Valerian extract: instructions for using tablets, how to drink during pregnancy, price, overdose

Valerian tablets are a popular herbal remedy with a moderate sedative effect. The drug contains valerian extract. The peculiarity of the medicine is its cumulative effect. When taken once, the product has virtually no relaxing effect. The result, depending on the individual characteristics of the body, is observed after 2-4 weeks.

pharmachologic effect

The drug is of plant origin. Wikipedia indicates that valerian officinalis is a herbaceous, perennial plant.

Its other name is cat grass , since it is well known how valerian affects cats. Cat grass, as valerian is sometimes called differently, causes a pronounced arousal reaction in felines.

The characteristics of the plant can be seen in the photo of valerian officinalis.

Valerian extract has a moderate sedative effect on the body. This effect is noted due to the presence in its composition of essential oil, the main content of which is an ester of isovaleric acid and borneol.

valerine and hotenin also have a sedative effect . As a result, a slow but stable sedative effect is observed.

Under the influence of the drug, inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex are enhanced. The synthesis and secretion of GABA at the synapses of cortical neurons also increases. This effect occurs only in the case of the total effect of substances that are part of valerian.

The extract helps facilitate the onset of natural sleep. Valeric acid and valepotriates have a weak antispasmodic effect. Also, the active substances of valerian provide a choleretic effect, activates the secretory activity of the gastrointestinal mucosa, slows the heart rate and dilates the coronary vessels.

The therapeutic effect is observed if treatment is carried out systematically and over a long period of time.

Valerian extract, due to the presence of actinidin , has an unusual effect on felines.

Answering the question why cats love valerian, experts note that the smell of actinidin is reminiscent of the smell of certain substances contained in the urine of cats.

Relieves muscle spasms

The Italian botanist, one of the first members of the Italian Academy of Sciences, Fabio Colonna, reported back in 1592 that the use of powdered valerian root allowed him to completely get rid of epilepsy [9]. This disease manifests itself as convulsions - short-term, frequent muscle spasms that do not depend on a person’s will.

In 2004, an Australian scientist from the University of Queensland and the Royal Brisbane Hospital, MJ Eadie, set out to evaluate the available evidence that valerian has an anticonvulsant effect. It was found that isovaleric acid contained in the plant acts similarly to valproic acid, a substance used to eliminate seizures in epilepsy [10]. It can also prevent sudden and involuntary muscle contractions. However, it acts more gently and safely. In addition, valepotriates exhibit an antispasmodic effect.

It may seem counterintuitive, but valproic acid was created in the late 19th century as an analogue of valeric acid, also present in valerian. Only the purpose of its production at that time was not the treatment of epilepsy, but the dissolution of organic compounds. The anticonvulsant properties of the substance were discovered completely by accident 80 (!) years later. Since then, it has been the most popular antiepileptic drug throughout the world. However, its safety leaves much to be desired. It has been proven that valproic acid can cause such severe disorders as liver failure, fatal toxic hepatitis, acute pancreatitis, dementia with brain atrophy, dysfunction of endocrine and reproductive organs and other pathologies (M. Z. Karkashadze, V. M. Studenikin, O. I. Maslova and others, Scientific Center for Children’s Health, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences) [11].

In 1980, Holm and colleagues demonstrated in experiments with cats that valerian can reduce muscle tone in animals by 30-40% [12].

In 2010, a group of specialists from Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) led by ME Rezvani experimentally (on rats) also confirmed the antispasmodic effect of valerian [13]. It extends not only to skeletal (striated) muscles, but also to the smooth muscles of hollow internal organs (stomach, intestines, uterus, heart, gall and bladder) and the walls of lymphatic and blood vessels.

Indications for use

The use of valerian tablets is indicated in the following cases:

high degree of nervous excitement;
insomnia and problems falling asleep;
migraine;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
functional disorders of the cardiovascular system (as part of complex treatment);
spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (as part of complex treatment).

Before taking valerian tablets for blood pressure or stress (before an exam, etc.), you must consult a doctor who will tell you how to take the tablets, how much to drink, and whether you should do it.

Contraindications

Before you start taking this remedy, you should know its medicinal properties and contraindications. You should not take the drug if you have the following conditions and diseases:

high sensitivity to the components of the drug;
fructose intolerance;
lactase deficiency;
sucrase/isomaltase deficiency;
glucose-galactose malabsorption;
first trimester of pregnancy ;
age up to 3 years.

