Valeriaan en Valeriaanpreparaten

Valerian preparations are used as mild sedatives. This article deals with botanical aspects of the three phytotherapeutically applied valerian species, Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana wallichii and Valeriana edulis, as well as with the constituents of their roots and rhizomes. Different valerian preparations and their chemical composition are discussed as well as their efficacy in clinical studies. A review is given of the pharmacology of constituents isolated from valerian. Finally, attention is paied to possible toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of both genuine metabolites and decomposition products. Despite the fact that extensive research has been conducted on valerian, it must be concluded that it is still unclear which compound(s) is (are) responsible for the activities of the plant.