Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is a perennial flowering plant prized for its sedative and calming properties. Historically used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and nervous tension, its potent rhizomes contain compounds that interact with the GABA system, offering a natural approach to promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
- Scientific name: Valeriana officinalis
- Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Valeriana officinalis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Dipsacales. Finally, it falls under the family Caprifoliaceae and the genus Valeriana.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Dipsacales | WCVP |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Valeriana | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, Valeriana officinalis, exhibits a specific presence across several regions in Northern Europe. In the northern reaches of the continent, it can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Finland. The species is also well-distributed throughout the Scandinavian peninsula, including Norway and Sweden. Moving westward, the plant is documented within the borders of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the coastal and inland areas of Denmark.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Chemicals
Valeriana officinalis has 54 reported phytochemicals identified across 77 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include valerenic acid, bornyl acetate, valtrate, flavonoids, [3H]GABA.
- Total chemicals
- 54
- Scientific sources
- 77
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| valerenic acid | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| bornyl acetate | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| valtrate | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| [3H]GABA | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| didrovaltrate | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isovaltrate | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| valepotriate | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| valerena-4,7(11)-diene | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| valerenal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Valeriana officinalis has 14 reported activities identified across 46 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Sedative, Anxiolytic, Hypnotic, Antioxidant, Tranquilizer.
- Total activities
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 46
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Sedative | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| Anxiolytic | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Hypnotic | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tranquilizer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiarrhythmic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihemolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Valeriana officinalis has 60 reported medicinal uses identified across 107 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anxiety, insomnia, sedative, anxiolytic, epilepsy.
- Total uses
- 60
- Scientific sources
- 107
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anxiety | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| insomnia | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| sedative | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| anxiolytic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| epilepsy | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| depression | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| sleep | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| lipid peroxidation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |