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The Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Valeriana
DOI link for The Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Valeriana
The Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Valeriana book
The Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Valeriana
DOI link for The Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Valeriana
The Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Valeriana book
ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the scientific evidence for the reputed activity of Valeriana and its constituents. The primary use of Valeriana species and their extracts in pharmacy and phytotherapy is as a sedative or tranquillizer and to help induce sleep. The total sedative activity of extracts of Valeriana species could not always be explained by the presence of valepotriates. The use of extracts of Valeriana in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal hypermotility and associated conditions such as diarrhoea has been validated to some extent by in vitro pharmacological investigations. Nepetalactone 18 is found as a minor constituent of the volatile oil of some Valeriana species and fungicidal compound is considered to be the major agent responsible for the characteristic effect of catnip, Nepeta cataria. The clinical evidence indicates that Valeriana is a relatively safe substitute for the benzodiazepines as a mild tranquillizer and also that it has potential in aiding onset of sleep.