Valeriana officinalis

Common Names: Valerian, Garden Valerian

Clinical Names: Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana edulis, Valeriana sitchensis, Valeriana wallichii.

Summary

botanical names: Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana edulis, Valeriana sitchensis, Valeriana wallichii.

common names: Valerian.

overview of interactions:

• herb affecting performance and toxicity of drug class: Benzodiazepines

• herb affecting performance and toxicity of drug class: Major Anesthetics

• herbal synergy: Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort)

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

• see also Herb Group: Neuroendocrine: Sedative Herbs





Clinical

botanical names: Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana edulis, Valeriana sitchensis, Valeriana wallichii.

common names: Valerian, Wild valerian, Sitka valerian, Mexican Valerian.

parts used: Root, rhizome.

qualities: Spicy, bitter, warm.

affinities: Central nervous system, heart, arterial circulation, nerves, brain, spine, lungs, uterus, kidney, bladder, stomach and pancreas.

actions: Sedative, anodyne, carminative, hypotensive, hypnotic, spasmolytic.

dosage: effective dose can vary widely (Weiss, 282.)
• tincture: 2 - 10 ml. up to every two hours in acute conditions; to be effective, valerian must be given in a sufficiently high dose
• capsule: 2 - 4 capsules up to every two hours
• infusion: 1 - 2 tsp. root per cup water

therapy:
Colic, stomach/intestinal cramps, dysmenorrhea, hysteria (especially female), nervous coughs, migraine, rheumatic pain, tension, St. Vitus's Dance, epileptic fits, neuralgic pain, insomnia, restlessness and wakefulness, nervous unrest, excitability and exhaustion; clinical studies of valerian show that it improves the quality of sleep, according to patients’ perceptions; this is confirmed to some extent by EEG; it reduced the time taken to fall asleep, particularly in older people and in habitually poor sleepers, and did not cause somnolence in the morning or affect dream recall.
(Wren, p. 275).
Valerian is suggested for cases of heart palpitation because it slows down the heart rate while increasing the strength of the beats. (Yang GY, Wang W. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1994 Sep;14(9):540-542.)
note: Use daily for no longer than 3 weeks.

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity:
• Valepotriate constituents are mutagenic and cytotoxic in rodent studies (IP). These compounds are unstable, and probably degrade in dried preparations taken orally. Adverse reaction reports are lacking. Valerian extracts are regarded as having minimal toxicity in commonly used doses.
(Brinker F. 1998, 134; Newall C, et al. 1996, 260.)

contraindications:
• None known
• Caution in Pregnancy, lactation. There are no reports of adverse effects due to Valerian use during pregnancy or lactation.

constituents:
• Volatile oil (0.4-1.45): Bornyl acetate; sesquiterpenes e.g., valeneral, valeneralic acid. (Variable by species).
• Alkaloids: Valerianine and others - trace.
• Iridoid Valepotriates, including valtrate, isovaleroxyhydrin, acevaltrate, vale-chlorine and others. Unstable.
• Other: Caffeic acid, Choline, Beta-sitosterol, sugars.

pharmacology:
• Contains the narcotic alpha-methylpyrrylketone.
(Duke, 503-504)
• Continued use leads to melancholia and hysteria; large doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, urination, delirium; decreases pulse and blood pressure.



Interactions

herb affecting performance and toxicity of drug class: Benzodiazepines

• mechanism: Valeriana extracts have been shown in vitro to have affinity for the BDZ-R receptor complex, as well as GABA-A receptors.

• herbal concern: Valerian may potentiate the effects of benzodiazepines, and concurrent use should be avoided.

