Herbs & Botanicals · Herbs · European sleep root
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis L. · also called Common valerian, garden valerian, garden heliotrope, cat's valerian (valeriana in Spanish)
Valerian is a tall perennial herb of Europe and temperate Asia. Its root and rhizome are taken as a capsule, tea, tincture or extract. In Europe it has long been used for nervous tension and poor sleep, according to the EU herbal monograph. Human trials on sleep give mixed results, and long-term safety is unknown.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a tall European herb whose root has long been used in European folk and official medicine for nervous tension and poor sleep. Today it is sold as a supplement, mostly for sleep. Reviews of the human trials disagree, and the best honest summary is "mixed". Short-term use looks well tolerated, but long-term safety is unknown. Rare liver injury, added drowsiness with alcohol and sedatives, and pregnancy are the main cautions.
What it is
Valerian is Valeriana officinalis, a perennial herb up to about 1.5 metres tall. It has pale pink or white flowers in summer. It is native to Europe and temperate Asia.
The part used is the underground root and rhizome. The dried root has a strong, unpleasant smell. Do not confuse it with Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi or wallichii), a separate species used in a similar way.
What makes it distinctive
The best-known compound is valerenic acid, with related acids. Quality standards use it as a marker. The root also holds valepotriates, essential oil, lignans and flavonoids.
In lab and animal work, valerenic acid boosts the brain's main calming chemical, GABA, at one type of receptor. Other root compounds act on adenosine receptors. These results come mostly from cells and animals, at concentrations far above the levels measured in human blood. They do not show that valerian works in people.
Valerenic acid behaves differently alone than inside the whole root, so it is not clear which part of the root does what. Different extracts also contain different amounts, and products vary widely.
Historical and current uses
Valerian was written up in Europe as a nerve remedy from at least the 1700s. Later texts list it for nervous sleeplessness, agitation, cramps and period pain. Germany has listed it since 1985 for nervousness and sleep disorders.
Claims that Hippocrates and Galen used it are not confirmed. The EU review is cautious about whether an ancient herb called phu was really valerian.
What the research shows
Sleep is the main use, and the evidence is mixed. One 2006 pooled analysis of 16 trials found a benefit on a yes/no question about sleep improving. A 2010 analysis found the same yes/no result but no change on a sleep-quality scale and no change in minutes to fall asleep. A 2007 review concluded valerian was safe but not effective, and a 2024 review of reviews found no evidence that it treats insomnia.
For other uses the evidence is thinner. Anxiety, stress, thinking, menopause sleep, hot flashes, period pain and PMS each rest on a few small trials, many from Iran, and many using combination products. Restless legs is not supported, and a 2025 guideline suggests against it. Digestive and muscle uses have no human trials.
Most trials were short (up to 8 weeks). Only abstracts were read for most studies, and no review gave a formal certainty rating.
Root, leaf, powder, extract: what is the difference?
Dry extract capsules and tablets
Concentrated root extract, often made with ethanol or a methanol-water mix, sometimes with stated valerenic acid content.
The form used in most sleep trials. Different extracts were tested, so one brand's results do not carry to another.
Tea and powdered root
Cut root steeped in boiling water, or ground dried root.
These are the traditional European forms. No placebo-controlled trial of valerian tea or plain root powder was found.
Tinctures and liquid extracts
Root extracted in alcohol or water-alcohol.
Strength varies. One small one-night study of a valerian-hops liquid improved lab-measured sleep in poor sleepers.
Valerian-hops and other blends
Valerian with hops, lemon balm, fennel, L-theanine or others in one product.
Results cannot be credited to valerian alone, and several makers test their own fixed combination.
Gummies, bath additives and creams
Chewables, root added to a bath, and skin products.
No gummy or skin-product trial was found, and none of these is comparable to oral extracts.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- In Europe, a calming root for nervous tension and sleeplessness, as tea, powder, tincture or bath
- Written up in the 1700s and 1800s as a nerve remedy and antispasmodic, for cramps and agitation
- In Germany, officially listed from 1985 for nervousness and sleep disorders
Studied for research
- Sleep quality and insomnia (results mixed)
- Valerian-hops combinations for falling asleep
- Hot flashes and sleep problems around menopause
- Period pain
- Anxiety and everyday stress (little evidence)
- Restless legs (a sleep-medicine guideline suggests against it)
Main compounds
- Valerenic acid and related sesquiterpene acids (the usual quality marker)
- Valepotriates (unstable compounds, more in fresh root)
- Essential oil, lignans and flavonoids (less studied)
Common forms
- Dry extract capsules or tablets (the form most trials used)
- Tea (infusion) of cut root and powdered root
- Tinctures and liquid extracts
- Fixed combinations with hops, lemon balm and other herbs
Research links: NIH NCCIH: Valerian · EU herbal monograph on valerian root (EMA) · LiverTox (NIH): Valerian · PubMed: valerian randomized trials · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
The plant and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Valeriana officinalis L.
- Naming authority
- L. (Linnaeus), published in Species Plantarum, page 31 (1753) (GBIF; NCBI Taxonomy gives 'L., 1753')
- Synonyms
- Valeriana exaltata J.C.Mikan; Valeriana nipponica Nakai; Valeriana nipponica Nakai ex Kitag.; Valeriana officinalis subsp. exaltata (J.C.Mikan) Soo; Valeriana officinalis subsp. sarkayi (Soo) A.Love & D.Love; Valeriana officinalis var. angustifolia Miq.; Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia Briq.; Valeriana officinalis var. officinalis; Valeriana officinalis var. sarkayi Soo, 1973; Valeriana officinalis var. simplicifolia Ledeb.; Valeriana sambucifolia Eichw.; Veronica officinalis var. altissima W.D.J.Koch, 1836
- Common names
- Valerian (English); Common valerian (English); Garden valerian (English); Garden heliotrope (English); All-heal (English); Cat's valerian (English); Valeriana (Spanish); Valeriane officinale; herbe aux chats (French); Echter Baldrian; Arznei-Baldrian (German); Valeriana comune; erba dei gatti (Italian); Valeriana-das-boticas; erva-de-gato (Portuguese); Echte valeriaan (Dutch); Kozlek lekarski (Polish); Vendelort (Swedish); Lage-baldrian (Danish)
- Botanical family
- Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family, order Dipsacales). Older papers, including several cited here (for example p15921820), still call it Valerianaceae, because valerians were once placed in their own family; current databases (GBIF, NCBI) place the genus in Caprifoliaceae.
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Dipsacales > Caprifoliaceae > Valeriana > Valeriana officinalis
- Native range
- Europe and temperate Asia: stated by Wikipedia (secondary) as from Iceland south to Portugal, north to central Scandinavia, east to European Russia and south-east to Iran. It has spread beyond this range and is listed as a plant of concern or invasive in places such as Connecticut (USA) and New Brunswick (Canada), per the same source. Not yet checked against Plants of the World Online.
- Habitat
- Wet and dry meadows, wet woodland and marshes; chalk-grassland forms are sometimes classed as subsp. collina (Wikipedia, secondary).
- What the plant looks like
- Roots: The underground parts (rhizome with roots and stolons) are the part used; the dried drug has a strong, unpleasant smell partly due to isovaleric acid formed when valepotriates break down (s-ema-ar-valerian-2016).; Stems: Erect, usually unbranched, perennial herb up to about 1.5 m, rarely 2 m (Wikipedia).; Leaves: Pinnately divided, up to about 20 cm long, leaflets toothed or nearly entire (Wikipedia).; Flowers: Small, 2.5-5 mm across, five-lobed, pale pink or occasionally white, sweetly scented, in compound clusters; flowering June to August (Wikipedia).; Fruit: Not described in the sources read.
- Cultivation
- Both cultivated and wild-gathered root are studied: p11449465 grew several Valeriana species under identical conditions; p29121679 sampled 260 wild-gathered European plants. No growing guidance or acreage figures were verified.
- Harvest and processing
- The European Pharmacopoeia defines the herbal drug as dried, whole or fragmented underground parts (rhizome surrounded by the roots, and stolons) of Valeriana officinalis L. s.l., with a minimum of 4 ml/kg essential oil and 0.17% sesquiterpenic acids (as valerenic acid) in the whole drug; the cut drug for tea has minimums of 3 ml/kg and 0.10% (s-ema-ar-valerian-2016). Fresh-root juice, tinctures (1:5, 60-80% ethanol), water extracts and hydro-alcoholic extracts, and the steam-distilled essential oil are other documented preparations. Harvest timing and drying practice were not verified.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Valeriana officinalis is an 'aggregate' (s.l.) of related forms; Note: Pharmacopoeia language is 'V. officinalis L. s.l.'. In Central Europe the aggregate includes di-, tetra- and octoploid forms, and the octoploid form was the richest in sesquiterpenoid acids in a 260-plant study (p29121679). Valerenic acid has been called a species-specific marker, but EMA notes it has also been found outside the aggregate, so a single compound does not prove identity.; Name: Valeriana jatamansi / V. wallichii (Indian valerian); Note: A separate Asian species that is used for similar purposes and is named in papers with valepotriates as its characteristic chemistry (p30663144, p23195845). A review notes botanical naming errors and reproducibility problems in the literature on it, so results on 'valerian' can be from the wrong species. Some effects often attributed to valerian were found in V. wallichii (for example 6-methylapigenin, p12895671).; Name: Valeriana edulis ssp. procera (Mexican valerian, V. mexicana); Note: Another species used medicinally in the Americas and tested alongside V. officinalis (p23195845).; Name: Valeriana phu and 'phu' of the ancients; Note: Wikipedia lists V. phu as another plant called garden valerian. EMA states that Dioscorides' 'phu' or 'wild nard' is not doubtlessly identified as V. officinalis, so ancient texts cannot be assumed to describe this plant.; Name: Red valerian (Valeriana rubra, Centranthus ruber); Note: A garden ornamental that is a different plant; listed by Wikipedia as often grown in gardens. Not used as a medicinal valerian.; Name: Chemical variability within the true species; Note: Valerenic acid derivatives ranged 12.34 to 3.01 mg/g between individual plants of one commercial V. officinalis cultivar, and 11.65 to 0.15 mg/g across Valeriana species and varieties (p11449465). Commercial products also vary widely against their labels (p15367385).
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not verified. No IUCN assessment was retrieved. Part of the medicinal supply is wild-gathered (p29121679), but wild-harvest pressure is not documented in the sources read.
The plant and the parts used
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Greece and Rome (about 50-70 AD, Dioscorides, Materia Medica) | A valerian-like herb called 'phu' or 'wild nard' (not doubtlessly identified as Valeriana officinalis) was used as dried root or decoction for warming, as a urinary tract remedy, for menstrual cramps and for liver diseases, according to the EMA review citing Madaus (1976). Sleep is not listed among these uses. | s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 |
| Antiquity: claims about Hippocrates and Galen (NOT verified) | Wikipedia states that Hippocrates described valerian's properties and that Galen prescribed it for insomnia. These claims were not confirmed in a primary source or in the EMA report, which is more cautious about identification, so treat them as unverified. | s-wikipedia-valeriana-officinalis |
| Europe, late 1700s to early 1900s (Hahnemann 1793-1799; Chamisso; Vietz 1800; Hager 1873/74; Dragendorff) | Valerian root was written up as an antispasmodic and nerve remedy for epilepsy, chorea (Veitstanz), cramps, worm diseases, hysterical ailments and nervous fever; Dragendorff called it a 'remedium nervinum'. Forms: powdered root, ethanol extract, water infusion, and the essential oil as the strongest form. | s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 |
| Europe and Britain, 1900s (Ward 1936; Weiss 1944; Martindale 1967; British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1976; List 1979) | Indications named include hysteria, neuralgia, nervous debility, nervous agitation, nervous sleeplessness, nervous palpitations, excitability, hypochondriasis, migraine, cramps, intestinal colic and period pain. Preparations included infusion (for example 1 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water in wineglass doses 3-4 times daily, Ward), cold water maceration (about 5 g root in a glass of water overnight, for sleeplessness, per Madaus), tinctures and liquid extracts. | s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 |
| Germany, 1985 onward (Kommission E monograph; Standardzulassung 1985/86) | Official indication: relief of nervousness and sleep disorders; infusion of 2-3 g root per cup, tincture 1-3 ml, extracts equal to 2-3 g root, and a bath additive (100 g root for a full bath). | s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 |
| United States, 1917-1927 (Sayre 1917; Culbreth 1927) | Listed as a gentle nerve stimulant and antispasmodic for hysterical disorders; Culbreth added hypochondria, headache, whooping-cough, dysmenorrhoea, vertigo, epilepsy and flatulence, with tincture and fluid-extract doses given. | s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 |
| Pakistan (Usmanghani et al. 1997, via EMA) | Root and rhizome used in traditional formulations for 'nervous debility', as a hypnotic, for nervous disorders around menopause, insomnia from mental overwork, neurosis, hysteria and epilepsy, at about 3-5 g. The same source calls large or long-term use harmful to the kidneys; EMA says the plausibility of this tradition could not be rated for lack of detail, and this kidney remark is a traditional statement, not a tested finding. | s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 |
| England and Scotland, 1500s-1600s (Gerard, Culpeper) (NOT verified) | Wikipedia cites John Gerard's Herball (1597) for convulsions, croup and bruising and Nicholas Culpeper for cough and plague. These are second-hand and were not checked in the original books. | s-wikipedia-valeriana-officinalis |
| Modern European regulation (EMA/HMPC) | EMA's assessment treats valerian root as having long traditional use in Europe, with registered herbal products on the market in several countries (earliest dates listed in its Table 1 include Germany 1978 and France 1981), for relief of nervousness and sleep disorders (per its Table 1). The EMA historical-use review is the source of the older records above. | s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 |
Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valerenic acid PubChem 6440940 | sesquiterpenoid (valerenane-type) carboxylic acid | Root and rhizome Pharmacopoeia counts total sesquiterpenic acids as valerenic acid: at least 0.17% of the whole dried drug, 0.10% for cut tea drug (s-ema-ar-valerian-2016). Pure valerenic acid serum levels after 600 mg of valerian were 0.9-2.3 ng/mL (p16220575). | Subunit-selective positive modulator of GABA-A receptors (needs beta2 or beta3 subunit; beta3 N265 region) in cells; positive allosteric modulator at adenosine A1 receptors (cells); binds 5-HT5a (IC50 17.2 microM); activates TRPV1 channels (cells); anxiolytic-like in mice when given without acetoxyvalerenic acid. Crosses an in-vitro brain-barrier model slowly. 73 88 74 32 119 104 10 131 102 2 140 | Laboratory research |
| Acetoxyvalerenic acid PubChem 91864465 | sesquiterpenoid acid | Root and rhizome Counted within total sesquiterpenic acids; amounts vary widely between products (p15367385). | Weaker or opposing to valerenic acid in the one mouse study: adding it abolished valerenic acid's anxiolytic effect; also reduces GABA-A currents at 100 microM and above in oocytes. Is partly converted to hydroxyvalerenic acid by liver cells (EMA, citing Simmen 2005). 10 73 85 143 | Animal research |
| Hydroxyvalerenic acid PubChem 6537505 | sesquiterpenoid acid | Root and rhizome; also formed from acetoxyvalerenic acid More water-soluble than valerenic acid (26 vs 1 microg/mL at pH 6.8, p14531459). | Little direct activity data in this file; listed as a marker and a metabolite; modest neuroprotection in one cell model (p42884000). 130 102 104 85 | Laboratory research |
| Valerenal PubChem 6440942 | sesquiterpenoid aldehyde (essential-oil component) | Essential oil of root Listed by EMA among important sesquiterpenes of the oil; no content figure verified. | No activity data verified here. 143 | Insufficient |
| Valtrate PubChem 442436 | valepotriate (iridoid triester; diene type) | Fresh root Total valepotriates 0.1-2% of the dried root (Wichtl via EMA); 0.03-1.81 mg/g across species and 0.92-3.67 mg/g across plants of one V. officinalis cultivar (p11449465). Break down on storage. | Toxic to cancer cells in the test tube (IC50 1-6 microM); mutagenic in some bacteria only after liver-enzyme activation; very unstable, poor oral bioavailability (per EMA, citing Wagner and Jurcic 1980). Valtrate's anticancer cell work (not about sleep) is in later papers not used here. 14 144 46 143 | Laboratory research |
| Isovaltrate PubChem 92275 | valepotriate (iridoid triester) | Fresh root Part of the 0.1-2% valepotriate total; main component together with valtrate (EMA). | Same safety picture as valtrate: cell toxicity and bacterial mutagenicity after activation; not expected to survive storage. 14 144 143 | Laboratory research |
| Didrovaltrate (dihydrovaltrate) PubChem 65689 | valepotriate (monoene type) | Fresh root Within valepotriate total; no separate figure verified. | 2-3 fold less cytotoxic than diene valepotriates in cell tests; decreases 2-fold after liver-cell incubation (EMA). 14 144 143 | Laboratory research |
| Acevaltrate PubChem 65717 | valepotriate (diene type) | Root of some Valeriana species Reported in V. officinalis-type and related roots; no figure verified. | Diene-type, cytotoxic at 1-6 microM in cells (IC50 range for the diene group). 14 | Laboratory research |
| Baldrinal PubChem 159846 | valepotriate breakdown product | Appears in stored root and tinctures Present only in small amounts in valerian extracts (EMA). | 10-30 times less cytotoxic than parent valepotriates in cells. 14 143 | Laboratory research |
| Homobaldrinal PubChem 49999 | valepotriate breakdown product | Appears in stored root and tinctures Present only in small amounts in valerian extracts (EMA). | 10-30 times less cytotoxic than parent valepotriates in cells. 14 143 | Laboratory research |
| Isovaleric acid PubChem 10430 | short-chain fatty acid; valepotriate breakdown product | Dried, stored root Gives dried valerian its unpleasant 'old socks' smell (EMA, citing Haensel 1999). | Odour marker; no sleep activity claimed here. 143 | Insufficient |
| Valeranone PubChem 171455 | sesquiterpene ketone (essential-oil component) | Essential oil of root Listed by EMA (Wichtl) among important sesquiterpenes; essential oil is 0.3-2.1% of the root. | No activity data verified here. 143 | Insufficient |
| Bornyl acetate PubChem 93009 | monoterpene ester (main essential-oil component) | Essential oil of root Predominant component of the oil, composition varies by origin (EMA). | No activity data verified here. 143 | Insufficient |
| Beta-caryophyllene PubChem 5281515 | sesquiterpene (essential oil) | Essential oil Reported in valerian essential oil in the rat study; no percentage verified. | Predicted by network pharmacology to be the oil's active component acting through 5-HT1A signalling in insomnia rats; not shown in people. 135 | Animal research |
| Pinoresinol and hydroxy-pinoresinol lignans PubChem 73399 | furofuran lignans | Root Lignans total about 0.2% of the root (EMA); 8-hydroxypinoresinol is a named example (CID 3010930). | Pinoresinol was a weak positive allosteric modulator of adenosine A1 receptors in cells (p40509231). EMA, citing Hoelzl 1998, reports hydroxypinoresinol binding to 5-HT1A receptors (IC50 2.5 micromol/L) with the kind of action not tested. 119 117 143 | Laboratory research |
| Olivil-type lignan glycoside | lignan glycoside (4'-O-glucosyl-9-O-(6''-deoxysaccharosyl)olivil) | Root Part of the roughly 0.2% lignan fraction; no separate content. | Partial agonist at adenosine A1 receptors at low micromolar to submicromolar levels in cells; first non-nucleoside A1 agonist found. PubChem CID not looked up (no reliable name match). 117 | Laboratory research |
| Linarin PubChem 5317025 | flavone glycoside | Root (reported) No content verified. | Brief sedation in mice at 12 mg/kg in one telemetry study (not sustained). 25 143 | Animal research |
| Hesperidin (2S-hesperidin) PubChem 10621 | flavanone glycoside | Reported in Valeriana root No content verified. | Sedative and sleep-enhancing in mice (p12895671). Whether the plant studied there was V. officinalis was not clear from the abstract. 91 143 | Animal research |
| 6-Methylapigenin PubChem 9965615 | flavone (benzodiazepine-site ligand in V. wallichii) | Isolated from V. wallichii, not shown for V. officinalis Not verified in V. officinalis (EMA text writes '8-methylapigenin', which may be a different flavone). | Anxiolytic in mice and benzodiazepine-site ligand in the V. wallichii study; potentiated hesperidin's sleep effect. 91 | Animal research |
| Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) PubChem 119 | amino-acid neurotransmitter | Root (free amino acids) Listed by EMA among free amino acids with arginine, alanine and glutamine; no content figure. Whether swallowed GABA reaches the brain is doubtful and was not tested here. | Present as a constituent; not shown to explain valerian's effects. 143 | Insufficient |
| Adenosine PubChem 60961 | purine nucleoside | Extract Ze 911 0.05% of the extract Ze 911 (one specific extract, p40509231). | Detected in the extract; supports direct activation of adenosine A1 receptors in cells. 119 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| GABA-A receptor (valerenic acid) | GABRB2 / GABRB3 (beta2 and beta3 subunits) | In frog-egg cells valerenic acid increased GABA-driven chloride current only in receptors with beta2 or beta3 subunits (stimulation seen from about 30 microM), through a site that needs beta3 N265 near the etomidate/propofol region; it was not blocked by flumazenil. Extracts rich in valerenic acid (non-polar extracts) did the same, polar extracts did not. In mice, valerenic acid showed anxiolytic-like effects, but adding acetoxyvalerenic acid cancelled it. Concentrations used are micromolar; human blood levels after 600 mg valerian were 0.9-2.3 ng/mL (a much lower figure), and valerenic acid crossed an in-vitro brain-barrier model only slowly. Not shown in humans. 73 88 131 10 2 102 | Laboratory research |
| GABA-A receptor in brain tissue (extract) | GABA-A (not subunit-resolved) | Valerian extract and valerenic acid reduced firing of newborn-rat brainstem neurons in a way blocked by bicuculline (valerenic acid IC50 23 microM). EMA notes that aqueous and aqueous-ethanol extracts bind GABA-A with 50-1000 times lower affinity than GABA itself. 140 143 | Animal research |
| Benzodiazepine binding site | GABA-A benzodiazepine site | Results conflict: valerian extracts first enhanced and then inhibited flunitrazepam binding in rat brain tissue, while another group found no extract affinity for benzodiazepine sites and a valerenic acid action not blocked by flumazenil. Overall: unresolved, so valerian should not be described as 'working like a benzodiazepine'. 105 10 73 | Mixed |
| GABA release, uptake and synthesis | GABA transporter (GAT); glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) | An aqueous root extract increased GABA release and blocked uptake in rat synaptosomes by reversing the GABA carrier (not seen with an ethanol extract per EMA); valerian extract raised GAD activity by over 40% at 1 mg/mL in a brain-homogenate assay. Test-tube level only. 111 105 6 143 | Laboratory research |
| Adenosine A1 receptor | ADORA1 | Valerian extracts bound adenosine A1 receptors and acted as partial agonists in cell membranes. An olivil-type lignan from the root was a partial agonist at low micromolar levels; valerenic acid and pinoresinol worked as positive allosteric modulators and the extract Ze 911 contained 0.05% adenosine itself (authors all employed by the extract maker). In 16 people per group, a valerian-hop combination reduced caffeine-induced EEG arousal at 2 tablets and blocked it at 6, which fits competition at adenosine receptors but is an indirect, combination-product result. 98 117 119 114 | Laboratory research |
| Serotonin 5-HT5a receptor | HTR5A | Petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts displaced a radioligand at the human 5-HT5a receptor (86% and 51% at 50 microg/mL); valerenic acid IC50 17.2 microM; GTP-shift data were read as partial agonism. This is receptor binding in cell membranes only; no sleep effect was measured in this paper. The receptor is found in the brain's body-clock region (suprachiasmatic nucleus) according to the authors. 32 | Laboratory research |
| Serotonin 5-HT1A signalling (essential oil) | HTR1A | In rats with chemically induced insomnia, valerian essential oil lengthened sleep and lowered anxiety-like behaviour; network pharmacology predicted caryophyllene acts via 5-HT1A and cAMP/PKA. EMA, citing Hoelzl 1998, also reports 5-HT1A binding by hydroxypinoresinol. Prediction-based, oil form only. 135 143 | Animal research |
| TRPV1 ion channel | TRPV1 | Valerenic acid activated TRPV1 channels and boosted the capsaicin response in CHO cells; relevance to sleep or anxiety is unknown. 104 | Laboratory research |
| Flavonoid and lignan contributions | benzodiazepine site and unspecified | Hesperidin and 6-methylapigenin (the latter from V. wallichii) showed sedative or anxiolytic activity in mice; linarin and apigenin gave brief sedation. Their contribution to whole-root effects is unproven. 91 25 | Animal research |
| Behaviour of whole extract in animals | none identified | In mouse telemetry only the top dose of 1000 mg/kg of a 70% ethanol extract briefly reduced movement (66-78 min), followed by increased activity; neither extract nor pure compounds were considered clearly sedative. EMA lists other animal results: water extract prolonged thiopental sleep time in mice (1.6-fold at 2 mg/kg, 7.6-fold at 200 mg/kg) and anxiolytic-like effects of an ethanol extract in rats. 25 143 | Mixed |
| Overall caution | n/a | Cell and animal results point toward GABA, adenosine and serotonin systems, but extracts differ in solvent and content, concentrations used are far above blood levels, and sleep benefit in people is judged uncertain: an umbrella review of 8 systematic reviews found no evidence of efficacy for insomnia by objective measures, a possible subjective improvement, and good safety. 132 2 | Insufficient |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Valerenic acid was the only constituent followed in blood. After 600 mg valerian in six healthy adults it peaked at 1-2 h (0.9-2.3 ng/mL in five of six) and half-life was 1.1 +/- 0.6 h (p16220575). In older women, one dose and 2 weeks of nightly doses gave similar results with big differences between and within people (p20878691). In Caco-2 cell layers valerenic acid was highly permeable, possibly by active transport (p37027987). In rats oral absorption (F) was about 33.7% (p22411722). Valerenic acid has very low water solubility (1 microg/mL at pH 6.8, versus 26 for hydroxyvalerenic acid) and tablet release differs a lot between products (p14531459). Valepotriates are reported to have very low oral bioavailability and degrade on storage (EMA, citing Wagner and Jurcic 1980, not checked in the original).
- Distribution
- No human tissue-distribution data found. In a human-cell brain-barrier model (ECV304), valerenic acid, hydroxyvalerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid crossed 3-9% as fast as diazepam, so passive crossing seems limited (p18704879). In rats, volume of distribution was 17-20 L/kg and terminal half-life after IV dosing 6-46 h, suggesting extensive tissue binding (p22411722).
- Metabolism
- In perfused rat livers valerenic acid was almost fully extracted (ratio about 0.98) and converted into seven glucuronide conjugates, including hydroxylated forms (p19156843). Rat liver cells also removed the acetyl group from acetoxyvalerenic acid, raising hydroxyvalerenic acid about 9-fold, and broke down valepotriates (EMA, citing Simmen 2005). Artificial human gut bacteria did not metabolise valerenic acid in 24 h (p37027987). Human metabolite identification was not found.
- Elimination
- Human valerenic acid half-life about 1 h (p16220575; EMA quotes 1.02 +/- 0.35 h for older women). In rats, valerenic acid and its glucuronides leave through bile via the Mrp2 transporter (p19156843). Urinary excretion in humans was not found.
- Bioavailability
- Not established in humans: no intravenous comparison exists, so absolute bioavailability is unknown. Exposure varies a lot between people and weight matters (p20878691). Capsule-to-capsule consistency inside one product was high (1.4-2.2% variation) but products on the market differ widely in valerenic, acetoxyvalerenic and hydroxyvalerenic acid versus their labels (p15367385) and in tablet release (p14531459). Drug-interaction note: 1000 mg valerian nightly for 14 days raised alprazolam Cmax from 25 to 31 ng/mL (p<0.05) but did not change CYP2D6 activity (p15328251); a review of interaction studies judged the in-vitro CYP3A4/P-gp signals unreliable and clinical interaction potential low (p25093031), while test-tube work on 14 products showed marked CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibition (p15367385).
2 3 20 110 130 102 90 85 35 71 143
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The best-supported lead compound, valerenic acid, behaves differently alone than inside the whole root. Extracts rich in valerenic acid (non-polar solvents) activated GABA-A receptors, while polar (water-like) extracts did not, and removing the acids removed the effect (p18095218). Yet adding acetoxyvalerenic acid, a normal companion, abolished valerenic acid's anxiolytic effect in mice (p25066015), and neither a whole ethanol extract nor valerenic acid, linarin or apigenin produced a convincing sedation in mouse telemetry (p21154200). Other parts of the root work on other targets: adenosine A1 (lignans, adenosine, valerenic acid as a modulator), 5-HT5a (non-polar extracts) and flavonoids, so a combined or 'synergy' effect is plausible but unproven. Valepotriates, once thought to be the main active part, are unstable and poorly absorbed, and EMA says effects seen with them must be disregarded when judging root extracts. Practical point: dried-root tea, tincture, and different alcohol extracts are not interchangeable, and product acid content varies widely (p15367385).
Nutritional composition
A nutrient table is not meaningful for valerian: it is taken as a small amount of root powder, extract or tea for its plant compounds, not as a food. The root contains starch, sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, raffinose), free amino acids (arginine, alanine, glutamine, GABA) and free fatty acids (EMA, quoting Wichtl), but no vitamin or mineral content was verified and none is claimed here.
Products, quality and comparisons
Independent evidence comes first. Nothing in this section is a paid ranking. If a product link is added later, it will be marked clearly as an affiliate link and will never change what the research says.
