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Traditional uses :
Valerian has been found to strengthen the
heart and can sometimes reduce high blood pressure, if it is
caused by stress and anxiety. It encourages ulcer and wound
healing and, when used topically, is effective for muscle spasms
and menstrual cramps. As an expectorant, it helps a tickling,
nervous cough. In South Africa, V. capensis, is used for
hysteria and epilepsy. In China, V. hardwickii, is used as an
atispasmodic. The Menominee tribe of North America, used V.
ulginosa for cramps and menopausal
symptoms while, in the Himalayas, V.
wallichi is used in almost exactly the same way.It has a
relaxing nature is a benefit to those unable to relax during
stress-related periods and in general has a more calming effect
rather than a sedating one. It is also beneficial in relaxing
overcontracted muscles and helpful for shoulder and neck
tensions, asthma, colic, and irritable bowel syndrome. For more
than a decade, it has been used to treat ADHD and researchers
have found it to be more effective than pharmaceutical agents
with fewer adverse side effects. Nervous spasms and tremors,
phobias, insomnia, and restlessness may be helped by using the
herb.
Phytochemistry :
The chief constituent of Valerian is a yellowish-green to
brownish-yellow oil, which is present in the dried root to the
extent of 0.5 to 2 per cen, though an average yield rarely
exceeds 0.8 per cent. The root also contains two alkaloids -
Chatarine and Valerianine. The rootstock of Valerian has 150
phytochemicals [plant-based] which are classified into least two
(2) primary compounds as well as other amino acid constituents
that are thought to exhibit a sedative effect in Central Nervous
System (CNS) . These include:
-
Valerenic
Acids (valerenic acid, hydroxy valerenic acid, acethoxy valerenic
acid and valerenal).
-
Valepotriates
(valtrate, isovaltrate, acevaltrate, didrovaltrate).
-
GABA
(Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid).
-
Tyrosine, Arginine, and Glutamine.
Pharmacological research suggests that together, these
components naturally inhibit enzyme-induced GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric
Acid) breakdown in the brain, although, the precise mechanism of
action has yet to be defined.
Pharmacology :
The rhizome of valerian contains a variety of compounds
including valepotriates, valeric acid, and volatile oils. These
compounds affect brain receptors for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA). Valerian influences the cerebro-spinal system and
has a sedative effect for conditions such as St. Vitus's dance,
neuralgic pains, and insomnia by allaying pain and promoting
sleep without the aftereffects of narcotics .
Marker
constituent :
Valerenic acid
Main Actions :
It is Anti spasmodic, Stimulant,
Stomachic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, hypotensive,
relaxant, sedative, warming, powerfully nervine.
Main Uses :
Valerian may be indicated for the relief
of insomnia, stress-related anxiety, and nervous restlessness.
It may also be used to ease stomach and menstrual cramps,
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), some of the restlessness that
accompanies attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and
migraine symptoms. It is also useful in diseases of eye, blood,
livers. And, more rarely, it may be used to treat convulsions
from a seizure disorder. In its most well-documented use,
however, it is used as a calmant to help people sleep.
Disclaimer:
The
authenticity of the above information are not verified and
established by us. You are requested to get it verified. The
above given information are collected from various sources may
be used for academic purpose.
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