• herbal support: Valeriana extracts have been used in the herbal therapeutic treatment of benzodiazepene and opiate drug withdrawal. This protocol should be undertaken with the guidance of a practitioner qualified in botanical medicine.
(Rasmussen P, Eur J Herbal Med 1997 3(1):11-21.)

herb possibly affecting performance and toxicity of drug class: Major Anesthetics

• herbal concern: the sedative action of valerian may potentiate the effects of anesthetics and increase recovery times. Evidence for this interaction in humans is lacking, although IP administration of Valerian in rodents potentiates pentobarboital induced sleeping times.
(Brinker F. 1998, 134.)

herbal synergy: Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort)

• mechanism: Valerian synergizes with other sedative nervine herbs, including Hypericum (St. John's Wort)

• clinical study : Valeriana in combination with Hypericum (St. John's Wort) was reported to be more effective than diazepam in a double blind trial.
(Panijel M. 1985, in Newall C, et al. 1996, 261.)

• see also Herb Group: Neuroendocrine: Sedative Herbs


Please read the disclaimer concerning the intent and limitations of the information provided here.
Do not rely solely on the information in this article.

The information presented in Interactions is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of self-care.



References

Albrecht M, Berger W, et al. Psychopharmaceuticals and safety in traffic. Zeits Allegmeinmed 1995;71:1215-1221. [Article in German]

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998.

Bodesheim U, Holzl J. [Isolation and receptor binding properties of alkaloids and lignans from Valeriana officialis L]. Pharmazie 1997 May;52(5):386-391. [Article in German]
Abstract: In addition to the known Valeriana-Meanalkaloid, four 7,9':7'9-Diepoxylignans were isolated from the roots of Valeriana officinalis L. They were tested in different radioreceptorassays at the 5-HT1A-, GABAA-, benzodiazepin and mu-opiate-receptor.

Bos R, Woerdenbag HJ, van Putten FM, Hendriks H, Scheffer JJ. Seasonal variation of the essential oil, valerenic acid and derivatives, and velopotriates in Valeriana officinalis roots and rhizomes, and the selection of plants suitable for phytomedicines. Planta Med 1998 Mar;64(2):143-147.
Abstract: During the seasons 1989-1993, Valeriana officinalis plants were investigated for their contents of essential oil, valerenic acid and derivatives, and valepotriates. Harvesting of the subterranean parts was started in August of the year in which the seeds were sown, and continued until the last week of April of the subsequent year. Despite marked variations from year to year, the maximum contents of essential oil in the subterranean parts of V. officinalis were found in September, ranging from 1.2% to 2.1% (v/w) based on dry weight (DW). Over the vegetation periods investigated, the composition of the oil remained more or less constant. Valerenic acid and its derivatives, and the valepotriates reached their maxima in February-March, with contents of 0.7-0.9% (DW) and 1.1-1.4% (DW), respectively. During the period 1989 - 1993, five V. officinalis strains were investigated for their contents of essential oil, valerenic acid and derivatives, and valepotriates in order to select plants suitable for phytomedicines. The selection procedures described in this paper finally yielded plant material (in 1993) with a satisfactory content of essential oil (0.9%) combined with a high content of valerenic acid and derivatives (0.5%) which can be harvested in September of the year of sowing.

Bourin M, Bougerol T, Guitton B, Broutin E. A combination of plant extracts in the treatment of outpatients with adjustment disorder with anxious mood: controlled study versus placebo. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 1997;11(2):127-132.
Abstract: Euphytose (EUP) is a combination of six extracts: Crataegus, Ballota, Passiflora and Valeriana, which have mild sedative effects, and Cola and Paullinia, which mainly act as mild stimulants. This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled general practice study was carried outpatients with adjustment disorder with anxious mood. The study was coordinated by psychiatrists. Ninety-one patients were included in the EUP group and 91 patients in the placebo group. They all received two tablets three times a day over 28 days (D). Evaluation using the Hamilton-anxiety (HAM-A) rating scale were carried out on D0, D7, D14 and on D28. Comparing the two groups, 42.9% of the patients (EUP group) had a HAM-A score of less than 10 at D28 versus 25.3% in the placebo group (P = 0.012). Changes in the HAM-A score between D0 and D28 were as follows: D0 (EUP: 26.12 +/- 4.0, placebo: 26.27 +/- 4.5), D7 (EUP: 19.65 +/- 5.7, placebo: 21.37 +/- 5.6), D14 (EUP: 15.36 +/- 5.7, placebo: 17.48 +/- 6.7), D28 (EUP: 12.63 +/- 7.3, placebo: 15.2 +/- 8.1). From D7 to D28 there was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.042) between the two treatments, indicating that EUP is better than placebo in the treatment of adjustment disorder with anxious mood.