Quality indicators
- Plant named as Valeriana officinalis, with the part (root and rhizome) stated
- Extract or powder stated, with the extract ratio and solvent (for example 5:1, ethanol 70 percent)
- Valerenic acid (or total valerenic acids) shown as a percentage or mg, with the test method
- Same extract and daily mg as a published trial, if you want to match research
- Hops, lemon balm or other herbs listed separately, not hidden in a blend
- Lot number and a certificate of analysis available on request
- Seal or registration checked on the certifier's or regulator's own website
Identity and authenticity
- A 2020 Spanish study used DNA barcoding and UHPLC-MS on 33 samples of valerian, linden, tea and chamomile from pharmacies, supermarkets and herbal shops. Two samples were not the plant on the label (a tea and a linden), and none of the samples reached the minimum active-compound content set by the EMA and the Spanish pharmacopoeia, except valerenic acid in one valerian sample. The abstract does not say how many of the 33 were valerian.
- A 2026 Polish pilot tested 15 samples of 11 supplements by thermoluminescence: 7 showed signs of prior irradiation, all of them valerian-root products, and none had a label statement about irradiation.
- These findings describe the products tested and cannot be applied to any single brand.
Standardization and extract strength
- Valerenic acid is the marker most often used to standardize valerian; the European Pharmacopoeia monograph 0453 sets the material standard cited by the EMA.
- A 2001 analysis of 31 valerian products sold in Australia (teas, tablets, capsules, liquids) found valerenic acids from under 0.01 up to 6.32 mg per gram of product. The 5 products standardized to valerenic acid averaged 3.56 mg/g versus 0.89 mg/g in the 26 non-standardized ones, and content tracked the amount of root only in the standardized products.
- Valepotriates were not detected in any finished product in that survey (low levels in some teas).
- An animal study of two extracts with equal total valerenic plus acetoxy-valerenic acid but different ratios found the calming effect tracked valerenic acid, and the authors say that standardizing to the combined amount can be misleading. This is animal evidence.
- Serving size is not the same as marker content: valerenic acid mg = serving mg x percent.
- Valerian root has a distinctive odour; a trial team had to match the placebo to it to keep the study blind. We did not find a source in this file that measures the chemical behind the smell, so we do not name it.
- A 2004 stability study stored powdered root and an ethanolic extract under standard test conditions: the root powder changed chemically (valerenic acids and lignans shifted, with hydroxyvalerenic acid and other compounds forming), while the ethanolic extract was less chemically sensitive but changed in physical properties.
- In tinctures, the valepotriates break down on storage and the cytotoxicity seen in test-tube tests fell with them. That is a laboratory finding, not a statement about human safety.
- A 2020 meta-analysis author team called for revised quality control, including standardization methods and shelf life, because of unstable constituents.
Third-party testing
- US dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA before sale. NCCIH and the LactMed database both note that supplements can differ from their label and that testing of one product does not apply to another.
- Independent testing programmes (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab and others) differ in what they test, and a seal is a statement about that programme, not a guarantee of effect. We did not re-read their test lists for valerian in this file.
- In the EU, a 'traditional herbal registration' is a regulator's quality-and-safety route based on long use, not proof of efficacy.
Contaminants and adulterants
- Irradiation (see above) is the only contamination-type issue with a valerian-specific test we found.
- Heavy metals, pesticides, microbes and solvent residues in valerian supplements were not covered by the sources we read.
Reading a product label
- Find Valeriana officinalis and the part used (root, rhizome).
- Is it 'extract', 'powder' or 'tincture'? Note mg per serving, servings per day and the extract ratio.
- Look for valerenic acid with a percentage and test method.
- Check whether hops, lemon balm or other herbs are in the blend, and in what amounts.
- Compare mg per day and extract type with a trial, not with another bottle.
- Check cautions (drowsiness, driving, pregnancy, breastfeeding, sedatives, alcohol).
- Look for a lot number, certificate of analysis and any irradiation statement.
- Check any seal or registration on the certifier's own site.
Certifications and what they actually mean
| Certification | What it means | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| EU traditional herbal medicinal product registration | A European regulator route for herbal medicines based on long-standing use; the draft EU list entry for valerian root covers tea, powder, tinctures and extracts at set doses. | Says the product is acceptable for the stated mild indication on the basis of tradition; does not claim trial-proven benefit. |
| European Pharmacopoeia monograph compliance (Ph. Eur. 0453) | The material meets the pharmacopoeia standard for valerian root, referenced in the EMA documents. | A maker's statement; check a certificate of analysis. |
| Third-party quality seals (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab and similar) | Independent programmes that test selected label and contaminant points. | What each programme tests differs; their test lists were not re-read for this file. |
| GMP statement | The maker says it follows good manufacturing practice. | Not an independent test of the product. |
| Organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free | Farming and ingredient claims. | Say nothing about valerenic acid content, plant identity or irradiation. |
Comparing price and servings
Do not compare bottle prices. Step 1: cost per serving = bottle price / servings per bottle. Step 2: servings per day needed to reach the studied daily mg of extract (studied mg per day / mg of extract per serving). Step 3: cost per day = cost per serving x servings per day. If valerenic acid is stated, cost per mg of valerenic acid = bottle price / (servings x mg per serving x percent / 100); use only products of the same extract type. Leave prices blank until a real current product is entered; no prices are included here.
Extract types compared
| Extract | Plant part | Standardization | Trials | Evidence note | Safety note | Limitations | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LI 156 (Sedonium) | root | Not in abstract | Ziegler 2002 (600 mg/day, 6 weeks, 202 adults with insomnia, compared with oxazepam 10 mg/day) | At least as good as oxazepam on sleep quality; no placebo arm, so it cannot show benefit over placebo. | Adverse events 28.4% (valerian) vs 36.0% (oxazepam), all mild to moderate. | Single trial of this product that we read; 2002. | 142 |
| Ze 911 valerian extract and Ze 91019 valerian-hops combination | root (+ hops flower in the combination) | Valerian 5.3:1 and hops 6.6:1, methanol 45% m/m (Koetter 2007) | Koetter 2007 (500 mg valerian alone vs 500 mg + 120 mg hops, 4 weeks); Schicktanz 2025 (Ze 91019, 21 days, 40 people) | In Koetter the combination beat placebo for sleep latency but valerian alone did not. Schicktanz is an exploratory feasibility trial: +21.7 minutes of sleep versus placebo. | Well tolerated in the 2025 trial. | Combination effect cannot be credited to valerian; the Morin 2005 valerian-hops product (187 mg valerian / 41.9 mg hops per the abstract) had few significant differences from placebo. | 78 115 97 |
| Concentrated 530 mg valerian capsule used in Iranian trials | root | Not in abstract | Taavoni 2011 (530 mg twice a day, 4 weeks); Jenabi 2018 (530 mg twice a day, 2 months); Zare Elmi 2021 (530 mg for 30 nights); Hassani 2015 (530 mg every 12 hours, 8 weeks); Ahmadi 2017 (530 mg nightly, 4 weeks) | All reported benefit on questionnaires or screening tests versus placebo; none used sleep-lab or actigraphy outcomes in the abstracts we read. | No major problems reported in the abstracts; dizziness and nausea common in the HIV trial in both groups. | Different conditions (menopause, heart surgery, HIV); single-country trials; abstract-only reading. | 124 65 141 60 1 |
| Unnamed concentrated or standardized valerian extracts (300 to 600 mg) | root | Not in abstract | Taibi 2009 (300 mg, 16 older women, 2 weeks); Taibi 2009 pilot (600 mg, 5 nights); Barton 2011 (450 mg, 8 weeks, cancer patients); Shekhar 2024 (standardized extract, 8 weeks, 80 adults) | Three null or inconclusive trials and one positive 2023-24 trial (PSQI and actigraphy improved). | Side effects minor and not different from placebo in the two Taibi trials and Barton. | Small trials; products not interchangeable. | 127 128 9 19 |
| Aqueous valerian root extract | root | Not in abstract | Balderer 1985 (450 and 900 mg, single night) | Reduced perceived sleep latency at home; not significant in the lab. | Not in abstract | Old, tiny (18 people). | 7 |
| Valerian-hops fluid extract / tincture | root + hops flower | Not in abstract | Dimpfel 2008 (2 ml, one night, 42 poor sleepers) | More time asleep on an EEG-based measure than placebo (p<0.01). | Not in abstract | One night; combination product. | 33 |
| Whole root powder | root | None | None found | One review argued whole root may be more reliable than extracts; we found no trial of plain powder. | No data | Review's claim is indirect. | 120 |
| Valerian in multi-herb blends | root + other herbs | Varies | Valerian/lemon balm (Taavoni 2013); fennel-valerian 500 mg twice a day (Jenabi 2023); L-theanine, lemon balm, valerian, saffron infusion (Gutierrez-Romero 2024, null); hops oil, valerian oil and THC (Kolobaric 2023) | Mixed: menopausal blends beat placebo on questionnaires; the theanine-lemon balm-saffron blend did not; the THC blend helped only at its low-THC/higher-botanical dose. | Mild side effects. | Cannot attribute to valerian. | 125 66 55 79 |
Compare Valerian with another ingredient
Valerian vs Melatonin
Both are used for sleep but we found no trial comparing them. Reviews give melatonin more consistent support for falling asleep than valerian, but both sets of reviews call the evidence weak, and results differ by age and by what else is wrong.
| Valerian | Melatonin | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits studied | Sleep quality (mostly questionnaires), sleep onset, menopausal sleep | Sleep onset latency, total sleep time in insomnia |
| Evidence certainty | low: the 2024 umbrella review (8 reviews) found no evidence of efficacy for insomnia treatment but possible subjective sleep-quality benefit; reviews rate the trials low quality | mixed: a 2022 meta-analysis of 24 trials found melatonin not effective in adults with chronic insomnia without other illness (effective for sleep onset in children and adolescents and in insomnia with other conditions); a 2023 umbrella review found melatonin reduced sleep onset latency on diaries and objective measures, with low study quality |
| Typical studied dose | about 300 to 1,060 mg a day of extract for 2 to 8 weeks | Not read in the abstracts used here |
| Head-to-head trial | None found | None found against valerian |
| Safety and interactions | Drowsiness possible; rare liver injury reports (LiverTox); see safety section | Not re-verified here |
| Forms | Extract capsule or tablet, tincture, tea, powder | Tablet, gummy, liquid (not compared here) |
| Cost note | Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored | Use the same formula |
Valerian vs Chamomile
Neither herb has strong evidence for insomnia; both show small improvements in self-rated sleep quality in some trials. No study compares them directly.
| Valerian | Chamomile | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits studied | Sleep quality, insomnia, menopausal sleep | Sleep quality, anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder) |
| Evidence certainty | low (see above) | low: a 2024 meta-analysis of 10 studies (772 people) found PSQI 1.88 points lower (95% CI -3.46 to -0.31, heterogeneity 88.4%); a 2019 meta-analysis found better sleep quality (SMD -0.73, CI -1.23 to -0.23) but no clear effect on anxiety scores or insomnia severity. The 2015 herbal insomnia review found no significant difference from placebo for either herb |
| Typical studied dose | about 300 to 1,060 mg a day of extract | Not read in the abstracts used here |
| Head-to-head trial | None found | None found against valerian |
| Safety and interactions | Drowsiness, rare liver injury reports; the 2015 review reported more adverse events per person with valerian than placebo | No adverse events in the reviewed studies, though most monitored passively (2024 review) |
| Forms | Extract capsule or tablet, tincture, tea, powder | Tea, capsule, extract |
| Cost note | Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored | Use the same formula |
Valerian vs Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower has fewer and shorter trials; its best sleep result is one 2-week lab-recorded trial. No head-to-head study with valerian was found.
| Valerian | Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits studied | Sleep quality, insomnia | Anxiety, sleep |
| Evidence certainty | low | low: a 2020 systematic review of 9 trials (1 to 30 days) reported mostly reduced anxiety, less evident in mild anxiety; one 110-person trial found 23 more minutes of total sleep time than placebo on lab recording (p=0.049) after 2 weeks |
| Typical studied dose | about 300 to 1,060 mg a day of extract | One trial used a cup of tea daily for a week; extract doses not read |
| Head-to-head trial | None found | None found against valerian |
| Safety and interactions | See safety section | No adverse effects reported in the 2020 review; interactions not verified here |
| Forms | Extract capsule or tablet, tincture, tea, powder | Tea, extract |
| Cost note | Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored | Use the same formula |
Valerian vs Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral and valerian a herbal extract. Evidence for each in sleep is low certainty, and no trial compares them.
| Valerian | Magnesium | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits studied | Sleep quality, insomnia | Sleep, especially in older adults; restless legs |
| Evidence certainty | low | low to very low: 3 trials in 151 older adults showed 17.36 minutes shorter sleep onset (95% CI -27.27 to -7.44) at moderate-to-high risk of bias; a 2026 review of 12 trials found inconsistent results and does not support magnesium as a routine insomnia treatment |
| Typical studied dose | about 300 to 1,060 mg a day of extract | Varies by trial and form; elemental dose not tabulated here |
| Head-to-head trial | None found | None found against valerian |
| Safety and interactions | See safety section | Not re-verified here |
| Forms | Extract capsule or tablet, tincture, tea, powder | Several salt forms with different absorption (not compared here) |
| Cost note | Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored | Use the same formula |
Valerian vs L-theanine
L-theanine is a single amino acid with small effects in a recent meta-analysis; valerian is a multi-compound extract with mixed trials. They have not been tested against each other.
| Valerian | L-theanine | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits studied | Sleep quality, anxiety | Sleep, stress |
| Evidence certainty | low | low: a 2025 meta-analysis of 18 trials (897 people) found small gains in subjective sleep onset (SMD 0.15, CI 0.01 to 0.29), daytime dysfunction (0.33) and sleep quality (0.43, CI 0.04 to 0.83); the authors note few studies of pure L-theanine. A 2026 review of 13 trials suggests 200 to 450 mg a day |
| Typical studied dose | about 300 to 1,060 mg a day of extract | 200 to 450 mg a day suggested by a 2026 review; trials ranged 50 to 900 mg a day |
| Head-to-head trial | None found (one blend of L-theanine, lemon balm, valerian and saffron did not beat placebo) | None found |
| Safety and interactions | See safety section | Called safe in the 2026 review |
| Forms | Extract capsule or tablet, tincture, tea, powder | Capsule, tablet, tea |
| Cost note | Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored | Use the same formula |
Valerian vs Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hops is mostly studied with valerian, not on its own. In one trial the pair worked when valerian alone did not, which hints that hops could be doing some of the work, but one trial cannot settle that.
| Valerian | Hops (Humulus lupulus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits studied | Sleep quality, insomnia | Stress, anxiety and mood symptoms; sleep as a partner of valerian |
| Evidence certainty | low | very low as a single herb: one 36-person crossover pilot (two 0.2 g capsules daily, 4 weeks) lowered DASS-21 anxiety, depression and stress scores versus placebo; sleep evidence comes mainly from valerian-hops combinations |
| Typical studied dose | about 300 to 1,060 mg a day of extract | 0.4 g dry extract a day in the pilot; in combinations 41.9 to 120 mg per dose |
| Head-to-head trial | Yes, in part: in Koetter 2007 valerian alone (500 mg) did not beat placebo but valerian plus hops (120 mg) did; Morin 2005 found few significant differences from placebo for the combination | Same trials |
| Safety and interactions | See safety section | Not re-verified here |
| Forms | Extract capsule or tablet, tincture, tea, powder | Extract, tincture, usually paired with valerian |
| Cost note | Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored | Use the same formula |
Other supplements people compare it with
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) (Chronic insomnia): A 2023 umbrella review describes CBT-I as the recommended first-line treatment but hard to access; the review itself rated the studies of alternative treatments mostly low quality. Evidence: low. 38
- Melatonin (Sleep onset): Helpful for sleep onset in some groups (children, insomnia with other illness); not clearly effective in adults with chronic insomnia alone in a 2022 meta-analysis. Evidence: mixed. 24 38
- Chamomile (Sleep quality, mild anxiety): Small improvements in sleep quality scores; very heterogeneous trials. Evidence: low. 70 62
- Passionflower (Anxiety, sleep): Few and short trials; one 2-week lab-recorded trial. Evidence: low. 64 84
- Magnesium (Sleep in older adults): Low to very low certainty; useful mainly if intake is low (our comment, not from the reviews). Evidence: very-low. 89 87
- L-theanine (Calm, sleep quality): Small effects in a 2025 meta-analysis. Evidence: low. 15 27
- Hops (with or without valerian) (Sleep, stress): Single-herb evidence is a 36-person pilot; valerian-hops combinations have mixed trials. Evidence: very-low. 81 78 97
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- The plant part and the extract type or ratio on the label
- A standardized amount of the active compounds, where relevant
- A third-party testing mark (USP, NSF or ConsumerLab)
- Interactions: ask a pharmacist if you take medicines, are pregnant or have a medical condition
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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1 mixed findings5 low certainty4 very low certainty5 not enough evidence1 evidence against
What was looked at
The 16 benefits and uses checked for Valerian, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Sleep quality and insomniaMixed findings
- Valerian-hops combinations for falling asleepLow certainty
- Sleep problems around menopauseLow certainty
- AnxietyNot enough evidence
- Everyday stress and tensionNot enough evidence
- Sleep and anxiety in medical situations (surgery, dialysis, HIV treatment)Very low certainty
- Thinking and memoryVery low certainty
- No next-morning grogginessLow certainty
- Restless legs syndromeEvidence against
- Menopausal hot flashesLow certainty
- Period pain (primary dysmenorrhea)Low certainty
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Very low certainty
- Restless legs syndromeNot enough evidence
- Heart rate and blood pressureNot enough evidence
- Digestive spasms and stomach protectionVery low certainty
- Muscle spasm, general pain, and use in childrenNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)Time to fall asleep (sleep latency)Sleep duration and sleep efficiencyInsomnia Severity Index (ISI)Anxiety scores (HAM-A, STAI, BAI)Cortisol and stress-response markersBrain-wave and brain-excitability measures (EEG, TMS)Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)Reaction time and psychomotor performanceRestless legs severity score (IRLS)Systolic blood pressureHeart rateHot flash severity score (Kupperman index)Menstrual pain (visual analog scale)
What is Valerian good for?
The main proposed uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. "Mixed" means reviews disagree. "Low" and "very low certainty" mean small or inconsistent trials and a result that could change. Open any use for the studies, doses and limits.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Sleep quality and insomnia
Mixed findingsValerian is mostly taken to sleep better. Many people report better sleep quality on it, but the best reviews disagree: the pooled studies show a benefit on yes/no 'did your sleep improve' questions, and little or none on timed or lab-measured sleep. Newer, more careful trials are mostly small and mixed.
15 studiesExtracts at about 300 to 1,000 mg/day taken 30 to 60 minutes before b…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Reviews: Bent 2006 (16 trials, 1,093 people) found a benefit on a yes/no sleep-quality outcome (RR 1.8, CI 1.2 to 2.9) but with publication bias and weak study quality. Fernandez-San-Martin 2010 (18 trials) found the yes/no outcome favoured valerian (RR 1.37, CI 1.05 to 1.78) but no difference on a sleep-quality scale (SMD -0.02) or on minutes to fall asleep (+0.70 min, CI -3.44 to 4.83). Taibi 2007 (37 studies) concluded most studies found no difference from placebo, and the newest, most rigorous ones found no effect. Leach 2015 (14 herbal trials in insomnia) found no significant difference from placebo on any of 13 efficacy measures and more adverse events per person with valerian. The 2024 umbrella review (8 reviews) found no evidence of efficacy for insomnia, and benefit only for subjective sleep quality. Shinjyo 2020 (60 studies; sleep-quality meta-analysis of 10 studies, n=1,065) was more positive and suggested whole root and herb combinations may work better. Individual trials: Chandra Shekhar 2024 (80 adults, 8 weeks) found better PSQI, actigraphy and polysomnography results than placebo; Ziegler 2002 (202 adults, 600 mg/day, 6 weeks) found valerian similar to oxazepam 10 mg but had no placebo group. Null trials: Taibi 2009 (16 older women, 300 mg, crossover, polysomnography), Barton 2011 (227 cancer patients, 450 mg, 8 weeks, PSQI 51.4 vs 49.7, p=0.70), Jacobs 2005 (online, 135 on valerian; ISI 0.4 points better on placebo), Taibi 2009b (15 people with arthritis, 5 nights). Poyares 2002 (19 insomniacs after stopping benzodiazepines) found better subjective sleep quality and less time awake in the night, but no faster sleep onset.
Results
Mixed. Self-reported sleep quality often improves, including in some placebo-controlled trials, but pooled objective measures and the most rigorous trials mostly show no difference from placebo.
Effect sizes as reported
RR of improved sleep 1.8 (CI 1.2 to 2.9) Bent 2006; RR 1.37 (CI 1.05 to 1.78), scale SMD -0.02 (CI -0.35 to 0.31), latency +0.70 min (CI -3.44 to 4.83) Fernandez-San-Martin 2010; PSQI AUC 51.4 vs 49.7, p=0.6957 Barton 2011; ISI difference 0.4 points favouring placebo (CI -1.3 to +2.1) Jacobs 2005.
Why this rating
Reviews reach opposite conclusions on the same trials. Benefits appear on subjective yes/no outcomes but not on measured outcomes, there is evidence of publication bias, products and doses differ, and the more rigorous trials tend to be null. None of the reviews here gave a GRADE rating.
Form and dose studied
Extracts at about 300 to 1,000 mg/day taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed for single nights to 8 weeks. Trials used different extracts (LI 156, Ze 911, standardised extracts, 530 mg capsules), so one product's results do not carry to another.
Who was studied
Adults with insomnia or sleep complaints, older women, people with cancer, people with arthritis. Few trials in men on their own, in people over 65, or longer than 8 weeks.
Limits
Most trials are small and short; products differ; many outcomes are self-reported; publication bias is likely; reviewers disagree. Only abstracts were read for this profile.
Why researchers looked
Valerian root is among the most widely used herbal sleep aids, so insomnia and poor sleep are the main reason it is studied.
Traditional use
Valerian root has a long traditional use in Europe as a calming, sleep-promoting herb.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Valerian's compounds (valerenic acid and others) are thought to raise the activity of GABA, the brain's main calming chemical, in a way similar to (but much weaker than) sleep medicines. This comes mostly from lab and animal work. In people, one small trial found a single dose changed a brain-stimulation measure of excitability (Mineo 2017) and another found EEG changes without a clinical difference (Roh 2019).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
In these trials valerian was generally well tolerated. Leach 2015 reported more adverse events per person with valerian than placebo. See the safety tab.
Valerian-hops combinations for falling asleep
Low certaintyProducts that pair valerian with hops have a few positive trials, and in one of them valerian alone did not work while the combination did. So the benefit may come from hops, or from the pairing.
4 studiesZe 91019: 500 mg valerian extract plus 120 mg hops extract (Koetter 2…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Koetter 2007: the fixed valerian-hops extract Ze 91019 shortened sleep latency versus placebo over 4 weeks in people with a prolonged time to fall asleep (30 minutes or more), while the valerian extract alone (500 mg) did not beat placebo. Morin 2005 (184 adults with mild insomnia, 28 days): a valerian-hops tablet pair per night gave modest improvements in subjective sleep, few comparisons with placebo reached significance, and polysomnography showed no group difference; physical quality of life was better at day 28. Dimpfel 2008 (42 poor sleepers, one night): the liquid extract gave more time asleep and in deeper sleep on EEG (p<0.01). Schicktanz 2025 (40 people, 21 days): Ze 91019 increased sleep tracker sleep duration by 21.7 minutes a day versus placebo (p=0.019) with no change in daytime thinking or mood measures; it was a feasibility study with exploratory analyses.
Results
Positive on some measures in four small trials, but the gains are modest and the evidence is mostly from combination products.
Effect sizes as reported
Sleep duration +21.7 min/day (p=0.019) and shortest night +48.7 min Schicktanz 2025; time in deeper sleep p<0.01 Dimpfel 2008; other trials reported significance only.
Why this rating
Small trials, combination products from the same few makers, modest effects, and one trial showing valerian alone did not work. No reviewer GRADE rating.
Form and dose studied
Ze 91019: 500 mg valerian extract plus 120 mg hops extract (Koetter 2007). Morin 2005 used 187 mg valerian + 41.9 mg hops per tablet, 2 tablets nightly.
Who was studied
Adults with mild or occasional insomnia; one single-night EEG study in poor sleepers.
Limits
Combination products so valerian's own role is unclear; small samples; short; some trials report only significance.
Why researchers looked
Valerian and hops are sold together as traditional sleep herbs, and makers test the fixed combination as a single product.
Traditional use
Valerian and hops are both used in European herbal medicine for restlessness and sleep trouble.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Both herbs are thought to have mild calming effects through the brain's GABA system. The idea that they add up is a theory and the animal and lab evidence was not reviewed here.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No serious adverse events or rebound insomnia reported in Morin 2005; Schicktanz 2025 reported good tolerability.
Sleep problems around menopause
Low certaintyThree Iranian trials in postmenopausal women found better sleep scores on valerian or valerian combinations. They are small, from one research setting, and based on a sleep questionnaire.
3 studies530 mg valerian extract twice daily for 4 weeks (Taavoni 2011); combi…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Taavoni 2011 (100 women aged 50 to 60 with insomnia, 530 mg valerian extract twice daily for 4 weeks): sleep quality improved more than placebo (P<0.001); 30% on valerian and 4% on placebo improved. Taavoni 2013 (100 women, valerian plus lemon balm): lower PSQI sleep-disorder scores than placebo (numbers not in the abstract). Jenabi 2023 (76 women, fennel-valerian extract 500 mg twice daily, 8 weeks): lower PSQI than placebo at 2 months (P=0.030) and fewer hot flashes, but fennel is a second active ingredient.
Results
All three trials were positive on the PSQI. Two of the three used combinations.
Effect sizes as reported
30% vs 4% improved sleep quality (P<0.001) Taavoni 2011; PSQI P=0.030 Jenabi 2023.
Why this rating
Positive results but only three small trials from related settings, self-reported outcome, two of three are combination products; no independent replication found in the search.
Form and dose studied
530 mg valerian extract twice daily for 4 weeks (Taavoni 2011); combination capsules 500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks (Jenabi 2023).
Who was studied
Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 60 in Iran.
Limits
Same region and overlapping authors for two trials; subjective questionnaire only; combination products; short.
Why researchers looked
About half of postmenopausal women report sleep problems, and women look for non-hormonal options.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Valerian's compounds (valerenic acid and others) are thought to raise the activity of GABA, the brain's main calming chemical, in a way similar to (but much weaker than) sleep medicines. This comes mostly from lab and animal work. In people, one small trial found a single dose changed a brain-stimulation measure of excitability (Mineo 2017) and another found EEG changes without a clinical difference (Roh 2019).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Abstracts did not report adverse events in detail.
Anxiety
Not enough evidenceValerian is often sold as calming, but the one small trial in diagnosed anxiety found no clear difference from placebo, and the Cochrane review said there is not enough evidence to say either way.
7 studiesValepotriates about 81 mg/day (Andreatini); valerian extract 100 mg t…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Cochrane review (Miyasaka 2006): only one trial qualified, 36 people with generalised anxiety disorder; no significant difference between valerian and placebo or diazepam on HAM-A, so the evidence was judged insufficient. The trial itself (Andreatini 2002, valepotriates mean 81.3 mg/day, 4 weeks, 12 per group) found all three groups improved and no significant difference on HAM-A; only valepotriates and diazepam lowered the 'psychic' anxiety factor, which the authors called preliminary. Jacobs 2005 (online, 391 people with anxiety and insomnia) tested kava and valerian: valerian was not tested for anxiety as the main outcome and anxiety on valerian was not reported in the abstract. Savage 2018 listed valerian among ten GABA-acting plants with clinical trials. Shinjyo 2020 included an anxiety meta-analysis of 8 studies (n=535) but the abstract gives no pooled number. Chandra Shekhar 2024 saw lower anxiety scores (BAI) than placebo in people with sleep complaints. Roh 2019 (64 stressed volunteers, 100 mg three times a day, 4 weeks): both groups improved and there was no difference between them.
Results
Insufficient for diagnosed anxiety disorders. Some trials in people with sleep or medical problems saw lower anxiety scores, but others showed no difference from placebo.
Effect sizes as reported
HAM-A: no significant difference (Cochrane 2006; Andreatini 2002). No pooled effect size is given in the abstracts read.
Why this rating
One tiny trial in diagnosed anxiety (Cochrane), one null stress trial, and positive secondary findings in sleep-complaint trials. Not enough to draw a conclusion.
Form and dose studied
Valepotriates about 81 mg/day (Andreatini); valerian extract 100 mg three times a day (Roh 2019).
Who was studied
Adults with generalised anxiety disorder (36), stressed volunteers (64), and people with sleep complaints.
Limits
Almost no trials with anxiety as the main outcome; tiny samples; mixed products.
Why researchers looked
Valerian is traditionally used for nervousness and is thought to calm the brain through the GABA system.
Traditional use
Used in European folk medicine for nervous tension and restlessness.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Valerian's compounds (valerenic acid and others) are thought to raise the activity of GABA, the brain's main calming chemical, in a way similar to (but much weaker than) sleep medicines. This comes mostly from lab and animal work. In people, one small trial found a single dose changed a brain-stimulation measure of excitability (Mineo 2017) and another found EEG changes without a clinical difference (Roh 2019).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No serious problems reported in these trials.
Everyday stress and tension
Not enough evidenceThere is no good trial showing valerian on its own lowers everyday stress. The one trial in stressed volunteers found improvement in both groups, with no difference. A multi-herb product that includes valerian lowered some stress-response measures in healthy people.
3 studiesValerian extract 100 mg three times daily for 4 weeks (Roh 2019); Eup…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Roh 2019 (64 volunteers with psychological stress, 100 mg three times daily for 4 weeks): both valerian and placebo improved on all scales with no significant difference between them. Dodd 2022 (31 healthy adults, 14 days, crossover) tested Euphytose, which contains valerian, passionflower, hawthorn and ballota: less tension-anxiety (p=0.038) and lower salivary alpha-amylase (p=0.041) and skin conductance (p=0.004) responses to a lab stressor, but the effect cannot be assigned to valerian. Gutierrez-Romero 2024 (four-herb sleep blend with valerian) found salivary cortisol unchanged.
Results
No valerian-only evidence of benefit on stress scales; combination evidence is positive but cannot be attributed to valerian.
