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COMPOUNDS / ADAPTOGEN / VALERIAN ROOT
ADAPTOGEN

VALERIAN ROOT

LOW RISK
BEST FOR:Sleep●●●●●●○○○○6/10
VALERIAN ROOT · VALERIANA OFFICINALIS · VALERIAN · VALERIANAE RADIX · VALERIANA · PLANT VALIUM · VALERIAN EXTRACT · VALERENIC ACID EXTRACT
Sleep AidHerbal SedativeGABAergicAnxiolyticTraditional Medicine

Herbal sedative from Valeriana officinalis root, used for sleep and anxiety via GABAergic modulation.

ROUTE / DOSAGE
LOW300mg
STANDARD400-600mg
HIGH1000mg+
Note: Standardized extracts (0.8% valerenic acid); dried root tea 2-3g also common
CYCLE
Daily use acceptable take 30-60min before bedtime
BIOAVAILABILITY
Variable depends on extract standardization and preparation
ACTIVE DURATION
4-8h (subjective)
STORAGE
Room temperature dry away from light shelf life limited due to unstable active constituents
HALF-LIFE
1-2h (plasma)
DURATION BREAKDOWN
Total4-8h
Onset30-60min
Come up30-60min
Peak1-3h
Offset2-4h
After effects2-4h
Duration varies by route, dose, and individual. Source: community reports.
§ 01 — EFFECTS
6 documented
Sedation and drowsiness
Improved subjective sleep quality
Reduced anxiety
Mild muscle relaxation
Analgesic effects (preclinical)
Possible morning grogginess
§ 02 — RISKS
Encephalopathy when combined with other GABAergic agents (documented case)
Dizziness, headache, or hangover effect
Theoretical cytotoxicity of valepotriates in vitro (not confirmed in vivo)
Potential interaction with CNS depressants and sedatives
Inconsistent product quality and standardization across preparations
§ 03 — INTERACTIONS
Interaction data not yet available for this compound.
§ 04 — SCIENCE

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of 60 studies (n=6,894) found valerian improved subjective sleep quality and reduced anxiety, though outcomes were inconsistent due to variable extract quality; whole root/rhizome preparations showed more reliable effects. No severe adverse events were reported across subjects aged 7-80 years. A 2024 Stanford review, however, concluded that valerian root lacks sufficient evidence for healthy aging applications. Genotoxicity testing of valerian root extracts across multiple solvents was unequivocally negative in the Ames test, supporting its safety profile. A case report documented encephalopathy when valerian was combined with a GABA supplement, highlighting risk of pharmacological interactions with other GABAergic agents. Preclinical studies in rats demonstrated analgesic effects in both acute and chronic pain phases.

§ 06 — SOURCES
[1]
Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[2]
Valerian - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[3]
Dietary Protocols to Promote and Improve Restful Sleep: A Narrative Review
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[4]
Nutritional Supplements for Healthy Aging: A Critical Analysis Review
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[5]
Analgesic Effect of Valerian Root and Turnip Extracts
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[6]
Herbal Medicines in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Therapeutic Potential, Plant Components, and Dosage Guidelines
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[7]
An Alternative Cause of Encephalopathy: Valerian Root Overdose
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[8]
Assessment of Genotoxicity of Herbal Medicinal Products: Valerianae radix
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
Disclaimer. Protokol.wiki is an informational reference. Nothing on this site is medical advice. Compounds listed may be unapproved, unregulated, or illegal in your jurisdiction. Consult a licensed physician before use. Data compiled from peer-reviewed literature.
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