Valerian Root Research
18 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 7/10
Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Shinjyo N et al. • Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine (2020)
However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.
- In addition, therapeutic benefits could be optimized when it was combined with appropriate herbal partners.
- There were no severe adverse events associated with valerian intake in subjects aged between 7 and 80 years.
- In conclusion, valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders.
Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Shinjyo N et al. • Sleep Medicine Reviews (2020)
Valerian showed a statistically significant but clinically modest improvement in subjective sleep quality across pooled RCTs.
- Statistically significant improvement in subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) vs placebo
- No significant improvement in objective sleep parameters (polysomnography) in available studies
- Excellent safety profile with no significant adverse effects at standard doses (300-600mg)
Herbal Medicines in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Therapeutic Potential, Plant Components, and Dosage Guidelines
Aldekhail NM et al. • Alternative therapies in health and medicine (2025)
Research must address herb-drug interactions, long-term effects, and biomarkers for personalized treatment. autism spectrum disorder, herbal medicines, narrative review, doses recommendation, therapeutic effects, side effects.
- Systematic review examining Passionflower efficacy
- Published in Alternative therapies in health and medicine (2025)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Optimizing Cognitive Performance Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review
Crawford C et al. • Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) (2021)
Potential solutions to address research gaps are offered, for future research next steps, which is needed to strengthen the evidence and inform decisions.
- Ingredients evaluated included Bacopa monnieri, choline, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, tyrosine, and valerian root, all in supplement form and compared with a placebo, at various serving sizes and durations of use.
- Whereas certain trends regarding promising serving sizes or duration for use, are pointed to in this synthesis, when combined, studies are inconsistent and imprecise, and many are methodologically flawed.
- Potential solutions to address research gaps are offered, for future research next steps, which is needed to strengthen the evidence and inform decisions.
Assessment of genotoxicity of herbal medicinal products: application of the "bracketing and matrixing" concept using the example of Valerianae radix (valerian root)
Kelber O et al. • Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2014)
All rights reserved.
- In conclusion the two guidelines on genotoxicity provide a practically applicable concept.
- Valerianae radix has no genotoxic potential, supporting its use in HMPs and its inclusion in the Community list.Copyright © 2014 The Authors.
- Published by Elsevier GmbH..
[Interactions between synthetic drugs used in treatment of selected central nervous system disorders and dietary supplements and herbal drugs]
Zabłocka-Słowińska K et al. • Psychiatria polska (2013)
However this area of science should be verified constantly due to growing number of new products registered as a supplements--often with complex composition.
- John's wort, valerian root, ginkgo biloba leaf, hops, and food ingredients: dietary fiber or folic acid, may lead to interactions.
- Dietary fiber supplementation should be applied carefully during treatment of Parkinson's disease and in case of Alzheimer disease treatment--supplements containing ginkgo biloba leaf can increase the risk of interaction.
- Knowledge of these interactions is essential in effective treatment of this illness.
[Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?]
Nunes A et al. • Acta medica portuguesa (2011)
Valerian root is well tolerated and safe, with infrequent and benign side effects (SOR A).
- Systematic review examining Valerian Root efficacy
- Published in Acta medica portuguesa (2011)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Critical evaluation of valerian for sleep
Fernández-San-Martín MI et al. • Sleep Medicine Reviews (2010)
Evidence suggests valerian might improve sleep quality with minimal side effects.
- Modest improvements in sleep quality
- Better results with consistent use
- Effects may take 2-4 weeks to appear
Can Valeriana officinalis root extract prevent early postoperative cognitive dysfunction after CABG surgery? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Hassani S et al. • Psychopharmacology (2015)
We concluded that, based on this study, the cognitive state of patients in the valerian group was better than that in the placebo group after CABG; therefore, it seems that the use of V. officinalis root extract may prevent early postoperative cognitive dysfunction after on-pump CABG surgery.
- Valerian prophylaxis reduced odds of cognitive dysfunction compared to placebo group (OR = 0.108, 95 % CI 0.022-0.545).
- We concluded that, based on this study, the cognitive state of patients in the valerian group was better than that in the placebo group after CABG; therefore, it seems that the use of V. officinalis root extract may prevent early postoperative cognitive dysfunction after on-pump CABG surgery.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Valerian extract alters functional brain connectivity: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Roh D et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019)
Further EEG studies are needed to confirm VRE's neurophysiological effects.© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Compared with the placebo group, the VRE group exhibited significantly greater increases in frontal brain region alpha coherence across four electrode pairs, and these changes were significantly correlated with anxiolysis.
