
[6]
Schulz, H.; Stolz, C.; Müller, J. The effect of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers: A pilot study. Pharmacopsychiatry, 1994, 27(4), 147-151.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1014295] [PMID: 7972346]
[7]
Bach, K.; Ghia, F.; Torssell, K. Valtrates and lignans in Valeriana microphylla. Planta Med., 1993, 59(5), 478-479.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-959740] [PMID: 17236012]
[8]
Ota, M.; Ni, H.; Maki, Y.; Kato, D.; Moriguchi, S.; Nakayama, S.; Oiwa, Y.; Ishiuchi, K.; Makino, T. Binding activity of Valeriana fauriei root extract on GABAA receptor flunitrazepam sites and distribution of its active ingredients in the brain of mice – A comparison with that of V. officinalis root. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2021, 278, 114262.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114262] [PMID: 34116188]
[9]
Kumar, V.; Antil, M.; Kumar, D.; Minocha, N. Importance of ayurvedic medicine in modern lifestyle: A keynote review study. Int J Adv Edu Res, 2016, 1(4), 31-33.
[10]
Stevinson, C.; Ernst, E. Valerian for insomnia: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Sleep Med., 2000, 1(2), 91-99.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1389-9457(99)00015-5] [PMID: 10767649]
[11]
Lanje, C.N.; Patil, S.R. Wankhade, Medicinal natural drug of Valerian (Valerina Officinalis): An-over review. Am. J. PharmTech Res., 2020, 10(1), 148-172.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.46624/ajptr.2020.v10.i1.013]
[12]
Del Valle-Mojica, L.M.; Cordero-Hernández, J.M.; González-Medina, G.; Ramos-Vélez, I.; Berríos-Cartagena, N.; Torres-Hernández, B.A.; Ortíz, J.G.; Ortíz, J.G. Aqueous and ethanolic Valeriana officinalis extracts change the binding of ligands to glutamate receptors. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med., 2011, 2011, 1-7.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/891819] [PMID: 21151614]
[13]
Nandhini, S.; Narayanan, K.B.; Ilango, K. Valeriana officinalis: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res., 2018, 11(1), 36-41.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i1.22588]
[14]
Andrews, MJ; Basu, A Process for the extraction of valerian root. US6913770B2, 2005.
[15]
Andrews, MJ; Basu, A Process for the extraction of valerian root. US6383526B1, 2002.
[16]
Cavadas, C.; Araújo, I.; Cotrim, M.D.; Amaral, T.; Cunha, A.P.; Macedo, T.; Ribeiro, C.F. In vitro study on the interaction of Valeriana officinalis L. extracts and their amino acids on GABAA receptor in rat brain. Arzneimittelforschung, 1995, 45(7), 753-755.
[PMID: 8573216]
[17]
Ortiz, J.G.; Nieves-Natal, J.; Chavez, P. Effects of Valeriana officinalis extracts on [3H]flunitrazepam binding, synaptosomal [3H]GABA uptake, and hippocampal [3H]GABA release. Neurochem. Res., 1999, 24(11), 1373-1378.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1022576405534] [PMID: 10555777]
[18]
Yuan, C.S.; Mehendale, S.; Xiao, Y.; Aung, H.H.; Xie, J.T.; Ang-Lee, M.K. The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity. Anesth. Analg., 2004, 98(2), 353-358.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1213/01.ANE.0000096189.70405.A5] [PMID: 14742369]
[19]
Neuhaus, W.; Trauner, G.; Gruber, D.; Oelzant, S.; Klepal, W.; Kopp, B.; Noe, C. Transport of a GABAA receptor modulator and its derivatives from Valeriana officinalis L. s. l. across an in vitro cell culture model of the blood-brain barrier. Planta Med., 2008, 74(11), 1338-1344.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1081343] [PMID: 18704879]
[20]
Rahmani, A.H.; Aldebasi, Y.H. Potential role of carica papaya and their active constituents in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Int. J. Pharm. Pharm. Sci., 2016, 8(1), 11-15.