Effect sizes as reported
Not available as numbers in the abstracts read.
Why this rating
One null valerian-only trial and combination trials that cannot isolate valerian.
Form and dose studied
Valerian extract 100 mg three times daily for 4 weeks (Roh 2019); Euphytose for 14 days.
Who was studied
Stressed or healthy adults.
Limits
Very few trials; combination products; no objective stress marker that moved with valerian alone.
Why researchers looked
Valerian is sold for 'stress' and 'relaxation' and is thought to be calming.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Valerian's compounds (valerenic acid and others) are thought to raise the activity of GABA, the brain's main calming chemical, in a way similar to (but much weaker than) sleep medicines. This comes mostly from lab and animal work. In people, one small trial found a single dose changed a brain-stimulation measure of excitability (Mineo 2017) and another found EEG changes without a clinical difference (Roh 2019).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Well tolerated in these trials.
Sleep and anxiety in medical situations (surgery, dialysis, HIV treatment)
Very low certaintySmall trials in hospital and clinic settings in Iran and elsewhere report better sleep or less anxiety on valerian, for example after heart surgery or when starting a HIV medicine. These are small and need confirming. A cancer-treatment trial of valerian showed no sleep benefit.
6 studies530 mg nightly for 4 weeks to 30 nights in the positive trials.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Zare Elmi 2021 (72 patients after bypass surgery, 530 mg nightly for 30 nights): better sleep quality scores than placebo over time (total P=0.001). Ahmadi 2017 (51 HIV patients starting efavirenz, 530 mg nightly, 4 weeks): sleep (P<=0.001) and anxiety (P=0.001) improved more than placebo. Farah 2019 (20 anxious dental patients, 100 mg, no placebo): midazolam lowered heart rate and blood pressure more than valerian; valerian gave relaxation with less sleepiness. Hasanzadeh 2026 (96 knee-replacement patients, valerian plus lemon balm, 2 nights before surgery): anxiety fell in the treatment groups but not significantly versus placebo. Barton 2011 (227 cancer patients) found no sleep benefit (see sleep quality). Taibi 2009b (15 people with arthritis) was inconclusive.
Results
Mixed, mostly small positive findings alongside null ones.
Effect sizes as reported
Not available as numbers in the abstracts read.
Why this rating
Small single-setting trials, some without placebo, mixed results, several combination products.
Form and dose studied
530 mg nightly for 4 weeks to 30 nights in the positive trials.
Who was studied
Post-heart-surgery patients, HIV patients on efavirenz, dental patients, knee replacement patients.
Limits
Small, single-setting, short, self-reported outcomes; efavirenz and post-surgery studies are pilots.
Why researchers looked
People in hospital or on strong medicines often sleep badly and feel anxious, and look for gentle options.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Valerian's compounds (valerenic acid and others) are thought to raise the activity of GABA, the brain's main calming chemical, in a way similar to (but much weaker than) sleep medicines. This comes mostly from lab and animal work. In people, one small trial found a single dose changed a brain-stimulation measure of excitability (Mineo 2017) and another found EEG changes without a clinical difference (Roh 2019).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Dizziness and nausea were common in the efavirenz trial in both groups. Valerian has not been checked here for interactions with surgery drugs or HIV medicines; see the safety tab.
Thinking and memory
Very low certaintyValerian is not a memory herb. Two small Iranian trials in patients (after heart surgery and on dialysis) report better scores on a quick screening test, but nothing has been shown in healthy people.
3 studies530 mg capsules; 1,060 mg/day in the surgery trial.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Hassani 2015 (61 bypass-surgery patients, 530 mg every 12 hours for 8 weeks): MMSE fell from 27.37 to 24 at day 10 on placebo and from 27.03 to 26.52 on valerian; valerian reduced the odds of cognitive dysfunction (OR 0.108, CI 0.022 to 0.545). Samaei 2018 (39 dialysis patients, crossover, 1 month per arm): MMSE rose significantly on valerian in both periods (p=0.003 and p=0.005); EEG did not change. Schicktanz 2025 (valerian-hops, 40 people with occasional sleep problems) found no effect on daytime thinking tests.
Results
Positive in two small trials in patients; no effect in the one trial in healthy people with a valerian-hops product.
Effect sizes as reported
OR 0.108 (CI 0.022 to 0.545) for cognitive dysfunction after surgery (Hassani 2015).
Why this rating
Two small trials from one region, using a crude screening test, with a very wide confidence interval; no replication.
Form and dose studied
530 mg capsules; 1,060 mg/day in the surgery trial.
Who was studied
Bypass surgery patients and dialysis patients; no trials in healthy older adults found.
Limits
MMSE is a screening test, not a sensitive measure; small samples.
Why researchers looked
Researchers tested whether valerian's calming and anti-inflammatory properties protect the brain in sick patients.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
The heart-surgery trial proposed that valerian acts on serotonin receptors and reduces inflammation; this is a hypothesis stated by the trial authors, not shown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No special safety issues reported in these trials.
No next-morning grogginess
Low certaintyIn several small lab studies, valerian did not slow reaction times or impair driving the way sleeping pills do. This is a safety finding rather than a benefit.
4 studies400 to 1,600 mg single doses; 600 mg nightly for 14 days.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Kuhlmann 1999 (102 volunteers, LI 156 600 mg): no relevant effect on reaction time, alertness or concentration the morning after a single dose or after 2 weeks; flunitrazepam was part of the single-dose comparison. Hallam 2003 (9 volunteers, 500 and 1000 mg): no effect on cognitive tests, while triazolam impaired two. Glass 2003 (14 healthy older adults, 400 and 800 mg): no difference from placebo on sedation or psychomotor tests. Thomas 2016 (1600 mg single dose, crossover): no differences in reaction, sleepiness, sobriety tests or driving simulator, though possibly underpowered.
Results
No impairment found in four small studies in healthy volunteers.
Effect sizes as reported
Kuhlmann 1999: equivalence with placebo after 14 days (p=0.4481).
Why this rating
Consistent null findings across four studies but all small, in healthy people not insomnia patients, and with single or short dosing.
Form and dose studied
400 to 1,600 mg single doses; 600 mg nightly for 14 days.
Who was studied
Healthy adults and healthy older adults.
Limits
Healthy volunteers only; small samples; one study possibly underpowered; says nothing about long-term use or combining with alcohol or other sedatives.
Why researchers looked
Sleep medicines can leave people groggy and unsafe to drive, so researchers tested whether valerian does the same.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not applicable; this is an absence-of-effect finding.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Does not prove it is safe to drive; avoid driving if you feel drowsy.
Restless legs syndrome
Evidence againstThe sleep medicine specialists' guideline says it suggests against valerian for restless legs. The few small trials are not strong enough to support it.
4 studies800 mg for 8 weeks in the one placebo-controlled trial.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
AASM guideline 2025: suggests against valerian for adults with RLS (conditional recommendation, very low certainty). Cuellar 2009 (37 people, 800 mg for 8 weeks): both valerian and placebo groups improved; the positive result was a within-group analysis of sleepy participants (sleepiness P=.01, RLS symptoms P=.02). Hajizadeh 2023 (40 dialysis patients, crossover): gabapentin lowered RLS score more than valerian; sleep quality was equal. A 2024 review of supplements for RLS said valerian improved RLS and sleep but not significantly.
Results
Not supported. Guideline suggests against.
Effect sizes as reported
No between-group effect size reported in abstracts.
Why this rating
The AASM rated the evidence very low certainty and made a conditional recommendation against; direct trials are small and show no clear benefit over placebo or gabapentin.
Form and dose studied
800 mg for 8 weeks in the one placebo-controlled trial.
Who was studied
People with RLS, including dialysis patients.
Limits
Tiny trials; one without placebo.
Why researchers looked
Restless legs ruin sleep, and valerian is a sleep herb, so it was tested.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
No clear mechanism for restless legs has been shown for valerian.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Nothing specific.
Menopausal hot flashes
Low certaintyThree small trials from Iran found fewer or milder hot flashes with valerian (or a fennel-valerian mix) than with a starch placebo over 8 weeks. The trials are small, come from a few research groups, and the abstracts give no effect sizes, so this is early, low-certainty evidence.
3 studiesValerian 255 mg three times daily or 530 mg twice daily (extract type…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Trial 1 (2018, Hamadan, 60 postmenopausal women aged 45-55): valerian 530 mg twice daily for 2 months versus starch placebo. Hot flash severity (Kupperman index) was lower with valerian at 1 month (p=.048) and 2 months (p=.020); frequency was lower at 2 months (p=.033). Trial 2 (2013, 68 menopausal women): valerian root 255 mg three times daily for 8 weeks. Severity and frequency fell with valerian (p<0.001) and not with placebo. Trial 3 (2023, 76 postmenopausal women): a fennel-valerian extract 500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks lowered hot flash frequency and severity versus placebo at months 1 and 2 (P<0.050); because fennel was in the mix, valerian's own part cannot be separated.
Results
Fewer and milder hot flashes than placebo in all three small trials.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect sizes or confidence intervals are given in the abstracts; only p-values are reported (p=.020 for severity at 2 months, p=.033 for frequency in trial 1).
Why this rating
All trials are small (60 to 76 women), short (2 months), self-reported, from Iran and partly from the same group, and the abstracts give no effect sizes. One trial used a mixed product. No systematic review pooled them. This rating is the compiler's.
Form and dose studied
Valerian 255 mg three times daily or 530 mg twice daily (extract type not stated in the abstracts) for 8 weeks to 2 months.
Who was studied
Postmenopausal women, Iran.
Limits
Hot flash scores are questionnaire-based. Nothing is known beyond 2 months. No comparison with standard treatments. Results may not apply to other populations.
Why researchers looked
Hot flashes are a common reason women look for alternatives to hormone therapy. Valerian is also taken for sleep, and sleep trouble is common at menopause.
Traditional use
Valerian is widely used as a calming herb in Europe and Asia. Use for hot flashes is not an established traditional indication; it is a modern question.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
One trial's authors describe valerian as a phytoestrogenic herb, but the abstracts do not show how valerian might act on hot flashes. Valerian's calming effect via the nervous system is a theory, not shown here.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Valerian is generally described as well tolerated in the trials reviewed here, but the abstracts report few safety details; see the safety file. Not enough is known about use in pregnancy or alongside sedative medicines, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Period pain (primary dysmenorrhea)
Low certaintyValerian is the best-studied body use. Small trials and a 2025 pooled analysis of 5 trials found less period pain with valerian than with control. The pooled result is promising but very uneven between trials, so the true effect is uncertain.
2 studiesValerian 255 mg three times daily for 3 days from onset of menstruati…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2011 double-blind trial in 100 students (valerian 255 mg three times daily for 3 days from the start of each period, 2 cycles; n=49 valerian, 51 placebo): pain on a visual analog scale fell in both groups (P<0.001) but more with valerian (between groups P<0.05). Overall systemic symptoms did not differ between groups except fainting (P<0.05). A 2025 meta-analysis of 5 controlled trials (201 valerian, 207 control participants; comparators placebo or NSAIDs) found pooled SMD -1.03 (95% CI -1.74 to -0.33; P<0.004; I2 90.4%), described by the authors as about a 1.03 point pain drop on a 0-10 scale. The authors call valerian promising but warn of high heterogeneity and limited trials.
Results
Less period pain than control in the trial and the pooled analysis; other period symptoms mostly not different.
Effect sizes as reported
Meta-analysis: SMD -1.03 (95% CI -1.74 to -0.33), I2 90.4%. The single 2011 trial reports only p-values (between-group P<0.05).
Why this rating
The pooled result is statistically significant but heterogeneity is very high (I2 90.4%), only 5 small trials, mixed comparators and doses. The abstract gives no GRADE rating; this rating is the compiler's.
Form and dose studied
Valerian 255 mg three times daily for 3 days from onset of menstruation (trial); doses vary across the pooled trials.
Who was studied
Young women (students) with primary dysmenorrhea, Iran.
Limits
Short trials, mostly students, mostly from one region, self-reported pain. Not compared in the single trial abstract with standard painkillers; the meta-analysis includes some NSAID comparators but the abstract does not give that result separately.
Why researchers looked
Valerian is said to relax smooth muscle, and period cramps involve uterine muscle contraction.
Traditional use
Valerian root has a long European use as an antispasmodic and calming herb (traditional use; background in the reviews cited, not tested here).
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
One trial's authors suggest valerian works through its antispasmodic (muscle-relaxing) effect. The 2025 review mentions GABA effects as a possible mechanism. These are suggestions, not shown in the women studied.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Valerian is generally described as well tolerated in the trials reviewed here, but the abstracts report few safety details; see the safety file. Not enough is known about use in pregnancy or alongside sedative medicines, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Very low certaintyOne small trial of 100 students found PMS symptoms fell with valerian root extract, but the abstract does not report a direct comparison with placebo. Too little to draw a conclusion.
1 studiesValerian root extract, 2 pills daily for 7 days before the period (st…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2016 double-blind trial in 100 female students with PMS (2013): 2 pills daily in the last 7 days of each cycle for 3 cycles. Emotional, behavioral and physical symptom severity fell significantly within the valerian group (P<0.001) but not within the placebo group. The abstract does not report a direct valerian-versus-placebo statistical test.
Results
Symptoms fell in the valerian group only; direct comparison with placebo not shown in the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect sizes in the abstract.
Why this rating
A single small trial; the abstract compares before versus after within each group rather than valerian versus placebo, which is weaker evidence. Rating is the compiler's.
Form and dose studied
Valerian root extract, 2 pills daily for 7 days before the period (strength not stated in the abstract), 3 cycles.
Who was studied
Female students with PMS, Iran.
Limits
One trial, students only, self-reported, short.
Why researchers looked
PMS includes mood, behavior and physical symptoms, and valerian is a calming herb.
Traditional use
Valerian is a long-used calming herb; PMS use is a modern research question.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
No mechanism is shown in the abstract. Calming effects on the nervous system are a theory.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Valerian is generally described as well tolerated in the trials reviewed here, but the abstracts report few safety details; see the safety file. Not enough is known about use in pregnancy or alongside sedative medicines, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Restless legs syndrome
Not enough evidenceEvidence does not support valerian for restless legs. The 2025 sleep-medicine guideline suggests against it, based on very low certainty evidence, and a small dialysis trial found gabapentin worked better.
4 studiesDose not stated in the abstracts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2025 American Academy of Sleep Medicine guideline (recommendation 18): in adults with RLS it suggests against the use of valerian (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). A 2023 crossover trial in 40 hemodialysis patients compared valerian with gabapentin (no placebo): RLS scores were lower with gabapentin after the first phase; sleep quality did not differ. A 2024 systematic review of supplements for RLS (10 trials, 482 people) says valerian improved RLS and sleep but the improvement was not statistically significant, with high risk of bias in half the studies. A 2016 overview called evidence for valerian insufficient.
Results
No reliable benefit shown; a guideline suggests against use.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstracts.
Why this rating
Guideline and reviews describe very low certainty or insufficient evidence. The only direct comparison (against gabapentin, with no placebo) favoured gabapentin.
Form and dose studied
Dose not stated in the abstracts.
Who was studied
People with RLS, including dialysis patients.
Limits
The abstracts give no trial numbers; the guideline's reasoning is not in the abstract.
Why researchers looked
Valerian is a well-known sleep and muscle-relaxing herb, so it is a natural thing for people with restless legs to try.
Traditional use
No established traditional use specific to restless legs was verified.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
No mechanism for restless legs was verified.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Valerian is generally described as well tolerated in the trials reviewed here, but the abstracts report few safety details; see the safety file. Not enough is known about use in pregnancy or alongside sedative medicines, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Heart rate and blood pressure
Not enough evidenceNo good trial shows valerian lowers blood pressure or heart rate. In one 2026 surgery trial of a lemon balm and valerian capsule, blood pressure and heart rate fell in every group, including placebo, with no difference between them.
1 studiesOne capsule nightly for 2 nights before surgery (dose not stated in t…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2026 randomized trial in 96 people having knee replacement (32 per group): lemon balm plus valerian (Norogol) capsule, clonidine, or placebo for 2 nights before surgery. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate decreased in all three groups with no significant difference between groups. Shivering after surgery was lower with the herbal mix and clonidine than placebo (P<.001). The herbal mix cannot be attributed to valerian alone.
Results
No difference from placebo for blood pressure or heart rate.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
One small trial of a mixed product in a surgical setting; it found no effect on blood pressure or heart rate. No trial of valerian alone for blood pressure or heart disease was found.
Form and dose studied
One capsule nightly for 2 nights before surgery (dose not stated in the abstract).
Who was studied
Adults before knee replacement surgery.
Limits
Mixed herbal product; short; surgical setting; no dose given.
Why researchers looked
Valerian is a calming herb, and calming is sometimes assumed to lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Traditional use
Valerian has a long reputation as a calming herb in Europe (traditional use). No specific traditional use for blood pressure was verified.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
No mechanism for heart or blood pressure effects was verified.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Valerian is generally described as well tolerated in the trials reviewed here, but the abstracts report few safety details; see the safety file. Not enough is known about use in pregnancy or alongside sedative medicines, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Digestive spasms and stomach protection
Very low certaintyValerian is used in a Chinese patent medicine for stomach and gut problems, and rat and rabbit tissue studies show it relaxes gut muscle and protects the stomach lining. No human trial was found, so it is not known to work in people.
1 studiesValerian extract capsule (Chinese patent medicine) in the animal stud…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial of valerian for digestive conditions was found in the searches done. The 2022 study used rats (124, 248, 496 mg/kg for 3 days), mice (248-992 mg/kg) and rabbit gut tissue (0.01-1 mg/mL).
Results
Animal and tissue effects only: lower stomach lesion scores in rats, relaxed gut muscle in tissue, faster intestinal transit in mice.
Effect sizes as reported
Example from the study: MPO (a stomach-inflammation marker) with ethanol 15.56 in the model group versus 12.15 with treatment (p<0.01).
Why this rating
Animal and tissue study only. Animal doses cannot be converted to human doses from this abstract.
Form and dose studied
Valerian extract capsule (Chinese patent medicine) in the animal study.
Who was studied
Rats, mice and rabbit tissue.
Limits
No human data; the effect on people is unknown.
Why researchers looked
Valerian is described as an antispasmodic, so gut cramping is a natural area to test.
Traditional use
A valerian extract capsule is described in the 2022 study as a Chinese patent medicine used for gastrointestinal diseases (traditional use, as stated by those authors).
Proposed mechanism Animal research
In rats, a valerian extract reduced stomach damage from ethanol and indomethacin and raised protective markers. In rabbit gut muscle it reduced contractions; in mice it promoted intestinal movement.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Valerian is generally described as well tolerated in the trials reviewed here, but the abstracts report few safety details; see the safety file. Not enough is known about use in pregnancy or alongside sedative medicines, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
Muscle spasm, general pain, and use in children
Not enough evidenceNo trial of valerian for muscle cramps, back pain or general pain was found. No children's trial for body complaints was verified. The only pain finding is for period pain.
0 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No eligible human trial was found in the searches done for this profile for muscle spasm, back pain, joint pain or children's body complaints.
Results
Not studied or not found.
Effect sizes as reported
Not available.
Why this rating
No human trials found for these uses.
Why researchers looked
Valerian is often described as a muscle relaxant, so people ask whether it helps muscle spasm or pain.
Traditional use
Valerian is traditionally called an antispasmodic; no specific trial support was verified for muscle or joint pain.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
The muscle-relaxing idea comes from tissue studies of smooth (gut) muscle, not from skeletal muscle or pain trials.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Children should not be given valerian products without a doctor's advice; safety in children is covered in the safety file.
Connections to the rest of health
How Valerian connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better Sleep | Potential benefit | Mixed findings | Sleep quality and insomnia: Valerian is mostly taken to sleep better. Many people report better sleep quality on it, but the best reviews disagree: the pooled studies show a benefit on yes/no 'did your sleep improve' questions, and little or none on timed or lab-measured sleep. Newer, more careful trials are mostly small and mixed. Valerian-hops combinations for falling asleep: Products that pair valerian with hops have a few positive trials, and in one of them valerian alone did not work while the combination did. So the benefit may come from hops, or from the pairing. | 13 43 126 83 132 120 76 52 19 142 127 9 63 128 106 78 97 33 115 124 125 66 141 1 40 59 136 28 57 50 11 |
| Sleep Quality | Potential benefit | Mixed findings | Sleep quality and insomnia: Valerian is mostly taken to sleep better. Many people report better sleep quality on it, but the best reviews disagree: the pooled studies show a benefit on yes/no 'did your sleep improve' questions, and little or none on timed or lab-measured sleep. Newer, more careful trials are mostly small and mixed. Valerian-hops combinations for falling asleep: Products that pair valerian with hops have a few positive trials, and in one of them valerian alone did not work while the combination did. So the benefit may come from hops, or from the pairing. | 13 43 126 83 132 120 76 52 19 142 127 9 63 128 106 78 97 33 115 136 28 57 50 |
| Calm Relaxation | Potential benefit | Mixed findings | Sleep quality and insomnia: Valerian is mostly taken to sleep better. Many people report better sleep quality on it, but the best reviews disagree: the pooled studies show a benefit on yes/no 'did your sleep improve' questions, and little or none on timed or lab-measured sleep. Newer, more careful trials are mostly small and mixed. Anxiety: Valerian is often sold as calming, but the one small trial in diagnosed anxiety found no clear difference from placebo, and the Cochrane review said there is not enough evidence to say either way. | 13 43 126 83 132 120 76 52 19 142 127 9 63 128 106 96 4 108 113 34 55 141 1 40 59 136 57 50 11 |
| Menopause Support | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Sleep problems around menopause: Three Iranian trials in postmenopausal women found better sleep scores on valerian or valerian combinations. They are small, from one research setting, and based on a sleep questionnaire. Menopausal hot flashes: Three small trials from Iran found fewer or milder hot flashes with valerian (or a fennel-valerian mix) than with a starch placebo over 8 weeks. The trials are small, come from a few research groups, and the abstracts give no effect sizes, so this is early, low-certainty evidence. | 124 125 66 65 95 |
| Womens Wellness | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Sleep problems around menopause: Three Iranian trials in postmenopausal women found better sleep scores on valerian or valerian combinations. They are small, from one research setting, and based on a sleep questionnaire. Menopausal hot flashes: Three small trials from Iran found fewer or milder hot flashes with valerian (or a fennel-valerian mix) than with a starch placebo over 8 weeks. The trials are small, come from a few research groups, and the abstracts give no effect sizes, so this is early, low-certainty evidence. | 124 125 66 65 95 94 107 12 |
| Anxiety Support | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | Anxiety: Valerian is often sold as calming, but the one small trial in diagnosed anxiety found no clear difference from placebo, and the Cochrane review said there is not enough evidence to say either way. Sleep and anxiety in medical situations (surgery, dialysis, HIV treatment): Small trials in hospital and clinic settings in Iran and elsewhere report better sleep or less anxiety on valerian, for example after heart surgery or when starting a HIV medicine. These are small and need confirming. A cancer-treatment trial of valerian showed no sleep benefit. | 96 4 108 113 120 19 63 141 1 40 59 9 128 |
| Stress Reduction | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | Everyday stress and tension: There is no good trial showing valerian on its own lowers everyday stress. The one trial in stressed volunteers found improvement in both groups, with no difference. A multi-herb product that includes valerian lowered some stress-response measures in healthy people. | 108 34 55 |
| Cognitive Performance | Potential benefit | Very low certainty | Thinking and memory: Valerian is not a memory herb. Two small Iranian trials in patients (after heart surgery and on dialysis) report better scores on a quick screening test, but nothing has been shown in healthy people. | 60 109 115 |
| Brain Health | Potential benefit | Very low certainty | Thinking and memory: Valerian is not a memory herb. Two small Iranian trials in patients (after heart surgery and on dialysis) report better scores on a quick screening test, but nothing has been shown in healthy people. | 60 109 115 |
| Memory Support | Potential benefit | Very low certainty | Thinking and memory: Valerian is not a memory herb. Two small Iranian trials in patients (after heart surgery and on dialysis) report better scores on a quick screening test, but nothing has been shown in healthy people. | 60 109 115 |
| Calm Relaxation | Biological association | Low certainty | No next-morning grogginess: In several small lab studies, valerian did not slow reaction times or impair driving the way sleeping pills do. This is a safety finding rather than a benefit. | 80 58 49 129 |
| Mental Clarity | Biological association | Low certainty | No next-morning grogginess: In several small lab studies, valerian did not slow reaction times or impair driving the way sleeping pills do. This is a safety finding rather than a benefit. | 80 58 49 129 |
| Hormone Balance | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Period pain (primary dysmenorrhea): Valerian is the best-studied body use. Small trials and a 2025 pooled analysis of 5 trials found less period pain with valerian than with control. The pooled result is promising but very uneven between trials, so the true effect is uncertain. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): One small trial of 100 students found PMS symptoms fell with valerian root extract, but the abstract does not report a direct comparison with placebo. Too little to draw a conclusion. | 94 107 12 |
| Mood Balance | Potential benefit | Very low certainty | Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): One small trial of 100 students found PMS symptoms fell with valerian root extract, but the abstract does not report a direct comparison with placebo. Too little to draw a conclusion. | 12 |
| Heart Health | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Heart rate and blood pressure: No good trial shows valerian lowers blood pressure or heart rate. In one 2026 surgery trial of a lemon balm and valerian capsule, blood pressure and heart rate fell in every group, including placebo, with no difference between them. | 59 |
| Blood Pressure Support | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Heart rate and blood pressure: No good trial shows valerian lowers blood pressure or heart rate. In one 2026 surgery trial of a lemon balm and valerian capsule, blood pressure and heart rate fell in every group, including placebo, with no difference between them. | 59 |
| Digestive Support | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Digestive spasms and stomach protection: Valerian is used in a Chinese patent medicine for stomach and gut problems, and rat and rabbit tissue studies show it relaxes gut muscle and protects the stomach lining. No human trial was found, so it is not known to work in people. | 42 |
| Gut Health | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Digestive spasms and stomach protection: Valerian is used in a Chinese patent medicine for stomach and gut problems, and rat and rabbit tissue studies show it relaxes gut muscle and protects the stomach lining. No human trial was found, so it is not known to work in people. | 42 |
| Muscle Recovery | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Muscle spasm, general pain, and use in children: No trial of valerian for muscle cramps, back pain or general pain was found. No children's trial for body complaints was verified. The only pain finding is for period pain. | |
| Joint Support | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Muscle spasm, general pain, and use in children: No trial of valerian for muscle cramps, back pain or general pain was found. No children's trial for body complaints was verified. The only pain finding is for period pain. |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatic system | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Herb-induced liver injury, rare and mostly in combination with other herbals (NCCIH). Preparation or compound: Unspecified |
86 101 |
| Nervous system | Drug or supplement interaction | Very low certainty | Possible added sedation with alcohol, sedatives and anaesthetics; no controlled interaction trial found. Preparation or compound: Root preparations |
101 5 92 |
| Sleep and recovery | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Withdrawal-type symptoms including insomnia and anxiety after abrupt stopping (NCCIH). Preparation or compound: Chronic use then abrupt stopping |
101 16 47 |
| Digestive system | Adverse effect or risk | Low certainty | Nausea and abdominal cramps, frequency not known (EU monograph). Preparation or compound: Root preparations |
39 101 |
| Reproductive system | Contraindication | Not enough evidence | Pregnancy and breastfeeding use not recommended because safety is not established; no human outcome data. Preparation or compound: All forms |
39 101 82 139 |
| Sleep Recovery | Biological association | Mixed findings | Studied for: Sleep quality and insomnia Studied for: Valerian-hops combinations for falling asleep | 13 43 126 83 132 120 76 52 19 142 127 9 63 128 106 78 97 33 115 124 125 66 141 1 40 59 80 58 49 129 136 28 57 50 11 |
| Nervous System | Biological association | Mixed findings | Studied for: Sleep quality and insomnia Studied for: Valerian-hops combinations for falling asleep | 13 43 126 83 132 120 76 52 19 142 127 9 63 128 106 78 97 33 115 96 4 108 113 34 55 60 109 80 58 49 129 136 28 57 50 12 11 |
| Reproductive System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Sleep problems around menopause Studied for: Menopausal hot flashes | 124 125 66 65 95 94 107 12 |
| Stress Mood | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Anxiety Studied for: Everyday stress and tension | 96 4 108 113 120 19 63 34 55 141 1 40 59 9 128 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Menopausal hot flashes | 65 95 66 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Period pain (primary dysmenorrhea) Studied for: Muscle spasm, general pain, and use in children | 94 107 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Heart rate and blood pressure | 59 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Digestive spasms and stomach protection | 42 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Rare, case-report-level liver injury (jaundice, cholestasis) described by LiverTox and NCCIH. A safety relationship, not a benefit. Frequency is unknown. Preparation or compound: Mostly multi-ingredient products; plant part and extract not stated in the cases we read |
86 101 77 26 75 |
| Liver | Contraindication | Not enough evidence | Caution with existing liver disease rests on case reports; no agency instruction to avoid it was found. Preparation or compound: All forms |
86 101 |
| Brain | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | One case of encephalopathy; delirium after stopping in case reports (titles only). Preparation or compound: Valerian with a GABA supplement (one case) |
45 16 |
| Heart | Adverse effect or risk | Not enough evidence | Slow heartbeat or rhythm disturbance at large doses (second-hand WHO summary) and 'heart disturbances' on abrupt stopping (NCCIH). No controlled data. Preparation or compound: Large doses; withdrawal |
138 101 47 |
| Liver | Drug or supplement interaction | Low certainty | Probe-drug studies in 12 volunteers found minimal or no effect on liver CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 activity; laboratory and rat data suggest CYP3A and P-glycoprotein inhibition. Clinical relevance unproven. Preparation or compound: Root extracts |
35 53 71 85 100 |
D. Symptoms
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty sleeping | Potential benefit | Mixed findings | Self-reported sleep often improves, but reviews disagree and timed or lab-measured sleep mostly does not. Preparation or compound: Extracts about 300 to 1,000 mg a day; products differ |
13 43 126 83 132 120 76 52 |
| Insomnia (valerian with hops) | Potential benefit | Low certainty | A few small trials of fixed valerian-hops products were positive; in one, valerian alone did not work. Preparation or compound: Fixed valerian-hops combinations |
78 97 33 115 |
| Sleep problems around menopause | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Three small Iranian trials found better sleep scores; two used combination products. Preparation or compound: 530 mg extract twice daily, or combinations |
124 125 66 |
| Anxiety | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | One small trial in diagnosed anxiety found no clear difference from placebo. Preparation or compound: Valepotriates or extract |
96 4 108 113 |
| Menopausal hot flashes | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Three small trials found fewer or milder hot flashes than placebo over 8 weeks. Preparation or compound: Valerian capsule or fennel-valerian extract |
65 95 66 |
| Period pain | Potential benefit | Low certainty | A small trial and a 2025 pooled analysis of 5 trials found less pain than control, with large differences between trials. Preparation or compound: 255 mg three times a day for 3 days from the start of each period |
94 107 |
| Restless legs syndrome | Potential benefit | Evidence against | A 2025 sleep-medicine guideline suggests against valerian for restless legs. Preparation or compound: Valerian extract |
136 28 57 50 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 19 124 141 66 9 55 |
| Time to fall asleep (sleep latency) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 43 19 78 106 127 |
| Sleep duration and sleep efficiency | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 115 19 127 55 97 |
| Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 63 |
| Anxiety scores (HAM-A, STAI, BAI) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 96 4 19 1 108 59 |
| Cortisol and stress-response markers | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 55 34 |
| Brain-wave and brain-excitability measures (EEG, TMS) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 108 93 109 |
| Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 60 109 |
| Reaction time and psychomotor performance | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 80 58 49 129 |
| Restless legs severity score (IRLS) | Biological association | Evidence against | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 28 57 136 |
| Systolic blood pressure | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 59 |
| Heart rate | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 59 |
| Hot flash severity score (Kupperman index) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 65 95 66 |
| Menstrual pain (visual analog scale) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 94 107 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GABRB2 / GABRB3 (GABA-A receptor beta2 and beta3 subunits) | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Valerenic acid enhances GABA currents only in channels with beta2 or beta3; beta3 N265 region is part of the proposed binding pocket | 73 88 74 |
| GABA-A receptor (chloride channel) | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Positive allosteric modulation by valerenic acid and valerenic-rich non-polar extracts; flumazenil does not block it | 73 131 140 |
| ADORA1 (adenosine A1 receptor) | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Partial agonism by extracts and an olivil lignan; positive allosteric modulation by valerenic acid and pinoresinol; EEG caffeine competition with a valerian-hop combination in people | 98 117 119 114 |
| HTR5A (serotonin 5-HT5a receptor) | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Extract and valerenic acid bind; partial agonism inferred from a GTP shift | 32 |
| HTR1A (serotonin 5-HT1A receptor) | Preliminary mechanism | Animal | Predicted target of caryophyllene in valerian essential oil in insomnia rats; hydroxypinoresinol binding reported in EMA review | 135 143 |
| GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Valerian extract raised GAD activity by over 40% at 1 mg/mL in rat brain homogenate | 6 |
| SLC6A1 and related GABA transporters (GAT) | Preliminary mechanism | Animal | Aqueous extract inhibited GABA uptake and increased release by reversing the GABA carrier in rat synaptosomes; transporter gene not tested directly | 111 105 |
| TRPV1 | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Valerenic acid activated TRPV1 and potentiated capsaicin responses in CHO cells | 104 |
| CYP3A4 | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Extracts inhibited CYP3A4 in the test tube; in 12 people, 1000 mg nightly for 14 days raised alprazolam Cmax modestly (25 to 31 ng/mL) with no change in other parameters; review judges clinical interaction potential low | 85 35 71 |
| CYP2D6 | Preliminary mechanism | Human pharmacokinetic | No change in dextromethorphan metabolic ratio after 14 days of valerian | 35 |
| ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein) | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Marked inhibition of P-gp ATPase activity by extracts of 14 commercial products in vitro; clinical relevance not shown | 85 71 |
| ABCC2 (MRP2) | Preliminary mechanism | Animal | Transporter that carries valerenic acid and its glucuronides into bile in rat liver | 90 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glucuronidation of valerenic acid | Preliminary mechanism | Animal | Seven glucuronide metabolites formed in perfused rat liver | 90 |
| cAMP / PKA signalling | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Valerian extract lowered cAMP in A1-receptor cell membranes; essential oil study links 5-HT1A to cAMP/PKA in rats | 98 135 |
| Esterase activation of valepotriates | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Mutagenicity of valepotriates with liver-enzyme mix was linked to esterase-driven bioactivation in bacteria | 144 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Biological association | In vitro | Subunit-selective positive modulator of GABA-A receptors (needs beta2 or beta3 subunit; beta3 N265 region) in cells; positive allosteric modulator at adenosine A1 receptors (cells); binds 5-HT5a (IC50 17.2 microM); activates TRPV1 channels (cells); anxiolytic-like in mice when given without acetoxyvalerenic acid. Crosses an in-vitro brain-barrier model slowly. Preparation or compound: Root and rhizome |
73 88 74 32 119 104 10 131 102 2 140 |
| Acetoxyvalerenic acid | Biological association | Animal | Weaker or opposing to valerenic acid in the one mouse study: adding it abolished valerenic acid's anxiolytic effect; also reduces GABA-A currents at 100 microM and above in oocytes. Is partly converted to hydroxyvalerenic acid by liver cells (EMA, citing Simmen 2005). Preparation or compound: Root and rhizome |
10 73 85 143 |
| Hydroxyvalerenic acid | Biological association | In vitro | Little direct activity data in this file; listed as a marker and a metabolite; modest neuroprotection in one cell model (p42884000). Preparation or compound: Root and rhizome; also formed from acetoxyvalerenic acid |
130 102 104 85 |
| Valerenal | Biological association | Not enough evidence | No activity data verified here. Preparation or compound: Essential oil of root |
143 |
| Valtrate | Biological association | In vitro | Toxic to cancer cells in the test tube (IC50 1-6 microM); mutagenic in some bacteria only after liver-enzyme activation; very unstable, poor oral bioavailability (per EMA, citing Wagner and Jurcic 1980). Valtrate's anticancer cell work (not about sleep) is in later papers not used here. Preparation or compound: Fresh root |
14 144 46 143 |
| Isovaltrate | Biological association | In vitro | Same safety picture as valtrate: cell toxicity and bacterial mutagenicity after activation; not expected to survive storage. Preparation or compound: Fresh root |
14 144 143 |
| Didrovaltrate (dihydrovaltrate) | Biological association | In vitro | 2-3 fold less cytotoxic than diene valepotriates in cell tests; decreases 2-fold after liver-cell incubation (EMA). Preparation or compound: Fresh root |
14 144 143 |
| Acevaltrate | Biological association | In vitro | Diene-type, cytotoxic at 1-6 microM in cells (IC50 range for the diene group). Preparation or compound: Root of some Valeriana species |
14 |
| Baldrinal | Biological association | In vitro | 10-30 times less cytotoxic than parent valepotriates in cells. Preparation or compound: Appears in stored root and tinctures |
14 143 |
| Homobaldrinal | Biological association | In vitro | 10-30 times less cytotoxic than parent valepotriates in cells. Preparation or compound: Appears in stored root and tinctures |
14 143 |
| Isovaleric acid | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Odour marker; no sleep activity claimed here. Preparation or compound: Dried, stored root |
143 |
| Valeranone | Biological association | Not enough evidence | No activity data verified here. Preparation or compound: Essential oil of root |
143 |
| Bornyl acetate | Biological association | Not enough evidence | No activity data verified here. Preparation or compound: Essential oil of root |
143 |
| Beta-caryophyllene | Biological association | Animal | Predicted by network pharmacology to be the oil's active component acting through 5-HT1A signalling in insomnia rats; not shown in people. Preparation or compound: Essential oil |
135 |
| Pinoresinol and hydroxy-pinoresinol lignans | Biological association | In vitro | Pinoresinol was a weak positive allosteric modulator of adenosine A1 receptors in cells (p40509231). EMA, citing Hoelzl 1998, reports hydroxypinoresinol binding to 5-HT1A receptors (IC50 2.5 micromol/L) with the kind of action not tested. Preparation or compound: Root |
119 117 143 |
| Olivil-type lignan glycoside | Biological association | In vitro | Partial agonist at adenosine A1 receptors at low micromolar to submicromolar levels in cells; first non-nucleoside A1 agonist found. PubChem CID not looked up (no reliable name match). Preparation or compound: Root |
117 |
| Linarin | Biological association | Animal | Brief sedation in mice at 12 mg/kg in one telemetry study (not sustained). Preparation or compound: Root (reported) |
25 143 |
| Hesperidin (2S-hesperidin) | Biological association | Animal | Sedative and sleep-enhancing in mice (p12895671). Whether the plant studied there was V. officinalis was not clear from the abstract. Preparation or compound: Reported in Valeriana root |
91 143 |
| 6-Methylapigenin | Biological association | Animal | Anxiolytic in mice and benzodiazepine-site ligand in the V. wallichii study; potentiated hesperidin's sleep effect. Preparation or compound: Isolated from V. wallichii, not shown for V. officinalis |
91 |
| Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Present as a constituent; not shown to explain valerian's effects. Preparation or compound: Root (free amino acids) |
143 |
| Adenosine | Biological association | In vitro | Detected in the extract; supports direct activation of adenosine A1 receptors in cells. Preparation or compound: Extract Ze 911 |
119 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 24, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Valerian. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed, NIH NCCIH, LiverTox, the EU herbal monograph and other regulators' pages, opened each source and recorded the study design, people, product, dose and result as reported. Abstracts only for most studies; full texts for a few guidance pages. Some pages (the WHO and German Commission E monographs, the full LiverTox entry) could not be read directly, and what we say about them is second-hand and marked as such. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 144
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmadi 2017 Effect of Valerian in Preventing Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects of Efavirenz in HIV-Positive Patients: A Pilot Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Ann Pharmacother · PMID 28478716 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
51 HIV-positive patients starting efavirenz |
Valerian unspecified 530 mg nightly 4 weeks · vs Placebo |
Sleep (P≤0.001) and anxiety (P=0.001) improved more than placebo. Dizziness and nausea were common in both groups. Sleep P≤0.001; anxiety P=0.001 Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep, anxiety, depression, suicidal thought, psychosis questionnaires Limitations: Pilot trial. Read: abstract |
| Anderson 2005 Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid after administration of valerian in healthy subjects Phytother Res · PMID 16220575 · DOI |
Single dose pharmacokinetic study |
6 6 healthy adults aged 22-61 (5 men, 1 woman) |
Valerian (product not specified in abstract) unspecified 600 mg single dose at 08:00 8 h blood sampling |
Peak serum valerenic acid in 5 of 6 subjects at 1-2 h, range 0.9-2.3 ng/mL; measurable for at least 5 h; half-life 1.1 +/- 0.6 h; AUC 4.80 +/- 2.96 (units as printed in abstract: microg/mL.h); AUC not related to age or weight. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Serum valerenic acid (LC/MS/MS) Limitations: Six people only; no control; one subject had a second peak at 5 h; AUC units look inconsistent with the ng/mL concentrations in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Anderson 2010 Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid after single and multiple doses of valerian in older women Phytother Res · PMID 20878691 · DOI |
Multiple dose pharmacokinetic study |
older women (number not in abstract) | Valerian capsules (valerenic, acetoxyvalerenic and hydroxyvalerenic acid measured) unspecified nightly dose (amount not given in abstract) single dose and after 2 weeks of nightly dosing |
No significant difference between a single dose and 2 weeks of dosing; large variation between and within people; Cmax and AUC fell and half-life rose with body weight; capsule-to-capsule variation only 1.4-2.2%. The EMA report quotes Cmax 3.3 +/- 2.3 (0.7-9.4), Tmax 1.7 +/- 0.9 h, half-life 1.02 +/- 0.35 h (units not given there). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Valerenic acid Cmax, Tmax, AUC, half-life, clearance Limitations: Number and dose not stated in the abstract; the authors suggest the large variability may help explain inconsistent sleep results. Read: abstract |
| Andreatini 2002 Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytother Res · PMID 12410546 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
36 Outpatients with generalised anxiety disorder |
Valepotriates (valerian extract) unspecified Mean 81.3 mg/day 4 weeks · vs Placebo and diazepam (mean 6.5 mg/day) |
No significant difference among the three groups on HAM-A change from baseline. All three groups improved. Only diazepam and valepotriates showed a significant fall in the HAM-A psychic factor. Authors call the result preliminary because groups were only 12 people. No significant between-group difference Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A); STAI-Trait Limitations: 12 per group; valepotriates are one fraction of valerian and not a typical supplement. Read: abstract |
| Ang-Lee 2001 Herbal medicines and perioperative care. JAMA · PMID 11448284 · DOI |
Systematic review |
Narrative literature review of 8 commonly used herbal medicines in the perioperative period | Valerian (among echinacea, ephedra, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, kava, St John's wort) root |
Authors state valerian and kava may potentiate the sedative effect of anaesthetics (a pharmacodynamic herb-drug interaction). They advise physicians to ask about and document herbal medicine use before surgery. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Perioperative safety Limitations: Search to December 2000; the abstract gives no valerian-specific numbers; basis is pharmacology and case reports rather than trials. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Awad 2007 Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system Can J Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 18066140 · DOI |
In vitro enzyme screen in-vitro |
rat brain homogenate | Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of anxiolytic plants including valerian root up to 1 mg/mL |
Valerian extract stimulated glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity by more than 40% at 1 mg/mL; roughly 70% of all plant extracts tested had little effect on these enzymes. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: GAD and GABA-transaminase activity Limitations: Test-tube result only. Read: abstract |
| Balderer 1985 Effect of valerian on human sleep. Psychopharmacology (Berl) · PMID 3936097 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
18 Healthy young subjects |
Aqueous valerian root extract root 450 and 900 mg Single night · vs Placebo |
Home: reduced perceived sleep latency and wake time; lab (900 mg): no significant difference. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Questionnaires, motor activity, PSG Limitations: Tiny, 1985. Read: abstract |
| Bao 2024 Safety evaluation of aqueous extract from Valeriana officinalis L. roots: Genotoxicity, acute, subchronic and teratology toxicity. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 39128798 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Mice and Sprague-Dawley rats; bacterial and cell assays | Aqueous extract of valerian root root Acute 96 g/kg (mice); 3.5, 7, 14 g/kg/day (rats) 14 days acute; 90 days subchronic; pregnancy teratology · vs Vehicle |
No genotoxicity in bacterial reverse mutation, mouse micronucleus and in vitro chromosome aberration tests. No deaths or abnormal behaviour at 96 g/kg in mice (LD50 above 96 g/kg). In 90-day rat study no dose-related effects on clinical observation, body and organ weight, haematology, serum biochemistry or urinalysis. No significant teratogenic changes. NOAEL at least 14 g/kg body weight. NOAEL at least 14 g/kg (rats) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Genotoxicity, acute and subchronic toxicity, teratogenicity Limitations: Animal data for one aqueous extract; the aim was to support valerian as a new food resource in some regions. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Barton 2011 The use of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) in improving sleep in patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer: a phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (NCCTG Trial, N01C5). J Support Oncol · PMID 21399726 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
227 People with cancer undergoing treatment and sleep problems; 119 evaluable for the main outcome |
Valerian officinalis supplement unspecified 450 mg 1 hour before bed 8 weeks · vs Placebo |
Primary outcome not different: AUC 51.4 (SD 16) on valerian vs 49.7 (SD 15) on placebo, p=0.6957. Exploratory secondary analyses showed less fatigue and less drowsiness on valerian. No important difference in toxicity. AUC 51.4 vs 49.7, p=0.6957 Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Area under the curve of the PSQI (primary); fatigue and mood scales (secondary) Limitations: Only 119 of 227 evaluable for the main outcome; secondary fatigue results were exploratory. Read: abstract |
| Becker 2014 The anxiolytic effects of a Valerian extract is based on valerenic acid BMC Complement Altern Med · PMID 25066015 · DOI |
Mouse behaviour plus binding animal |
male mice; rat cortex tissue | Valerenic acid, acetoxyvalerenic acid, valerian extract root oral doses (values not in abstract) acute · vs valerenic acid alone |
Adding acetoxyvalerenic acid abolished the anxiolytic effect of valerenic acid in mice; extract showed no affinity for benzodiazepine binding sites. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Elevated plus maze anxiety; body temperature; 3H-GABA binding Limitations: Mouse model; shows that two natural constituents can work against each other. Funding and conflicts: Authors include Zeller employees (affiliation noted; funding not checked) Read: abstract |
| Bega 2016 Alternative treatment of restless legs syndrome: an overview of the evidence for mind-body interventions, lifestyle interventions, and neutraceuticals. Sleep Med · PMID 26847981 · DOI |
Systematic review |
People with RLS | Valerian (among many alternative treatments) unspecified |
The authors state that evidence is insufficient for valerian (and several other options), though preliminary studies suggest high-quality randomized trials may be warranted. Insufficient evidence (authors' words) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Evidence overview of alternative RLS treatments Limitations: Narrative overview, 2016; abstract gives no numbers. Read: abstract |
| Behboodi Moghadam 2016 The effect of Valerian root extract on the severity of pre menstrual syndrome symptoms. J Tradit Complement Med · PMID 27419099 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
100 Female students with premenstrual syndrome, Iran, 2013 |
Valerian root extract root 2 pills daily in the last 7 days of each cycle (strength per pill not stated in abstract) 3 menstrual cycles · vs Placebo |
Symptom severity fell in the valerian group before versus after (P<0.001); the difference was not significant in the control group. Within-group improvement in valerian group only; the abstract reports no direct between-group test Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Emotional, behavioral and physical PMS symptom severity (daily symptom questionnaire) Limitations: Abstract does not report a direct valerian-versus-placebo comparison; students only; self-reported; small. Read: abstract |
| Bent 2006 Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med · PMID 17145239 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
1093 16 placebo-controlled trials of valerian for sleep quality |
Valerian (various doses and preparations) unspecified · vs Placebo |
Six studies reporting a yes/no sleep-quality outcome showed a statistically significant benefit, but with evidence of publication bias. Authors say valerian might improve sleep quality without side effects; most studies had significant methodologic problems. Relative risk of improved sleep 1.8 (1.2 to 2.9) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep quality (improved or not, dichotomous) Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Evidence of publication bias; doses and preparations varied widely. Read: abstract |
| Bos 1998 Cytotoxic potential of valerian constituents and valerian tinctures. Phytomedicine · PMID 23195845 · DOI |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
Human cancer cell lines (GLC4 lung, COLO 320 colon) and tinctures of three Valeriana species | Isolated valerian constituents and tinctures root |
Diene valepotriates (valtrate, isovaltrate, acevaltrate) were the most cytotoxic (IC50 1-6 micromolar). Baldrinal and homobaldrinal were 10- to 30-fold less toxic. Valerenic acids had low toxicity (IC50 100-200 micromolar). Freshly prepared tinctures were toxic in proportion to valepotriate content; on storage valepotriates decomposed and toxicity fell significantly. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cell toxicity (MTT assay) Limitations: Cell-line test, not a human toxicity study; says nothing about doses reaching human tissues. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Bulman 2025 The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev · PMID 40056718 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
897 19 articles (18 in meta-analysis) |
L-theanine Varied Varied · vs Placebo |
SMD 0.15 (0.01 to 0.29) onset; 0.43 (0.04 to 0.83) quality. SMD 0.43 sleep quality (0.04 to 0.83) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep onset, quality Read: abstract |
| Burke 2020 Delirium After Withdrawal From Valerian Root: A Case Report. Psychosomatics · PMID 32576405 · DOI |
Case report |
1 Delirium after withdrawal from valerian root (title only) |
Valerian root root |
Title and citation details only; abstract not available in PubMed. Nothing beyond the title is used. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Not read Limitations: Details unknown (dose, duration and other drugs not read). Read: summary-only |
| Carvalho 2021 Valerian treatment during the postpartum period alters breast milk composition and impairs long-term memory in female rat offspring. Braz J Med Biol Res · PMID 34586325 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Postpartum Wistar rats and their offspring | Valerian root 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg/day by gavage Postpartum period · vs Vehicle |
Maternal toxicity and care behaviour unchanged. Doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/day reduced milk protein; 2000 raised lactose. Long-term memory was impaired in adult female offspring at 1000 mg/kg/day. Authors conclude high doses are not safe for breastfeeding rat mothers. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Maternal toxicity, milk composition, offspring development and memory Limitations: Rat study at high doses; direct human relevance unknown. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Chan 1995 Poisoning due to an over-the-counter hypnotic, Sleep-Qik (hyoscine, cyproheptadine, valerian). Postgrad Med J · PMID 7784284 · DOI |
Case series |
23 23 patients treated in a Hong Kong hospital 1988-1991 after taking the over-the-counter hypnotic Sleep-Qik |
Sleep-Qik tablets: valerian dry extract 75 mg, hyoscine hydrobromide 0.25 mg, cyproheptadine hydrochloride 2 mg unspecified Average 2.5 g valerian (range 0.5 to 12 g) Single acute ingestion (overdose) |
Main problems were central nervous system depression and anticholinergic poisoning. No clinical evidence of acute hepatitis in the 23 patients. No evidence of subclinical liver damage in 12 patients who had liver function tests about 6-12 hours after ingestion; delayed severe liver damage excluded in 10 patients followed by telephone. Subclinical dysfunction between 12-24 hours and after discharge could not be excluded. Authors say a much larger study with serial liver tests is needed. No clinical hepatitis in 23 acute overdoses Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical features; liver injury Limitations: Multi-ingredient product with two other drugs that explain the CNS and anticholinergic effects; short follow-up; small numbers. Does not address long-term use. Read: abstract |
| Chandra Shekhar 2024 Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study. Adv Ther · PMID 37899385 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
80 Adults with sleep complaints (young adults with mild insomnia symptoms); 72 completed |
Standardised Valeriana officinalis extract (brand not named in abstract) unspecified 8 weeks · vs Placebo |
PSQI total score lower than placebo at days 14, 28 and 56 (p<0.05). Actigraphy showed better sleep latency and sleep time and efficiency. Anxiety (BAI) and daytime drowsiness (ESS) were lower and waking up refreshed higher. Polysomnography (20 per group) showed better total sleep time, latency and efficiency at day 56. No safety concerns. p<0.05 on all endpoints listed; actual score differences not in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: PSQI; actigraphy sleep latency, sleep time and efficiency; BAI anxiety; Epworth sleepiness; polysomnography in a subset of 40 Limitations: Small; one product; abstract does not give effect sizes; funding not stated in abstract. Registration: CTRI (Clinical Trials Registry of India); number truncated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Chauveau 2023 Intestinal permeability and gut microbiota interactions of pharmacologically active compounds in valerian and St. John's wort Biomed Pharmacother · PMID 37027987 · DOI |
In vitro Caco 2 and artificial gut microbiota study in-vitro |
Caco-2 cell layers; artificial human gut microbiota | Valerenic acid and valerian extract root 24 h · vs diazepam, citalopram |
Valerenic acid was highly permeable with possible active transport; not metabolised by the artificial gut microbiota over 24 h; valerian extracts did not substantially change bacterial viability or short-chain fatty acid production. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Intestinal permeability; microbial metabolism Limitations: Cell and bench model. Read: abstract |
| Chen 2002 Mental status changes in an alcohol abuser taking valerian and gingko biloba. Am J Addict · PMID 11876586 · DOI |
Case report |
1 Mental status changes in an alcohol abuser taking valerian and ginkgo biloba (title only) |
Valerian and ginkgo unspecified |
Title and citation details only; abstract not available in PubMed. Nothing beyond the title is used. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Not read Limitations: Details unknown; two herbs plus alcohol misuse. Read: summary-only |
| Chen 2012 The effectiveness of valerian acupressure on the sleep of ICU patients: a randomized clinical trial. Int J Nurs Stud · PMID 22391336 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
85 ICU patients |
Valerian acupressure unspecified One evening · vs Regular care |
Sleep hours up, awakenings down, relaxation response. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Actigraphy, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, HRV Limitations: No placebo; preparation not stated. Read: abstract |
| Chmielewski 2026 Thermoluminescence-Based Detection of Irradiation in Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) Dietary Supplements: A Pilot Study on Undeclared Treatment and Labelling Compliance. Molecules · PMID 42738676 · DOI |
Analytical survey in-vitro |
15 15 samples, 11 supplements in Poland |
Valerian-root supplements root |
7 of 15 samples showed irradiation signs, none labelled. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Thermoluminescence irradiation test Limitations: Pilot. Read: abstract |
| Choi 2022 Efficacy of melatonin for chronic insomnia: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Sleep Med Rev · PMID 36179487 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
24 RCTs in chronic insomnia | Melatonin Varied Varied · vs Placebo |
Not effective in adults without comorbidity; effective in children and adolescents. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep onset latency etc. Read: abstract |
| Chow 2011 Telemetry as a tool to measure sedative effects of a valerian root extract and its single constituents in mice Planta Med · PMID 21154200 · DOI |
Mouse radiotelemetry study animal |
male mice | 70% ethanol valerian root extract; valerenic acid, linarin, apigenin root extract 250-1000 mg/kg; valerenic acid 1 mg/kg; linarin 12 mg/kg; apigenin 1.5 mg/kg 180 min · vs vehicle |
Only 1000 mg/kg extract reduced movement briefly (66-78 min), then activity rose; valerenic acid gave intermittent stimulation; linarin and apigenin gave brief sedation. Authors: neither extract nor compounds had considerable sedative effect; may shorten sleep latency rather than maintain sleep. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Movement and body temperature Limitations: Mouse; shows mixed or paradoxical effects. Read: abstract |
| Cohen 2008 A case of valerian-associated hepatotoxicity. J Clin Gastroenterol · PMID 18431248 · DOI |
Case report |
1 Case of valerian-associated hepatotoxicity (title only) |
Valerian unspecified |
Title and citation details only; abstract not available in PubMed. Nothing beyond the title is used. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Not read Limitations: Details unknown. Read: summary-only |
| Cotter 2026 Examining the effect of L-theanine on sleep: a systematic review of dietary supplementation trials. Nutr Neurosci · PMID 41176609 · DOI |
Systematic review |
550 13 trials |
L-theanine 200 to 450 mg/day suggested (trials 50 to 900) Varied · vs Varied |
Authors report supplementation appears safe and effective at 200 to 450 mg/day. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep Read: abstract |
| Cuellar 2009 Does valerian improve sleepiness and symptom severity in people with restless legs syndrome? Altern Ther Health Med · PMID 19284179 |
Controlled trial |
37 People with restless legs syndrome |
Valerian unspecified 800 mg 8 weeks · vs Placebo |
Both groups improved in RLS severity and sleep. A subgroup analysis of sleepy people on valerian (n=17) showed changes in sleepiness (P=.01) and RLS symptoms (P=.02) before and after, not a comparison with placebo. Both groups improved; no clear between-group difference reported Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: PSQI, Epworth sleepiness, IRLS symptom score Limitations: Small; the positive finding is a nested within-group analysis. Read: abstract |
| Căuș 2026 Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) · PMID 41901246 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Narrative review of herbal supplements for anxiety, depression and sleep (2026) | Valerian among Hypericum, Passiflora, kava, Withania, saffron, turmeric unspecified Varied Varied |
Abstract says these herbs carry clinically relevant risks including CYP450-mediated interactions, excessive sedation, serotonin syndrome and toxic effects linked to adulterated products. The abstract does not separate valerian from the other herbs. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safety and quality Limitations: General review; abstract is not valerian-specific, so it is cited only for the general point about adulteration and quality. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Dalla Corte 2008 Potentially adverse interactions between haloperidol and valerian. Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 18474410 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Rats | Valerian with or without haloperidol root · vs Haloperidol alone; valerian alone |
Valerian alone did not affect oxidative stress parameters in liver or kidney. With haloperidol, lipid peroxidation and reactive species rose in liver tissue and ALT was higher than control (also higher with haloperidol alone). AST unchanged. Authors suggest adverse interactions between haloperidol and valerian. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver and kidney oxidative stress markers, serum AST/ALT Limitations: Rat study, one drug combination; the haloperidol-alone group also had higher ALT, so the contribution of valerian is not clear from the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Diaper 2004 A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of two doses of a valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function of sleep-disturbed older adults. Phytother Res · PMID 15551388 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
16 16 sleep-disturbed adults aged 50-64; placebo-controlled three-way crossover in a sleep laboratory |
Valerian preparation Li 156 root 300 mg or 600 mg at 21:00 Single night each, 6-day washout · vs Placebo |
No significant difference between valerian 300 mg, 600 mg or placebo on any EEG parameter or psychometric measure the morning after. No difference from placebo Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep EEG and morning psychometric and psychomotor tests Limitations: Small; single doses; the study tested efficacy and next-morning function. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Dietz 2005 Valerian extract and valerenic acid are partial agonists of the 5-HT5a receptor in vitro Brain Res Mol Brain Res · PMID 15921820 · DOI |
In vitro receptor binding in-vitro |
human 5-HT5a receptor binding assays | Valerian extracts (methanol, dichloromethane, petroleum ether) and valerenic acid root 50 microg/mL extract; valerenic acid up to micromolar acute |
Petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts bound the 5-HT5a receptor strongly (86% and 51% displacement at 50 microg/mL); valerenic acid IC50 17.2 microM; GTP shift taken to indicate partial agonism. Binding to melatonin, glutamate and GABA-A sites was not the focus after screening. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Radioligand displacement, GTP shift Limitations: Binding in cell membranes, not sleep or behaviour; the role of 5-HT5a in human sleep is not established here. Read: abstract |
| Dimpfel 2008 Sleep improving effects of a single dose administration of a valerian/hops fluid extract - a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled sleep-EEG study in a parallel design using electrohypnograms. Eur J Med Res · PMID 18559301 |
Controlled trial |
42 Poor sleepers (20 valerian/hops, 22 placebo) |
Valerian/hops liquid extract (2 ml), single dose unspecified 2 ml once 1 night · vs Placebo |
More time spent in sleep and in deeper sleep in the verum group on the medication night (p<0.01); the deeper-sleep change correlated with subjective sleep quality (r=0.48). p<0.01 Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep EEG (electrohypnogram) time in sleep and deeper sleep Limitations: Single night; combination product; small. Read: abstract |
| Dodd 2022 The chronic effects of a combination of herbal extracts (Euphytose(®)) on psychological mood state and response to a laboratory stressor: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study in healthy humans. J Psychopharmacol · PMID 35875924 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
31 Healthy adults (aged 19-58) |
Euphytose multi-herb extract (valerian, passionflower, hawthorn, ballota) unspecified 14 days (crossover) · vs Placebo |
Less tension-anxiety (p=0.038); lower skin conductance (p=0.004) and salivary alpha-amylase (p=0.041) responses to the stressor. Tension-anxiety p=0.038 Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, mood, heart rate, skin conductance, salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol during a lab stressor Limitations: Four-herb combination, so valerian's own role is unknown. Cortisol result not given as significant in the abstract. Registration: NCT03909906 Read: abstract |
| Donovan 2004 Multiple night-time doses of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) had minimal effects on CYP3A4 activity and no effect on CYP2D6 activity in healthy volunteers. Drug Metab Dispos · PMID 15328251 · DOI |
Other |
12 Healthy volunteers |
Valerian extract, 2 x 500 mg tablets nightly (valerenic acid 5.51 mg per tablet) root 1000 mg nightly 14 days · vs Own baseline (before/after) |
Dextromethorphan metabolic ratio 0.214 (baseline) vs 0.254 after valerian (p>0.05). Alprazolam Cmax rose from 25 +/- 7 to 31 +/- 8 ng/ml (p<0.05); AUC (471 vs 539 h*ng/ml), half-life and Tmax were not significantly different. Authors conclude typical doses are unlikely to produce clinically significant effects on drugs dependent on CYP2D6 or CYP3A4. Alprazolam Cmax +6 ng/ml; other measures unchanged Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Probe drugs: dextromethorphan 30 mg (CYP2D6) and alprazolam 2 mg (CYP3A4) Limitations: Open-label before/after design in 12 people; one product; short exposure. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) 2015 Entry to the list of herbal substances, preparations and combinations for use in traditional herbal medicinal products: Valeriana officinalis L., radix (draft, 7 July 2015) · Source |
Authoritative guidance |
Valerian root root |
Lists 15 preparations with specified single doses (tea 0.3-3 g in 150 ml; powder 0.76-2.0 g; tinctures; juice; extracts) and bath use. Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Read directly Read: full-text | |
| EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) 2015 European Union herbal monograph on Valeriana officinalis L., radix (draft, 7 July 2015) · Source |
Authoritative guidance |
Valerian root root |
Draft monograph: well-established use dry extract 450-600 mg single dose; traditional use tea, powder, tinctures; 2-4 weeks continued use; not under 12; not recommended in pregnancy/lactation; may impair driving. Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Read directly Read: full-text | |
| Ell 2023 Complementary and alternative treatments for insomnia disorder: a systematic umbrella review. J Sleep Res · PMID 37527850 · DOI |
Systematic review |
Umbrella review of 15 reviews on alternative treatments for insomnia | Valerian, melatonin, acupuncture, others unspecified Varied Varied · vs Placebo or waitlist |
Melatonin reduced sleep onset latency; valerian and light exposure did not significantly improve sleep; study quality low. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Insomnia outcomes Limitations: Authors rated quality low. Read: abstract |
| European Medicines Agency 2016 European Union herbal monograph on Valeriana officinalis L., radix (EMA/HMPC/150848/2015, Corr.1) EMA monograph, adopted 2 February 2016 · Source |
Authoritative guidance |
Valeriana officinalis root root |
Read in full (9 pages). Well-established use: relief of mild nervous tension and sleep disorders (dry extract 400-600 mg, up to 3 times daily, adolescents, adults, elderly). Traditional use: relief of mild mental stress and aid to sleep. Contraindication: hypersensitivity (full baths also contraindicated with open wounds, large skin injuries, acute skin disease, high fever, severe infections, severe circulatory disturbance or cardiac insufficiency). Not recommended under 12 years (lack of data). Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established, use not recommended; no fertility data. May impair ability to drive and use machines. Interactions: none reported. Undesirable effects: gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, abdominal cramps), frequency not known. Overdose: about 20 g of root caused fatigue, abdominal cramp, chest tightness, light-headedness, hand tremor and dilated pupils, resolving within 24 hours; treatment supportive. Preclinical: low toxicity of ethanol extracts in rodents (acute, and repeated dose over 4-8 weeks); Ames tests gave no reason for concern; reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity tests had not been performed. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Regulatory safety statements Limitations: A 2016 regulatory summary; later studies are not included. Statement 'none reported' for interactions reflects the data available in 2016. Read: full-text | |