Bradley PR, ed. British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Second edition., Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Inc, 1998.

Cavadas C, Araujo I, Cotrim MD, Amaral T, Cunha AP, Macedo T, Ribeiro CF. In vitro study on the interaction of Valeriana officinalis L. extracts and their amino acids on GABAA receptor in rat brain. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995 Jul;45(7):753-755.
Abstract: This work studied in vitro the interaction of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. and compounds that are present in the extracts (amino acids and valerenic acid) with the GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor, using the [3H] muscimol binding technique to crude synaptic membranes from rat brain cortices. Both extracts displaced [3H]muscimol bound and this effect is probably due only to their amino acid content, specially GABA. This fact explains the in vitro effect of valerian extracts on GABAA receptor but not their sedative effect.

Chan TY. An assessment of the delayed effects associated with valerian overdose. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1998 Oct;36(10):569.

Crellin JK, Philpott J. Herbal Medicine: Past and Present (Vol. II). Duke University Press, London, 1990, 434-435.

Duke JA. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press, 1985.

Dunaev VV, Trzhetsinskii SD, Tishkin VS, Fursa NS, Linenko VI. [Biological activity of the sum of the valepotriates isolated from Valeriana alliariifolia]. Farmakol Toksikol 1987 Nov;50(6):33-37. [Article in Russian]
Abstract: The native sum of valepotriates isolated from Val. alliariifolia Adams which was named valiracyl is an agent of low toxicity and exerts a pronounced neurotropic effect. Valiracyl suppresses the orientation reflex of animals in an "open field", decreases a spontaneous and caffeine-stimulated motor activity, potentiates and prolongs the action of barbiturates, significantly reduces aggressiveness of animals, decreases sensitivity to the convulsant effects of corasol and thiosemicarbazide, produces the antihypoxic and mild myorelaxant actions. The neurotropic effects of valiracyl are related to increased level of the GABA inhibition mediator and decreased intensity of bioenergetic processes in the brain.

Fehri B, Aiache JM, Boukef K, Memmi A, Hizaoui B. [Valeriana officinalis and Crataegus oxyacantha: toxicity from repeated administration and pharmacologic investigations]. J Pharm Belg. 1991 May-Jun;46(3):165-176. [Article in French]
Abstract: The aim of this work is to study the toxicity of Valeriana officinalis and Crataegus oxyacantha after reiterated administrations. The study has been carried on the rat which received 300 and 600 mg/kg/24 h of the drugs for 30 days. During the period of the treatment, animals weight and blood pressure have been measured. On the end of the treatment the animals have been sacrificed. The principal organs have been weighed and in blood samples collected hematological and biochemical parameters have been determined. This work is concerned by pharmacological properties which are related to the two plants. The influence of the drugs on the behaviour, the pain, the intestinal peristalsis and strychnine convulsions are reported.

Garges HP, Varia I, Doraiswamy PM. Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal. JAMA. 1998 Nov 11;280(18):1566-1567. (Letter)

Gerhard U, Hobi V, Kocher R, Konig C. [Acute sedative effect of a herbal relaxation tablet as compared to that of bromazepam]. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1991 Dec 27;80(52):1481-1486. [Article in German]

Haas LF. Neurological stamp. Valeriana officinalis (garden heliotrope). J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1996 Mar;60(3):255.

