Valerian root extract (1000 mg/kg) produces a mild short-term sedative effect in mice, reducing locomotor activity between 66-78 minutes after administration.
A 70% ethanolic valerian root extract at 1000 mg/kg induced a mild, short-term reduction in locomotor activity in male mice between 66-78 minutes post-oral administration, but paradoxically increased activity after 150 minutes. The flavonoids linarin (12 mg/kg) and apigenin (1.5 mg/kg) also showed mild short-term sedative effects, while valerenic acid (1 mg/kg) caused intermittent stimulation. Overall, cumulative activity over 180 minutes indicated no considerable sedative effect, suggesting the extract and flavonoids may reduce sleep latency rather than maintain sleep.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. Telemetry as a tool to measure sedative effects of a valerian root extract and its single constituents in mice.
observationalChow NK, Fretz M, Hamburger M, Butterweck V · Planta medica (2011)
Result:
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠Animal study; results may not directly translate to humans
- ⚠Only acute effects over 180 minutes observed; no chronic or sleep architecture data
- ⚠Paradoxical increase in activity at later time point complicates interpretation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does valerian root extract have a sedative effect in mice?▼
Yes, a high dose (1000 mg/kg) produced a mild short-term reduction in locomotor activity between 66-78 minutes after administration, but the effect was not sustained over 180 minutes.
Which compounds in valerian showed sedative effects?▼
The flavonoids linarin (12 mg/kg) and apigenin (1.5 mg/kg) showed mild short-term sedative effects, while valerenic acid (1 mg/kg) caused intermittent stimulation.
Is valerian extract effective for sleep maintenance?▼
No, the study suggests valerian extract and its flavonoids are more effective for reducing sleep latency than for maintaining sleep, as cumulative activity over 180 minutes showed no considerable sedative effect.
What was the paradoxical finding in this study?▼
After the initial sedative effect, valerian extract at 1000 mg/kg paradoxically increased locomotor activity at 150 minutes post-administration.
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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