Overview
Sedative herb traditionally used for sleep onset and mild anxiety.
- Valeriana officinalis root
- Standardized valerenic acid
Forms & variants of Valerian Root
Different chemical forms of Valerian Root behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.
Mechanism of action
Valerenic acid is positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptor.
- · GABA-A modulation
- · GABA
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Modest improvement in sleep quality.
Evidence-based benefits
Improves subjective sleep quality (mixed data)
Limited evidencePotential side effects
- · Headache
- · Vivid dreams
- · Paradoxical excitation
Drug interactions
Safety & non-supplemental interactions
Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.
- ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
- ·Pregnant or breastfeeding
- ·Children under 3
- ·Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines (additive CNS depression)
- ·Alcohol
- ·Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids, antihistamines (additive sedation)
- ·Other CNS depressants
- ·Taper before surgery — abrupt withdrawal in chronic users mimics benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Supplement interactions
- Magnesium glycinateComplementary GABAergic calming and improved sleep architecture.
- L-theanineReduces sleep latency without sedation.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
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Third-party testedIndependently verified Valerian Root — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Valerian Root third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Valerian Root capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Valerian Root capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Valerian Root powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Valerian Root powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Valerian Root products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Valerian Root best sellerScientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
Valerian Root: pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review
Examine.com Research Team
Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Valerian Root, including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.
Best-supported outcome: Improves subjective sleep quality (mixed data) (evidence: limited). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.
PubMed: Valerian Root — Improves subjective sleep quality
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PubMed: Valerian Root — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Valerian Root — meta-analysis
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PubMed: Valerian Root — pharmacokinetics
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PubMed: Valerian Root — safety adverse events
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PubMed: Valerian Root — dose response
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Google Scholar: Valerian Root — clinical evidence
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Cross-database citation index for Valerian Root as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.