Valerenic Acids

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant common to Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine as far back as ancient Greece. Hippocrates described the use of valerian in the treatment of insomnia. The components in the plant associated with its pharmacological activity are a set of three valerenic acids. We supply all three valerian reference standards including valerenic acid, acetoxyvalerenic acid and hydroxyvalerenic acid.

Extracts of the plant have shown sedative and anxiolytic effects. Many dietary supplements marketed as sleep aids are extracts and derivatives of valerian root. There is insufficient clinical evidence for this claim.