Side Effects of valerian: A Synthesis of Findings from 24 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of valerian
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of valerian: A Synthesis of Findings from 24 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of valerian: A Synthesis of Findings from 24 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Main research results

Valerian may not be effective for the treatment of insomnia, and some studies, such as 16 , 7 , 10 , 2 , 21 have shown no significant difference from placebo. However, valerian may reduce fatigue. Also, a study by 2 suggests that valerian may improve sleep quality and reduce awakenings. Furthermore, a study by 6 suggests that valerian is promising for treating anxiety and insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder. On the other hand, a study by 22 reported that valerian may cause side effects such as hand tremors, dizziness, throbbing sensations, and muscle fatigue when used in combination with lorazepam. A study by 19 suggests that valerian may cause side effects such as nephrotoxicity, headache, chest tightness, mydriasis, abdominal pain, and tremors in the hands and feet. Valerian is generally considered a safe herb, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Especially if you are taking other medications, consult your doctor before taking valerian.

Reasons for side effects

Valerian side effects are thought to be caused by the active substances contained in the roots of valerian, which affect the nervous system.

Common side effects

Drowsiness

Studies such as 22 , 16 , and 19 have reported that valerian can cause drowsiness. This is thought to be due to the fact that valerian has a sedative effect on the nervous system.

Gastrointestinal side effects

A study by 19 reported that valerian may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are thought to be caused by valerian irritating the digestive system.

Headache

A study by 19 reported that valerian can cause headaches. This is thought to be due to the fact that valerian has a vasodilating effect.

Dizziness

A study by 22 reported that valerian can cause dizziness. This is thought to be due to the fact that valerian has a blood pressure lowering effect.

Muscle fatigue

A study by 22 reported that valerian can cause muscle fatigue. This is thought to be due to the fact that valerian has a sedative effect on the nervous system.

Hand tremors

A study by 22 reported that valerian can cause hand tremors. This is thought to be due to valerian affecting the nervous system.

Mydriasis

A study by 19 reported that valerian can cause mydriasis. This is thought to be due to valerian affecting the nervous system.

Nephrotoxicity

A study by 19 reported that valerian can cause nephrotoxicity. This is thought to be due to valerian placing a burden on the kidneys.

Measures to prevent side effects

Drowsiness

After taking valerian, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

Gastrointestinal side effects

Take valerian with water or milk.

Headache

Avoid caffeine before taking valerian.

Dizziness

Get up slowly when you stand up after taking valerian.

Muscle fatigue

Avoid strenuous exercise before taking valerian.

Hand tremors

Avoid alcohol while taking valerian.

Mydriasis

Avoid bright lights while taking valerian.

Nephrotoxicity

If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking valerian.

Comparison between studies

Commonalities among studies

Many studies suggest that valerian is not effective for the treatment of insomnia. Also, valerian may cause side effects such as drowsiness, gastrointestinal side effects, headache, dizziness, muscle fatigue, hand tremors, mydriasis, and nephrotoxicity.

Differences among studies

The frequency and severity of valerian side effects vary depending on the study. Also, the type of insomnia that valerian is effective for varies depending on the study.

Points to note regarding application to real life

Valerian is generally considered a safe herb, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Especially if you are taking other medications, consult your doctor before taking valerian.

Limitations of current research

There is still not enough research on the effects and safety of valerian. In particular, research on the long-term use of valerian is lacking.

Directions for future research

More research is needed to clarify the effects and safety of valerian. In particular, research on the long-term use of valerian is needed. Research is also needed to identify the types of insomnia for which valerian is effective.

Conclusion

Valerian may not be effective for the treatment of insomnia and may have potential side effects. Consult your doctor before taking valerian.

Literature analysis of 24 papers
Positive Content
17
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
5
Article Type
5
0
1
10
24
1.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Post-Transplant Therapy.

