Title: Valerian
Literature References: Perennial herb,
Valeriana officinalis L.,
Valerianaceae. Medicinal portions are the dried rhizomes and roots; traditionally used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
Habit. Europe, Northern Asia; naturalized in eastern U.S. Numerous other species exist throughout the world which are also used medicinally.
Constit. Volatile oil (0.5-2%); iridoids (valepotriates) such as valtrate, didrovaltrate, isovaltrate; alkaloids incl. valerianine and chatinine; tannin, resin. Review of pharmacology: P. J. Houghton,
J. Ethnopharmacol. 22, 121-142 (1988); of constituents and medicinal uses: J. Barnes
et al., Herbal Medicines (Pharmaceutical Press, London, 2nd Ed., 2002) pp 468-476; J. Gruenwald
et al., PDR for Herbal Medicines (Medical Economics, Montvale, 3rd Ed., 2004) pp 852-856.
Derivative Type: Volatile oil
CAS Registry Number: 8008-88-6
Synonyms: Oil of valerian
Literature References: Constit. Monoterpenes, incl. a- and b-pinene, camphene, borneol, eugenol; sesquiterpenes incl. b-bisabolene, caryophyllene, valeratone.
Properties: Yellowish-green to brownish liquid. d1515 0.93-0.96. aD -8 to -13°. Sapon no. 100-150. Acid no. 20-50. Slightly sol in water; very sol in alcohol, chloroform, ether.
Keep well closed, cool and protected from light.
Optical Rotation: aD -8 to -13°
Density: d1515 0.93-0.96
Therap-Cat: Sedative.