| Farah 2019 Assessment of Valeriana officinalis l. (Valerian) for Conscious Sedation of Patients During the Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized, Split-Mouth, Double-Blind, Crossover Study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg · PMID 31158346 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
20 Anxious patients having wisdom teeth out |
Valerian unspecified 100 mg one hour before Single dose per procedure · vs Midazolam 15 mg |
Midazolam lowered the physiological measures more than valerian; valerian gave comfort and relaxation with less sleepiness. Authors say more studies are needed. Midazolam more effective on physiology Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, questionnaire Limitations: No placebo group; 20 people. Read: abstract |
| Felgentreff 2012 Valerian extract characterized by high valerenic acid and low acetoxy valerenic acid contents demonstrates anxiolytic activity. Phytomedicine · PMID 22944521 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Mice | Two valerian extracts root 0.1 to 2.0 mg/kg Acute · vs Diazepam, imipramine |
Anxiolytic effect tied to valerenic acid; combined-acid standardization misleading. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Elevated plus maze, tail suspension Limitations: Animal data. Read: abstract |
| Feng 2022 Protective effect of valerian extract capsule (VEC) on ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric mucosa injury and ameliorative effect of VEC on gastrointestinal motility disorder. Pharm Biol · PMID 35658820 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Sprague-Dawley rats, C57BL/6 mice, rabbit gut muscle tissue | Valerian extract capsule (a Chinese patent medicine) unspecified Rats 124, 248, 496 mg/kg for 3 days; mice 248-992 mg/kg; tissue 0.01-1 mg/mL 3 days (rats) · vs Control, model, teprenone |
Valerian extract reduced stomach lesions and mucosal damage in rats, reduced ACh/BaCl2-induced gut muscle tone in rabbit tissue, and promoted intestinal transit in mice. Animal and tissue effects only; for example MPO with ethanol 15.56 vs 12.15 (p<0.01) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Gastric lesion index, mucosal damage markers, gut muscle contraction, intestinal transit Limitations: Animal and tissue study; doses are per kg of animal and cannot be turned into human doses; says nothing yet about people. Read: abstract |
| Fernández-San-Martín 2010 Effectiveness of Valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Sleep Med · PMID 20347389 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
18 RCTs of valerian versus placebo for insomnia | Valerian preparations (various) unspecified · vs Placebo |
Yes/no sleep-quality improvement favoured valerian. No difference on the visual sleep-quality scale or on minutes to fall asleep. Authors conclude valerian may help subjective insomnia but benefit was not shown on quantitative or objective measures. Sleep latency mean difference 0.70 min; visual-scale SMD -0.02; relative risk of improved sleep quality 1.37 (Latency -3.44 to 4.83 min; SMD -0.35 to 0.31; RR 1.05 to 1.78) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep-quality improvement (yes/no), sleep quality on visual scales, minutes to fall asleep Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Heterogeneity in all three analyses; total participants not stated in abstract. Read: abstract |
| Francis 2002 Effect of valerian, Valeriana edulis, on sleep difficulties in children with intellectual deficits: randomised trial. Phytomedicine · PMID 12120807 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
5 5 children with intellectual deficits and sleep problems; double-blind placebo-controlled randomised design |
Valeriana edulis (a different Valeriana species) 'valerian' root 8 weeks monitoring · vs Placebo |
Sleep latency and night waking fell and total sleep time rose compared with baseline and placebo. Authors call it preliminary. A table in a later review states no significant adverse effects. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep diaries Limitations: Five children; species is V. edulis, not V. officinalis; efficacy study, safety only incidentally. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Freitas 2021 An Alternative Cause of Encephalopathy: Valerian Root Overdose. Cureus · PMID 34659971 · DOI |
Case report |
1 Patient with encephalopathy |
Valerian root plus a natural 'GABA supplement' root |
Authors present an unusual case of encephalopathy attributed to the combination of valerian root and a natural gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplement, and highlight asking about alternative therapies when assessing encephalopathy. Dose, outcome and other contributors are not stated in the abstract. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical course Limitations: Combination exposure; causality for valerian alone cannot be separated; details not in abstract. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract |
| Gao 2000 Valerenic acid derivatives and valepotriates among individuals, varieties and species of Valeriana Fitoterapia · PMID 11449465 · DOI |
HPLC chemical comparison plant-analysis |
cultivated Valeriana plants of several species and varieties | Rhizomes and roots root |
Species/varieties ranged 11.65-0.15 mg/g valerenic acid derivatives and 1.81-0.03 mg/g valepotriates; within one commercial V. officinalis cultivar 12.34-3.01 mg/g and 3.67-0.92 mg/g; micropropagated plants varied less. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Valerenic acid derivatives and valepotriates (mg/g) Limitations: Grown under the same conditions, so differences are genetic - wild plants may differ more. Read: abstract |
| Garges 1998 Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal. JAMA · PMID 9820254 · DOI |
Case report |
Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal (title only; letter) | Valerian root root |
Title and citation details only; abstract not available in PubMed. Nothing beyond the title is used. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Not read Limitations: Details unknown. Read: summary-only |
| German Commission 1985 German Commission E monograph: Valerianae radix (Valerian root), Bundesanzeiger No. 90, 1985 Bundesanzeiger (as summarised in Mielczarek 2026, p42739461) · Source |
Authoritative guidance |
Valeriana officinalis root root |
NOT READ directly. A 2026 review states the Commission E monograph does not mention adverse effects of valerian root. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safety statements Limitations: Secondary summary only; unverified against the original. The indications and wording of the original were not read. Read: summary-only | |
| Glass 2003 Acute pharmacological effects of temazepam, diphenhydramine, and valerian in healthy elderly subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol · PMID 12826988 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
14 Healthy older adults (mean age 71.6) |
Valerian unspecified 400 mg and 800 mg single doses Single doses · vs Placebo, temazepam, diphenhydramine |
Valerian did not differ from placebo on any measure of sedation or psychomotor performance. No difference from placebo Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Subjective sedation, mood, psychomotor tests Limitations: Single doses in healthy people; says nothing about nightly use in insomnia. Read: abstract |
| González-Parejo 2024 Effects of Dietary Supplementation in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Nutrients · PMID 39064758 · DOI |
Systematic review |
482 10 RCTs of dietary supplements for restless legs syndrome (valerian one of several) |
Supplements including valerian unspecified · vs Placebo |
For valerian, the review says it improved RLS and sleep but without a statistically significant improvement. Half the studies had high risk of bias. Not given for valerian Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: RLS symptom severity, sleep quality, sleepiness Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Valerian is a small part of the review. Read: abstract |
| Goppel 2004 Stability control of valerian ground material and extracts: a new HPLC-method for the routine quantification of valerenic acids and lignans. Pharmazie · PMID 15248459 |
Analytical study in-vitro |
Powdered root and commercial ethanolic extract | Valerian root ICH storage conditions |
Root powder degraded more chemically; extract showed physical changes. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: HPLC stability Limitations: Laboratory. Read: abstract |
| Guadagna 2020 Plant Extracts for Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 32382286 · DOI |
Systematic review |
38 reports on oral plant extracts for sleep complaints | Plant extracts (valerian and lavender most studied) unspecified · vs Various |
Valerian and lavender were studied most, with conflicting results for anxiety, sleep quality and sleep duration. Authors found a scarcity of evidence on each product and call for better research. Not pooled Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep onset, maintenance, quality; anxiety Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Review of PubMed only; some authors work for a contract research organisation. Read: abstract |
| Gurley 2005 In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes. Clin Pharmacol Ther · PMID 15900287 · DOI |
Other |
12 12 healthy volunteers (6 women), randomly assigned order of supplements with 30-day washouts |
Valerian extract (also tested: goldenseal, black cohosh, kava) root 28 days · vs Own baseline |
No significant changes in phenotypic ratios were observed for valerian. Goldenseal inhibited CYP2D6 and CYP3A4/5 by about 40%. Authors conclude valerian appears less likely to produce CYP-mediated herb-drug interactions. No significant change with valerian Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4/5 activity using probe drugs (midazolam, caffeine, chlorzoxazone, debrisoquine) Limitations: 12 people; single-time-point phenotypic ratios; one product. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Gutierrez 2004 Assessing subjective and psychomotor effects of the herbal medication valerian in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav · PMID 15159134 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
10 10 young healthy volunteers |
Valerian extract root 600, 1200 and 1800 mg (single doses) Single doses · vs Placebo and diazepam 10 mg (positive control) |
Valerian had no significant effects on any measure. Diazepam produced subjective effects and impaired psychomotor/cognitive performance. No measurable acute effect of valerian Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Subjective mood and psychomotor/cognitive performance Limitations: Very small; single doses only; healthy young adults. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Gutiérrez-Romero 2024 Effect of a nutraceutical combination on sleep quality among people with impaired sleep: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Sci Rep · PMID 38580720 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
64 Adults with impaired sleep (PSQI 5 or more); 58 completed |
L-theanine plus lemon balm, valerian and saffron extracts unspecified 6 weeks · vs Placebo infusion |
No benefit over placebo: sleep efficiency p=0.49; PSQI fell 3.11 points on active vs 3.86 on placebo (p=0.41); salivary cortisol unchanged in both groups. No significant difference on any measure Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Actigraphy sleep efficiency, total sleep time, WASO; PSQI; SF-36; salivary cortisol Limitations: Four-herb combination, small sample; funded by the product maker (Team Foods Colombia) which was not involved in conduct or analysis. Read: abstract |
| Hadley 2003 Valerian. Am Fam Physician · PMID 12725454 |
Narrative review |
Family-physician review of valerian for sleep and anxiety | Valerian root Varied Mostly 1 to 2 weeks nightly |
Authors say valerian improves subjective sleep when taken nightly over one to two weeks, appears a safe sedative/hypnotic choice in mild to moderate insomnia, and that adverse-effect profile and tolerability are excellent, but long-term safety studies are lacking. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Efficacy and safety Limitations: Older (2003) narrative review. Read: abstract |
| Hajizadeh 2023 Comparison the effect of valerian and gabapentin on RLS and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial. Ther Apher Dial · PMID 37039703 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
40 Haemodialysis patients with restless legs syndrome |
Valerian unspecified 1 month per arm (crossover) · vs Gabapentin |
RLS score was lower on gabapentin; sleep quality did not differ between valerian and gabapentin. Gabapentin better for RLS; sleep quality equal Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: RLS score; sleep quality score Limitations: No placebo arm; dose not in abstract. Read: abstract |
| Hallam 2003 Comparative cognitive and psychomotor effects of single doses of Valeriana officianalis and triazolam in healthy volunteers. Hum Psychopharmacol · PMID 14696021 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
9 Healthy volunteers |
Valerian unspecified 500 mg and 1000 mg single doses Single doses · vs Placebo and triazolam 0.25 mg |
Valerian had no effect on cognitive or psychomotor performance; triazolam impaired two tests. No difference from placebo Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Reaction time, flicker fusion, digit symbol tests, mood scales Limitations: Only 9 people. Read: abstract |
| Hasanzadeh Sablouei 2026 Comparison of the Effects of a Melissa officinalis L. and Valerian Combination With Clonidine on Anxiety, Hemodynamic Changes, and Shivering in Knee Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Perianesth Nurs · PMID 41317165 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
96 Patients having knee replacement |
Valerian plus Melissa officinalis (Norogol) unspecified 1 capsule nightly from 2 nights before surgery 2 nights · vs Clonidine and placebo |
Anxiety decreased in the intervention groups but the reduction was not statistically significant; shivering scores were lower than placebo up to 60 minutes after surgery. Anxiety reduction not significant Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Spielberger anxiety, shivering, haemodynamics Limitations: Combination product; the anxiety difference was not significant. Read: abstract |
| Hassani 2015 Can Valeriana officinalis root extract prevent early postoperative cognitive dysfunction after CABG surgery? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) · PMID 25173770 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
61 Adults having elective on-pump bypass surgery |
Valeriana officinalis root extract root 530 mg every 12 h 8 weeks · vs Placebo |
MMSE fell from 27.37 to 24 at day 10 in the placebo group and rose slightly to 24.83 by day 60; in the valerian group it was 27.03 before, 26.52 at day 10 and 27.45 at day 60. Valerian reduced the odds of cognitive dysfunction. OR 0.108 (0.022 to 0.545) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) at 10 days and 2 months Limitations: Small, wide confidence interval, single centre; MMSE is a crude screening test. Read: abstract |
| Health Canada Health Canada Natural Health Products Directorate monograph for valerian NHPID monograph · Source |
Authoritative guidance |
Valeriana officinalis root root |
NOT READ. The Health Canada database could not be reached from our server (connection failed). No statement from it is used in this file. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Not applicable Limitations: Unverified; included only so the gap is recorded. Read: summary-only | |
| Hieu 2019 Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials. Phytother Res · PMID 31006899 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
12 RCTs | Chamomile unspecified Varied Varied · vs Placebo |
Sleep quality SMD -0.73 (-1.23 to -0.23); anxiety no difference; HAM-A improved in GAD. SMD -0.73 (-1.23 to -0.23) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anxiety, GAD, sleep quality Read: abstract |
| Jacobs 2005 An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Medicine (Baltimore) · PMID 16010204 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
391 Adults with anxiety and insomnia symptoms recruited online (valerian arm n=135) |
Valerian (kava was the other test arm) unspecified 4 weeks of supply · vs Placebo |
Neither valerian nor kava did better than placebo. Placebo group improved by 8.3 points on the ISI; the valerian group had 0.4 points less improvement than placebo. Valerian vs placebo ISI difference 0.4 points in favour of placebo (-1.3 to +2.1) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Insomnia Severity Index; STAI-State anxiety Limitations: Internet-based; dose and extract not given in the abstract; adherence not verified directly. Read: abstract |
| Janda 2020 Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review. Nutrients · PMID 33352740 · DOI |
Systematic review |
9 clinical trials | Passiflora incarnata unspecified Varied 1 to 30 days · vs Varied |
Most studies reported reduced anxiety; no adverse effects observed. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anxiety, sleep Read: abstract |
| Jenabi 2018 The effect of Valerian on the severity and frequency of hot flashes: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Women Health · PMID 28278010 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
60 Postmenopausal women aged 45-55 years, Hamadan, Iran |
Valerian capsule (extract type not stated in abstract) unspecified 530 mg twice daily 2 months · vs Starch placebo capsule |
Hot flash severity was lower with valerian than placebo at 1 month (p=.048) and 2 months (p=.020). Frequency was lower at 2 months (p=.033). Lower severity and frequency than placebo; effect sizes and confidence intervals not given in the abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Hot flash severity and frequency (Kupperman index) at baseline, 1 and 2 months Limitations: Small, single centre; Kupperman index is a self-reported symptom score; no effect size in the abstract; only 2 months. Read: abstract |
| Jenabi 2023 Effect of Fennel-Valerian Extract on Hot Flashes and Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Trial. J Menopausal Med · PMID 37160299 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
76 Postmenopausal women (Iran) |
Fennel-valerian extract (combination) unspecified 500 mg twice daily 8 weeks · vs Placebo (starch) |
PSQI lower than placebo 2 months after starting (P=0.030). Hot flash frequency and severity were also lower in the first two months. PSQI P=0.030 Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Hot flash frequency and severity; PSQI Limitations: Combination with fennel, so effect cannot be attributed to valerian. Read: abstract |
| Jurowski 2021 Ni and Cr impurities profile in Valeriana officinalis L., radix-based herbal medicinal product available in polish pharmacies due to ICH Q3D guideline. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol · PMID 33991634 · DOI |
Other |
Valerian root herbal medicinal product sold in Polish pharmacies | Valeriana officinalis root-based product root |
Authors report the ICH Q3D standards were met for all elemental impurities profiled (Ni and Cr). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nickel and chromium content versus ICH Q3D limits Limitations: Chemical analysis of products on one market; abstract gives no values. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Jáudenes-Marrero 2026 Metal Content in Valeriana officinalis L. Root Commercialized in a Spanish Region (Tenerife, Canary Islands). Foods · PMID 41829230 · DOI |
Other |
23 23 samples of commercial valerian root (8 fragmented, 7 crushed, 8 pulverised) from Tenerife, Canary Islands |
Valeriana officinalis root root |
Cadmium exceeded the European Pharmacopoeia limit (0.1 mg/kg) in six samples (0.11 to 0.23 mg/kg: Pinisan, EnRelax pill, EnRelax infuser, Kneipp, Milvus, and one market sample). Authors conclude use at therapeutic doses does not pose a toxicological risk based on estimated daily intake of metals. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Metal content by ICP-OES; estimated daily intake Limitations: One region, 23 samples; calls for product-by-product checking rather than a general claim. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Kara 2021 In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Evaluation of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Methanolic Extract in Hepg2 and Caco2 Cells. Turk J Pharm Sci · PMID 34719188 · DOI |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
Human HepG2 liver and Caco-2 colon cell lines | Methanolic valerian root extract root |
IC50 936.6 microg/mL (HepG2) and 1097.5 microg/mL (Caco-2); no oxidative stress induced. Authors say it may be safe at recommended tolerated concentrations. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress Limitations: Cell-line study only. Funding and conflicts: No conflict declared Read: abstract |
| Kazemi 2024 Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complement Ther Med · PMID 39106912 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
772 10 studies |
Chamomile unspecified Varied Varied · vs Placebo |
PSQI WMD -1.88 (95% CI -3.46 to -0.31), I2 88.4%, 5 studies. WMD -1.88 (-3.46 to -0.31) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: PSQI Read: abstract |
| Kelber 2014 Valerian: no evidence for clinically relevant interactions. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 25093031 · DOI |
Systematic review |
Review of valerian root interaction data | Valeriana officinalis root preparations root Varied Varied |
Identified 7 in vitro studies on six CYP450 enzymes, P-glycoprotein and two UGT enzymes, judged not suitable for predicting clinically relevant interactions. Clinical studies did not reveal relevant interaction potential for CYP 1A2, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4. Animal and human pharmacodynamic studies did not verify any interaction potential. Authors conclude the interaction potential is low and that there is no specific evidence questioning safety, also in cancer patients. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Interaction potential Limitations: Authors are affiliated with a working group of herbal-medicine manufacturers (Kooperation Phytopharmaka) and a valerian-product company (Steigerwald); the review is not independent of industry. Funding and conflicts: Industry-linked authors (affiliations stated in the abstract) Read: abstract |
| Kelber 2014 Assessment of genotoxicity of herbal medicinal products: application of the "bracketing and matrixing" concept using the example of Valerianae radix (valerian root). Phytomedicine · PMID 24837473 · DOI |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
Ames bacterial mutation test of valerian root extracts made with five solvents | Valeriana officinalis root extracts (full polarity range) root |
Results were unequivocally negative for all extracts; literature review agreed. Authors conclude Valerianae radix has no genotoxic potential. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Genotoxicity Limitations: Ames test only for these extracts; authors are linked to the valerian-product industry. Funding and conflicts: Industry-linked authors (Kooperation Phytopharmaka) Read: abstract |
| Khom 2007 Valerenic acid potentiates and inhibits GABA(A) receptors: molecular mechanism and subunit specificity Neuropharmacology · PMID 17585957 · DOI |
In vitro electrophysiology in-vitro |
Xenopus oocytes expressing 13 human GABA-A subunit combinations | Pure valerenic acid stimulation seen at 30 microM and above; inhibition at 100 microM and above acute |
Valerenic acid enhanced GABA currents only in channels containing beta2 or beta3 subunits; beta1 channels much less sensitive; effect needed the beta2 N265 residue (loreclezole-type site); not blocked by flumazenil; at 100 microM and above valerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid reduced currents. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: GABA-evoked chloride current (I-GABA) Limitations: Frog-egg expression system; concentrations are micromolar and far above the ng/mL blood levels seen in people (p16220575). Read: abstract |
| Khom 2010 Valerenic acid derivatives as novel subunit-selective GABAA receptor ligands - in vitro and in vivo characterization Br J Pharmacol · PMID 20718740 · DOI |
In vitro electrophysiology plus mouse behaviour in-vitro |
Xenopus oocytes; mice (elevated plus maze) | Valerenic acid and synthetic derivatives (amide) acute · vs valerenic acid |
The synthetic valerenic acid amide was more than twice as efficacious as valerenic acid (EC50 13.7 +/- 2.3 microM on alpha1beta3) and was the most anxiolytic in mice. Supports beta3-containing GABA-A receptors as the target of this compound family. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: GABA-A modulation; anxiety-like behaviour in mice Limitations: Main findings concern lab-made derivatives, not the natural plant compound. Read: abstract |
| Kia 2016 A case of steroid-responsive valerian-associated hepatitis. Intern Med J · PMID 26813905 · DOI |
Case report |
1 Case of steroid-responsive valerian-associated hepatitis (title only) |
Valerian unspecified |
Title and citation details only; abstract not available in PubMed. Nothing beyond the title is used. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Not read Limitations: Details unknown, including whether other products were taken. Read: summary-only |
| Kim 2018 Natural Products from Single Plants as Sleep Aids: A Systematic Review. J Med Food · PMID 29356580 · DOI |
Systematic review |
79 articles on single-plant extracts as sleep aids | Single-plant extracts (valerian the most studied) unspecified · vs Various |
Valerian was the most frequently studied plant, but results were conflicting. Authors conclude evidence for single-plant sleep aids is limited and inconclusive. Not pooled Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep quality, duration, other sleep outcomes Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Read: abstract |
| Koenig 2021 Acute Liver Injury After Long-Term Herbal "Liver Cleansing" and "Sleep Aid" Supplement Use. J Emerg Med · PMID 33579656 · DOI |
Case report |
1 53-year-old woman with 3 days of jaundice and increased abdominal girth after about one month of a 'liver-cleansing' product plus a nightly herbal 'sleep aid' |
Multi-ingredient: 'Liver Detoxifier and Regenerator' (listed concentrated scute root and turmeric root, among others) plus 'Restful Sleep' (listed valerian, among others) unspecified About 1 month ('long-term' in title) |
Marked hyperbilirubinaemia with enzyme elevations indicating cholestatic jaundice; ultrasound and MRI showed hepatomegaly and steatosis without bile-duct dilation; biopsy consistent with drug-induced liver injury. Liver abnormalities gradually improved after stopping both products and a tapered course of corticosteroids. Improved after stopping products and steroids Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical picture, imaging, biopsy, outcome Limitations: Two multi-ingredient products; valerian cannot be singled out as the cause. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Koetter 2007 A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder. Phytother Res · PMID 17486686 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
Adults with non-organic insomnia with prolonged sleep latency (30 minutes or more) | Valerian extract Ze 911 alone (500 mg) and valerian + hops (Ze 91019, 500 mg + 120 mg) unspecified 500 mg valerian extract 4 weeks · vs Placebo |
The valerian-hops combination was significantly better than placebo at shortening sleep latency; valerian extract alone was not better than placebo. Not given in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep latency measured by a home recorder Limitations: Participant number not in abstract. Suggests hops, not valerian, may carry the effect in this combination. Read: abstract |
| Kolobaric 2023 A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Decentralized Trial to Assess Sleep, Health Outcomes, and Overall Well-Being in Healthy Adults Reporting Disturbed Sleep, Taking a Melatonin-Free Supplement. Nutrients · PMID 37686820 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
620 Adults seeking better sleep |
Hops oil + valerian oil + THC blends root oil + hops oil Blend A: 75 mg each oil + 0.35 mg THC; blend B: 20 mg each + 0.85 mg THC 4 weeks · vs Placebo |
Blend A improved outcomes; blend B did not. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: PROMIS sleep disturbance, anxiety, stress, well-being Limitations: Contains THC; study run by company that employs authors. Funding and conflicts: Authors employed by Radicle Science, which conducted the study. Read: abstract |
| Kuhlmann 1999 The influence of valerian treatment on "reaction time, alertness and concentration" in volunteers. Pharmacopsychiatry · PMID 10599933 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
102 Healthy volunteers |
Valerian root extract LI 156 root 600 mg in the evening Single dose, then 2 weeks · vs Placebo; flunitrazepam 1 mg in the single-dose part |
No relevant impairment of reaction time, alertness or concentration the morning after single or repeated doses; equivalence to placebo shown after 14 days (p=0.4481). Equivalent to placebo Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Median reaction time (Vienna Determination Test), alertness, coordination Limitations: Healthy volunteers, not insomnia patients. Read: abstract |
| Kyrou 2017 Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study. Hormones (Athens) · PMID 28742505 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
36 Healthy young adults with mild depression, anxiety, stress |
Hops dry extract (Melcalin hops) unspecified two 0.2 g capsules once daily 4 weeks, crossover · vs Placebo |
DASS-21 scores fell more than placebo; cortisol unchanged. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: DASS-21, cortisol Limitations: Pilot. Read: abstract |
| LactMed (NICHD) 2021 Valerian. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) · PMID 30000874 |
Authoritative guidance |
NIH LactMed drug and lactation record (updated 2021-05-17) | Valerian root root |
Read in full. Says no data exist on safety and efficacy of valerian in nursing mothers or infants. Notes valerian is generally well tolerated, with dizziness, hangover or headache reported occasionally. States valerian is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for use in food by the FDA. Valerian is often not recommended during lactation because of theoretical concerns about valepotriates and baldrinals, shown to be cytotoxic and mutagenic in vitro; with no published experience in breastfeeding an alternate therapy may be preferred, especially for newborns or preterm infants. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Use in breastfeeding Limitations: No human lactation data; concerns are theoretical (laboratory-based). Read: abstract |
| Leach 2015 Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev · PMID 25644982 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
1602 14 RCTs of herbal monopreparations for insomnia (valerian, chamomile, kava, wuling) |
Herbal monopreparations including valerian unspecified · vs Placebo or active control |
No statistically significant difference between any herbal medicine and placebo or active control on any of the 13 efficacy measures. More adverse events per person were reported with valerian than with placebo (the other herbs had similar or fewer). No significant difference on any efficacy measure Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: 13 measures of clinical efficacy; adverse events Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Not valerian-specific; valerian results are one part of a pooled herbal analysis. Read: abstract |
| Lee 2020 Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol · PMID 31714321 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
110 Adults with insomnia disorder |
Passionflower extract unspecified Not in abstract 2 weeks · vs Placebo |
TST +23.05 vs -0.16 min (P=0.049). +23.05 min vs -0.16 min Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Polysomnography Limitations: Short. Read: abstract |
| Lefebvre 2004 In vitro activity of commercial valerian root extracts against human cytochrome P450 3A4. J Pharm Pharm Sci · PMID 15367385 |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
14 commercial single-ingredient and blended valerian root products tested in the laboratory | Aqueous, ethanol and acetonitrile extracts of commercial valerian products root |
Extracts showed a marked capacity to inhibit CYP3A4-mediated metabolism and P-glycoprotein transport in vitro. Valerenic acid content varied widely between samples and compared with labels. Authors say valerian may have an initial inhibitory effect with other drugs and that clinical relevance needs study. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: CYP3A4 metabolism, P-glycoprotein ATPase assay, valerenic acid content Limitations: Laboratory test; concentrations tested are not related to blood levels; authors say extrapolation to people needs work. Funding and conflicts: Health Canada authors Read: abstract |
| LiverTox (NIDDK) 2020 Valerian. LiverTox record (NCBI Bookshelf) · PMID 31643579 |
Authoritative guidance |
NIDDK LiverTox clinical record (record dated 2020-04-05) | Valerian root root |
Only the opening statement was read (abstract in PubMed): valerian is a botanical extract from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, used for insomnia, anxiety, and digestive and urinary problems, and 'has been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury.' The full entry (likelihood score, latency, patterns, cases) could not be read because the NCBI Bookshelf page blocked automated access. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Hepatotoxicity classification Limitations: Opening statement only. 'Rare' is LiverTox's wording; no denominator was read. Read: summary-only |
| Lopresti 2026 Magnesium Supplementation for Sleep in Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Diet Suppl · PMID 42661485 · DOI |
Systematic review |
12 RCTs main synthesis | Oral magnesium Varied Varied · vs Placebo |
Inconsistent; certainty low to very low; does not support routine use for insomnia. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep Read: abstract |
| Luger 2015 Identification of the putative binding pocket of valerenic acid on GABAA receptors using docking studies and site-directed mutagenesis Br J Pharmacol · PMID 26375408 · DOI |
Docking plus mutagenesis in-vitro |
Xenopus oocytes, GABA-A receptor mutants | Valerenic acid acute |
Predicted valerenic acid pocket at the beta+/alpha- interface near the etomidate/propofol site; mutations of beta3 N265, F289, M286, R269 cut or removed the effect. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Binding pocket identification Limitations: Computer prediction confirmed in a cell model only. Read: abstract |
| Mah 2021 Oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults: a Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther · PMID 33865376 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
151 3 RCTs, older adults with insomnia |
Oral magnesium Varied Varied · vs Placebo |
17.36 min shorter (95% CI -27.27 to -7.44); low to very low certainty. -17.36 min (-27.27 to -7.44) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep onset latency Read: abstract |
| Maier-Salamon 2009 Hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion of valerenic acid in isolated perfused rat livers: role of Mrp2 (Abcc2) J Pharm Sci · PMID 19156843 · DOI |
Isolated perfused rat liver study animal |
Wistar and Mrp2-deficient (TR-) rat livers | Valerenic acid 20 microM perfusion · vs normal vs transporter-deficient rats |
Seven glucuronide metabolites identified; liver extraction ratio about 0.98; bile excretion of valerenic acid and its glucuronides depends on the Mrp2 transporter (fell to 1-9% in deficient rats). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Metabolites; bile excretion Limitations: Rat organ model. Read: abstract |
| Marder 2003 6-methylapigenin and hesperidin: new valeriana flavonoids with activity on the CNS Pharmacol Biochem Behav · PMID 12895671 · DOI |
Phytochemistry plus mouse behaviour animal |
mice | Hesperidin and 6-methylapigenin root (genus Valeriana) acute |
Reported 2S(-)-hesperidin in Valeriana for the first time with sedative and sleep-enhancing activity in mice; 6-methylapigenin (isolated from V. wallichii, a different species) is a benzodiazepine-site ligand with anxiolytic effect and potentiated hesperidin. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sedative, sleep-enhancing, anxiolytic effects Limitations: 6-methylapigenin came from V. wallichii, not V. officinalis. Read: abstract |
| Mielczarek 2026 Neuroprotective and Neuromodulatory Potential of Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, and Ginkgo biloba: Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Aspects. Plants (Basel) · PMID 42739461 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Narrative review of valerian, passionflower and ginkgo (clinical, toxicology and regulatory data, 2026) | Valeriana officinalis and others root Varied Varied |
Abstract: all three plants had acceptable safety at recommended doses, but significant drug interactions were identified, notably valerian's potentiation of CNS depressants. Full text (read in Europe PMC) summarises WHO, Commission E, EMA and ESCOP statements and national rules: Italy lists valerian root as allowed in supplements; Germany allows valerian root products in food only as flavouring; the Czech Republic allows dried root in supplements to 1000 mg/day; Belgium and France allow underground parts if free of valepotriates (France also monitors valerenic acid); the EFSA compendium lists it among substances with restrictions in at least one member state. ESCOP-reported trial adverse effects were mild to moderate: headache, dazed feeling in the morning, migraine, gastrointestinal problems and accidents. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Efficacy, safety and regulatory status Limitations: Narrative review; reports regulators second-hand, so each national statement is unverified against the primary documents. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: full-text |
| Mineo 2017 Valeriana officinalis Root Extract Modulates Cortical Excitatory Circuits in Humans. Neuropsychobiology · PMID 29035887 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
15 Healthy volunteers |
Valeriana officinalis extract (valerenic acid 0.8%) root 900 mg single dose Single dose (crossover) · vs Placebo (vitamin E) |
Significant reduction in intracortical facilitation, which returned to baseline at 6 hours; other measures unchanged. Reduction in ICF; value not in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Motor cortex excitability by transcranial magnetic stimulation Limitations: Healthy people, 15, single dose; a lab measure, not a symptom outcome. Read: abstract |
| Mirabi 2011 Effects of valerian on the severity and systemic manifestations of dysmenorrhea. Int J Gynaecol Obstet · PMID 21959068 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
100 Female students with menstrual pain (valerian n=49, placebo n=51), Iran |
Valerian (extract type not stated in abstract) unspecified 255 mg three times daily for 3 days from the start of each period 2 consecutive menstrual cycles · vs Placebo |
Pain fell in both groups (P<0.001) but fell more with valerian (between-group P<0.05). Total systemic symptom scores did not differ between groups, except fainting (syncope) (P<0.05). Larger pain reduction than placebo; size of difference not given in the abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pain on a visual analog scale; systemic symptoms on a verbal scale Limitations: Students only; short follow-up (2 cycles); abstract gives no effect size; most associated symptoms did not differ. Read: abstract |
| Mirabi 2013 The effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal women. Iran J Pharm Res · PMID 24250592 |
Controlled trial |
68 Menopausal women with hot flashes as the chief complaint, Iran |
Valerian root capsule root 255 mg three times daily 8 weeks · vs Starch placebo capsule |
Severity fell after valerian (p<0.001) but not in the placebo group; between-group difference in severity after treatment was significant (p<0.001). Frequency fell at 4 and 8 weeks (p<0.001). Lower severity and frequency than placebo; no effect sizes in the abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Hot flash severity and frequency by questionnaire, 2 weeks before and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment Limitations: Sampling 'at hand' (convenience); small; self-reported; no numeric effect sizes in the abstract; no DOI listed in PubMed record. Read: abstract |
| Miyasaka 2006 Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 17054208 · DOI |
Systematic review |
36 Cochrane review of valerian for anxiety disorders: only 1 eligible RCT (36 people with generalised anxiety disorder) |
Valerian extract (valepotriates in the single trial) unspecified 4 weeks (single trial) · vs Placebo and diazepam |
No significant difference between valerian and placebo, or between valerian and diazepam on HAM-A. Authors say the evidence is insufficient to draw any conclusion. HAM-A: no significant difference Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anxiety scores (HAM-A, STAI-Trait) Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Only one small trial; searched to 2006. Read: abstract |
| Morin 2005 Valerian-hops combination and diphenhydramine for treating insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Sleep · PMID 16335333 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
184 Adults with mild insomnia |
Valerian-hops combination (187 mg valerian extract + 41.9 mg hops extract per tablet, 2 tablets nightly); diphenhydramine 50 mg as active control unspecified 28 days · vs Placebo |
Modest improvements in subjective sleep, but few comparisons with placebo reached significance. No significant group difference on polysomnography sleep continuity. Valerian-hops group rated insomnia severity lower than placebo at day 14 and had better physical quality-of-life at day 28. No rebound insomnia. Modest; few significant Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Diary and polysomnography sleep measures, insomnia severity, quality of life Limitations: Combination product: effects cannot be attributed to valerian alone. Read: abstract |
| Müller 2002 Interactions of valerian extracts and a fixed valerian-hop extract combination with adenosine receptors Life Sci · PMID 12175708 · DOI |
In vitro receptor binding and signalling in-vitro |
CHO cells expressing human adenosine A1 receptor | Valerian extracts and fixed valerian-hop extract Ze 91019 root Ki 0.15-0.37 mg/mL acute · vs full A1 agonist CPA |
Valerian extracts bound the adenosine A1 receptor selectively and acted as partial agonists; also reduced cAMP in the cell membranes. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: A1/A2A binding, GTP-gamma-S, cAMP Limitations: Cell-line study; extract concentrations are high; includes a commercial combination extract. Funding and conflicts: Authors from industry-linked groups (Zeller combination product); details not checked Read: abstract |
| Müller 2006 A combination of valerian and lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in children. Phytomedicine · PMID 16487692 · DOI |
Other |
918 918 children under 12 years with restlessness and sleep problems; open multicentre study |
Combined valerian/lemon balm preparation (Euvegal forte) root Dosed individually |
Tolerability judged good or very good in 96.7%. No study medication-related adverse events occurred. No medication-related adverse events Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Efficacy and tolerability Limitations: Open-label, no control group, combination product (not valerian alone); adverse events judged by investigators. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract (single branded product studied) Read: abstract |
| Nascimento 2024 Evaluation of the Effects of Extracts Containing Valeriana officinalis and Piper methysticum on the Activities of Cytochrome P450 3A and P-Glycoprotein. Planta Med · PMID 39013429 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Male Wistar rats and Caco-2 cells | Commercial phytomedicine containing V. officinalis (valerenic acid 1.6 mg per tablet) and kava root Single/short dosing · vs Midazolam alone |
Valerian extract increased midazolam Cmax about 2-fold and AUC from 994.3 +/- 152.3 to 3041 +/- 398 ng*h/mL when midazolam was given orally; intravenous pharmacokinetics unchanged, so the effect was attributed to inhibition of intestinal CYP3A. Valerian increased fexofenadine uptake in Caco-2 cells but not significantly. Midazolam AUC about 3-fold higher in rats Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Midazolam pharmacokinetics (oral vs intravenous), fexofenadine uptake Limitations: Rat study with oral dosing at doses not translatable directly to humans; product tested was a valerian-kava mix in separate experiments. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH) 2025 Valerian: Usefulness and Safety (NCCIH Herbs at a Glance) NCCIH web page (last updated May 2025) · Source |
Authoritative guidance |
Valeriana officinalis root root |
Read in full. Says valerian is generally safe for short-term use by most adults, used with apparent safety at 300 to 600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks; long-term safety unknown. Side effects named: headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness, vivid dreams. Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, heart disturbances, insomnia, and in rare cases hallucinations) may follow abrupt stopping after chronic use. 'In very rare cases' liver injury was reported, most often in combination with other herbals; long-term liver effect unknown. Should not be taken with alcohol or sedatives (a sleep-inducing effect is possible, though not proven). Little is known about safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Notes the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 2017 guideline recommended against valerian for chronic insomnia in adults. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safety summary Limitations: Consumer fact sheet; does not give numbers or frequencies. 'Rare' and 'very rare' are NCCIH's words and no denominator is cited. Read: full-text | |
| Neuhaus 2008 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 · PMID 18704879 · DOI |
In vitro blood brain barrier model in-vitro |
human ECV304 cell Transwell model | Valerenic, acetoxyvalerenic and hydroxyvalerenic acid root · vs diazepam |
All three acids crossed much more slowly than diazepam (valerenic acid 1.06 +/- 0.29 micrometre/min, 0.03 of diazepam; hydroxyvalerenic 0.07; acetoxyvalerenic 0.09); the authors suggest an unknown transport system is needed. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Permeability across model barrier Limitations: ECV304 is a simple cell-line model; real brain entry in people has not been measured. Read: abstract |
| Ngan 2011 A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytother Res · PMID 21294203 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
41 Healthy adults 18-35 |
Passionflower tea unspecified One cup daily 1 week crossover · vs Placebo tea |
Sleep quality rating better than placebo (p<0.01). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep diary Limitations: Healthy adults, short. Read: abstract |
| Orlova 2026 A First Insight into the Biological Activity Profile of Individual Compounds of Valeriana officinalis L Int J Mol Sci · PMID 42884000 · DOI |
Phytochemical isolation plus cell assays in-vitro |
cell models (CHO, neuronal injury model, platelets) | Nine compounds isolated from V. officinalis roots root |
Moderate antioxidant activity for all; 2-oxovalerenic acid (new) showed neuroprotection in an amyloid-beta 25-35 injury model; valerenic acid activated TRPV1 channels and boosted the capsaicin response; some iridoids inhibited and some enhanced thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Antioxidant, neuroprotective, platelet, TRPV1 activity Limitations: Very new (Sep 2026) test-tube study. Read: abstract |
| Ortiz 1999 Effects of Valeriana officinalis extracts on [3H]flunitrazepam binding, synaptosomal [3H]GABA uptake, and hippocampal [3H]GABA release Neurochem Res · PMID 10555777 · DOI |
In vitro binding and release study animal |
rat brain tissue | Valerian extracts root acute |
Low concentrations enhanced and high concentrations inhibited benzodiazepine-site binding; extracts potentiated stimulated GABA release and inhibited GABA uptake in a biphasic way. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: 3H-flunitrazepam binding; GABA uptake and release Limitations: Contradicts p25066015 on benzodiazepine-site binding (different extracts and methods). Read: abstract |
| Poyares 2002 Can valerian improve the sleep of insomniacs after benzodiazepine withdrawal? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry · PMID 11999905 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
37 19 patients with primary insomnia who had taken benzodiazepines for years, plus 18 healthy controls |
Valerian (dose not given in abstract) unspecified 15 days after benzodiazepine washout · vs Placebo |
Valerian-treated patients reported better subjective sleep quality than placebo and had less wake after sleep onset. Valerian did not produce faster sleep onset. Significant WASO decrease vs placebo (values not in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep EEG; subjective sleep quality; wake after sleep onset Limitations: Very small; dose not in abstract. Read: abstract |
| Rabiei 2025 Effect of Valeriana officinalis on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Rev Recent Clin Trials · PMID 40965071 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
408 Women with primary dysmenorrhea; 5 controlled trials (201 valerian, 207 control), searched 2000 to November 2023 |
Valeriana officinalis, various products and doses unspecified Varied between trials (the authors note dosing varied) Varied · vs Placebo or NSAIDs |
Pooled pain reduction favoured valerian; heterogeneity was very high; authors call it promising but needing standardised trials. Valerian described as safe and well tolerated. SMD -1.03 (random effects); the authors read this as about 1.03 points on a 0-10 pain scale (95% CI -1.74 to -0.33; P<0.004; I2 90.4%) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Dysmenorrhea pain reduction Limitations: Very high heterogeneity (I2 90.4%), only 5 trials, mixed comparators (placebo and NSAIDs), varied dosing; the abstract gives no GRADE rating. Read: abstract |
| Roh 2019 Valerian extract alters functional brain connectivity: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res · PMID 30632220 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
64 Non-clinical volunteers with psychological stress |
Valerian root extract root 100 mg three times daily 4 weeks · vs Placebo |
Both groups improved significantly on all clinical scales, with no significant difference between them. Valerian showed greater increases in frontal alpha coherence (correlated with anxiolysis) and decreases in theta coherence. No between-group difference on clinical scales Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anxiety and stress scales; EEG coherence Limitations: EEG changes without a clinical difference; small. Read: abstract |
| Samaei 2018 Effect of valerian on cognitive disorders and electroencephalography in hemodialysis patients: a randomized, cross over, double-blind clinical trial. BMC Nephrol · PMID 30591031 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
39 Haemodialysis patients |
Valerian capsules unspecified 1 month per arm (crossover) · vs Placebo |
MMSE scores rose significantly in the valerian group in both periods; EEG showed no significant change. MMSE p=0.003 and p=0.005 (periods 1 and 2) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: MMSE cognitive score; EEG Limitations: Small crossover trial; dose not in abstract. Registration: IRCT201606076318N7 Read: abstract |
| Sampath 2012 Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid in rats after intravenous and oral administrations Planta Med · PMID 22411722 · DOI |
Rat pharmacokinetic study animal |
rats | Valerenic acid oral and intravenous (doses not in abstract) single dose · vs IV vs oral |
Oral absorption (F) about 33.7%; oral half-life 2.7-5 h; volume of distribution 17-20 L/kg; terminal IV half-life 6-46 h suggesting tissue binding; linear dose response. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Plasma valerenic acid Limitations: Rats; human absolute bioavailability unknown. Read: abstract |
| Santos 1994 Synaptosomal GABA release as influenced by valerian root extract--involvement of the GABA carrier Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther · PMID 7979830 |
In vitro synaptosome study animal |
rat cortical synaptosomes | Aqueous valerian root extract root acute |
Extract inhibited GABA uptake and increased GABA release by reversing the GABA carrier (Na+-dependent). The EMA report notes this was not seen with an ethanol extract. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: 3H-GABA uptake and release Limitations: 1994 rat tissue study; no concentrations in abstract. Read: abstract |
| Sateia 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Sleep Med · PMID 27998379 · DOI |
Authoritative guidance |
Adults with chronic insomnia | Valerian unspecified · vs No treatment |
Weak recommendation (suggest) clinicians not use valerian for sleep-onset or sleep-maintenance insomnia. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Guideline recommendation Limitations: Only the valerian recommendation line was read. Read: abstract |
| Savage 2018 GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Phytother Res · PMID 29168225 · DOI |
Systematic review |
Review of GABA-acting plant medicines for anxiety, including valerian | Ten phytomedicines including valerian unspecified · vs Various |
Valerian is one of ten plants with lab evidence of acting on the GABA system and with human trials. Authors say the literature shows evidence of the plants acting on GABA pathways with anxiolytic effects comparable to current drugs and good safety; no valerian-specific numbers in the abstract. Not given Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anxiolytic effect in lab, animal and human studies Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Valerian-specific results not in the abstract; the authors' overall wording is more positive than the Cochrane review of valerian alone. Read: abstract |
| Schellenberg 2004 The fixed combination of valerian and hops (Ze91019) acts via a central adenosine mechanism Planta Med · PMID 15254851 · DOI |
Placebo controlled human EEG pharmacodynamic study |
healthy volunteers, 16 in each group (group count not stated in abstract) | Fixed valerian-hop extract Ze 91019 (combination) root (valerian part) 2 or 6 tablets with caffeine 200 mg single occasion, EEG every 30 min · vs placebo |
2 tablets reduced and 6 tablets inhibited caffeine arousal from about 60 minutes. Authors read this as competition at central adenosine receptors. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Caffeine-induced EEG arousal Limitations: Combination with hops, not valerian alone; indirect inference about adenosine; 16 per group; total number of groups and randomisation not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Manufacturer-linked authors (details not checked) Read: abstract |
| Schicktanz 2025 Effects of a Valerian-Hops Extract Combination (Ze 91019) on Sleep Duration and Daytime Cognitive and Psychological Parameters in Occasional Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. Brain Behav · PMID 40462685 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
40 People with occasional sleep problems |
Valerian-hops combination Ze 91019 unspecified 21 days (after 21-day run-in) · vs Placebo |
Sleep duration longer by 21.7 minutes per day than placebo (p=0.019) in an exploratory analysis; shortest night longer by 48.7 minutes; no significant effects on cognition or psychological outcomes. +21.7 min/day sleep duration Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fitbit sleep duration; daily cognitive tests; mood and stress surveys Limitations: Feasibility trial; exploratory analyses; wearable sleep tracker, not lab sleep tests; combination product. Registration: NCT05684523 Read: abstract |
| Schmitz 1998 [Comparative study for assessing quality of life of patients with exogenous sleep disorders (temporary sleep onset and sleep interruption disorders) treated with a hops-valarian preparation and a benzodiazepine drug]. Wien Med Wochenschr · PMID 9757514 |
Controlled trial |
Adults with exogenous sleep disorders | Hops-valerian preparation root + hops flower Not in abstract 2 weeks · vs A benzodiazepine drug |
Equivalent to the benzodiazepine; withdrawal symptoms only with the benzodiazepine. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep quality, fitness, quality of life Limitations: German-language abstract; no placebo. Read: abstract |
| Schumacher 2002 Lignans isolated from valerian: identification and characterization of a new olivil derivative with partial agonistic activity at A(1) adenosine receptors J Nat Prod · PMID 12398547 · DOI |
Phytochemistry plus in vitro binding in-vitro |
rat and human adenosine A1 receptors | Lignans isolated from valerian root methanol extract root low micromolar to submicromolar acute |
Eight lignans identified, two new natural products; a new olivil derivative was a partial agonist at A1 adenosine receptors (low micromolar to submicromolar). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Lignan identification; receptor binding Limitations: Isolated lignan; lignans are a small share of the root (about 0.2% per EMA). Read: abstract |
| Seither 2024 Synthetic cannabinoid identification in cases associated with blue lotus and valerian root vaping products. J Anal Toxicol · PMID 39082147 · DOI |
Case series |
29 29 seized drug cases (US Army lab, May 2020 to Dec 2023) mentioning 'blue lotus' or 'valerian root'; also 65 toxicology cases mentioning blue lotus |
Vaping products labelled 'valerian root' or 'blue lotus' unspecified |
In 90% of the 29 seized cases at least one exhibit contained one or more synthetic cannabinoids (most often 5F-MDMB-PICA, ADB-BUTINACA, MDMB-4en-PINACA). Authors recommend synthetic-cannabinoid screening when vaping products sold as 'valerian root' or 'blue lotus' are suspected. 90% of 29 seized cases contained at least one synthetic cannabinoid Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Detection of synthetic cannabinoids Limitations: Seized-drug cases (not a sample of ordinary valerian capsules, tea or tincture); concerns vaping products only. Funding and conflicts: US government laboratory authors Read: abstract |
| Senn 2025 Valerenic Acid and Pinoresinol as Positive Allosteric Modulators: Unlocking the Sleep-Promoting Potential of Valerian Extract Ze 911 Molecules · PMID 40509231 · DOI |
In vitro receptor pharmacology in-vitro |
cells expressing human adenosine A1 receptor | Valerian extract Ze 911; valerenic acid; pinoresinol root acute · vs adenosine, CPA |
Adenosine detected at 0.05% in the extract; valerenic acid acted as a positive allosteric modulator at A1 receptors (cooperativity 4.79 with adenosine; 23.38 with CPA); pinoresinol weaker (3.42 and 0.79). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: A1 receptor activation and allosteric modulation Limitations: Cell study; all authors are employees of the extract maker (Max Zeller Soehne), per the abstract. Funding and conflicts: All authors employees of Max Zeller Soehne (conflict of interest statement in abstract record) Read: abstract |
| Shinjyo 2020 Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med · PMID 33086877 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
6894 60 studies of valerian for sleep problems and related disorders; meta-analyses on sleep quality (10 studies, n=1,065) and anxiety (8 studies, n=535) |
Valerian preparations (various) unspecified · vs Various |
The authors say valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep, that inconsistent outcomes were possibly due to variable extract quality, and that more reliable effects could be expected from whole root/rhizome and from combinations with other herbs. No severe adverse events in people aged 7 to 80. Pooled effect sizes not given in the abstract (null) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Subjective sleep quality; anxiety Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Pooled numbers not in abstract. Conclusions are the authors' own and more positive than other reviews; the claim that whole root works better is a post-hoc explanation. Read: abstract |
| Shohet 2001 Valepotriates and valerenic acids in commercial preparations of valerian available in Australia. Pharmazie · PMID 11817170 |
Other |
31 31 commercial valerian preparations sold in Australia (teas, tablets, capsules, liquids) |
Valerian products root |
Valerenic acid and derivatives ranged from below 0.01 to 6.32 mg/g of product; the five products standardised to valerenic acid averaged 3.56 mg/g versus 0.89 mg/g in 26 non-standardised products. Valepotriates were low (below 1.0 mg/g) in some teas and not detected in any finished product. Large product-to-product variation Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Valepotriates and valerenic acids by HPLC Limitations: Australian market, 2001 data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Spiess 2023 Transplacental passage of hyperforin, hypericin, and valerenic acid. Front Pharmacol · PMID 37063288 · DOI |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
Term human placentae (ex vivo perfusion) and BeWo b30 cell layer | Valerenic acid (and hyperforin, hypericin) root 4-hour perfusions · vs Antipyrine |
In placental perfusion valerenic acid equilibrated between the maternal and fetal compartments; in the cell-layer (Transwell) model it did not cross. None of the compounds affected placental function in the perfusions. Authors suggest minimal fetal exposure to hypericin and hyperforin but not to valerenic acid. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Transplacental transfer Limitations: Laboratory placental models; one compound only; no pregnancy outcome data. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Sánchez 2020 DNA-Based Authentication and Metabolomics Analysis of Medicinal Plants Samples by DNA Barcoding and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Plants (Basel) · PMID 33218119 · DOI |
Analytical survey in-vitro |
33 33 samples of valerian, linden, tea and chamomile |
Herbal products root |
Two mislabelled; none met minimum content except valerenic acid in one valerian sample. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: DNA barcoding, UHPLC-MS Limitations: Number of valerian samples not in abstract. Read: abstract |
| Taavoni 2011 Effect of valerian on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Menopause · PMID 21775910 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
100 Postmenopausal women aged 50-60 with insomnia |
Concentrated valerian extract unspecified 530 mg twice daily 4 weeks · vs Placebo |
Sleep quality improved more than placebo (P<0.001); 30% on valerian vs 4% on placebo had improved sleep quality. 30% vs 4% improved Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: PSQI Limitations: Single-centre, self-reported outcome. Read: abstract |
| Taavoni 2013 Valerian/lemon balm use for sleep disorders during menopause. Complement Ther Clin Pract · PMID 24199972 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
100 Women aged 50-60 with sleep disorders during menopause |
Valerian plus lemon balm combination unspecified · vs Placebo |
Significantly lower sleep-disorder scores than placebo. Numbers not in abstract. Significant; values not in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: PSQI Limitations: Combination product; dose and duration not in abstract. Read: abstract |
| Taibi 2007 A systematic review of valerian as a sleep aid: safe but not effective. Sleep Med Rev · PMID 17517355 · DOI |
Systematic review |
36 articles describing 37 studies (29 controlled trials, 8 open-label) of valerian as a sleep aid | Valerian preparations (various) unspecified · vs Placebo or other |
Most studies found no significant difference between valerian and placebo, in healthy people or in people with sleep disturbance or insomnia. None of the most recent, most rigorous studies found significant effects on sleep. Authors judge valerian safe with only rare adverse events but not supported as a sleep aid. Not pooled Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Efficacy and safety for sleep Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. Search is old (2007), so later trials are not covered. Read: abstract |
| Taibi 2009 A randomized clinical trial of valerian fails to improve self-reported, polysomnographic, and actigraphic sleep in older women with insomnia. Sleep Med · PMID 18482867 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
16 Older women (mean age 69.4) with insomnia |
Concentrated valerian extract unspecified 300 mg 30 minutes before bed 2 weeks (crossover) · vs Placebo |
No significant difference from placebo after a single dose or after 2 weeks on sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency or self-rated quality. Wake after sleep onset rose by 17.7 minutes (SD 25.6, p=.02) from baseline on valerian, not on placebo. No significant difference on any sleep measure Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Polysomnography, actigraphy, sleep logs, self-rated sleep quality Limitations: Very small (16), crossover, short. Read: abstract |
| Taibi 2009 A feasibility study of valerian extract for sleep disturbance in person with arthritis. Biol Res Nurs · PMID 19114414 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
15 People with arthritis and mild sleep disturbance |
Valerian unspecified 600 mg 5 nights · vs Placebo |
Nonsignificant differences on all sleep outcomes; study was a feasibility pilot. Not significant Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep diaries and actigraphy Limitations: Only 15 people, 5 nights. Read: abstract |
| Thomas 2016 Effects of valerian on subjective sedation, field sobriety testing and driving simulator performance. Accid Anal Prev · PMID 27110643 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
Healthy adults | Valerian unspecified 1600 mg single dose Single dose · vs Placebo |
No significant differences in reaction test, sleepiness, sobriety tests or driving simulator, but the study may have been underpowered. No difference Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Reaction test, sleepiness, field sobriety tests, driving simulator Limitations: Possibly underpowered; participant number not in abstract. Read: abstract |
| Torrado 2003 In vitro release of valerenic and hydroxyvalerenic acids from valerian tablets Pharmazie · PMID 14531459 |
In vitro dissolution study in-vitro |
5 tablet formulations | Valerian tablets (one uncoated, four marketed coated) root · vs between formulations |
Solubility at pH 6.8: hydroxyvalerenic acid 26 +/- 5.1 microg/mL, valerenic acid 1 +/- 0.6 microg/mL; release patterns differed widely between tablets. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Release of valerenic and hydroxyvalerenic acid Limitations: Lab dissolution test, not human absorption. Read: abstract |
| Trauner 2008 Modulation of GABAA receptors by valerian extracts is related to the content of valerenic acid Planta Med · PMID 18095218 · DOI |
In vitro electrophysiology plus chemical analysis in-vitro |
Xenopus oocytes (alpha1beta2gamma2S GABA-A) | Valerian extracts of different polarity root acute |
Non-polar extracts enhanced GABA currents; polar (water-like) extracts did not; fractions rich in valerenic acid were most active; removing sesquiterpenic acids removed the effect. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: GABA current enhancement vs valerenic acid content Limitations: Shows an extract-solvent effect: water teas and alcohol/less polar extracts may behave differently. Read: abstract |
| Valente 2024 Does valerian work for insomnia? An umbrella review of the evidence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol · PMID 38359657 · DOI |
Systematic review |
Umbrella review of 8 systematic reviews of valerian for sleep disturbance, focused on insomnia | Valerian (various) unspecified · vs Various |
No evidence of efficacy for treating insomnia; valerian appears effective for subjective sleep quality, but not on quantitative or objective measures. Good safety profile. Authors call the supporting studies scarce, heterogeneous and of low methodological quality. Not pooled Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Efficacy for insomnia; safety Limitations: Abstract only; funding and risk of bias not verified. A review of reviews, so it inherits the weaknesses of the reviews it includes. Read: abstract |
| Vassiliadis 2009 Valeriana hepatotoxicity. Sleep Med · PMID 19138557 · DOI |
Case report |
Valeriana hepatotoxicity (title only; letter) | Valerian unspecified |
Title and citation details only; abstract not available in PubMed. Nothing beyond the title is used. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Not read Limitations: Details unknown, including number of patients. Read: summary-only |
| Vo 2003 Investigation of the effects of peppermint oil and valerian on rat liver and cultured human liver cells. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol · PMID 14516421 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Rats; cultured human hepatoma cells | Valerian (and peppermint oil) in rats root Single oral 0.31-18.6 g/kg; or 3.1 g/kg daily for 28 days Single or 28 days · vs Control |
No change in liver enzyme activity or liver histology with valerian; bile flow unaffected. Human hepatoma cells showed increased cell death at 20 mg/mL (not at 2 mg/mL) valerian. Authors say effects needed doses 2-3 orders of magnitude greater than recommended for humans. No liver change in rats Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Bile flow, liver enzymes, liver structure; cell death in hepatoma cells Limitations: Animal and cell data; known not to predict rare idiosyncratic liver injury in people (for other herbs). Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Wang 2022 Valerian essential oil for treating insomnia via the serotonergic synapse pathway Front Nutr · PMID 35990355 · DOI |
Rat study with network pharmacology animal |
rats with chemically induced insomnia (PCPA) | Valerian essential oil root · vs untreated insomnia rats |
Oil lengthened sleep and eased anxiety-like behaviour; authors predict caryophyllene raises 5-HT1A receptor signalling (cAMP/PKA pathway). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep duration; hippocampal 5-HT1A, GABA, cAMP, PKA Limitations: Prediction-based; one chemical model; oil not the usual form taken. Read: abstract |
| Winkelman 2025 Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med · PMID 39324694 · DOI |
Authoritative guidance |
Adults with restless legs syndrome | Valerian (among many treatments) unspecified |
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests against the use of valerian for restless legs syndrome (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). Conditional recommendation against Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Treatment recommendations Limitations: Abstract read; the recommendation rests on very low certainty evidence, so it is a cautious statement, not proof of harm. Read: abstract |
| Winter 2022 Valerian and postoperative sleep: a retrospective cohort analysis of gynecological, urologic, and general surgical patients. Sleep · PMID 35640263 · DOI |
Other |
21168 All urological, gynaecological and general surgery patients at one German university medical centre 2015-2020 |
Valerian (prescribed for postoperative sleep disturbance) unspecified Hospital stay · vs Other sleep medicines |
Drug-treated sleep disturbance occurred in 15% (n=3,083); valerian was the second most used drug (n=814; 26.4%) after benzodiazepines (n=1,138; 36.9%), mostly as monotherapy. This describes prescribing, not safety or benefit. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Use of sleep-promoting drugs after surgery Limitations: Retrospective prescribing analysis; does not assess adverse events or interaction with anaesthesia. Included here only to show valerian is commonly given around surgery. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| World Health Organization 1999 WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1: Radix Valerianae (WHO, Geneva, 1999, pp. 267-276) WHO monograph (as summarised in Mielczarek 2026, p42739461) · Source |
Authoritative guidance |
Valeriana officinalis root root |
NOT READ directly. As summarised in a 2026 review: adverse effects of chronic use include headaches, excitability, anxiety and insomnia; large doses may cause bradycardia, heart rhythm disturbances and slower intestinal movement; doses up to 20 times the recommended dose caused mild symptoms that improved over 24 hours; four liver-damage cases were noted, all in people taking multi-ingredient plant products, so the direct cause was hard to determine; no interaction with alcohol was noted but alcohol and synthetic sedatives are not recommended with valerian. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safety statements Limitations: Secondary summary only; unverified against the original. Read: summary-only | |
| Yao 2007 A developmental toxicity-screening test of valerian. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 17611059 · DOI |
Animal research animal |
Pregnant and non-pregnant rats; cultured rat embryos | Valerian extract in 45% ethanol (MediHerb) root Up to 65 times the human dose Daily on gestation days 1-8 or 8-15 · vs Vehicle |
No maternal toxicity and no adverse effects on fertility or fetal development at up to 65 times the human dose. The extract was toxic to cultured day-10.5 embryos at 6 microlitre/ml. Authors say other preparations rich in valepotriates could have a very different outcome. No adverse reproductive outcome in rats Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fertility, fetal weight and malformations; embryo culture Limitations: Preliminary rat screening; one extract with low pH; not applicable to other preparations or to humans. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Yuan 2004 The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity Anesth Analg · PMID 14742369 · DOI |
In vitro neuronal recording animal |
neonatal rat brainstem preparation | Valerian extract and valerenic acid unspecified extract 3 mg/mL; valerenic acid 100 microM acute · vs muscimol (GABA-A agonist) |
Extract reduced firing by 29.6% (IC50 240 microg/mL) and valerenic acid by 22.2% (IC50 23 microM); both blocked by bicuculline (a GABA-A blocker). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Neuron firing rate Limitations: Newborn rat tissue, high concentrations. Read: abstract |
| Zare Elmi 2021 Efficacy of Valerian Extract on Sleep Quality after Coronary Artery bypass Graft Surgery: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Chin J Integr Med · PMID 33420602 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
72 Patients after coronary artery bypass surgery |
Valerian root extract root 530 mg nightly 30 nights · vs Placebo capsules (wheat flour) |
Sleep quality improved versus placebo over time (total P=0.001; latency P<0.01; duration P=0.020; efficiency P=0.001). No effect on prothrombin time. Significant on PSQI components Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: PSQI; clotting times Limitations: Single setting; self-reported. Read: abstract |
| Ziegler 2002 Efficacy and tolerability of valerian extract LI 156 compared with oxazepam in the treatment of non-organic insomnia--a randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study. Eur J Med Res · PMID 12568976 |
Controlled trial |
202 Adults with non-organic insomnia treated in general practice (Germany) |
Valerian extract LI 156 (Sedonium) unspecified 600 mg/day 6 weeks · vs Oxazepam 10 mg/day (no placebo) |
Valerian was at least as effective as oxazepam on sleep quality; both improved from baseline (p<0.01). Adverse events 28.4% on valerian vs 36.0% on oxazepam, all mild to moderate. Non-inferior to oxazepam 10 mg Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sleep Questionnaire B quality score; global assessments; adverse events Limitations: No placebo group, so improvement cannot be separated from placebo effect or time. Read: abstract |
| s-ema-ar-valerian-2016 EMA/HMPC Assessment report on Valeriana officinalis L., radix and Valeriana officinalis L., aetheroleum (EMA/HMPC/150846/2015) · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| von der Hude 1985 In vitro mutagenicity of valepotriates Arch Toxicol · PMID 3994511 · DOI |
In vitro bacterial mutagenicity in-vitro |
Salmonella and E. coli strains | Valtrate/isovaltrate and dihydrovaltrate root up to about 1 micromole/plate |
Not clearly mutagenic without liver-enzyme mix, but mutagenic in some strains with metabolic activation (S9); bioactivation by esterase suggested. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mutagenicity Limitations: Bacterial test on isolated compounds; EMA notes valepotriates are not detectable or only very low in valerian root extracts. Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: self-reported sleep often improves on valerian in short trials, and small trials suggest fewer hot flashes and less period pain. Short-term use looks well tolerated.