Author: LucanValerian Ciprian, BerardinelliLuisa

Improved graft survival
Improved quality of life
Gastrointestinal complications

This review article discusses the gastrointestinal (GI) complications that may arise as a consequence of immunosuppressive therapy after solid organ transplantation, focusing on renal and renal/pancreas transplantation. The article highlights the importance of managing post-transplant therapy to minimize these complications and improve graft and patient survival as well as quality of life.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

Polysomnographic evaluation of the hypnotic effect of Valeriana edulis standardized extract in patients suffering from insomnia.

Author: Herrera-ArellanoA, Luna-VillegasG, Cuevas-UriosteguiM L, AlvarezL, Vargas-PinedaG, Zamilpa-AlvarezA, TortorielloJ

Hypnotic
Insomnia treatment
Side effects (rare)

Valeriana edulis standardized hydroalcoholic extract reduced the number of awakening episodes and increased REM sleep in patients with insomnia. It did not affect anterograde memory and had minimal side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Pharmacotherapy for insomnia.

Author: TariqSyed H, PulisettyShailaja

Insomnia treatment
Side effects

Hypnotics are commonly used to treat insomnia, particularly in older adults. While benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, and other agents such as trazodone, valerian, and melatonin are used, their effectiveness in older adults is often limited. Careful selection of agents, low starting doses, and close monitoring are crucial to minimize side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting patients with bipolar disorder.

Author: BaekJi Hyun, NierenbergAndrew A, KinrysGustavo

Potential symptom relief
Drug interactions
Limited evidence

Herbal medicines may have the potential to alleviate anxiety and insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder. Valerian seems to be the most promising candidate for insomnia and anxiety in bipolar disorder.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

The use of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) in improving sleep in patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer: a phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (NCCTG Trial, N01C5).

Author: BartonDebra L, AthertonPamela J, BauerBrent A, MooreDennis F, MattarBassam I, LavasseurBeth I, RowlandKendrith M, ZonRobin T, LelindqwisterNguyet A, NagargojeGauri G, MorgenthalerTimothy I, SloanJeff A, LoprinziCharles L

Improved fatigue
No significant improvement in sleep quality

A valerian supplement (450 mg) was found to be ineffective in improving sleep in people with cancer who were undergoing cancer treatment, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. However, exploratory analyses revealed improvement in some secondary outcomes, such as fatigue.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

9.

Valeriana officinalis L. for conscious sedation of patients submitted to impacted lower third molar surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-mouth study.

Author: PinheiroMarcos Luciano Pimenta, AlcântaraCarlos Eduardo Pinto, de MoraesMárcio, de AndradeEduardo Dias

Anxiety control
Side effects

Benzodiazepines are commonly used for conscious sedation in dentistry, but they have side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Valerian does not appear to reduce symptoms for patients with chronic insomnia in general practice using a series of randomised n-of-1 trials.

Author: CoxeterP D, SchluterP J, EastwoodH L, NiklesC J, GlasziouP P

Valerian insomnia

The effectiveness of valerian for the management of chronic insomnia in general practice is being investigated.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Valerian for anxiety disorders.

Author: MiyasakaL S, AtallahA N, SoaresB G O

Anxiety relief

Herbal remedies are widely used for anxiety, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

13.

Review of Safety and Efficacy of Sleep Medicines in Older Adults.

Author: SchroeckJennifer L, FordJames, ConwayErin L, KurtzhaltsKari E, GeeMegan E, VollmerKrista A, MergenhagenKari A

Improved sleep latency
Increased total sleep time
Dementia
Fractures
Residual daytime sedation
Serious injury
Somnolence

This review focuses on the safety and efficacy of medications used to treat insomnia in older adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene are considered initial therapy for insomnia. Benzodiazepines are discouraged in the geriatric population, especially for long-term use.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

The efficacy of Iranian herbal medicines in alleviating hot flashes: A systematic review.

Author: GhazanfarpourMasumeh, SadeghiRamin, AbdolahianSomayeh, Latifnejad RoudsariRobab

Herbal medicines effective

Iranian herbal medicines are effective in alleviating hot flashes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

15.

Herbal products: behaviors and beliefs among Italian women.

