Overview
Valeriana officinalis root extract for sleep latency.
- Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
- Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
- Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
- Standardized extract capsule
- Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
- Powdered whole herb
- Traditional decoction or tea
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 modulates GABA-A receptors; mild adenosine A1 affinity.
- · Valerenic acid modulates GABA-A receptors
- · mild adenosine A1 affinity
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Valerian (Sleep) promotes parasympathetic tone, GABAergic signaling, or melatonergic pathways that facilitate sleep onset and quality.
Evidence-based benefits
Reduces subjective sleep latency
Moderate evidencePotential side effects
- · GI upset
- · Vivid dreams
- · Hepatotoxicity (rare)
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)
- ·Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines (additive CNS depression)
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
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.
Third-party testedIndependently verified Valerian (Sleep) — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Valerian (Sleep) third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Valerian (Sleep) capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Valerian (Sleep) capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Valerian (Sleep) powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Valerian (Sleep) powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Valerian (Sleep) products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Valerian (Sleep) best sellerScientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
Valerian meta-analysis for insomnia
Bent S, et al.
16 RCTs of valerian in insomnia.
Improved subjective sleep quality vs placebo.
PubMed: Valerian (Sleep) — Reduces subjective sleep latency
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PubMed: Valerian (Sleep) — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Valerian (Sleep) — meta-analysis
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PubMed: Valerian (Sleep) — pharmacokinetics
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PubMed: Valerian (Sleep) — safety adverse events
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PubMed: Valerian (Sleep) — dose response
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Google Scholar: Valerian (Sleep) — clinical evidence
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Cross-database citation index for Valerian (Sleep) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.