[21]
González-Trujano, M.E.; Domínguez, F.; Pérez-Ortega, G.; Aguillón, M.; Martínez-Vargas, D.; Almazán-Alvarado, S.; Martínez, A. Justicia spicigera Schltdl. and kaempferitrin as potential anticonvulsant natural products. Biomed. Pharmacother., 2017, 92, 240-248.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.05.075] [PMID: 28551543]
[22]
Kandratavicius, L.; Balista, P.; Lopes-Aguiar, C.; Ruggiero, R.; Umeoka, E.; Garcia-Cairasco, N.; Bueno-Junior, L.; Leite, J. Animal models of epilepsy: Use and limitations. Neuropsychiatr. Dis. Treat., 2014, 10, 1693-1705.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S50371] [PMID: 25228809]
[23]
Straube, G. The importance of valerian roots in therapy. Ther. Ggw., 1968, 107(4), 555-562.
[PMID: 5672328]
[24]
Houghton, P.J. The scientific basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 2010, 51(5), 505-512.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1211/0022357991772772] [PMID: 10411208]
[25]
Houghton, P.J. The biological activity of valerian and related plants. J. Ethnopharmacol., 1988, 22(2), 121-142.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(88)90123-7] [PMID: 3287008]
[26]
Khare, C.P. Indian medicinal plants: An illustrated dictionary; Springer Science Business Media, 2008.
[27]
Hendriks, H.; Bos, R.; Allersma, D.; Malingré, T.; Koster, A. Pharmacological screening of valerenal and some other components of essential oil of Valeriana officinalis. Planta Med., 1981, 42(5), 62-68.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-971547] [PMID: 7255569]
[28]
Patan, A.; Alekhya, K.; Vijey Aanandhi, M.; Tharagesh, K.; Anish, A. Valeriana jatamansi: An ethnobotanical review. Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res., 2018, 11(4), 38-40.
[29]
Sudati, J.H.; Fachinetto, R.; Pereira, R.P.; Boligon, A.A.; Athayde, M.L.; Soares, F.A.; de Vargas Barbosa, N.B.; Rocha, J.B.T. In vitro antioxidant activity of Valeriana officinalis against different neurotoxic agents. Neurochem. Res., 2009, 34(8), 1372-1379.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11064-009-9917-8] [PMID: 19191025]
[30]
Marder, M.; Viola, H.; Wasowski, C.; Fernández, S.; Medina, J.H.; Paladini, A.C. 6-Methylapigenin and hesperidin: New valeriana flavonoids with activity on the CNS. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., 2003, 75(3), 537-545.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(03)00121-7] [PMID: 12895671]
[31]
Chen, H.W.; Wei, B.J.; He, X.H.; Liu, Y.; Wang, J. Chemical components and cardiovascular activities of valeriana spp. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med., 2015, 2015, 1-11.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/947619] [PMID: 26788113]
[32]
Wang, Q.; Wang, C.; Shu, Z.; Chan, K.; Huang, S.; Li, Y.; Xiao, Y.; Wu, L.; Kuang, H.; Sun, X. Valeriana amurensis improves Amyloid-beta 1-42 induced cognitive deficit by enhancing cerebral cholinergic function and protecting the brain neurons from apoptosis in mice. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2014, 153(2), 318-325.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.017] [PMID: 24269774]
[33]
Letchamo, W.; Ward, W.; Heard, B.; Heard, D. Essential oil of Valeriana officinalis L. cultivars and their antimicrobial activity as influenced by harvesting time under commercial organic cultivation. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2004, 52(12), 3915-3919.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf0353990] [PMID: 15186117]
[34]
Wang, J.; Zhao, J.; Liu, H.; Zhou, L.; Liu, Z.; Wang, J.; Han, J.; Yu, Z.; Yang, F. Chemical analysis and biological activity of the essential oils of two valerianaceous species from China: Nardostachys chinensis and Valeriana officinalis. Molecules, 2010, 15(9), 6411-6422.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules15096411] [PMID: 20877232]
[35]
Minocha, N.; Sharma, N.; Pandey, P. Wheatgrass: An epitome of nutritional value. Curr. Nutr. Food Sci., 2022, 18(1), 22-30.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573401317666210906140834]
[36]
Mothana, R. Al-Said, M.; Al-Yahya, M.; Al-Rehaily, A.; Khaled, J. GC and GC/MS analysis of essential oil composition of the endemic Soqotraen Leucas virgata Balf.f. and its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2013, 14(11), 23129-23139.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms141123129] [PMID: 24284402]
[37]
Gu, C.; Lu, S.; Gu, L. Abstraction of valeriana pseudofficinalis flower essential oil and analysis by GC/MS. Chem Ind Prod, 1999, 19, 75-78.
