Valerian Root Extract

Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- GardenValerian, garden heliotrope, All-heal    

Valeric acid (Valproic acid)

Chemical Name:Pentanoic acid, Butane-1-carboxylic acid
CAS No.: 109-52-4

Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₀O₂

Mol. Wt.:102.13

Molecular Structure:

Valerenic acid

Chemical Name:(2E)-3-[(4S,7R,7aR)-3,7-dimethyl-2,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-1H-inden-4-yl]-2-methylacrylic acid
CAS No.: 3569-10-6

Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₂O₂

Mol. Wt.:234.334

Molecular Structure:

Valerian(Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae)is a hardy perennial flowering plant, native to Europe and parts of Asia, and has been intorduced into North America, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers. The flowers are in bloom in the northern hemisphere from June to September. The garden flower red valerian is also sometimes referred to as "valerian" but is a different species, from the same family but not particularly closely related. It is consumed as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species including Grey Pug.

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome.Valerian, in pharmacology and phytotherapic medicine, is the name of a herb or dietary supplement prepared from roots of the plant, which, after maceration, trituration, dehydration processes, are conveniently packaged, usually into capsules, that may be used for certain effects including sedation and anxiolytic effect, and remedy for insomnia. Valerian is used for insomnia and other disorders and can be a useful alternative to benzodiazepine drugs.

The amino acid Valine is named after this plant.

The pharmacologically active compounds detected in valerian extract are:

• Alkaloids: actinidine, catinine, valerianine, and valerine
• Isovaleramide
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
• Valeric acid
• Valepotriates, acevaltrate, isovaltrate and valtrate
• Volatile oil containing active sesquiterpenes (acetoxyvalerenic acid, valerenic acid) (The chief constituent of Valerian,a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil which is present in the dried root varying from 0.5 to 2 percent though an average yield rarely exceeds 0.8 percent. The volatile oils that form the active ingredient are extremely pungent, somewhat reminiscent of well-matured cheese. Valerian tea should not be prepared with boiling water, as this may drive off the lighter oils.)
• Flavanones such as hesperidin, 6-methylapigenin and linarin

The Valerian Root Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the roots of the plant Valeriana officinalis L.. It is provided in both unstandardized and standardized forms. Standardized products may be preferable considering the wide variation of the chemicals in the dried root, as noted above. GNI’s Valerian Root Extract standardized our product by percentage of Valerianic acid, which usually including valeric acid and valerenic acid, and may also include acetoxyvalerenic acid.

Benefits

• Relieves mild to moderate depression (Reduce anxiety, mood-stabilizing)

• Sadatives (anticonvulsant)

• Relieves insomnia and promotes sleep

• Muscle relaxant (Spasmolytic Effect)

•Treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel syndrome(Analgesic Effects, Reduces overall sensation of pain)

Mechanism

Valerian extracts appear to have some affinity for the GABA_A (benzodiazepine) receptor, which contribute to its use as a sedative, anti-convulsant, migraine treatment and pain reliever.

Valerian also contains isovaltrate, which has been shown to be an agonist for adenosine A₁ receptor sites. This action may contribute to the herb's sedative effects.

Safety

Valerian root Extract is non-toxic and safe but may cause side effects in large excessive doses.

Few adverse events attributable to valerian have been reported. Large doses (500+ mg) or chronic use may result in stomach ache, apathy, and a feeling of mental dullness or mild depression. Because of the herb's tranquilizer properties, it may cause dizziness or drowsiness, effects that should be considered before driving or operating heavy or hazardous equipment. In some individuals, valerian can cause stomach ache, anxiety, and night terrors (see above). Though some people like the earthy scent, many others find it unpleasant. Overall, Valerian generally comes with very mild side effects and is considered a safe dietary supplement. In rare cases, Valerian may cause an allergic reaction, typically as a skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.

While shown to be an effective remedy for the reduction of anxiety, it has also been reported to cause agitation, headaches and night terrors in some individuals. This may be due to the fact that some people lack a digestive conversion property necessary to effectively break down Valerian. One study found that valerian tends to sedate the agitated person and stimulate the fatigued person, bringing about a balancing effect on the system.

Valerian root generally does not lose effectiveness over time.

Dosage

• The typical dose is 200-1000mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Valerian Root Extract Features and Benefits:

Valerian Root Extract isone of GNI's important products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Piper methysticum roots only.

• Produced with pure water only

• High purity: over 0.8%

• NO solvent - residual free

• Pesticide-free

• Natural Brown in appearance

• High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life