- What is uncertain: whether valerian improves measured sleep at all, since reviews disagree and none gave a formal certainty rating, and which product and dose to use.
- Little or no human evidence: anxiety disorders (one 36-person trial), mood and depression, stress hormones such as cortisol, memory in healthy people, muscle and general pain, digestive problems, and children.
- No long-term trials: nothing longer than about 8 weeks for sleep or anxiety, and no controlled long-term safety trial.
- Many positive trials are combination products with hops, lemon balm, fennel or others, so valerian's own contribution is unknown. No trial compared products head to head or valerian head to head with melatonin, magnesium or other supplements.
- Safety gaps: no rate of liver injury exists, no human trial tested valerian with alcohol or a named sedative, and there are no human pregnancy or breast-milk data.
- Most hot flash, period pain, PMS and menopause-sleep trials are small, from Iran, and not replicated elsewhere. For most studies only abstracts were read, so funding, conflicts of interest and risk of bias are not verified.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating, safety wording or dose information. New publications never change ratings automatically.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Hormonal 1
Cortisol and stress-response markers
No clear change in trials
Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone, measured here in saliva. Alpha-amylase (also in saliva) and skin conductance are other stress-response signals.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Objective sign of the body's stress response.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No valerian-only trial measured cortisol in the studies found. Both are combination products.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | Salivary cortisol unchanged in both groups | 64 adults with impaired sleep | Four-herb blend with valerian, 6 weeks |
| 34 | Lower salivary alpha-amylase (p=0.041) and skin conductance (p=0.004) responses to a stressor; cortisol not reported as significant | 31 healthy adults | Euphytose (valerian, passionflower, hawthorn, ballota), 14 days |
Other 13
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Mixed results in trials
A questionnaire where people score their own sleep over the past month. Lower scores mean better sleep.
Mixed findingsResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The most common way to measure self-rated sleep quality in sleep trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Four trials show improved scores, two show none. A change in a questionnaire is a self-reported feeling and is not an objective measure of sleep.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | PSQI total lower than placebo at days 14, 28 and 56 (p<0.05) | 80 adults with sleep complaints | Standardised valerian extract, 8 weeks |
| 124 | Better sleep quality than placebo (P<0.001); 30% vs 4% improved | 100 postmenopausal women | 530 mg extract twice daily, 4 weeks |
| 141 | Total sleep quality better than placebo over time (P=0.001) | 72 bypass surgery patients | 530 mg nightly, 30 nights |
| 66 | PSQI lower than control at 2 months (P=0.030) | 76 postmenopausal women | Fennel-valerian extract 500 mg twice daily |
| 9 | PSQI area under the curve 51.4 valerian vs 49.7 placebo (p=0.6957) | 227 cancer patients (119 evaluable) | 450 mg 1 hour before bed, 8 weeks |
| 55 | PSQI fell 3.11 points on active vs 3.86 on placebo (p=0.41) | 64 adults with impaired sleep | L-theanine, lemon balm, valerian, saffron blend, 6 weeks |
Time to fall asleep (sleep latency)
Mixed results in trials
How many minutes it takes to fall asleep, measured by sleep diary, activity watch (actigraphy), a home recorder or a sleep lab.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Falling asleep slowly is a main insomnia complaint.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
The pooled analysis finds no change; one recent trial reports a gain. The valerian-alone arm of the hops trial did not work.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | Pooled difference +0.70 minutes (CI -3.44 to 4.83): no change | Meta-analysis of valerian vs placebo trials | Valerian preparations |
| 19 | Sleep latency improved on actigraphy and polysomnography vs placebo (p<0.05; values not in abstract) | 80 adults with sleep complaints | Standardised valerian extract, 8 weeks |
| 78 | Valerian-hops combination shortened sleep latency vs placebo; valerian alone did not | Adults with non-organic insomnia and latency of 30 min or more | Ze 91019 (500 mg valerian + 120 mg hops) vs Ze 911 (500 mg valerian), 4 weeks |
| 106 | No faster sleep onset on valerian | 19 insomniacs after stopping benzodiazepines | Valerian, 15 days |
| 127 | No significant difference from placebo | 16 older women with insomnia | 300 mg extract, 2 weeks |
Sleep duration and sleep efficiency
Mixed results in trials
Total time asleep, and the share of time in bed spent asleep (efficiency), from watches, home recorders or sleep labs.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Objective counterpart to how long people think they slept.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A gain of about 20 minutes a night is modest, found in an exploratory feasibility trial with a tracker rather than a sleep lab.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | +21.7 minutes of sleep per day vs placebo (p=0.019); shortest night +48.7 min | 40 people with occasional sleep problems | Valerian-hops Ze 91019, 21 days |
| 19 | Better actual sleep time and sleep efficiency on actigraphy; better total sleep time and efficiency on polysomnography at day 56 (p<0.05; values not in abstract) | 80 adults with sleep complaints | Standardised valerian extract, 8 weeks |
| 127 | No significant difference in sleep efficiency or wake after sleep onset; wake after sleep onset rose 17.7 min from baseline on valerian (p=.02) but not placebo | 16 older women with insomnia | 300 mg extract, 2 weeks |
| 55 | Sleep efficiency +3% on placebo and unchanged on active (p=0.49); total sleep time +13.0 vs +1.33 min favouring placebo (p=0.66) | 64 adults with impaired sleep | Four-herb blend with valerian, 6 weeks |
| 97 | No significant group difference in polysomnography sleep continuity | 184 adults with mild insomnia | Valerian-hops 28 days vs diphenhydramine vs placebo |
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
No clear change in trials
A 7-question score of how bad insomnia is; higher is worse.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Standard measure of insomnia severity in trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No difference from placebo. Only one trial found.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | Placebo group improved 8.3 points; valerian group improved 0.4 points less than placebo (CI -1.3 to +2.1) | 391 online participants with anxiety and insomnia symptoms (135 on valerian) | Valerian, 28 days supply |
Anxiety scores (HAM-A, STAI, BAI)
Mixed results in trials
Rating scales of anxiety symptoms, completed by a clinician (HAM-A) or by the person (STAI, BAI).
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Standard way to judge whether a treatment reduces anxiety.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Positive in two trials where anxiety was a secondary finding, null in the three trials aimed at anxiety.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | No significant difference vs placebo on HAM-A (Cochrane, one trial of 36) | Generalised anxiety disorder | Valepotriates, 4 weeks |
| 4 | All groups improved; no significant between-group difference; psychic factor of HAM-A fell on valepotriates and diazepam | 36 outpatients with GAD | Valepotriates 81.3 mg/day mean, 4 weeks |
| 19 | BAI anxiety lower than placebo on days 14, 28 and 56 (p<0.05) | 80 adults with sleep complaints | Standardised valerian extract |
| 1 | Anxiety improved more than placebo (P=0.001) | 51 HIV patients starting efavirenz | 530 mg nightly, 4 weeks |
| 108 | Both groups improved; no significant between-group difference | 64 stressed volunteers | 100 mg three times daily, 4 weeks |
| 59 | Anxiety fell in treatment groups; reduction not statistically significant | 96 knee replacement patients | Valerian plus lemon balm, 2 nights |
Brain-wave and brain-excitability measures (EEG, TMS)
Mixed results in trials
EEG records electrical activity from the scalp; transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) tests how excitable the brain's motor area is.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to look for a measurable brain effect that could explain how valerian acts.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Shows valerian can change brain measures in some studies, but this has not been linked to a better outcome for people.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108 | Greater increases in frontal alpha coherence and decreases in theta coherence vs placebo, with no clinical difference between groups | 64 stressed volunteers | 100 mg three times daily, 4 weeks |
| 93 | Reduced intracortical facilitation, back to baseline by 6 hours; other TMS measures unchanged | 15 healthy volunteers | 900 mg single dose (valerenic acid 0.8%) |
| 109 | No significant EEG change | 39 dialysis patients | Valerian capsules, 1 month |
Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Raised in trials
A 30-point quick test of memory, attention and orientation; lower means worse.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A simple screening test used to track thinking changes after surgery or illness.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A change of a few MMSE points in patients; the test is crude and the trials are small.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | Valerian group 27.03 before, 26.52 at day 10, 27.45 at day 60; placebo group 27.37, 24, 24.83 | 61 bypass surgery patients | 530 mg every 12 hours, 8 weeks |
| 109 | MMSE rose in the valerian group in both periods (p=0.003, p=0.005) | 39 dialysis patients | Valerian capsules before bed, 1 month |
Reaction time and psychomotor performance
No clear change in trials
Computer or paper tests of how quickly and accurately people react, track objects and process symbols.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Checks whether a sleep aid leaves people slow or unsafe to drive the next day.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Consistently no impairment in healthy people, which is a reassuring safety signal rather than a benefit.
Safety implication
Suggests little next-day impairment at these doses; it does not prove driving is safe.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | Equivalent to placebo after 14 days (p=0.4481) | 102 healthy volunteers | LI 156 600 mg |
| 58 | No effect; triazolam impaired two tests | 9 healthy volunteers | 500 and 1000 mg single doses |
| 49 | No difference from placebo | 14 healthy older adults | 400 and 800 mg single doses |
| 129 | No significant differences in reaction, sobriety tests or driving simulator | Healthy adults | 1600 mg single dose |
Restless legs severity score (IRLS)
Mixed results in trials
A questionnaire that rates how severe restless legs symptoms are.
Evidence againstResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Measures symptom relief in restless legs trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No clear benefit over placebo; the AASM guideline suggests against valerian.
Safety implication
None.
Systolic blood pressure
No clear change in trials
The pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, measured with a cuff.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to see whether a calming herb changes cardiovascular readings.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
The fall happened with placebo too, so it is not attributable to valerian. One short, mixed-herb trial.
Safety implication
The abstract reports no blood pressure safety concern, but this is not a safety study.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | Fell in all three groups; no significant difference between groups | Adults having knee replacement surgery (n=96) | Lemon balm plus valerian capsule vs clonidine vs placebo, 2 nights |
Heart rate
No clear change in trials
Heartbeats per minute.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Checks whether valerian slows the heart in a calming way.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Same trial and limits as above; no valerian-alone trial found.
Safety implication
Not a safety study.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | Fell in all three groups; no significant difference between groups | Adults having knee replacement surgery (n=96) | Lemon balm plus valerian capsule vs clonidine vs placebo, 2 nights |
Hot flash severity score (Kupperman index)
Lowered in trials
A questionnaire score of menopausal symptoms; the trial used it for hot flash severity and frequency.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Gives a number to how bad and how frequent hot flashes are.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A self-reported symptom score, not a lab marker. Statistically significant in each trial, but sizes of change are not in the abstracts so clinical importance is unknown.
Safety implication
None reported in the abstracts.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | Lower with valerian than placebo at 1 month (p=.048) and 2 months (p=.020); frequency lower at 2 months (p=.033) | Postmenopausal women 45-55 (n=60) | Valerian 530 mg twice daily, 2 months |
| 95 | Severity and frequency lower with valerian at 4 and 8 weeks (p<0.001), not with placebo | Menopausal women with hot flashes (n=68) | Valerian root 255 mg three times daily, 8 weeks |
| 66 | Frequency and severity lower than control at months 1 and 2 (P<0.050) | Postmenopausal women (n=76) | Fennel-valerian extract 500 mg twice daily, 8 weeks |
Menstrual pain (visual analog scale)
Lowered in trials
A 0-10 line on which a person marks how bad the pain is.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The main outcome in period-pain trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Self-reported pain, not a lab marker. The pooled drop is large on paper but very uneven between trials.
Safety implication
The meta-analysis authors describe valerian as safe and well tolerated.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Pain fell in both groups (P<0.001) but more with valerian (between groups P<0.05) | Students with dysmenorrhea (n=100) | Valerian 255 mg three times daily, 3 days per cycle, 2 cycles |
| 107 | Pooled SMD -1.03 (95% CI -1.74 to -0.33); I2 90.4% | 5 trials, 408 women | Valerian vs placebo or NSAIDs |
Dosage and forms
What researchers actually gave people in trials. These are study numbers, not advice for you.
Study doses are not advice and may not suit you. Ask a clinician or pharmacist.
How to read these numbers: four different kinds of dose
Four different kinds of numbers must not be mixed. (1) Studied doses are what volunteers took in trials. In the trials we read, valerian extract was taken at about 300 to 1,060 mg a day for 2 to 8 weeks (for example 300 mg for 2 weeks, 450 mg for 8 weeks, 600 mg a day for 6 weeks, 530 mg twice a day for 4 to 8 weeks), plus single-dose studies at 100 to 1,000 mg. Several trials do not state the dose in the abstract, and the extracts differ in plant extraction, so milligrams of different products are not interchangeable. A 2006 pharmacokinetic study of 6 adults taking one 600 mg dose found valerenic acid in blood peaked at 1 to 2 hours, with a half-life of about 1.1 hours; the authors said this fits the usual advice to take valerian 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime. Blood levels of one marker are not proof of benefit. (2) Label serving sizes are chosen by the maker. A bottle may hold powdered root, a dry extract, a tincture or a blend with hops, lemon balm or others, and need not match any trial. (3) Official guidance: the NCCIH page says apparent safety was seen with 300 to 600 mg a day for up to 6 weeks and that long-term safety is unknown. The 2015 draft EU monograph (consultation draft; we did not confirm the final text) lists, for well-established use, a single dose of 450 to 600 mg of a dry ethanol extract (40 to 70 percent ethanol, 3 to 7:1) equal to 2 to 3 g of root, up to 3 times a day for mild nervous tension, one dose half to one hour before bedtime for sleep, with an earlier evening dose if needed, and no more than 4 single doses a day. It says valerian is not suitable for sudden relief because it works gradually, recommends continued use over 2 to 4 weeks, advises seeing a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen after 2 weeks, and does not recommend use under age 12 or in pregnancy and breastfeeding. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2017) weakly suggests clinicians not use valerian for chronic insomnia in adults. (4) Traditional amounts are the tea, powder and tincture doses in the traditional preparations list. None of these four is a prescription. Valerian can cause drowsiness; people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking sedatives or other medicines, or who have liver disease should ask a clinician first.
Doses used in studies 16
Insomnia (sleep quality)
Adults 18-73 with non-organic insomnia, 24 German general practices · 202 people · compared with oxazepam 10 mg/day (no placebo arm)
Per day (split not stated) · 6 weeks
Valerian extract LI 156 (Sedonium) · root
What the trial found
Sleep quality at 6 weeks was at least as good as with oxazepam on the SF-B questionnaire; both improved from baseline (p<0.01). Adverse events 28.4% valerian vs 36.0% oxazepam, all mild to moderate.
Sleep quality (PSQI)
Postmenopausal women 50-60 with insomnia · 100 people · compared with placebo
530 mg twice a day · 4 weeks
Concentrated valerian extract · root
What the trial found
Sleep quality differed from placebo (P<0.001); 30% of the valerian group and 4% of the placebo group improved.
Thinking (cognitive) decline after surgery
Adults 30-70 having heart bypass (CABG) surgery · 61 people · compared with placebo
530 mg every 12 hours · 8 weeks
Valerian root extract · root
What the trial found
Lower odds of cognitive dysfunction than placebo (OR 0.108, 95% CI 0.022 to 0.545).
Hot flashes (Kupperman index)
Postmenopausal women 45-55 · 60 people · compared with starch placebo
530 mg twice a day · 2 months
Valerian (capsule) · unspecified
What the trial found
Hot-flash severity lower than placebo at 1 month (p=0.048) and 2 months (p=0.020); frequency lower at 2 months (p=0.033).
Prevent efavirenz sleep and mood side effects
HIV-positive adults taking efavirenz · 51 people · compared with placebo
530 mg nightly, 1 hour before sleep · 4 weeks
Valerian · unspecified
What the trial found
Sleep (P<=0.001) and anxiety (P=0.001) improved versus placebo. Dizziness was common in both groups (92% vs 84.6%).
Sleep (PSQI area under the curve)
Adults being treated for cancer · 227 people · compared with placebo
450 mg 1 hour before bedtime · 8 weeks
Valerian · unspecified
What the trial found
Primary outcome no different from placebo (51.4 vs 49.7, P=0.6957). Some fatigue measures were better with valerian in an exploratory analysis.
Sleep (lab recording, diaries, actigraphy)
Older women (mean age 69) with insomnia · 16 people · compared with placebo
300 mg 30 minutes before bed · 2 weeks (crossover)
Concentrated valerian extract · root
What the trial found
No significant differences from placebo on sleep latency, time awake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency or sleep quality, after one dose or two weeks.
Sleep (diary, actigraphy)
Adults with arthritis and mild sleep disturbance · 15 people · compared with placebo
Nightly · 5 nights
Valerian extract · root
What the trial found
Differences on all sleep outcomes were not significant; authors call it a feasibility study too small to judge efficacy.
Thinking speed and coordination after a dose
Healthy volunteers · 9 people · compared with placebo and triazolam 0.25 mg
One dose · Single dose (crossover, tested up to 8 hours)
Valerian (single dose) · unspecified
What the trial found
Valerian had no effect on cognitive or psychomotor tests; triazolam did impair some.
Thinking speed and coordination after a dose
Healthy volunteers · 9 people · compared with placebo and triazolam 0.25 mg
One dose · Single dose (crossover, tested up to 8 hours)
Valerian (single dose) · unspecified
What the trial found
Valerian had no effect on cognitive or psychomotor tests; triazolam did impair some.
Sleep latency and wake time
Healthy young subjects (home group n=10, lab group n=8) · 18 people · compared with placebo
One dose at night · Single night
Aqueous valerian root extract · root
What the trial found
At home, both doses reduced perceived sleep latency and wake time after sleep onset; in the sleep lab (900 mg only) differences from placebo were not significant. Authors read it as a mild hypnotic action.
Sleep latency and wake time
Healthy young subjects (home group n=10, lab group n=8) · 18 people · compared with placebo
One dose at night · Single night
Aqueous valerian root extract · root
What the trial found
At home, both doses reduced perceived sleep latency and wake time after sleep onset; in the sleep lab (900 mg only) differences from placebo were not significant. Authors read it as a mild hypnotic action.
Period pain (visual analog scale)
Students with period pain · 100 people · compared with placebo
255 mg three times a day for 3 days from the start of each period · 2 menstrual cycles
Valerian · unspecified
What the trial found
Pain fell in both groups; the fall was larger with valerian (P<0.05). Overall systemic symptom scores did not differ except fainting (P<0.05).
Dental anxiety / sedation
Anxious adults having wisdom teeth removed · 20 people · compared with midazolam 15 mg
Single dose 60 minutes before the procedure · Single dose (split-mouth crossover)
Valerian (capsule) · unspecified
What the trial found
Midazolam lowered heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate more than valerian; valerian gave relaxation with no sedation and less sleepiness.
Sleep latency
Adults with non-organic insomnia and sleep latency of 30 minutes or more · compared with placebo
Valerian alone 500 mg; the combination = 500 mg valerian + 120 mg hops · 4 weeks
Valerian extract alone (Ze 911) and valerian-hops (Ze 91019) · root + hops flower · Valerian 5.3:1 and hops 6.6:1, both methanol 45% m/m
What the trial found
The fixed valerian-hops combination beat placebo for sleep latency; the valerian-only extract did NOT beat placebo.
Hot flashes and sleep
Postmenopausal women · 76 people · compared with starch placebo
500 mg capsule twice a day · 8 weeks
Fennel-valerian extract · root
What the trial found
Hot-flash frequency and severity lower in months 1 and 2; PSQI lower at 2 months (P=0.030).
Traditional preparations Ayurveda, not clinical dosing
Herbal tea (infusion) of cut root
European (EU traditional herbal medicine listing)
0.3 to 3 g of cut root in 150 ml of boiling water, as a single dose, up to 3 times a day for mild mental stress; for sleep, one dose half to one hour before bedtime, with an earlier evening dose if needed
From the 2015 draft EU list entry for valerian root. Use is based on long-standing use only; the EMA does not claim trial-proven efficacy for this entry. The documents are marked draft and in consultation; we did not confirm the final adopted text.
Powdered root
European (EU traditional herbal medicine listing)
0.76 to 2.0 g per dose, up to 3 times a day
Listed among the traditional preparations in the same draft EU list entry. Sleep dose timing as for the tea.
Tincture, 1 part root to 5 parts 60 to 80 percent ethanol (and other tincture strengths)
European (EU traditional herbal medicine listing); also named in German pharmacopoeias according to a public comment
For the 1:5 tincture in 60 to 80 percent ethanol: 10 ml per dose, up to 3 times a day. For the 1:5 tincture in 70 percent ethanol: 1.5 ml for mental stress or 3 ml to aid sleep. A 1:8 tincture in 60 percent ethanol: 4 to 8 ml per dose. A 1:10 tincture in 56 percent ethanol: 0.84 ml per dose.
Doses depend on the ratio and ethanol strength. The EMA says products containing ethanol must carry ethanol labelling. A reviewer comment in the consultation said tinctures have appeared in German pharmacopoeias since the early 1900s; that claim comes from a commenter, not from a pharmacopoeia we read.
Expressed juice from fresh root
European (EU traditional herbal medicine listing)
10 ml per dose, up to 3 times a day
Listed as preparation c (juice 1 part root to 0.60 to 0.85 parts juice).