Author: ZaffaniSilvana, CuzzolinLaura, BenoniGiuseppina

Drug interactions
Harmful side effects

The study aimed to analyze the behavior patterns and decision-making modalities of Italian women regarding herbal remedy use. It revealed that many women use herbal remedies without informing their doctors, highlighting the need for more communication about potential risks and interactions with other medications.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

16.

A randomized clinical trial of valerian fails to improve self-reported, polysomnographic, and actigraphic sleep in older women with insomnia.

Author: TaibiDiana M, VitielloMichael V, BarsnessSuzanne, ElmerGary W, AndersonGail D, LandisCarol A

Insomnia

This study found that valerian did not improve sleep quality in older women with insomnia. There were no significant differences between valerian and placebo in sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, or self-rated sleep quality. However, valerian did increase wake after sleep onset by an average of 17.7 minutes after 2 weeks of use. Side effects were minor and did not differ between valerian and placebo.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIA Phase II trial is a trial that further evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose safety has been confirmed to some extent in a Phase I trial, in a small number of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

17.

The chronic effects of a combination of herbal extracts (Euphytose<sup>&#174;</sup>) on psychological mood state and response to a laboratory stressor: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study in healthy humans.

Author: DoddFiona, KennedyDavid, WightmanEmma, KhanJulie, PatanMichael, ElcoateRian, JacksonPhilippa

Reduced anxiety

Anxiety disorders are common, affecting approximately 16.6% of the population globally. Herbal approaches to reducing anxiety may be as effective as pharmacological treatments and are less likely to have adverse side effects. This review highlights the anxiolytic properties of valerian, passionflower, hawthorn, and ballota, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Natural remedies for anxiety disorders: potential use and clinical applications.

Author: KinrysGustavo, ColemanEliza, RothsteinEthan

Anxiety disorder treatment

Natural remedies are commonly used for depressive disorders, and research is ongoing to explore their potential for treating anxiety disorders.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

19.

[The safety of herbal medicines in the psychiatric practice].

Author: BonielT, DannonP

anti-anxiety
antidepressant
aphrodisiac
memory improvement
stimulant
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
abdominal pain
chest tightness
headaches
increased bleeding time
mania
mastalgia
mental status changes
mydriasis
nephrotoxicity
spontaneous hemorrhage
tremor
vaginal bleeding

This article discusses the use of alternative medicines, particularly herbal drugs, in psychiatric practice. The safety and efficacy of commonly used herbs, such as hypericum, valerian, ginseng, and ginkgo, are reviewed.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : Hebrew

20.

Knowledges about herbal products among subjects on warfarin therapy and patient-physician relationship: a pilot study.

Author: CuzzolinLaura, Francini-PesentiFrancesco, ZaffaniSilvana, BrocadelloFilippo, PengoVittorio, BassiAntonella, BenoniGiuseppina

Unstable INR

The survey highlights the potential risk of confidence with the 'natural world', the lack of discussion on this argument among health care providers and patients on warfarin therapy and the need to monitor strictly the INR value.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

22.

Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam.

Author: CarrascoMaría Consuelo, VallejoJosé Ramón, Pardo-de-SantayanaManuel, PeralDiego, MartínMiguel Angel, AltimirasJacinto

None reported
Herbal interactions
Severe side effects

This clinical case report highlights the importance of safe use of herbal remedies by providing a clinical interaction study between pharmaceutical medicines and herbal medicinal products. The case involved a patient self-medicating with Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. while on lorazepam treatment, resulting in handshaking, dizziness, throbbing, and muscular fatigue. This highlights the potential for interactions between herbal remedies and conventional medications, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and reporting of herbal product use during medical history taking.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

24.

[Preclinical study of anxiolytic activity and safety of Racium phytomedicine].

Author: KravchenkoE V, NasekV M, PonteleevaI V, MazharM V, SholomitskaiaE Iu, ZhukovaI A, San'koE V, VeselukhaO V, NekhaiA S, ShafranovskaiaE V, ZhebrakovaI V

Anxiolytic activity

Racium phytomedicine showed high anxiolytic activity, a wide range of therapeutic effects, and no lethality or pathologic effects in rats and mice.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Russian

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.