Pregnant women should take into account the beneficial properties and contraindications and consult a doctor.

Side effects

During treatment, the following side effects of the tablets may occur:

lethargy;
drowsiness and decreased performance;
muscle weakness;
constipation (if long-term use is practiced).

Sometimes side effects may develop in the form of allergic reactions .

Bibliography

Kemper KJ Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) // Longwood Herbal Task Force. – 1999. – 25 p.
Bhattacharyya D., Sur TK, Jana U., Debnath PK Controlled programmed trial of Ocimum sanctum leaf on generalized anxiety disorders // Nepal Medical College Journal. 2008. Vol. 10 (3). P. 176–179.
Malva JO, Santos S., Macedo T. Neuroprotective properties of Valeriana officinalis extracts // Neurotoxicity Research. 2004. Vol. 6 (2). P. 131–140.
De Oliveria DM, Barreto G., De Andrade DV, Saraceno E., Aon-Bertolino L., Capani F., Dos Santos E. l. Bachá R., Giraldez LD Cytoprotective effect of Valeriana officinalis extract on an in vitro experimental model of Parkinson disease // Neurochemical Research. 2009. Vol. 34(2). P. 215–220.
Diaper A., Hindmarch I. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of two doses of a valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function of sleepdisturbed older adults // Phytotherapy Research. 2004. Vol. 18. P. 831–836.
Bent S., Padula A., Moore D., Patterson M., Mehling W. Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis // American Journal of Medicine. 2006. Vol. 119(12). P. 1005–1012.
Tokunaga S., Takeda Y., Niimoto T., Nishida N., Kubo T., Ohno T., Matsuura Y., Kawahara Y., Shinomiya K., Kamei C. Effect of valerian extract preparation (BIM) on the sleep -wake cycle in rats // Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2007. Vol. 30(2). P. 363–366.
Ziegler G., Ploch M., Miettinen-Baumann A., Collet W. Efficacy and tolerability of valerian extract LI 156 compared with oxazepam in the treatment of non-organic insomnia a randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study // European journal of medical research. 2002. Vol. 7 (11). P. 480–486.
Colonna F. Phytobasanos. – Neapoli: Iacobum Carlinum & Antonium Pacem, 1592. – 32 pp.
Eadie MJ Could valerian have been the first anticonvulsant? // Epilepsy. 2004. Vol. 45. P. 1338–1343.
Karkashadze M. Z., Studenikin V. M., Maslova O. I., Bakanov M. I., Shelkovsky V. I., Balkanskaya S. V. Ideas about the side effects of valproic acid drugs in the treatment of epilepsy in children // Questions modern pediatrics. 2003. T. 2. No. 3. P. 43–49.
Holm E., Kowollik H., Reinecke A., Henning von GE, Behne F., Scherer H.-D. Vergleichende neurophysiologische Untersuchungen mit Valtratum / Isovaltratum und Extractum Valerianae an Katzen // Die Medizinische Welt. 1980. Vol. 31, No. 26. P. 982–990.
Rezvani M.E., Roohbakhsh A., Allahtavakoli M., Shamsizadeh A. Anticonvulsant effect of aqueous extract of Valeriana officinalis in amygdala-kindled rats: possible involvement of adenosine // Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2010. Vol. 127(2). P. 313–318.
Yuan CS, Mehendale S., Xiao Y., Aung HH, Xie J.-T., Ang-Lee MK The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity // Anesthesia & Analgesia. 2004. Vol. 98. P. 353–358.
Malankina E. L. Use of valerian in official and folk medicine. URL: https://www.greeninfo.ru/grassy/valeriana_officinalis.html/Article/_/aID/5396 (access date: May 16, 2019).
Andreatini R., Sartori VA Seabra MLV, Leite JR Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study // Phytotherapy Research. 2002. Vol. 16. P. 650–654.
Kivimäki M., Nyberg ST, Batty GD, Fransson E., Heikkiä K., Alfredsson L., Bjorner JB, Borritz M., Burr H., Casini A., Clays E., De Bacquer D. et al. Job strain as a risk factor for coronary heart disease: a collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data // The Lancet. 2012. 380 (9852). P. 1491–1497.
Buckley T., Hoo SY, Fethney J., Shaw E., Hanson PS, Tofler GH Triggering of acute coronary occlusion by episodes of anger // European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care. 2015. Vol. 4 (6). P. 493–498.
Karomatov I. D., Rakhmatova D. I. Valerian officinalis and prospects for use in neurological and general medical practice: literature review // Biology and integrative medicine. 2021. No. 1. pp. 91–108.
Sokolov S. Ya., Zamotaev I. P. Handbook of medicinal plants - M.: Medicine, 1987. - 512 p.
Duan X.-Y., Gong Z.-F., Chen S.-H., Fang Y., Liu Y.-W. HPLC fingerprint of the antiarrhythmic fraction of Valeriana officinalis // Zhongyaocai. 2009. Vol. 32. P. 866–870.
Cropley M., Cave Z., Ellis J., Middleton RW Effect of kava and valerian on human physiological and psychological responses to mental stress assessed under laboratory conditions // Phytotherapy Research. 2002. Vol. 16. P. 23–27.
Skakun N. P., Pasechnik N. X. On the choleretic effect of drugs of valerian officinalis and Leuzea safflower // Proceedings of the Ternopil Medical Institute. 1960. T. 1. pp. 264–266.
Simanenkov V. I., Lutaenko E. A. Methodological recommendations for the use of ursodeoxycholic acid (Urdox) in patients with biliary dyskinesia. – St. Petersburg. : Pharmproekt, 2010. – 28 p.
Skryabin K.I., Shultz R.S. Fundamentals of general helminthology. – M.: Selkhozgiz, 1940. – 470 p.
Charushin V.A. A short guide to helminthology: a textbook for doctors and students of medical and veterinary universities. – M.: Medgiz, 1931. – 360 p.
Yordanov D., Nikolov P., Boychinov A. Herbal medicine. Treatment with medicinal herbs. – Sofia: Medicine and Physical Education, 1972 – 347 p.
Zavrazhnov V.I., Kitaeva R.I., Khmelev K.F. Medicinal plants of the Central Black Earth Region. – Voronezh: VSU Publishing House, 1972. – 390 p.

