FlavonoidsApigenin

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.

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

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Telemetry as a tool to measure sedative effects of a valerian root extract and its single constituents in mice.

observational

Chow NK, Fretz M, Hamburger M, Butterweck V · Planta medica (2011)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 180 minutes (acute)
Intervention: 70% ethanolic valerian root extract (250-1000 mg/kg), valerenic acid (1 mg/kg), linarin (12 mg/kg), apigenin (1.5 mg/kg) administered orally
Outcome: Locomotor activity and core body temperature measured via radiotelemetry over 180 minutes
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Male mice

Result:

PubMed: 21154200DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250589

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
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.