Valerian, lemon balm and mint in the treatment of anxiety disorders and sleep disorders: a review of clinical studies

Sleep is absolutely essential for health. Systematic sleep deficiency or systematic poor quality of sleep greatly reduces mental abilities and increases the chances of developing obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease (senile dementia). When used systematically, a decoction of valerian improves sleep and reduces anxiety. But you cannot use lipophilic solutions of valerian - only aqueous ones. A decoction of valerian reduces the manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adults, reduces hot flashes in women during menopause, reduces the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain, reduces the manifestation of the symptom of “restless legs” and reduces daytime sleepiness.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

herbal medicine . Depending on the dosage, the drug is characterized by a weak or moderate sedative effect on the human body, due to the effects of the essential oil , a significant part of which is an ester of isovaleric acid and borneol . The alkaloids of the tincture - hotenine and valerine and its compounds valepotriate - also have a calming and relaxing effect .

The sedative effectiveness of the drug develops slowly, depends on the dose and is stable. Valerian drops facilitate the process of entering natural sleep , stabilize its course and have virtually no effect on awakening.

In addition to the sedative effects, the drug exhibits a mild antispasmodic effect and a mild choleretic effect. Taking this drug has a beneficial effect on the secretory functionality of the gastrointestinal tract, dilates the vessels of the coronary system and reduces pathologically rapid heart rate. Stabilization of the activity of the heart muscle is determined by the influence of the active ingredient of the drug on the mechanisms of neuroregulation and its direct effect on the cardiac conduction system and heart automatism. Therapeutic effectiveness is formed with prolonged and systematic use.

Valerian tincture 30 ml

Instructions for medical use of the drug VALERIAN TINCTURE Trade name Valerian tincture International nonproprietary name No Dosage form Tincture 25 ml and 30 ml Composition active substance - valerian rhizomes with roots 200 g, excipient - ethyl alcohol 70% to obtain 1000 ml of tincture Description Transparent liquid reddish-brown color (darkens when exposed to light), characteristic aromatic odor and bittersweet, spicy taste. Pharmacotherapeutic group Sleeping pills and other sedatives Code ATC N05CM Pharmacological properties Pharmacokinetics After ingestion of valerian tincture, the maximum concentration of valeric acid (one of the active components) is reached after 1-2 hours and is 0.9-2.3 mg/ml. The half-life of elimination is 1.1  0.6 hours. With repeated use of valerian tincture, the pharmacokinetics of its constituent components does not change. There is no accumulation of valeric acid with repeated use. Valerian tincture does not affect the activity of the main isoforms of cytochromes CYP 2D6 and 3A4, which metabolize drugs. Pharmacodynamics Herbal remedy. Has a sedative effect. The effect is due to the content of essential oil (0.2-2.8%) of which the majority is the ester of borneol and isovaleric acid, borneol acetate. Important components of the drug are also sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes contained in valerian: β-caryophyllene, valeranone, valerenal, valeric acid, as well as valepotriates (0.05-0.67%) - valtrate and isovaltrate. The main degradation products of valepotriates are baldrinal, homobaldrinal and valtroxal, which are hydrolysis products of the parent compounds. Valerian tincture increases the sensitivity of GABA receptors to the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid, which enhances inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex. At the same time, an increase in the synthesis and secretion of GABA is observed at the synapses of neurons in the cerebral cortex. This effect manifests itself only under the influence of the sum of the active substances contained in the valerian tincture and cannot be reproduced with the isolated administration of essential oil, sesquiterpenes or valepotriates. The sedative effect when using valerian tincture appears slowly, but quite steadily and fully develops only with systematic and long-term course treatment. The speed of the body's reaction to external stimuli decreases, making the onset of natural sleep easier. Valepotriates and valeric acid have an antispasmodic effect and have a slight choleretic effect, especially with spasm and hypermotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract. The complex of biologically active substances in valerian tincture regulates cardiac activity through neurohumoral mechanisms and influences on the myocardial conduction system - slows down the heart rate, slightly dilates the coronary vessels. Indications for use - neurasthenia and other neurotic disorders (neuroses) - sleep disturbances due to nervous stress, prolonged neuropsychic overexcitation - mild functional disorders of the cardiovascular system and digestive system (as part of complex therapy). Method of administration and dosage: Orally, for adults, 20-30 drops 3-4 times a day, dissolved in 50 ml of drinking water (¼ cup), if necessary, increase the dose to a maximum of 5 ml (1 teaspoon) 3-4 times a day , dissolving in 50 ml of drinking water. Children over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 drop per year of life, 3-4 times a day, dissolved in 50 ml of drinking water. The use of undiluted tincture in children is contraindicated due to the content of high concentrations of ethyl alcohol. In persons with impaired liver and kidney function, no dose adjustment is required. The duration of the course of treatment is determined individually for each patient, taking into account the nature, severity and characteristics of the course of the disease, the stability of the achieved therapeutic effect and tolerability of the drug. Side effects - lethargy, depression, weakness, decreased performance Contraindications - hypersensitivity to the drug - children under 12 years of age - use of teturam, nitroimidazole and nitrofuran drugs, cephalosporin antibiotics of the II-III generation (due to the possibility of developing an acute toxic reaction to ethyl alcohol as part of valerian tincture - epilepsy - hepatitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, chronic alcoholism - pregnancy, lactation Drug interactions Valerian tincture potentiates the effect of other sedatives and hypnotics, anesthetics, psychotropic drugs, as well as antispasmodics. Using valerian tincture, it is possible to obtain a positive test result for determining the blood alcohol content.Features of the drug's influence on the ability to drive vehicles or potentially dangerous mechanisms During the period of use of valerian tincture, driving a vehicle or particularly dangerous mechanisms is not allowed. Overdose Symptoms – possible increased side effects Treatment – ​​symptomatic. Release form and packaging 25 ml and 30 ml of the drug in orange glass bottles, sealed with polyethylene stoppers and screw caps, or in polymer bottles with a screw neck, sealed with stoppers and caps. Vials are packaged in cardboard boxes or in stacks packed in wrapping paper along with instructions for medical use in the state and Russian languages. Storage conditions Store in a place protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 0C. Keep out of the reach of children! Shelf life 5 years Do not use after expiration date. Dispensing conditions Without a prescription, Republic of Kazakhstan Almaty, st. B. Bulkusheva, 4e Owner of the registration certificate Shansharov-Pharm LLP, Republic of Kazakhstan Address of the organization receiving claims (suggestions) from consumers regarding the quality of medicines in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, responsible for post-registration monitoring of the safety of the medicine Shansharov-Pharm LLP , Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty st. B. Bulkusheva, 4e

