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Sleep
Published in Carolyn Torkelson, Catherine Marienau, Beyond Menopause, 2023
Carolyn Torkelson, Catherine Marienau
Valerian: Valeriana officinalis is a perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is often combined with other herbs. Valerian root is most commonly used for its sedative and hypnotic properties in patients with insomnia, and it has a mechanism of action similar to that of benzodiazepines. Research studies suggest that valerian may improve sleep quality, but many of these studies had methodologic problems, limiting firm conclusions. Nevertheless, a trial of valerian in conjunction with good sleep hygiene may be worthwhile. The typical dose for valerian is a 500-mg tablet taken at least 30 minutes before bedtime to prevent any reflux when lying down. The taste is unpleasant, and it is commonly combined with other herbs, including passionflower, hops, and lemon balm.
Insomnia
Published in Charles Theisler, Adjuvant Medical Care, 2023
Valerian Root: Extracts from the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are widely used for inducing sleep and improving sleep quality.11 Valerian is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is gentler than synthetic drugs, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.12 Recommended doses from previous studies ranged from 75 mg to 3,000 mg/day to improve sleep quality.13 Valerian root, when used to treat insomnia, is recommended in dosages at 200-500 mg at bed-time.14
Endangered Medicinal Plants of Temperate Regions: Conservation and Maintenance
Published in Amit Baran Sharangi, K. V. Peter, Medicinal Plants, 2023
Although the economic value of this herb is reportedly unknown to the local people until the recent past, the herb has now been widely known for its market potential. Thus, the exploitation of this valuable plant is in increasing trend leading to its rapid decline from its natural habitat, without knowing the better agronomic and cultivation aspects. The collection and, more recently, marketing of these plants has provided an important source of income for communities living in mountain areas (Mukherjee et al., 2009). Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy (Mukherjee et al., 2015). It is employed as a nervine and sedative. In high mountain range of Himalaya, it is used to treat insomnia and hysteria along with nausea, pimples, and rheumatism. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilizer and nervine, particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain (Singh et al., 2006). The root is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative, and stimulant (Prakash, 1999). The roots of 2-year-old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried (Mukherjee et al., 2014). A dried rhizome is used as incense. This plant is relatively new to researchers and local people as well as far as the cultivation aspects are concerned. Because of scanty literature and limited extension programs, most of the hill people are unaware of these valuable treasures.
Protective effect of valerian extract capsule (VEC) on ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric mucosa injury and ameliorative effect of VEC on gastrointestinal motility disorder
Published in Pharmaceutical Biology, 2022
Yuan Feng, Wan Dai, Junyu Ke, Yong Cui, Shuang Li, Jingjing Ma, Wenfeng Guo, Gang Chen, Ning Li, Yanwu Li
Available antiulcer drugs and motility-modifying drugs, chemical drugs are common but have various side effects. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel drugs that are safer, effective, and readily accessible in the treatment of gastric ulcers and GI motility disorder. Valeriana officinalis L. (Caprifoliaceae), also called valerian, native to Europe and Asia, is commonly used as a medicinal plant to treat anxiety, sleep disorder, depression, and GI hyperactivity (Houghton 1999; Poyares et al. 2002; Muller et al. 2003; Taavoni et al. 2011; Mineo et al. 2017; Tammadon et al. 2021). Prior work indicates that the extract of V. officinalis has antioxidant and antispasmodic effects (Malva et al. 2004; Circosta et al. 2007; Sudati et al. 2009). However, most existing research results associated with valerian are related to insomnia, few investigations about valerian or its extracts in treating gastric mucosa damage were reported.
Advances in research on the protective mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury
Published in Pharmaceutical Biology, 2022
Jiexin Zhang, Yonghe Hu, Han Wang, Jun Hou, Wenjing Xiao, Xudong Wen, Tingting Wang, Pan Long, Hezhong Jiang, Zhanhao Wang, Huawei Liu, Xin Chen
Reductions in cytokine levels are major anti-inflammatory effects of TCMs in the treatment of MI/R injury (Nos. 2 and 3 in Figure 1). As shown in Table 1, 13 species of Chinese herbs exert cardioprotective effects by regulating the levels of intracellular cytokines, including Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Rosaceae) (Hou et al. 2016), Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright (Dioscoreaceae) (Ebrahimi et al. 2014) and others. Among them, plumbagin extracted from Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae) was used to prevent heart diseases in ancient times (Luo et al. 2010; Sheeja et al. 2010). Plumbagin induces activation of Nrf2 and reduces the expression of cytokines (MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) to return inflammation markers to normal levels (Wang et al. 2016). Valerian extract from Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerianaceae) (Xue et al. 1988) causes central sedation, exerts anti-arrhythmia effects, increases coronary blood flow, and reduces the scope of MI. Valerian extract can inhibit TNF-α production by monocytes/macrophages, reducing the expression of neutrophil (polymorphonuclear neutrophil, PMN) adhesion molecules, and thereby reducing the accumulation of PMNs in ischaemic regions in rabbits (Yin et al. 2000).
Effect of a Multi-Ingredient Supplement Designed to Regulate Mood on Physiological and Psychological Outcomes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Published in Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2023
Ann F. Brown, Clarissa M. E. Richardson, Nathan Newby, Sydney Pulsipher, Talje Hoene
Valerian root extract is commonly sold in combination with lemon balm extract due to their known anxiolytic and mild sedative effects (10). In combination, a dose of 600 mg of valerian root extract and lemon balm extract, showed to be effective in reducing psychological stress following a laboratory induced stress simulation (defined intensity stressor simulation; DISS) (10). However, it is important to note that the stress evaluation used in this study was completed at 1-, 3- and 6-hours post supplement consumption to measure acute changes in mood and anxiety. Minimal research has involved various combinations of alternative botanical extract supplements to explore the effects over time in order to better understand chronic effects.