Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. Its dried rhizome and root extracts are widely used as a botanical supplement, primarily for sleep and relaxation. It has a long history of use for mild insomnia and anxiety‑related disturbances and has been investigated in numerous clinical trials for its sedative‑hypnotic properties.

• Principal Bioactive Constituent: Valerenic acid (C₁₁H₁₆O₃, IUPAC: 3‑ethyl‑5‑hydroxy‑3‑methyl‑2‑penten-4‑one).
• Other Constituents: Valerophenone (C₁₁H₁₂O), isovaleric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂), and flavonoids such as hesperidin (C₂₈H₃₄O₁₁).
• Essential Oil Fraction: Sesquiterpenes (e.g., β‑caryophyllene, 2‑methyl‑5‑propyl‑1,3‑dioxolane).
• Standardization: Valerian extracts are typically standardized to contain 0.5–1 % valerenic acid (by HPLC) and 0.2–0.5 % total sesquiterpenes.
• Solubility: The compounds are lipophilic (log P ≈ 2.5–3.0) and soluble in ethanol and supercritical CO₂, enabling efficient extraction while preserving thermolabile constituents.

• Cultivation: Commercial valerian is harvested from cultivated fields in Europe (e.g., Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland) and North‑American organic farms.
• Harvesting: Roots are harvested after 3‑5 years of growth, washed, sliced, and dried at ≤45 °C to preserve volatile constituents.
• Extraction Methods: Extraction methods include ethanol‑water (70 % ethanol) maceration, super‑critical CO₂, and proprietary “hydro‑ethanolic” processes, each yielding a distinct profile of valerenic acids and volatile oils.
• Standardization: Standardization to 0.5–1 % valerenic acid is required by European Pharmacopeia for medicinal products.
• Quality Considerations:
  • Verification of botanical identity via DNA barcoding.
  • Absence of heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microbial contamination (≤10⁴ CFU/g).
  • Certified organic or GMP‑certified extracts are preferred for consistent potency and safety.