Valerian By Basic Vitamins Overview & Drug Interactions

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its strong, distinctive odor and its purported medicinal effects. Valerian contains a number of active compounds, including valerenic acid and valepotriates, which are believed to have a sedative effect on the body and are may to be helpful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Valerian is also believed to have mild tranquilizing and muscle-relaxing properties and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders. The root of the valerian plant is most commonly utilized in dietary supplements and is often standardized for valerenic acid content.

Skullcap is a perennial herb native to North America. It is a member of the mint family and has small, blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is named for its shape, which resembles a small, hooded skull. Skullcap is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, and some studies have suggested that skullcap may have sedative and anxiety-reducing effects. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are two different plants that are often referred to simply as "skullcap." but they belong to different species and have different medicinal properties.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine with fragrant white and purple flowers that is native to the Americas. It is purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving sleep. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood and anxiety. Passionflower may also have mild sedative and muscle-relaxing effects and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders. Dietary supplements containing passionflower are generally standardized to contain no less than 1.5% of the flavanoid vitexin.

Hops are the female flowers (also known as cones) of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus, and a member of the Cannabaceae family. Hops are native to Europe and are widely cultivated in many parts of the world. Hops have a variety of applications, such as for food flavoring and brewing beer. Hops extract has been used in topical medicinal preparations and as a dietary supplement.