Valeriana officinalis extract

Valeriana officinalis extract refers to the complex phytochemical extract obtained from the rhizome and roots of the plant Valeriana officinalis ("valerian"), traditionally used for its sedative and anxiolytic effects[1][2][3][5]. The extract is not a single molecule, but contains over a hundred compounds, including valerenic acid, valepotriates, alkaloids, flavones such as linarin, 6-methylapigenin, and various terpenoids and essential oils[1][2][5]. The best-characterized mechanism involves positive allosteric modulation of the GABA_A receptor—primarily via valerenic acid, which binds to the β subunit of the receptor and enhances GABAergic neurotransmission similar, but not identical, to benzodiazepines[5][6]. Valerian extract may also interact with serotonin receptors (notably 5-HT_5A), and inhibit pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling[6].\n\nValeriana officinalis extract is not a therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter; rather, it is a complex herbal preparation whose pharmacological actions are due to multiple bioactive constituents. Its main medicinal indications are for mild insomnia and anxiety, with some data suggesting beneficial roles in aging models and possible minor anti-inflammatory or cytotoxic actions on certain cancer cell lines, although these uses are not established in clinical guidelines[3][4][5]. The "target" entry is thus incorrect—Valeriana officinalis extract is not a molecular or pharmacological target. The actual targets are individual molecular components in the extract, such as the GABA_A receptor (for valerenic acid and related compounds), for which a separate entry would be appropriate.\n\nSafety concerns include possible sedation, rare hepatotoxicity, risk of interaction with other CNS depressants, and unresolved questions about long-term use[5].\n\nSummary for structured extraction:\n- "Valeriana officinalis extract" is a multi-component herbal extract, not a singular molecular drug target.\n- Use-specific molecular targets (e.g., GABA_A receptor) for structured databases.\n- This entry is flagged as incorrect because it does not fit the definition of a therapeutic molecular target.

Other names

Valerian root extractValeriana officinalis L. root extractValerian extract

Positive allosteric modulation of GABA_A receptor, Partial agonism at 5-HT_5A receptor, Inhibition of NF-κB pathway, Potential serotonin (5-HT) receptor modulation, Antioxidant action