Valerian extract, instructions for use of tablets (Method and dosage)

The instructions for valerian tablets include taking 1-2 tablets three times a day immediately after meals. If necessary, the dose can be increased, but only under the supervision of a specialist. Treatment should last from 2 to 4 weeks.

The instructions for using valerian tablets provide for repeated courses of therapy if necessary. The dose should not be adjusted for people who have impaired liver or kidney function.

How to take other types of medicine (Bulgarian valerian, brown valerian, etc.) should be checked with the doctor who prescribes the treatment.

The doctor prescribing the treatment regimen should tell you how to take valerian tablets for a certain disease.

Drug interactions

Valerian tablets help enhance the effect of other sedatives, antispasmodics, and sleep aids. Before starting to take the drug, doctors require that you inform them about all the drugs that the patient is taking at the same time. If you do not follow the instructions and recommendations of specialists, then harmless valerian can lead to unpredictable consequences: increased activity or, conversely, stupor, semi-fainting.

It is especially dangerous to combine the product with alcohol. While using this medication, it is better to avoid excessive consumption of coffee, strong tea, and energy drinks, as they may negate the desired effect of the drug.

Overdose of Valerian

The consequences of an overdose of valerian tablets are the manifestation of drowsiness , muscle weakness , lethargy and other signs of depression of the central nervous system.

bradycardia and arrhythmia may occur . As a rule, such symptoms appear when taking large doses of the medicine (doses 20 times or more higher than usual).

However, how many tablets cause such phenomena is individual for each person. The instructions do not indicate a lethal dose of the drug. Whether you can die after a severe overdose depends on the person’s health.

In case of overdose, the drug should be immediately discontinued, gastrointestinal lavage should be performed, the patient should be given activated carbon , as well as Magnesium sulfate to prevent intestinal absorption of substances and cause a laxative effect. There is no specific antidote.

What is Valerian tablets

The product is attractive due to its low price and is very popular among Russians. The drug has the international name Valeriana officinalis. It is available in the form of a liquid tincture, tablets, or is included in other medications with a sedative effect. Valerian is a herbal remedy. In addition to the fact that the drug calms the nervous system, it has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system.

special instructions

You should clearly read the instructions before taking the product in order to compare the benefits and harms of taking the product in each specific case.

If the tablets are used over a long period of time, the effect on a person may lead to a decrease in psychomotor reactions. How long it takes for the drug to act in this way depends on the individual characteristics of the body.

