Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Valerenic acid is a principal active compound found in the root of the Valeriana officinalis (valerian) plant. The use of valerian root for anxiety and sleep disorders has a long history in traditional herbal medicine, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. While valerenic acid is often cited as a key constituent responsible for the plant’s purported calming effects, the majority of evidence supporting its use for anxiety disorders is based on tradition and historical usage rather than robust scientific validation.

Some laboratory studies have suggested that valerenic acid may modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating anxiety and mood. However, clinical trials assessing the efficacy of valerian or valerenic acid for anxiety have yielded inconsistent and generally weak results. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that there is insufficient high-quality evidence to support valerian or valerenic acid as effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Most clinical research has focused on valerian as a whole extract, rather than isolated valerenic acid, and the results tend to show only modest or non-significant effects.

In summary, the use of valerenic acid for anxiety disorders is primarily supported by traditional use and limited preclinical evidence, with clinical studies offering little conclusive proof of efficacy.

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