- Our findings indicate that VRE alters functional brain connectivity in relation to anxiety.
- Further EEG studies are needed to confirm VRE's neurophysiological effects.© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of valerian on subjective sedation, field sobriety testing and driving simulator performance
Bruni O et al. • Phytotherapy Research (2021)
Valerian root extract did not impair psychomotor performance or driving ability, supporting its safety advantage over benzodiazepines for sleep.
- No impairment of psychomotor performance, reaction time, or driving simulator performance
- Significant advantage over pharmacological sleep aids that impair next-day function
- 450-900mg dose range was effective for sleep onset without hangover effects
Efficacy of Valerian Extract on Sleep Quality after Coronary Artery bypass Graft Surgery: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Zare Elmi HK et al. • Chinese journal of integrative medicine (2021)
The consumption of oral valerian root extract over 30 nights could significantly improve the patients' sleep quality safely after CABG surgery.
- No significant difference was observed in the alterations of the odds ratio of PT in the two groups over time. (P=0.371).
- The consumption of oral valerian root extract over 30 nights could significantly improve the patients' sleep quality safely after CABG surgery.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) vs. placebo in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized double-blind study
Pakseresht S et al. • Journal of complementary & integrative medicine (2011)
The results suggest that Valeriana Officinalis L. has some antiobsessive and compulsive effects.
- The results showed significant difference between the extract and placebo in the end of treatment (P=0.000).
- Somnolence was the only significant difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects (P=0.02).
- The results suggest that Valeriana Officinalis L. has some antiobsessive and compulsive effects.
Valerian Root and Lemon Balm Extracts: A Phytomedicine Compound Improves Symptoms of Hyperactivity, Attention Deficits, and Impulsivity in Children
Ross SM • Holistic nursing practice (2015)
This rct examined the effects of Lemon Balm.
- Clinical trial examining Lemon Balm efficacy
- Published in Holistic nursing practice (2015)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Herbal triplet in treatment of nervous agitation in children
Trompetter I et al. • Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) (2013)
John's Wort herb, valerian root, and passionflower herb.
- Based on the physicians' assessment, 81.6-93.9% of the affected children had no or just mild symptoms at the end of observation concerning nine of thirteen evaluated symptoms such as depression, school/examination anxieties, further anxieties, sleeping problems, and different physical problems.
- Therapeutic success was not influenced by additional medication or therapies.
- The treatment was well tolerated.
Fixed herbal drug combination with and without butterbur (Ze 185) for the treatment of patients with somatoform disorders: randomized, placebo-controlled pharmaco-clinical trial
Melzer J et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2009)
In total 9 non-serious adverse events were documented but the distribution did not differ significantly between the treatment groups.This herbal preparation (Ze185) showed to be an efficacious and safe short-term treatment in patients with somatoform disorders.
- Analysis of the ITT population confirmed these results.
- As to safety, no serious adverse events occurred.
- In total 9 non-serious adverse events were documented but the distribution did not differ significantly between the treatment groups.This herbal preparation (Ze185) showed to be an efficacious and safe short-term treatment in patients with somatoform disorders.
Aqueous extract of valerian improves sleep quality
Leathwood PD et al. • Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior (1982)
Valerian significantly improved subjective assessments of sleep quality.
- Reduced sleep latency
- Improved sleep quality ratings
- No morning hangover effect
Management of insomnia: a place for traditional herbal remedies
Unknown authors • Prescrire international (2005)
It is best to avoid high-titre alcoholic extracts and powdered valerian root, and to select aqueous extracts and low-titre hydro-alcoholic preparations.
- Similarly, there are no scientific grounds for rejecting preparations based on hawthorn or passiflora. (5) Available data suggest that valerian extracts have a modest impact on subjective sleep quality; they are nevertheless more effective than a placebo.
- Valerian products that do not contain valepotriates have no apparent adverse effects.
- It is best to avoid high-titre alcoholic extracts and powdered valerian root, and to select aqueous extracts and low-titre hydro-alcoholic preparations.