Heiligenstein E, Guenther G. Over-the-counter psychotropics: a review of melatonin, St John's wort, valerian, and kava-kava. J Am Coll Health. 1998 May;46(6):271-276.

Hendriks H, Bos R, Woerdenbag HJ, Koster AS. 1985. Central Nervous Depressant Activity of Valerenic Acid in the Mouse. Planta Med., (l):28-31.

Hendriks H, et al. Pharmacological screening of valerenal and some other components of essential oil of Valeriana officinalis. Planta Med. 1981 May; 42(1): 62-68.

Houghton PJ. The scientific basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999 May;51(5):505-512.
Abstract: The underground organs of members of the genus Valeriana (Valerianaceae), as well as related genera such as Nardostachys, are used in the traditional medicine of many cultures as mild sedatives and tranquillizers and to aid the induction of sleep. V. officinalis is the species most commonly used in northern Europe and still retains its official pharmacopoeial status although it is most commonly encountered as an ingredient of herbal medicines. This plant is still the subject of considerable research aimed at establishing the chemical and pharmacological basis of the activity which has been clearly shown in a number of animal and clinical studies. The constituents of the volatile oil are very variable due to population differences in genetics and to environmental factors. The major constituents include the monoterpene bornyl acetate and the sesquiterpene valerenic acid, which is characteristic of the species, in addition to other types of sesquiterpene. Some of these have been shown to have a direct action on the amygdaloid body of the brain and valerenic acid has been shown to inhibit enzyme-induced breakdown of GABA in the brain resulting in sedation. The non-volatile monoterpenes known as valepotriates were first isolated in 1966 and contribute to the overall activity by possessing sedative activity based on the CNS although the mode of action is not clearly known. The valepotriates themselves act as prodrugs which are transformed into homobaldrinal which has been shown to reduce the spontaneous motility of mice. More recent studies have shown that aqueous extracts of the roots contain appreciable amounts of GABA which could directly cause sedation but there is some controversy surrounding the bioavailability of this compound. Another recent finding is the presence of a lignan, hydroxypinoresinol, and its ability to bind to benzodiazepine receptors. Valerian is a good example of both the negative and positive aspects of herbal drugs. The considerable variation in its composition and content as well as the instability of some of its constituents pose serious problems for standardization but the range of components which contribute to its overall activity suggest that it may correct a variety of underlying causes of conditions which necessitate a general sedative or tranquilizing effect.

Khawaja IS, Marotta RF, Lippmann S. Herbal medicines as a factor in delirium. Psychiatr Serv. 1999 Jul;50(7):969-970. (Letter)

Kirkwood CK. Management of insomnia. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 1999 Sep-Oct;39(5):688-696.

Kohnen R, Oswald WD. The effects of valerian, propranolol and their combination on activation performance and mood of healthy volunteers under social stress conditions. Pharmacopsychiatry 1988;21:447-448.

Kornievskii IuI, Rybal'chenko AS, Stebliuk MV [Antimicrobial properties of essential oils of Valeriana stolonifera Czern., Valeriana nitida Kreyer, Valeriana exaltata Mikan]. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol 1970 Nov;47(11):137-139. [Article in Russian]

Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1982;17:65-71.
Abstract: Abstract: The effect of an aqueous extract of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) root on subjectively rated sleep measures was studied on 128 people. Each person received 9 samples to test (3 containing placebo, 3 containing 400 mg valerian extract and 3 containing a proprietary over-the-counter valerian preparation). The samples, identified only by a code number, and presented in random order, were taken on non-consecutive nights. Valerian produced a significant decrease in subjectively evaluated sleep latency scores and a significant improvement in sleep quality: the latter was most notable among people who considered themselves poor or irregular sleepers, smokers, and people who thought they normally had long sleep latencies. Night awakenings, dream recall and somnolence the next morning were relatively unaffected by valerian. With the proprietary valerian-containing preparation, the only change was a significant increase in reports of feeling more sleepy than normal the next morning. Thus the questionnaire, simple to use and non-invasive, provides a sensitive means for detecting the effects of mild sedatives on different aspects of sleep in man. It also allows identification within the test population of the subgroups most affected.

Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Aqueous extract of valerian reduces latency to fall asleep in man. Planta Med 1985;51:144-148.

Leuschner J, Muller J, Rudmann M. Characterisation of the central nervous depressant activity of a commercially available valerian root extract. Arzneimittelforschung. 1993 Jun;43(6):638-641.
Abstract: The evaluation of a commercially available valerian root extract (Valdispert) revealed pronounced sedative properties in the mouse with respect to a reduction in motility and an increase in the thiopental sleeping-time. A direct comparison with diazepam and chlorpromazine revealed a moderate sedative activity for the tested extract.

Lindahl O, Lindwall L. Double-blind study of a valerian preparation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1989 Apr;32(4):1065-1066.
Abstract: Valerian root contains two substances of special pharmacological interest--valepotriates and sesquiterpenes. The former, which has been used for standardization of the drug, is cytotoxic. The latter has no such effect. Both have sedative effects. A double blind test has been carried out on a preparation (VALERINA NATT) containing primarily sesquiterpenes. When compared with placebo it showed a good and significant effect on poor sleep (p less than 0.001). Forty-four percent reported perfect sleep and 89% reported improved sleep from the preparation. No side effects were observed.

Mennini T, Bernasconi P, et al. In vitro study on the interaction of extracts and pure compounds from Valeriana officinalis roots with GABA, benzodiazepine and barbiturate receptors. Fitoterapia 1993;64:291-300.

Moerman DE. Medicinal Plants of Native America, Technical Reports, Number 19, Vol.1, p.501. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology, 1986.

Newall C, Anderson L, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Rasmussen P, A role for phytotherapy in the treatment of benzodiazepene and opiate drug withdrawal. Eur J Herbal Med 1997 3(1):11-21.

Rucker G. [The active substance of Valeriana]. Pharm Unserer Zeit 1979 May;8(3):78-86. [Article in German]

Santos MS, Ferreira F, Cunha AP, Carvalho AP, Ribeiro CF, Macedo T. Synaptosomal GABA release as influenced by valerian root extract--involvement of the GABA carrier. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 1994 Mar;327(2):220-231.
Abstract: The effect of an aqueous extract obtained from the roots of Valeriana officinalis was investigated on the uptake and release of GABA in synaptosomes isolated from rat brain cortex. Aqueous extract of valerian inhibited the uptake and stimulated the release of [3H]GABA, either in the absence or in the presence of K+ depolarization. The release was Na(+)-dependent and independent of the presence of Ca2+ in the external medium. It is concluded that valerian extract releases [3H]GABA by reversal of the GABA carrier, which is Na(+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent. This increase in [3H]GABA release appears to be independent from Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and the membrane potential.

Schmitz M, Jackel M. [Comparative study for assessing quality of life of patients with exogenous sleep disorders (temporary sleep onset and sleep interruption disorders) treated with a hops-valarian preparation and a benzodiazepine drug]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1998;148(13):291-298. [Article in German]
Abstract: This randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial in parallel group design demonstrated equivalent efficacy and tolerability of a hop-valerian preparation compared with a benzodiazepine preparation in patients suffering from sleep disorders according to DSM-IV criteria. Sleep quality, fitness and quality of life were determined by psychometric tests, psychopathologic scales and sleep-questionnaires at the beginning of the therapy, end of therapy (duration 2 weeks) and then 1 week after cessation of therapy. Patients' state of health (4-point scale) and medication tolerability (occurrence of adverse events) were documented. Using the following as parameters "Alphabetischer Durchstreichtest, Feinmotoriktest, Befindlichkeitsskala, Beschwerdeliste, Schlaffragebogen A and B" the differences between beginning and the end of the therapy were analyzed by simultaneous testing of the equality or superiority of the test preparation. The equivalence of both therapies according to sleep quality, fitness and quality of life was proven by a Mann-Whitney-Statistic of 0.50 with a lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval of 0.46. The patients' state of health improved during therapy while showing a deterioration after cessation with both preparations. Withdrawal symptoms, however, were documented with benzodiazepine. Only one adverse drug reaction was reported during this study, namely stomach complaints from both the test and reference medication. This study shows that the investigated hop-valerian preparation in the appropriate dose is a sensible alternative to benzodiazepine for the treatment of nonchronic and non-psychiatric sleep disorders.

