Description and references

Perennial herb, Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae. Medicinal portions are the dried rhizomes and roots; traditionally used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Habit. Europe, Northern Asia; naturalized in eastern U.S. Numerous other species exist throughout the world which are also used medicinally. Constit. Volatile oil (0.5-2%); iridoids (valepotriates) such as valtrate, didrovaltrate, isovaltrate; alkaloids incl. valerianine and chatinine; tannin, resin. Review of pharmacology: P. J. Houghton, J. Ethnopharmacol. 22, 121-142 (1988); of constituents and medicinal uses: J. Barnes et al., Herbal Medicines (Pharmaceutical Press, London, 2nd Ed., 2002) pp 468-476; J. Gruenwald et al., PDR for Herbal Medicines (Medical Economics, Montvale, 3rd Ed., 2004) pp 852-856.

Derivative