[38]
Huang, B.; Qin, L.; Chu, Q.; Zhang, Q.; Gao, L.; Zheng, H. Comparison of headspace SPME with hydro distillation and SFE for analysis of the volatile components of the roots of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Chromatographia, 2009, 69(5-6), 489-496.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1365/s10337-008-0921-y]
[39]
Shi, J.L.; Liu, Y.; Xiao, P.G. The chemical constituents and bioactivities of valeriana officinalis L. World Phytomed, 2003, 18(6), 231-239.
[40]
Gilani, A.H.; Khan, A.; Jabeen, Q.; Subhan, F.; Ghafar, R. Antispasmodic and blood pressure lowering effects of Valeriana wallichii are mediated through K+ channel activation. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2005, 100(3), 347-352.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.05.010] [PMID: 16002246]
[41]
McCabe, S. Complementary herbal and alternative drugs in clinical practice. Perspect. Psychiatr. Care, 2002, 38(3), 98-107.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6163.2002.tb00663.x] [PMID: 12385080]
[42]
Becker, H.; Chavadej, S. Valepotriate production of normal and colchicine-treated cell suspension cultures of Valeriana wallichii. J. Nat. Prod., 1985, 48(1), 17-21.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/np50037a003] [PMID: 4009183]
[43]
Azizi, H.; Shojaii, A.; Hashem-Dabaghian, F.; Noras, M.; Boroumand, A.; Ebadolahzadeh Haghani, B.; Ghods, R. Effects of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) on tension-type headache: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Avicenna J. Phytomed., 2020, 10(3), 297-304.
[PMID: 32523884]
[44]
González-Trujano, M.E.; Contreras-Murillo, G.; López-Najera, C.A.; Hidalgo-Flores, F.J.; Navarrete-Castro, A.; Sánchez, C.G.; Magdaleno-Madrigal, V.M. Anticonvulsant activity of Valeriana edulis roots and valepotriates on the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2021, 265, 113299.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113299] [PMID: 32841694]
[45]
Rezvani, M.E.; Roohbakhsh, A.; Allahtavakoli, M.; Shamsizadeh, A. Anticonvulsant effect of aqueous extract of Valeriana officinalis in amygdala-kindled rats: Possible involvement of adenosine. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2010, 127(2), 313-318.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.11.002] [PMID: 19900527]
[46]
Bogacz, A.; Mrozikiewicz, P.M.; Karasiewicz, M.; Bartkowiak-Wieczorek, J.; Majchrzycki, M.; Mikolajczak, P.L.; Ozarowski, M.; Grzeskowiak, E. The influence of standardized Valeriana officinalis extract on the CYP3A1 gene expression by nuclear receptors in in vivo model. BioMed Res. Int., 2014, 2014(4), 819093.