When taking the medicine, you should take into account how valerian acts on a person, so you need to carefully drive vehicles, as well as perform other actions that require accurate reactions.

Another name for the plant is cat grass, as it is called because valerian causes a specific effect on animals. Many people are interested in whether valerian is harmful for cats.

You can find out why cats like this medicine by studying its composition. actinidin in its composition .

As a rule, cats behave in a special way after valerian. But, answering the question whether it is possible to give a dog or whether it is possible to give a cat valerian, it should be noted that sometimes veterinarians even prescribe this drug to cats in small doses in order to increase vitality.

Unlike people, cats are not sedated by this remedy. There have been cases where an overdose led to the death of an animal. Sometimes the lethal dose for a cat is a relatively small amount of the drug, so it is advisable not to keep the tablets in places where animals have access.

If valerian is given in tablets to dogs, the product can provoke allergic reactions in the animal.

Features of reception and storage

The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the age, weight, and condition of the patient. What recommendations on the method of use and doses can be seen in the instructions?

Conditions for taking the medication. Drink before meals. Dilute in a small volume of water.
For adults. It is recommended to take the tincture no more than 4 times a day and no more than 30 drops at a time.
For children. Children are given valerian less often - 2 times a day. The number of drops corresponds to the number of years of the child.

Therapeutic effect

How long does it take for valerian to take effect? In patient reviews, there is often an opinion that valerian infusion does not help at all. The therapeutic effect of the drug does not occur immediately - not after an hour or two, but after a day, or even later. However, compared to valerian extract in tablets, the infusion, due to its alcohol content, is instantly absorbed into the blood and acts faster. Aqueous tincture of valerian, prepared at home, and extract in tablets can be taken for a long time - up to 2 months. Read more about valerian extract in tablets and its use in our other article. Alcohol tincture gives a stable therapeutic effect if taken for at least 1 week. You should not get carried away with valerian tincture and overdose, but it is also known that too small doses of the medicine will not bring any benefit.

Storage conditions

It is better to store valerian infusion in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place at a temperature no higher than 15°C. When exposed to sunlight, the tincture may darken, but does not lose its healing properties. The alcohol infusion is suitable for 2 years under the correct storage conditions. After using the medicine, you must carefully seal the bottle.

It is also important to remember the safety rules: keep the medicine out of the reach of children. An overdose of valerian is doubly dangerous for a child’s body: due to its alcohol content and sedatives.

Analogs

Level 4 ATC code matches:
Alora

Motherwort extract

Novo-Passit

Cardiovalen

Liked

Carmolis

Valerian tincture

Lotusonic

Relaxil

Persen Forte

Persen

Phytosed

Sedavit

Motherwort Forte Evalar

Dormiplant

Sondox

Sedafiton

Peony tincture

Menovalen

Bromcamphor

Pharmacies sell a wide variety of valerian-based medications. In particular, these are: Valerian P , Himalayan valerian , Bulgarian valerian , etc. There are also a number of drugs with similar indications.

Which is better: Valerian or Motherwort?

When answering the question of which is better - valerian or motherwort, it should be taken into account that the effect of motherwort on the human body is almost the same. However, in the treatment of neuroses and cardiovascular diseases, a more pronounced effect is observed when taking motherwort.

Those who are interested in whether this remedy increases or decreases blood pressure should take into account that when taking motherwort, blood pressure levels decrease.

Gets rid of helminths

Experts say that more than 90% of people around the world are infected with one or another parasite. Helminths interfere with the normal functioning of internal organs and provoke the development of a large number of concomitant diseases. It is impossible to get rid of them in a short time, and long-term use of synthetic anthelmintic drugs is dangerous for human health, since such drugs, according to Academician K. I. Scriabin, “are poisons not only for the parasite, but also for its owner” [25]. Another scientist, Professor V.A. Charushin, reported at the beginning of the last century: “After the use of anthelmintic drugs, complications may exceed the consequences of the parasitic infection itself.” The professor recommended giving preference to herbal remedies in the fight against helminthic infestations [26].

One of these remedies is valerian officinalis. The antihelminthic properties of the plant were described in the works of the Bulgarian herbalist P. Nikolov back in the middle of the last century (1949) [27]. Later (1972), V.I. Zavrazhnov, R.I. Kitaeva and K.F. Khmelev reported that valerian rhizomes are effective as an anthelmintic for tapeworm infestation [28].

