Valerian root extract and its flavonoids linarin and apigenin reduce sleep latency in mice
A 70% ethanolic valerian root extract at 1000 mg/kg produced a mild short-term sedative effect with reduced locomotor activity between 66-78 minutes after oral administration in male mice. Linarin at 12 mg/kg and apigenin at 1.5 mg/kg also showed mild short-term sedative effects. The authors concluded that these compounds are more effective at reducing sleep latency than maintaining sleep.
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Valerian root extract and its flavonoids linarin and apigenin reduce sleep latency in mice The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 24/100 (low).
The Claim
Valerian root extract and its flavonoids linarin and apigenin reduce sleep latency in mice
This conclusion is most relevant to: Male mice.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Telemetry as a tool to measure sedative effects of a valerian root extract and its single constituents in mice. (Planta medica, 2011) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Oral administration of valerian extract or flavonoids
- ▸Binding to GABA-A receptors or other sleep-related targets
- ▸Modulation of neuronal activity in sleep-wake centers
- ▸Reduction in sleep latency
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Male mice
Recommended Dose
1000 mg/kg valerian extract, 12 mg/kg linarin, 1.5 mg/kg apigenin
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Animal model (mice) may not directly translate to human sleep physiology
- ▸Only acute effects over 180 minutes were measured, not long-term sleep maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does valerian root extract improve sleep maintenance?▼
No, this study found that valerian extract and its flavonoids are more effective at reducing sleep latency (time to fall asleep) rather than maintaining sleep throughout the night.
What dose of valerian extract was effective in this study?▼
Only the highest dose tested (1000 mg/kg) showed a mild short-term sedative effect in mice, with reduced activity between 66-78 minutes after administration.
Which single constituents of valerian showed sedative effects?▼
The flavonoids linarin (12 mg/kg) and apigenin (1.5 mg/kg) produced mild short-term sedative effects, while valerenic acid (1 mg/kg) caused intermittent stimulation of activity.
How was sedation measured in this study?▼
Sedation was measured by recording locomotor activity and core body temperature in male mice using radiotelemetry over 180 minutes after oral administration.
References
- 1.Chow NK, Fretz M, Hamburger M, Butterweck V. “Telemetry as a tool to measure sedative effects of a valerian root extract and its single constituents in mice..” Planta medica, 2011. PMID: 21154200 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250589