Valerian

Valerian is used in the treatment of insomnia and stress and anxiety. The important active compounds of valerian are the

valepotriates

(iridoid molecules) and

valeric acid

. These compounds are found exclusively in valerian. Originally, it was thought that just the valepotriates were responsible for valerian’s sedative effects but, recently, an aqueous extract of valerian has also been shown to have a sedative effect. As the valepotriates are not soluble in water, it was concluded that valeric acid also possesses sedative action and is the chemical factor responsible for the sedative effect noted in human clinical trials with aqueous extracts of valerian (Murray, 1995).