Scientific name : Valeriana wallichii

Common names : Valerian, Indian valerian, Valerian jatamansi.

Sanskrit name : Tagar

Family : Valerianaceae

Plant part used : Rhizome

Identification method : Thin layer chromatography

Color : Brown, fine powder

Excipient : Maltodextrin

Tapped density: About 0.5 g/ml

Particle size : not less than 90 per cent < 300 µm

General Description : The herb is an erect perennial, growing to four feet with pinnate, divided leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers. It has a massive root system and short rhizomes. The roots are a hairy, spindly mass and are collected in the autumn from two-year-old plants.

Traditional uses : Valerian has been found to strengthen the heart and can sometimes reduce high blood pressure, if it is caused by stress and anxiety. It encourages ulcer and wound healing and, when used topically, is effective for muscle spasms and menstrual cramps. As an expectorant, it helps a tickling, nervous cough. In South Africa, V. capensis, is used for hysteria and epilepsy. In China, V. hardwickii, is used as an atispasmodic. The Menominee tribe of North America, used V. ulginosa for cramps and menopausal symptoms while, in the Himalayas, V. wallichi is used in almost exactly the same way.It has a relaxing nature is a benefit to those unable to relax during stress-related periods and in general has a more calming effect rather than a sedating one. It is also beneficial in relaxing overcontracted muscles and helpful for shoulder and neck tensions, asthma, colic, and irritable bowel syndrome. For more than a decade, it has been used to treat ADHD and researchers have found it to be more effective than pharmaceutical agents with fewer adverse side effects. Nervous spasms and tremors, phobias, insomnia, and restlessness may be helped by using the herb.

Phytochemistry : The chief constituent of Valerian is a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil, which is present in the dried root to the extent of 0.5 to 2 per cen, though an average yield rarely exceeds 0.8 per cent. The root also contains two alkaloids - Chatarine and Valerianine. The rootstock of Valerian has 150 phytochemicals [plant-based] which are classified into least two (2) primary compounds as well as other amino acid constituents that are thought to exhibit a sedative effect in Central Nervous System (CNS) . These include:

Pharmacological research suggests that together, these components naturally inhibit enzyme-induced GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) breakdown in the brain, although, the precise mechanism of action has yet to be defined. 

Pharmacology : The rhizome of valerian contains a variety of compounds including valepotriates, valeric acid, and volatile oils. These compounds affect brain receptors for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Valerian influences the cerebro-spinal system and has a sedative effect for conditions such as St. Vitus's dance, neuralgic pains, and insomnia by allaying pain and promoting sleep without the aftereffects of narcotics .

Marker constituent : Valerenic acid

Main Actions : It is Anti spasmodic, Stimulant, Stomachic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, hypotensive, relaxant, sedative, warming, powerfully nervine.

Main Uses : Valerian may be indicated for the relief of insomnia, stress-related anxiety, and nervous restlessness. It may also be used to ease stomach and menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), some of the restlessness that accompanies attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and migraine symptoms. It is also useful in diseases of eye, blood, livers. And, more rarely, it may be used to treat convulsions from a seizure disorder. In its most well-documented use, however, it is used as a calmant to help people sleep.

Specification : Valerenic acid 0.8%