[PMID: 25302309]
[47]
Hattesohl, M.; Feistel, B.; Sievers, H.; Lehnfeld, R.; Hegger, M.; Winterhoff, H. Extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. s.l. show anxiolytic and antidepressant effects but neither sedative nor myorelaxant properties. Phytomedicine, 2008, 15(1-2), 2-15.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2007.11.027] [PMID: 18160026]
[48]
Murphy, K.; Kubin, Z.J.; Shepherd, J.N.; Ettinger, R.H. Valeriana officinalis root extracts have potent anxiolytic effects in laboratory rats. Phytomedicine, 2010, 17(8-9), 674-678.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.020] [PMID: 20042323]
[49]
Sakamoto, T.; Mitani, Y.; Nakajima, K. Psychotropic effects of Japanese valerian root extract. Chem. Pharm. Bull., 1992, 40(3), 758-761.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1248/cpb.40.758] [PMID: 1611689]
[50]
Taibi, D.M.; Vitiello, M.V.; Barsness, S.; Elmer, G.W.; Anderson, G.D.; Landis, C.A. A randomized clinical trial of valerian fails to improve self-reported, polysomnographic, and actigraphic sleep in older women with insomnia. Sleep Med., 2009, 10(3), 319-328.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2008.02.001] [PMID: 18482867]
[51]
Shimazaki, M.; Martin, J.L. Do herbal agents have a place in the treatment of sleep problems in long-term care? J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc., 2007, 8(4), 248-252.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2006.11.001] [PMID: 17498609]
[52]
Hosseini, M.; Neamati, A.; Chaman, F.; Boskabady, M. The effects of Valeriana officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract on depression like behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats. J. Pharm. Bioallied Sci., 2014, 6(2), 97-103.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.129174] [PMID: 24741277]
[53]
Agrawala, P.K.; Katoch, O.; Kaushik, S.; Yogendra Kumar, M.S.; Misra, K.; Mishra, K. Radioprotective property of an aqueous extract from valeriana wallichii. J. Pharm. Bioallied Sci., 2012, 4(4), 327-332.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.103272] [PMID: 23248568]
[54]
Samarth, R.M.; Samarth, M.; Matsumoto, Y. Medicinally important aromatic plants with radioprotective activity. Future Sci. OA, 2017, 3(4), FSO247.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.4155/fsoa-2017-0061] [PMID: 29134131]
[55]
You, J.S.; Peng, M.; Shi, J.L.; Zheng, H.Z.; Liu, Y.; Zhao, B.S.; Guo, J.Y. Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of compound Valeriana jatamansi Jones in mice. BMC Complement. Altern. Med., 2012, 12(1), 223.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-223] [PMID: 23171285]
[56]
de Oliveria, D.M.; Barreto, G.; De Andrade, D.V.G.; Saraceno, E.; Aon-Bertolino, L.; Capani, F.; Dos Santos El Bachá, R.; Giraldez, L.D. Cytoprotective effect of Valeriana officinalis extract on an in vitro experimental model of Parkinson disease. Neurochem. Res., 2009, 34(2), 215-220.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11064-008-9749-y] [PMID: 18512151]
[57]
Zare, A.; Khaksar, Z.; Sobhani, Z.; Amini, M. Analgesic effect of Valerian root and turnip extracts. World J. Plast. Surg., 2018, 7(3), 345-350.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.29252/wjps.7.3.345] [PMID: 30560075]
[58]
Khuda, F.; Iqbal, Z. Zakiullah; Khan, A.; Nasir, F. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of leaf extract of Valeriana wallichii DC. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci., 2012, 25(4), 715-719.
[PMID: 23009985]
[59]
Subhan, F.; Karim, N.; Ibrar, M. Anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Valeriana wallichii DC rhizome. Pak J Plant Sci, 2007, 13, 103-108.
[60]
Dimpfel, W; Nöldner, M Combination of valerian root extract and lavender oil for use in the treatment of sleep disorders. US10357530, 2019.
[61]
Chen, X; Zhang, C A kind of clathrate process at valerian naphtha position. CN109432237A, 2019.
[62]
Zanella, L; Massironi, M; Pertile, P Compositions comprising valerian extracts. US10391071, 2019.
[63]
Axel, B. 2018.
[64]
Guilin, HLL A kind of valerian seedling medicine relaxes the network spirit essential oil composition and its preparation methods and application. CN107982500A, 2018.
[65]
Lu, LG; Huang, D; Dai, M; Gang, JX A kind of implantation methods of Guizhou Province production seedling medicine valerian. CN108076982A, 2018.
[66]
Aharonian, G. Uses of coca leaf or valerian root to reduce bitterness in plant-based foods such as those containing unsweetened cocoa. US14744242, 2016.

Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy