Supplements

Herbal supplements such as Valeriana officinalis demonstrate sedative effects and improve sleep quality in clinical studies.

This narrative review found that herbal supplements including Valeriana officinalis (valerian) showed sedative effects and improvements in sleep quality in clinical studies. The review highlighted risks such as excessive sedation and herb-drug interactions, particularly via cytochrome P450 pathways. No specific effect sizes or sample sizes were reported for valerian alone.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks.

observational

Căuș MN, Lupoae M, Chițescu CL · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Various herbal supplements including Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, and Withania somnifera
Outcome: Sleep quality, sedation, mood, stress levels
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with anxiety, depression, and insomnia

Result:

PubMed: 41901246DOI: 10.3390/ph19030399

Mechanism Graph

Modulation of GABAergic pathways
↓
Modulation of monoaminergic pathways
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Regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
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Sedative and sleep-improving effects

Limitations

  • ⚠Narrative review design without systematic meta-analysis
  • ⚠No specific dosage or effect size data provided for individual supplements
  • ⚠Potential publication bias in included studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Does valerian root improve sleep quality?▼

According to this review, Valeriana officinalis demonstrated sedative effects and improvements in sleep quality in clinical studies, though specific effect sizes were not reported.

What are the risks of using herbal supplements for sleep?▼

Risks include excessive sedation, cytochrome P450-mediated drug interactions, serotonin syndrome, and toxic effects from adulterated products such as hepatotoxicity and cardiovascular events.

Which herbal supplements are effective for insomnia?▼

The review identifies Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, and other herbs as showing sedative effects and sleep quality improvements in clinical studies.

Are herbal sleep supplements safe to take with other medications?▼

No, the review warns of clinically relevant herb-drug interactions, particularly through cytochrome P450 pathways, and recommends careful clinical monitoring.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Căuș MN, Lupoae M, Chițescu CL. "Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks.." Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. PMID: 41901246 DOI: 10.3390/ph19030399
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.