SinoVital Valerian Root D.E. >0.8% Valerenic acid

Description

The name “Valerian” comes from the Latin verb valere, which means “to be strong” or “to be healthy.” Such a bombastic denomination echoes the ancient origins of this medicinal herb, as Valeriana officinalis has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2,500 years to promote tranquillity and improve sleep.

Valerian is an herb native to Asia and Europe, nowadays commonly grown in many countries and quite abundant in China. The mature plant may reach a height of 1.5 metres and during the summer period it shows off delicately scented pinkish flowers, used to make perfumes since the Middle Age. Unlike its flowers, the Valerian root presents a pungent, distinctive and earthy odour given by the volatile oils it contains.

The Valerenic acid treasured in this herb is well renowned for its interaction with with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that helps regulate nerve impulses in our brain and nervous system. Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety and poor-quality sleep. Researches show that Valerenic acid is able to inhibit the breakdown of brain’s GABA, resulting in feeling calm and relaxed. Valerian root is also being studied for reducing acute stress-related anxiety and improve symptoms of OCD, but even to promote focus and contrast hyperactive behaviours.