Valerian
- the natural sleeping pill
The roots of members of the
Valeriana (Valerianaceae) family, as
well as related genera such as Nardostachys, are used in the traditional
medicine of many cultures as mild sedatives and tranquillizers and to aid
the induction of
sleep.
Valeriana. officinalis is
the species most commonly used in northern Europe and still retains its
official pharmacopoeial status although it is most commonly encountered as
an ingredient of herbal medicines. This plant is still the subject of
considerable research aimed at establishing the chemical and
pharmacological basis of the activity which has been clearly shown in a
number of studies. The constituents of the volatile oil vary considerably
in potency due to population differences in genetics and to environmental
factors.
Valerian is a good example
of both the negative and positive aspects of herbal medicine. The
considerable variation in its composition and content as well as the
instability of some of its constituents
make it difficult to standardise. However, the range of components which
contribute to its overall activity suggest that it has the power to
correct a variety of underlying causes of insomnia and provides a general
sedative or tranquilizing effect.
J
Pharm Pharmacol 1999 May;51(5):505-12. The
scientific basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. Houghton
PJ Department of
Pharmacy, King's College London.
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