Valerian extract is a product made from valerian root or rhizome by a specific extraction process. The following is a detailed introduction to Valerian Extract:
1.Basic Information
Chinese name: Valerian extract
Foreign name: Valerian root extract
CAS No.: 8057-49-6
EINECS：232-501-7
Extract Part: Valerian root and rhizome
Source: Dried roots and rhizomes of Valerian officinalis L., family Valerianaceae.
Appearance: brown powder
2.Botanical Characteristics
Valerian is a kind of perennial hardy, flowering, herbaceous plant, up to 120 centimeters high. Its rhizome is thick and short capitate, with hollow stems, ovate to broadly ovate stem leaves, terminal corymb panicles, light purplish-red or white corollas, flattened filaments, and flowering and fruiting from July to September. Valerian is produced in parts of Asia and Europe, and is cultivated in North America.
3.The chemical composition
The main chemical components of valerian extract include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids and so on. Among them, valerenic acid, total valerenic acid (hydroxyvalerenic acid, ethyl valerenic acid and valerenic acid), flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin, camphene alcohol, etc.), carboxylic acids (malic acid, acetic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, etc. more than 20 kinds of free carboxylic acid and esterified carboxylic acid), β-sitosterol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and a variety of amino acids, etc., are the main active ingredients.
4.Pharmacological effects
Antidepressant: Valerian extract has the function of antidepressant, which can alleviate the patient’s depressive symptoms.
Sedation: Valerian extract can strengthen the inhibitory process of the cerebral cortex, reduce the reflex excitability, so as to play the role of sedation and sleep. It is often used to treat insomnia symptoms.
Anticonvulsant: Valerian extract has an anticonvulsant effect and can reduce the symptoms of convulsions.
Antibacterial and antiviral: Valerian extract also has antibacterial and antiviral effects, able to fight against a variety of bacteria and viruses.
Anti-tumor: some components in valerian extract have anti-tumor effects, and can inhibit the growth and spread of tumor cells.
Hepatoprotective: Valerian extract also has a hepatoprotective effect that protects the liver from damage.
Antiarrhythmia: Valerian extract can reduce the oxygen consumption of the heart muscle and alleviate the symptoms of panic and chest tightness caused by arrhythmia.
5.Application and Storage
Applications: Valerian extract is usually marketed in capsules for use as a dietary supplement or pharmaceutical ingredient. It can also be used to formulate flavors, but each flavor component shall not exceed the maximum allowable use and maximum allowable residue in GB 2760.
Storage: Valerian extract should be shaded, sealed and kept in a cool, dry place, protected from light and high temperature.