Active Ingredient Valerian (valeriana Officinalis L.)

a plant genus of the family valerianaceae, order dipsacales, subclass asteridae, class magnoliopsida. it is best known for the sedative use and valepotriate content of the roots. it is sometimes called garden heliotrope but is unrelated to true heliotrope (heliotropium).

Source:

medlineplus herbs and supplements: valerian (valeriana officinalis l.)

Medical Condition	Uses based on scientific evidence	Grade*
other disorders of impulse control	several studies of valerian have reported benefits in reducing non-specific anxiety symptoms. valerian has also been given in combination with other herbs, such as passionflower and st. john's wort to treat anxiety. however, most studies have been small and poorly designed. more research is needed before a recommendation can be made.	c
transient disorder of initiating or maintaining sleep	several studies in adults suggest that valerian improves the quality of sleep and reduces the time to fall asleep (sleep latency), for up to four to six weeks. ongoing nightly use may be more effective than single-dose use, with increasing effects over four weeks. better effects have been found in poor sleepers. however, most studies have not used scientific ways of measuring sleep improvements, such as sleep pattern data in a sleep laboratory.	b

*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.