Valerian is small shrub distributed in Europe, parts of Asia and North
America. The plant is used as invasive healer of ailments in ancient
times.
Valerian belongs to the genus valerian which comprises of 150 species
distributed throughout Europe and northern Asia.
By the end of 18 century the extracts of valerian were popularly used in
Europe and United States among physicians and common people. But later it
was became prescribed drug.
Valerian is hardy perennial that grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet. The
leaves are close to the ground arranged in pairs.
The leaves are composed of series of lance shaped segment and the
leaflets are numerous, broad usually 2-3 inches long.
The tuberous rootstocks are yellow-brown bearing angular, hollow and
furrowed slender stem.
The branches are horizontal and produce fresh plants from the buds.
Valerian is indigenous to Britain and cultivated throughout the Europe
and parts of Asia.
It is found near moist land, banks and borders of rivers and ditches.
It grows best in rich, moist and loamy soils but could be thrive in
ordinary soil also.
Roots and rhizomes.
The key constituents of valerian are Alkaloids: actinidine, catinine,
valerianine, and valerine, Isovaleramide, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA),
Valeric acid, Valepotriates, acevaltrate, isovaltrate and valtrate,
volatile oil like sesquiterpenes (acetoxyvalerenic acid, valerenic acid),
Flavanones such as hesperidin, 6-methylapigenin and linarin.
Valerian is used to prepare a potent medicine for the disorders like
insomnia, sleeping disorders, anxiety and restlessness.
In some parts of world valerian is being sold as nutritional supplement
and also used in therapeutic uses.
Traditional use of valerian had been to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
It is been said as effective sedative drug which is recommended for
insomnia, epilepsy and headaches.