ABSTRACT
Valerenic acid, a hydrophilic sesquiterpenoid, and its derivatives are the major active constituents in the herb valerian (
Valeriana officinalis
). Valerian, an herbal medicine, is used primarily for its sleep-enhancing and sedative effects (McCabe, 2002). Gao and Bjork (2000) found valerenic-acid derivatives varied from 11.650.15 mg/g in different varieties of Valeriana.