Analogs

Level 4 ATC code matches:
Alora

Motherwort extract

Novo-Passit

Cardiovalen

Liked

Carmolis

Lotusonic

Relaxil

Persen Forte

Persen

Phytosed

Sedavit

Motherwort Forte Evalar

Dormiplant

Sondox

Sedafiton

Peony tincture

Menovalen

Bromcamphor

Valerian rhizomes with roots

The most famous substitutes for this drug are herbal drip preparations, similar in their main action to Valerian Tincture: Corvalol , Motherwort , Hawthorn , Peony , Corvaldin , Valocordin , Barboval , Valecard .

Also very popular is a mixture of tinctures of valerian , motherwort , hawthorn , and peony . You can combine these drugs yourself in equal proportions by purchasing all the tinctures separately at the pharmacy and mixing them in a larger glass bottle. You should start taking the prepared tincture of valerian, motherwort, hawthorn, peony with 10-15 drops and, if tolerated, increase the dose to a teaspoon.

Proper treatment with valerian infusion is relatively safe for most people, but not everyone.

Valerian therapy, studies show, is safe for the health of most people. Studies have not found valerian to cause or promote cancer when used correctly. It is important that valerian does not cause adverse changes in DNA and does not interfere with cancer treatment in cancer patients who take valerian to improve sleep.

Links to studies:

  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24837473
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25093031

Valerian also has no effect on reaction time, alertness, or concentration, depending on whether it is taken in the morning or evening.

Link to the study:

  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10599933

Valerian, when used correctly, does not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Side effects from valerian are rare. Usually this is a headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, and even less often drowsiness. But valerian should not be used by children under three years of age, pregnant women, or people with liver disease without consulting a doctor, since the risks of valerian therapy in these groups of people have not been assessed in studies. Valerian should not be used in conjunction with other antidepressants, or with medications for the treatment of epilepsy. You should also not use valerian together with alcohol or antihistamines (allergy medications).

Links to studies:

  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10030529
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9819073
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9818800

With regular use of valerian, it is necessary to be tested for the liver enzyme ALT to exclude a rare but possible complication of the liver.

