Valeriana

Valeriana, commonly known as valerian, is a perennial flowering plant celebrated for its potent sedative properties. Widely used in herbal medicine, its roots are prized for reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep. This ancient botanical remedy serves as a natural remedy for insomnia and stress, supporting holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Valeriana
  • Family: Caprifoliaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Dipsacales, it is classified under the family Caprifoliaceae. Finally, the specific taxonomic designation for this medicinal species is 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 is widely distributed across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark. Additionally, its presence is documented within the territories of Finland. The species also inhabits the coastal and inland areas of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the islands of Iceland and Ireland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP

Chemicals

Valeriana has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include baldrinal, catalpol, didrovaltratum, dihydrovaltrate, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
13
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
baldrinal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catalpol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
didrovaltratum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dihydrovaltrate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
homobaldrinal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lignans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
loganin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
magnesium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
manganese 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Valeriana has 14 reported activities identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antispasmodic, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant.

Total activities
14
Scientific sources
15

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antispasmodic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticonvulsant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiepileptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiprotozoal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Valeriana has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diarrhea, inflammation, insomnia, pain, tumors.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
insomnia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tumors 1 ★☆☆☆☆