Full bath with valerian root added
European (EU traditional herbal medicine listing)
100 g of cut root for a full bath, up to 1 bath a day; water 34 to 37 C, 10 to 20 minutes
Bath use is contraindicated with open wounds, large skin injuries, acute skin disease, high fever, severe infection, severe circulation problems or heart failure, per the draft monograph.
Forms and preparations
Dry extract capsule or tablet
Concentrated extract of the root, often made with ethanol or methanol-water, sometimes with a stated valerenic acid content.
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
Insomnia and sleep quality (mixed results), menopausal sleep and hot flashes, period pain, anxiety around surgery, cognition after bypass surgery
Can results be compared?
Trials used different extracts (for example LI 156 at 600 mg/day, 530 mg capsules, 300 mg concentrated extract). Results from one extract cannot be assumed for another.
Limits
Most placebo-controlled trials are small. Reviews rate overall quality low and find the best-designed recent trials show little or no effect on objective sleep measures.
Whole root powder
Ground dried root (the form used in traditional European medicine as 'powdered root').
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
No trial of plain root powder found in our searches. One review argued that whole root/rhizome may give more reliable effects than extracts.
Can results be compared?
Not comparable in milligrams with concentrated extracts.
Limits
The review's claim is an interpretation across mixed studies, not a direct comparison. The 2004 stability study found root powder chemically less stable in storage than an ethanolic extract.
Tea / infusion
Cut root steeped in boiling water.
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
No placebo-controlled trial of valerian tea found in our searches (passionflower tea has been trialled, valerian tea has not in what we found).
Can results be compared?
Amount of active compounds that reaches the cup is not known from the sources read. The EU traditional listing gives 0.3 to 3 g in 150 ml.
Limits
Traditional use only. Valerian root has a distinctive strong smell that complicates blinding.
Tincture or liquid extract
Root extracted in alcohol (and sometimes water or wine).
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
A valerian-hops fluid extract (2 ml, one night) improved EEG-measured sleep in 42 poor sleepers
Can results be compared?
Strength depends on the ratio and ethanol percentage on the label, so it cannot be matched to trial milligrams.
Limits
Single-night trial of a combination; tinctures stored for a time lose valepotriates, which changes their chemistry.
Valerian-hops fixed combination
Valerian extract with hops extract in one product (for example Ze 91019).
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
Sleep latency and duration in people with insomnia or occasional sleep problems
Can results be compared?
In one trial the combination beat placebo while the valerian-only extract did not; benefits cannot be credited to valerian alone.
Limits
Another 184-person trial found few significant differences from placebo. Maker-linked authors on some trials.
Multi-herb blends
Valerian with lemon balm, fennel, L-theanine, saffron, hops oil, THC or others.
Bath additive
Cut root added to a full bath.
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
No trial found; listed as traditional use in the EU draft documents
Can results be compared?
Not comparable with oral products.
Limits
Traditional use only.
Valerian acupressure / aromatic use
Valerian applied with acupressure at three points in ICU patients (preparation not stated in the abstract).
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
Sleep in ICU patients (85 people)
Can results be compared?
Not comparable with oral products.
Limits
Control group received regular care, not a placebo; single trial.
Gummy
Chewable with valerian extract, usually combined with other ingredients.
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
No gummy-specific trial found in our searches
Can results be compared?
Amount of extract per serving is often unknown.
Limits
No data; check the Supplement Facts panel.
Topical cream or oil
Skin products.
Studied for, and limits
Studied for
No human trial found in our searches
Can results be compared?
Not comparable with oral products.
Limits
No data found.
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 9
- Short-term use looks well tolerated in studies; long-term safety is unknown. NCCIH says valerian is generally safe for short-term use by most adults and has been used with apparent safety at 300 to 600 mg a day for up to 6 weeks, but that long-term safety is unknown. A 2020 review of 60 studies (6,894 people, ages 7 to 80) reports no severe adverse events linked to valerian, a 2006 meta-analysis of 16 trials (1,093 patients) says valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects, and a 2024 review of reviews says valerian has a good safety profile (while finding no evidence it treats insomnia). In a 28-day trial of a valerian-hops tablet (184 adults) there were no serious adverse events and no rebound insomnia after stopping. These findings come mostly from short, small trials. They cannot rule out reactions that are uncommon or that only appear after long use. Systematic review 101 120 132 13 97 19 56
- Liver injury has been reported, always in single case reports, and it is described as rare. NIH's LiverTox says valerian 'has been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury', and NCCIH says liver injury has been reported 'in very rare cases', most often in combination with other herbals. Individual case reports exist (including a 53-year-old woman with cholestatic jaundice after about a month on a 'liver cleansing' product plus a sleep product that listed valerian; she improved after stopping and a tapered course of steroids). A summary of the WHO monograph notes four cases, all on multi-ingredient products. 'Rare' and 'very rare' are the agencies' words: no source we read measures how often it happens. Stop the product and get medical care if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe itching. Case report 86 101 77 26 75 133 138
- It may add to the effect of alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills and anaesthetics. NCCIH says valerian should not be taken with alcohol or sedatives, because it may have a sleep-inducing effect (possible but not proven). A 2001 review says valerian and kava may increase the sedative effect of anaesthetics, and a 2026 review states valerian may potentiate drugs that depress the central nervous system. Direct evidence is thin. Single doses of 600 to 1,800 mg in young adults, 400 to 800 mg in 14 older adults and 1,600 mg in a driving simulator study did not produce measurable sedation or impairment compared with placebo, while diazepam and temazepam did in the two trials that included them. One case report describes encephalopathy in a person taking valerian together with a 'GABA supplement'. Pharmacological theory 101 5 92 54 49 129 45
- Driving and machines: the European regulator advises caution. The EU herbal monograph says valerian may impair the ability to drive and use machines and that affected patients should not drive or operate machinery. Three small single-dose trials in healthy volunteers found no impairment (see above), but they do not cover repeated nightly use, next-morning effects, or people who also take sedatives. Wait until you know how you react before you drive. Authoritative guidance 39 54 49 129 31
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not recommended because safety has not been established. The EU monograph says safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established and use is not recommended; NCCIH says little is known; NIH's LactMed finds no data on nursing mothers or infants and says an alternative may be preferred, especially for a newborn or preterm baby. The concern is theoretical. Valepotriates and their breakdown products were cytotoxic and mutagenic in laboratory tests, but they were not detected in 31 finished products tested in Australia. Rat studies at up to 65 times the human dose of one extract found no harm to fertility or fetal development, and a 2024 aqueous extract showed no teratogenicity in rats; a postpartum rat study found altered milk and offspring memory at high doses. In placenta experiments valerenic acid crossed in one model and not in another. There are no human pregnancy-outcome data. Authoritative guidance 39 101 82 139 8 17 122 14 121
- Children under 12: not recommended without a doctor. The EU monograph says use under 12 years is not recommended because of a lack of data on safety and efficacy. An open study of a valerian/lemon balm combination in 918 children under 12 reported no medication-related adverse events and good tolerability in 96.7%, but it had no control group and tested a combination product. The 2020 review reporting no severe events included people from age 7. Authoritative guidance 39 99 120 44
- Stopping suddenly after long daily use may cause withdrawal-type symptoms. NCCIH says some people have withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, heart disturbances, insomnia, and in rare cases hallucinations) if valerian is stopped abruptly after chronic use. Published case reports describe delirium after stopping valerian root, and cardiac complications with delirium in a person who stopped it. We could read only the titles of those reports. If you have taken it daily for a long time, ask a pharmacist or doctor before stopping, and tell the surgical team if you use it before an operation. Case report 101 47 16 5
- Drug-processing (CYP) interactions: lab and animal results conflict with human probe studies. In 12 healthy volunteers, valerian for 14 days barely changed how the body handled a CYP3A4 test drug (alprazolam peak rose from 25 to 31 ng/ml; total exposure not significantly different) and did not change CYP2D6 activity; another 12-person study over 28 days found no significant change in CYP1A2, 2D6, 2E1 or 3A4/5 activity. A review concluded the interaction potential is low and the EU monograph reports no interactions. Yet commercial extracts inhibited CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein in the laboratory, and a valerian product raised midazolam exposure about 3-fold in rats. Clinical relevance in people is not shown, and two of the reviews are linked to the industry. Systematic review 35 53 71 39 85 100
- Product quality varies, and some 'valerian' vaping products have contained synthetic drugs. Valerenic acid content varied widely between commercial products in two laboratory surveys, and labels did not always match what was found. In one survey of 23 root samples, six exceeded the European Pharmacopoeia cadmium limit, although the authors judged the estimated intake from therapeutic use not to be a risk. In 29 seized-drug cases mentioning 'blue lotus' or 'valerian root', 90% included a product with synthetic cannabinoids; these were vaping products, not ordinary capsules, tea or tincture. Choose products that name the plant part and the extract, and buy from sellers that test for metals. Other 85 121 68 67 118
Side effects 11
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache Listed by NCCIH; LactMed says headache, dizziness or hangover feeling are reported occasionally; ESCOP-reported trial effects were mild to moderate. No percentage was in the sources we read. | Not established | mild Reversible | Authoritative guidance 101 92 82 |
| Stomach upset, nausea, abdominal cramps The EU monograph states 'frequency not known'. | Not established | mild Reversible | Authoritative guidance 39 101 |
| Mental dullness, morning grogginess ('hangover'), dizziness, drowsiness Named by NCCIH and LactMed. In controlled single-dose trials valerian did not differ from placebo on sedation or psychomotor tests (p15159134, p12826988, p27110643, p15551388), so the effect is inconsistent. | Not established | mild Reversible | Authoritative guidance 101 82 92 |
| Excitability, uneasiness, vivid dreams, anxiety, insomnia NCCIH lists excitability, uneasiness and vivid dreams; the WHO monograph (second-hand) lists excitability, anxiety and insomnia with chronic use. Some of these are the opposite of the expected effect. | Not established | mild Presumed reversible | Authoritative guidance 101 138 |
| Withdrawal-type symptoms after abrupt stopping (anxiety, irritability, heart disturbances, insomnia; hallucinations 'in rare cases') 'In rare cases' is NCCIH's wording for hallucinations. Case reports of delirium or cardiac complications after stopping exist; only their titles were read. | Not established | moderate Not stated | Authoritative guidance 101 47 16 |
| Liver injury (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, itching, raised liver enzymes) LiverTox: 'rare instances'; NCCIH: 'very rare', most often with other herbals. No measured rate. The best-described case was cholestatic (bile-flow type) on a multi-ingredient product. | Not established | serious In the single report we read abstracts of, liver tests improved after stopping and steroids; other outcomes not read | Case report 86 101 77 26 75 133 138 |
| Encephalopathy (confusion) when taken with another GABA-type supplement One case; causality cannot be separated from the other supplement. | Not established | serious Not stated in abstract | Case report 45 |
| Mental status changes in a person with alcohol misuse taking valerian and ginkgo Title only was read; alcohol and ginkgo are confounders. | Not established | moderate Not stated | Case report 21 |
| Slow heartbeat or heart-rhythm disturbance at large doses; slower gut movement From a second-hand summary of the WHO monograph; original not read. The EU monograph's overdose section lists chest tightness and light-headedness at about 20 g. | Not established | moderate Not stated | Authoritative guidance 138 |
| Overdose symptoms (about 20 g of root): fatigue, abdominal cramp, chest tightness, light-headedness, hand tremor, dilated pupils Cited by the EU monograph from earlier reports; the original case was not located. | Not established | moderate Resolved within 24 hours; treatment supportive (EU monograph) | Authoritative guidance 39 138 |
| Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) The EU monograph lists hypersensitivity to the active substance as a contraindication. We found no specific allergy case report. | Not established | unknown Not stated | Authoritative guidance 39 |
Liver
Valerian is linked to liver injury in a small number of published case reports, and NIH's LiverTox calls these 'rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury'. We could read the opening statement of the LiverTox entry only (the full page blocks automated access), so its likelihood score, typical delay, pattern and case list are not given here. The best-described case we could read is a 53-year-old woman who developed cholestatic jaundice after about a month on two multi-ingredient products, one listing valerian and the other scute root and turmeric root. Imaging showed an enlarged fatty liver without bile-duct blockage, a biopsy fit drug-induced injury, and she improved after stopping the products and a tapered steroid course. Because she took several herbs, valerian cannot be named as the cause. Two other case reports are titled 'valerian-associated hepatotoxicity' and 'steroid-responsive valerian-associated hepatitis', and a third letter is titled 'Valeriana hepatotoxicity'; their details were not available to us. NCCIH says liver injury was reported 'in very rare cases', most often with other herbals, and that long-term effects on the liver are unknown. A second-hand summary of the WHO monograph says four cases of liver damage were noted, all in people taking multi-ingredient plant products. Reassuring but limited evidence: 23 people who swallowed an average 2.5 g of valerian (range 0.5 to 12 g) in the combination drug Sleep-Qik had no clinical hepatitis, though only 12 had blood tests (6 to 12 hours after) and the authors could not rule out later subclinical injury. Rats given up to 18.6 g/kg once, or 3.1 g/kg daily for 28 days, had no liver enzyme or tissue changes, and human liver cancer cells died only at very high concentrations; animal and cell tests have not predicted rare idiosyncratic liver reactions to other herbs, so they cannot clear valerian. How often valerian causes liver injury is not known. 'Rare' and 'very rare' are the agencies' words, and no study we read counted injuries per user. Practical points: be cautious with existing liver disease or unexplained abnormal liver tests, avoid stacking several herbal products and alcohol, and stop and seek care for jaundice, dark urine or severe itching. 86 101 77 26 75 133 18 134 69 30 138
How often. No source we read gives the number of liver injuries per valerian user. Do not quote a percentage. 'Rare' (LiverTox) and 'very rare' (NCCIH) are the sources' own words.
Monitoring. No guideline on routine liver tests for ordinary valerian users was found. LiverTox's monitoring advice could not be read.
- Koenig 2021 (1 patients). 53-year-old woman, 3 days of jaundice and swollen abdomen after about a month of two herbal products; cholestatic jaundice, hepatomegaly and steatosis on imaging, biopsy consistent with drug-induced liver injury. Other possible causes: Two multi-ingredient products: a 'liver cleansing' product (listed scute root, turmeric root, among others) and a sleep aid (listed valerian, among others). 77
- Cohen 2008 (1 patients). Titled as a case of valerian-associated hepatotoxicity. Abstract not available. Other possible causes: unknown 26
- Kia 2016 (1 patients). Titled as a case of steroid-responsive valerian-associated hepatitis. Abstract not available. Other possible causes: unknown 75
- Vassiliadis 2009. Letter titled 'Valeriana hepatotoxicity'. Abstract not available. Other possible causes: unknown 133
- Chan 1995 (acute overdose series) (23 patients). Sleep-Qik overdoses: average 2.5 g valerian (0.5-12 g) with hyoscine and cyproheptadine. CNS depression and anticholinergic poisoning; no clinical hepatitis; 12 had normal-looking early liver tests (6-12 h) per the authors' statement of no subclinical damage; 10 followed by phone. Other possible causes: Combination product; short follow-up; later injury not excluded. 18
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Valerian supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 8
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol otc | Both can cause sleepiness. NCCIH says valerian should not be taken with alcohol because it may have a sleep-inducing effect (possible, not proven). A summary of the WHO monograph says no interaction with alcohol was noted but alcohol and synthetic sedatives are not recommended with valerian. | No human alcohol-interaction trial was found. Evidence is guidance plus theory. | Authoritative guidance Very low certainty 101 138 21 | Avoid alcohol with valerian, especially near bedtime or before driving. |
| Benzodiazepines and sleeping pills (for example diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, temazepam, zolpidem) and other drugs that depress the nervous system prescription | Possible additive sedation (theory). In 12 volunteers valerian 1000 mg nightly for 14 days raised the peak level of alprazolam 2 mg from 25 to 31 ng/ml (p<0.05) without significant change in total exposure or half-life. | A 2026 review states valerian's potentiation of CNS depressants is a significant interaction. In single-dose human trials valerian alone did not produce sedation. No trial tested valerian with a sedative for combined impairment. | Pharmacological theory Very low certainty 101 92 35 49 | Do not combine with prescribed sedatives unless the prescriber agrees. Never stop a prescribed sleeping pill on your own because you started valerian. |
| Anaesthetics and surgery prescription | A 2001 review says valerian may potentiate the sedative effect of anaesthetics. Case reports (titles only) describe delirium and cardiac complications after valerian was stopped. A German hospital analysis of postoperative sleep medicine use (valerian given to 814 of 3,083 patients with drug-treated sleep disturbance) were found but do not measure safety. | No controlled human data on valerian and anaesthesia were found. | Systematic review Very low certainty 5 137 47 | Tell the surgeon and anaesthetist you take valerian and ask when to stop; ask how to taper if you take it daily. |
| Drugs broken down by liver enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 (and other CYP enzymes) and drugs moved by P-glycoprotein prescription | Human probe-drug studies: minimal effect on CYP3A4, none on CYP2D6 after 14 nights (n=12); no significant change in CYP1A2, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4/5 after 28 days (n=12). A 2014 review judged in vitro studies unsuitable for predicting clinical effects. Against this, commercial extracts inhibited CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein in the laboratory, and a valerian product increased midazolam exposure about 3-fold in rats (gut CYP3A inhibition). | Conflicting results across models; the human data are small and from a few products. The EU monograph reports no interactions. | Systematic review Low certainty 35 53 71 85 100 39 | For drugs with a narrow safety margin (for example anti-transplant, anti-clotting or cancer medicines) ask a pharmacist before using valerian. |
| Haloperidol prescription | In rats, combining haloperidol and valerian increased liver oxidative stress markers and ALT compared with valerian alone (haloperidol alone also raised ALT). | Animal study only; no human data. | Animal research Very low certainty 30 | If you take haloperidol or other antipsychotics, tell your prescriber about valerian. |
| Other sedating supplements, including GABA supplements supplement | One case of encephalopathy was reported in a person taking valerian root together with a 'GABA supplement'. No study tested these combinations. | Single case; cause cannot be separated. | Case report Not enough evidence 45 | Try one sedating supplement at a time, at the lowest dose. |
| Products that can harm the liver (other herbal or 'liver cleanse' products) supplement | NCCIH says liver injury was reported most often in combination with other herbals; the best-described case used two multi-ingredient products. | Cannot say which ingredient was responsible. | Case report Not enough evidence 101 77 138 | Avoid stacking several herbal products; show your pharmacist every label. |
| Cancer treatment prescription | A 2014 review of interaction data concluded there was no specific evidence questioning valerian's safety in cancer patients, based on its low interaction potential; laboratory CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein inhibition (above) is the reason some sources advise caution. | No trial in people on cancer drugs. The review's authors are linked to valerian-product makers. | Systematic review Very low certainty 71 85 | Ask the oncology team or pharmacist before using valerian during treatment. |
Who should check first 10
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Allergy to valerian | Do not use. The EU monograph lists hypersensitivity to the active substance as a contraindication. | Authoritative guidance 39 |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended: safety has not been established (EU monograph; NCCIH says little is known). Rat studies at high doses of two extracts found no reproductive harm, but there are no human pregnancy-outcome data and the extracts tested differ from retail products. | Authoritative guidance 39 101 139 8 122 |
| Breastfeeding | Not recommended (EU monograph). LactMed finds no data on nursing mothers or infants and suggests an alternative may be preferred, especially for newborns and preterm infants. A high-dose rat study altered milk composition and offspring memory. | Authoritative guidance 39 82 17 |
| Children under 12 | Not recommended without medical advice because of lack of safety and efficacy data (EU monograph). A 918-child open study of a valerian/lemon balm combination reported good tolerability but cannot establish safety. | Authoritative guidance 39 99 |
| Driving and operating machinery | The EU monograph warns valerian may impair the ability to drive and use machines. Small single-dose studies found no impairment, so the effect is uncertain. | Authoritative guidance 39 129 54 49 |
| Planned surgery or anaesthesia | Tell the surgical and anaesthesia team. A review warns about added sedation with anaesthetics, and case reports (titles only) describe cardiac complications with delirium after valerian was stopped. No controlled data exist. | Systematic review 5 47 |
| Taking sedatives, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medicines or drinking alcohol | Avoid unless a prescriber agrees (NCCIH advises not taking valerian with alcohol or sedatives). | Authoritative guidance 101 92 |
| Existing liver disease, unexplained abnormal liver tests, or signs of liver trouble | Ask a clinician first. We found no agency instruction to avoid valerian in liver disease; the caution rests on case reports of liver injury and unknown long-term liver effects (NCCIH). Stop at once if jaundice, dark urine or itching appear. | Case report 86 101 77 |
| Older adults | Single doses of 400 and 800 mg in 14 healthy older volunteers did not differ from placebo on sedation or psychomotor tests. Older people more often take several medicines, so check interactions with a pharmacist. | Controlled trial 49 |
| Long-term daily use | Safety beyond about 6 weeks (NCCIH) has not been established; consult a doctor if symptoms continue beyond 2 weeks (EU monograph advice), and ask before stopping suddenly if used for a long time. | Authoritative guidance 101 39 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Laboratory and animal tests show low toxicity, and the largest reported overdoses (about 20 g of root, or 0.5 to 12 g inside a combination drug) caused short-lived symptoms. These tests do not exclude rare liver injury or effects of long-term use in people.
Animal. Aqueous valerian root extract: LD50 above 96 g/kg in mice; 90-day rat study at 3.5, 7 and 14 g/kg/day found no dose-related effects on clinical signs, weights, blood counts, biochemistry or urine; no teratogenic changes in pregnant rats; no genotoxicity in three tests (NOAEL at least 14 g/kg). Ethanol extracts also showed low toxicity in rodents over 4 to 8 weeks, and Ames tests on root extracts made with five different solvents were negative. The EU monograph (2016) notes reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity tests had not been performed on the extracts it reviewed. In vitro, diene valepotriates were strongly cytotoxic to cancer cell lines (IC50 1 to 6 micromolar) while valerenic acids were far less so (IC50 100 to 200 micromolar); valepotriates decompose during storage. A 2026 review's table lists valeric acid (a different compound from valerenic acid) as neurotoxic in mice at 50 to 400 mg/kg injected, with seizures and deaths at 400 mg/kg.
Human doses studied. 300 to 600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks is described by NCCIH as used with apparent safety. EU well-established use: 400 to 600 mg dry extract up to three times daily, or 0.3 to 3 g herbal substance up to three times daily (traditional use), with continued use of 2 to 4 weeks suggested. Single doses up to 1,800 mg and 1,600 mg were given to healthy volunteers without measurable impairment; 1,000 mg nightly for 14 days was given to 12 volunteers, and an 8-week trial of a standardised extract in 80 adults reported no safety concerns.
High dose or long term signals. Withdrawal-type symptoms after abrupt stopping of chronic use (NCCIH). Liver injury reports (rare per LiverTox and NCCIH). No human long-term safety trial beyond a few weeks was found.
Overdose response. About 20 g of root caused fatigue, abdominal cramp, chest tightness, light-headedness, hand tremor and dilated pupils that resolved within 24 hours; treatment is supportive (EU monograph). In 23 people who took an average 2.5 g inside a combination drug, the main problems were CNS depression and anticholinergic effects from the other ingredients. Poison-control advice: call your local poison centre (US 1-800-222-1222) after a large amount or any ingestion by a child.
Genotoxicity. No genotoxicity in the Ames test for root extracts of five polarities, nor in bacterial reverse-mutation, mouse micronucleus and in vitro chromosome aberration tests of an aqueous extract. Valepotriates and baldrinals were cytotoxic and mutagenic in laboratory tests, a reason LactMed gives for caution in breastfeeding.
Quality varies between products. The main documented problems are inconsistent active-compound content, occasional metal levels above a pharmacopoeia limit, and vaping products sold as 'valerian root' that contained synthetic cannabinoids. No large survey of contaminants in valerian capsules, tea or tincture was found.
Inconsistent active-compound content. In 14 commercial products valerenic acid content varied widely between samples and from the label. In 31 Australian preparations valerenic acids ranged from below 0.01 to 6.32 mg/g; products standardised to valerenic acid averaged 3.56 mg/g versus 0.89 mg/g for non-standardised products. A 2020 review suggests inconsistent trial results may partly reflect variable extract quality. 85 121 120
Heavy metals. In 23 valerian root samples from Tenerife, cadmium exceeded the European Pharmacopoeia limit of 0.1 mg/kg in six (0.11 to 0.23 mg/kg); the authors judged use at therapeutic doses not to pose a toxicological risk from estimated daily intake. A valerian root medicinal product sold in Polish pharmacies met ICH Q3D limits for nickel and chromium. 68 67
Synthetic cannabinoids in vaping products. 29 seized drug cases mentioning 'blue lotus' or 'valerian root' were reviewed: in 90% at least one exhibit held one or more synthetic cannabinoids. These were vaping products; capsules, tea and tinctures were not tested. 118
Valepotriates (unstable compounds). Valepotriates were cytotoxic in cell tests and decompose on storage; they were not detected in any of 31 finished Australian products and only at low levels (below 1.0 mg/g) in some teas. Belgium and France allow valerian underground parts in supplements only if free of valepotriates (second-hand report). 14 121 92
General adulteration risk with mood and sleep supplements. A 2026 review of herbal supplements for anxiety, depression and sleep points to toxic effects from adulterated products. It is not specific to valerian. 29
Multi-ingredient products. Valerian is often sold in blends (with hops, lemon balm, scute and others). Safety and liver-case findings cannot be assigned to valerian alone when other herbs are present. 77 97 99
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) (European Union) | Herbal monograph for Valeriana officinalis root: well-established use for relief of mild nervous tension and sleep disorders (dry extract) and traditional use for mild mental stress and to aid sleep. Contraindicated with hypersensitivity. Not recommended under 12 years and in pregnancy and lactation (safety not established). May impair driving. No interactions reported. Gastrointestinal effects, frequency not known. Overdose of about 20 g gave short-lived symptoms. source | 2016-02-02 |
| U.S. Food and Drug Administration / NIH (NCCIH) (United States) | Sold as a dietary supplement, not approved by FDA before sale. NIH's LactMed states valerian is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) by FDA for use in food. NCCIH says valerian is generally safe short term, long-term safety unknown, avoid with alcohol or sedatives, and that little is known about pregnancy and breastfeeding. NCCIH notes the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 2017 guideline recommended against valerian for chronic insomnia in adults. source | NCCIH page last updated May 2025; LactMed updated 2021-05-17 |
| NIH LiverTox (United States) | Records valerian as linked to 'rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury'. source | 2020-04-05 |
When to get medical help
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools or severe itching: stop valerian and get medical care the same day.
- Nausea or vomiting with tiredness or pain in the upper right belly: stop and see a doctor promptly.
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness or trouble staying awake, especially if you also take sedatives, other supplements or alcohol: do not drive; seek care if severe.
- Swelling of the lips or face, hives or trouble breathing: call emergency services (US 911).
- Very slow or irregular heartbeat, chest tightness or fainting: seek care.
- After stopping valerian you took daily for a long time: new confusion, hallucinations, severe agitation or a racing heartbeat, contact a doctor.
- If a child or anyone has swallowed a large amount: call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222) or emergency services.
Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is valerian good for?
It is mainly taken for sleep and nervous tension. Reviews of sleep trials disagree: more people say their sleep improved, but timed and lab-measured sleep shows little or no change. For anxiety, stress and body uses such as hot flashes and period pain, the evidence is thin and comes from small trials.
Does valerian really help you sleep?
It is not clear. A 2006 pooled analysis found a benefit on a yes/no sleep question. A 2010 analysis found the same, but no difference on a sleep-quality scale or in minutes to fall asleep. A 2024 review of reviews found no evidence that valerian treats insomnia. The more careful trials tend to find no difference from placebo.
Is valerian good for anxiety?
Is valerian safe?
Can valerian damage the liver?
Rarely. NIH LiverTox links valerian to rare cases of clinically apparent liver injury, and NCCIH says very rare cases were reported, most often with other herbal products. The cases are single reports, so no rate can be given. Stop and get care for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe itching.
What are the side effects?
NIH lists headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness and vivid dreams. Some people feel dizzy or groggy, though in lab studies valerian did not differ from placebo on reaction time or driving tests. Stopping suddenly after long daily use may cause withdrawal-type symptoms.
Can I take valerian with alcohol or sleeping pills?
How much valerian is used in studies?
Is valerian safe in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or for children?
Use is not recommended because safety has not been established. The EU monograph advises against it in pregnancy, breastfeeding and under age 12. NIH LactMed found no data on nursing mothers or infants. A large open study of a valerian and lemon balm mix in children reported good tolerability but cannot prove safety.
Does valerian help with menopause symptoms?
Does valerian help with period pain?
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-24
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-24
- How we research
- We searched PubMed, NIH NCCIH, LiverTox, the EU herbal monograph and other regulators' pages, opened each source and recorded the study design, people, product, dose and result as reported. Abstracts only for most studies; full texts for a few guidance pages. Some pages (the WHO and German Commission E monographs, the full LiverTox entry) could not be read directly, and what we say about them is second-hand and marked as such. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.
Sources 144
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
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- Anderson GD, Elmer GW, Kantor ED et al.. Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid after administration of valerian in healthy subjects. Phytother Res. 2005. PMID 16220575. DOI 10.1002/ptr.1742. (abstract)
- Anderson GD, Elmer GW, Taibi DM et al.. Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid after single and multiple doses of valerian in older women. Phytother Res. 2010. PMID 20878691. DOI 10.1002/ptr.3151. (abstract)
- Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, et al.. Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.. Phytother Res. 2002. PMID 12410546. DOI 10.1002/ptr.1027. (abstract)
- Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan CS. Herbal medicines and perioperative care.. JAMA. 2001. PMID 11448284. DOI 10.1001/jama.286.2.208. (abstract)
- Awad R, Levac D, Cybulska P et al.. Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007. PMID 18066140. DOI 10.1139/Y07-083. (abstract)
- Balderer G, Borbély AA. Effect of valerian on human sleep.. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1985. PMID 3936097. DOI 10.1007/BF00432503. (abstract)
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