Link to the study:

  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9820254

Although the ability of valerian to accelerate the growth of cancer tumors has not been proven in studies (possibly due to the presence of other cancer-protective components in its composition), valerian does not cause adverse changes in DNA and does not interfere with the treatment of cancer in cancer patients who take valerian to improve sleep. However, do not forget that valerian acts on GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid). And activation of GABA by other substances in other studies more often still stimulates oncopromotion (the ability to accelerate the growth of cancerous tumors) in some tissues. Therefore, until long-term studies of valerian on cancer safety are available, it is not recommended to use valerian on a regular basis throughout life. In the meantime, use it only as a temporary remedy, for example, for temporary therapy (2-3 months) to regulate the daily routine and for the treatment of insomnia.

Links to studies:

  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16835836
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17942900
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24395782
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3370009
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25012653

Reviews

In the post-Soviet countries, Valerian Tincture has long and consistently received only positive reviews. The only relative disadvantage for some people is the alcohol included in the drug, as a result of which pregnant and lactating women are careful not to drink it.

Also, children do not like the taste of alcohol, as well as the smell of valerian, which is why the use of this tincture in children is limited. Otherwise, valerian drops have been characterized on the positive side for a long time, are included in almost every home medicine cabinet and have no equal in popularity on the pharmaceutical market.

What is valerian?


Valerian has been used since ancient times as a sedative and to improve sleep.
Valerian is a herbaceous plant that grows in Asia, Europe, and for some time now in the USA, China and other countries. Several centuries ago, valerian flowers were used to make perfume. Valerian roots have been used in medicine for at least 2000 years. Valerian roots contain powerfully aromatic essential oils and other compounds that provide a sedative (calming) effect. Interestingly, the name “valerian” comes from the Latin verb “valer”, which means “to be strong” or “to be healthy”. There are many studies showing the effectiveness of valerian for treating certain conditions. Some of the studies show good effects in humans. Some effects have so far been achieved only in animals. For example, a study published in 2015 by Indian scientists found that valerian in mice with Parkinson's disease led to improved behavior and reduced inflammation. Link to the study:

  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26522450

Price, where to buy

As a rule, the price of Valerian tincture does not differ much depending on the manufacturer, that is, as much as valerian drops cost from one manufacturer, it will cost the same from another. At this time, the price of 25 ml of tincture fluctuates around 10-20 rubles.

  • Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
  • Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine

ZdravCity

  • Valerian tincture fl.
    25ml No. 1Kirovskaya f.f. 72 RUR order

Pharmacy Dialogue

  • Valerian tincture (25ml bottle) MFF

    34 RUR order

  • Valerian tincture (25ml bottle) Camellia

    35 rub. order

  • Valerian tincture (25ml bottle) Ivanovskaya farm. f-ka.

    32 RUR order

  • Valerian tincture (flask 25ml)Flora of the Caucasus

    35 rub. order

  • Valerian tincture (flask 25ml)Update PFC JSC

    100 rub. order

show more

A decoction of valerian reduces the symptoms of “restless legs” and reduces daytime sleepiness.


“Restless legs syndrome” is a condition characterized by unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities that appear at rest (usually in the evening and at night), force the patient to make movements that relieve them and often lead to sleep disturbances.

A triple, randomized, blind, placebo-controlled study published by the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 examined the effects of an 8-week course of valerian on restless legs syndrome in 37 patients. Conclusions: Treatment with valerian reduced the symptoms of restless legs syndrome and improved the quality of life of patients.

Link to the study:

  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19284179

How else can valerian root help?

Some people use valerian root to treat their other symptoms, although there is little formal research on this.

Proponents may recommend valerian for problems such as:

  • menstrual cramps
  • stomach cramps
  • headaches and migraines
  • menopause symptoms

Some people may find valerian root an effective remedy for relieving these symptoms.

However, most research on valerian has focused on its use as a sedative, antioxidant, and anti-anxiety agent.

Side effects of taking valerian root

When a person takes valerian, some side effects may occur. The sedative effect of valerian means that drowsiness may be a common side effect.

Although it is helpful for falling asleep at night, daytime sleepiness can affect a person's ability to function. People taking valerian and experiencing daytime sleepiness should reduce their dose.

Some people may experience the following symptoms:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • itchy skin
  • stomach upset
Rating
( 2 ratings, average 4.5 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]