Valerian Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Valerian Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Valerian is generally safe when used appropriately and orally for short periods. Clinical studies with over 12,000 patients showed that doses of 300-600 mg daily were well-tolerated for up to 6 weeks. However, there isn't enough information available about the safety of using valerian for longer durations. It's possibly safe for children when used in appropriate doses and short-term. Pregnant and lactating individuals should avoid using valerian due to insufficient reliable information.

How Does Valerian Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Valerian's effects mainly come from its root and rhizome components. Its pharmacological effects are linked to constituents like valepotriates, volatile oils, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Key components include valerenic acid, borneol, and other compounds. These elements interact with neurotransmitter receptors, such as GABA and serotonin receptors, producing calming and sedative effects. Valerian might also influence sleep regulation and provide potential anti-anxiety and antidepressant benefits.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, valerian extract is absorbed, and its peak serum concentrations occur within 1-2 hours. The elimination half-life of valerenic acid, a major component, is about 1.1 hours. This indicates that the effects of valerian don't last very long in the body.

Interaction Overview

Valerian can enhance the sedative effects of alcohol and drugs that depress the central nervous system. It can also have additive sedative effects when used with substances like alprazolam. Valerian might interact with drugs metabolized by certain enzymes, affecting their levels in the body. It's important to be cautious when combining valerian with these substances.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Typically, valerian is well-tolerated, but common side effects might include dizziness, drowsiness, and mental slowness. Other reported effects are headache, upset stomach, and excitability. Chronic use might lead to withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, such as anxiety and insomnia. Rare but serious adverse effects include hepatotoxicity, cardiac failure, and hallucinations.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Some valerian products are standardized based on valerenic acid content, a major active component. However, the content of valerenic acid can vary among different products. Some contain around 0.25% to 1% valerenic acid. The standardization process helps ensure consistent potency across different supplements.

What Is Valerian Typically Used For?

Valerian is possibly effective in improving subjective sleep quality for individuals with insomnia, although it might take a few weeks to show benefits. It may help alleviate symptoms like anxiety, tension headache, stress response, and hot flashes based on limited evidence. However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness for these uses. Valerian might not be effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, and restless legs syndrome, based on current evidence.

Dosing & Administration

Valerian is usually taken orally. Dosing can vary, with ranges from 1215 mg up to 600 mg daily for up to 6 weeks. It's often included in combination products with other sedative herbs. Prolonged use might lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, so it's recommended to taper doses slowly after extended use.

Pharmacokinetics

Valerian extract is absorbed after oral intake, reaching peak serum concentrations within 1-2 hours. The elimination half-life of valerenic acid, a key component, is around 1.1 hours. This suggests that valerian's effects are relatively short-lived in the body.

Mechanism of Action

Valerian's root and rhizome components contribute to its effects. Compounds like valepotriates, volatile oils, and terpenes interact with neurotransmitter receptors, including GABA and serotonin receptors. This interaction leads to calming and sedative effects. Valerian might also impact sleep regulation, providing potential anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.

Drugs that interact with Valerian