Shepherd C. Sleep disorders. Liver damage warning with insomnia remedy. BMJ. 1993 May 29;306(6890):1477. (Letter)

Tamamura K, Kakimoto M, Kawaguchi M, Iwasaki T. [Pharmacological studies on the constituents of crude drugs and plants. 1. Pharmacological actions of Valeriana officinalis Linne var. latifolia Miquel]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1973 May;93(5):599-606 [Article in Japanese]

Torssell K, Wahlberg K. Isolation, structure and synthesis of alkaloids from Valeriana officinalis L. Acta Chem Scand 1967;21(1):53-62.

Wagner H, Jurcic K. [On the spasmolytic activity of valeriana extracts]. Planta Med 1979 Sep;37(1):84-86. [Article in German]

Wagner H, Jurcic K, Schaette R. [Comparative studies on the sedative action of Valeriana extracts, valepotriates and their degradation products]. Planta Med 1980 Aug;39(4):358-365. [Article in German]

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers, Ltd, 1988.

Willey LB, Mady SP, Cobaugh DJ, Wax PM. Valerian overdose: a case report. Vet Hum Toxicol 1995 Aug;37(4):364-365.
Abstract: We present the first reported case of valerian (Valeriana officianalis) overdose. This herb is popular as a sedative but little is known about its toxic effects. The patient presented with mild symptoms, all of which resolved within 24 h. Valerian overdose, at approximately 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose, appears to be benign.

Wren RC, Williamson EM, Evans FJ. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, England: C.W. Daniel Co., Ltd, 1988.

Yang GY, Wang W. [Clinical studies on the treatment of coronary heart disease with Valeriana officinalis var latifolia]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1994 Sep;14(9):540-542. [Article in Chinese]
Abstract: Valeriana officinalis var latifolia (VOL), which is the variety of Valeriana officinalis and has the properties to relieve smooth muscle spasm and powerful vasodilation, as demonstrated by animal experiments; no report on its application in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) has been found as yet with VOL. Our preparation of a volatile oil fractionated from its root have been used to treat 82 CHD patients with angina pectoris, among whom ST-T ischemic changes appeared on ECG in 50 cases before treatment. Its total effective rate for the simple angina (without detectable ischemic findings) was 87.80%; the angina with ischemic findings, 88.00%. For comparisons, another 34 patients with the same conditions, 24 cases among them belonged to the angina with ischemic findings, were treated with a composite injection of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SMCo); the total effective rates for the simple angina and for the angina with ischemic findings were 41.18% and 37.50% respectively. The differences between VOL and SMCo were both highly significant (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) either in the simple angina or in the angina with ischemic findings. The results showed VOL was superior to SMCo on matter in the remission of symptoms, decreasing the attack frequency and shortening the duration of angina, or in restoring the blood supply to ischemic myocardium. In addition, it was discovered that VOL could lower plasma lipids as well. No toxic actions to liver, kidney, hemopoietic tissue, have been found.

Zhang BH, Meng HP, Wang T, Dai YC, Shen J, Tao C, Wen SR, Qi Z, Ma L, Yuan SH. [Effects of Valeriana officinalis L extract on cardiovascular system]. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao 1982 May;17(5):382-384. [Article in Chinese]