The main active ingredients that provide the anthelmintic properties of the plant are strong phytochemical compounds with a bitter taste - iridoids. Valerian contains two types of them - valepotriates and alkaloids. All of them are carefully preserved in the Valerian P preparation thanks to the use of cryoprocessing technology.

Valerian extract during pregnancy and lactation

Whether pregnant women can take valerian preparations depends on the period of future pregnancy. Valerian tablets are prohibited during pregnancy if the 1st trimester has passed. For pregnant women in later stages (2nd trimester, 3rd trimester), the drug is approved according to strict indications.

As a rule, valerian during pregnancy is prescribed as a relatively safe sedative, since sudden changes in hormonal levels provoke a state of emotional instability in the expectant mother. During pregnancy, valerian can effectively relieve tension.

However, it should be noted that valerian tablets during pregnancy should be taken strictly in the dosage prescribed by the doctor, since an overdose can negatively affect the developing fetus. The question of whether valerian can be taken by pregnant women should initially be discussed individually with a gynecologist.

Valerian can be used during breastfeeding only after the doctor has approved the use of this drug. It should be borne in mind that during breastfeeding, medications pass into breast milk, so the prescribed dosage must be strictly observed.

It is also important to know that when breastfeeding, a woman or baby may experience allergic reactions as a result of taking the drug, and sleep disturbances may occur in the baby. Therefore, when breastfeeding, you can practice taking the extract only according to indications and after prescription.

Contraindications for valerian and drugs based on it

An absolute contraindication to the use of valerian is the presence of an allergy to it. If it has not been taken before and it is not known how it can affect the body, the first doses should be carried out with a small amount of the product.

Typical signs of allergy upon contact with the product.

Further, valerian is contraindicated for people who are depressed and depressed, as well as people taking other sedatives with similar pharmacological effects.

It is also useful to read: Should children be given valerian?

Enterocolitis is also a contraindication, which can be aggravated by the influence of both valerian and the alcohol from its tincture.

This is interesting
Since valerian is included in Corvalol, which is banned in many countries, it is sometimes believed that valerian is banned in Europe, but this is not the case. Valerian is a medicinal product approved in all countries of the world.

Due to the limited data available on the use of valerian in pregnant women and nursing mothers, valerian is contraindicated for this population group, except as directed by the attending physician.

Children under 12 years of age are also contraindicated for valerian, however, in certain cases, the pediatrician may prescribe this drug.

Valerian tincture is not recommended for use by people with liver problems due to the alcohol it contains. Any form of release of valerian is contraindicated for persons before driving vehicles or working with dangerous mechanisms that require increased concentration. In general, any activity that requires increased concentration and performance is incompatible with taking valerian in any form of release.

If you plan to drive home, you should drink valerian upon arrival home

Due to the same decrease in concentration, inhaling valerian essential oil is not recommended for people aged 10 to 65 years, as well as for pregnant and lactating women.

Valerian is quite dangerous for people who combine it with alcohol. This combination can have consequences in the form of loss of consciousness and even coma, leading to cardiac arrest, which is explained by the combination of the relaxing and inhibitory effect of alcohol on the brain with the inhibitory and inhibitory effect of valerian on the nervous system as a whole. Taking valerian tincture in alcohol together with alcohol can lead to chronic liver damage.

Reviews

Reviews of valerian tablets, as a rule, indicate that users consider this drug relatively “safe” and very often take it independently, without prescription. As a rule, valerian extract in tablets has a beneficial effect, helping to overcome insomnia, irritability, and survive stressful situations.

Often patients do not know how many tablets to take and exceed the usual dosage. At the same time, drowsiness and lethargy are noted. Whether valerian extract helps calm people often depends on the person's circumstances and condition.

Doctors in the reviews note that before taking it, it is still advisable to consult a doctor, who needs to ask questions about why valerian extract is prescribed, whether a nursing mother can drink this medicine, how much to drink to calm down, why valerian works this way, etc.

How to use

It is important to remember that during the period of use of this drug, the patient may experience slow reactions, absent-mindedness, and inattention. The instructions on how to take Valerian tablets indicate that a long course of treatment may cause slight inhibition. If there is excessive absent-mindedness, you should stop taking valerian root extract.

You can use the product yourself or give it to a child only after a doctor’s prescription, following the following recommendations:

The tablets are taken after meals.
There is no need to chew the pills; they are swallowed whole.
It is important to take the medicine with clean water.

The duration of use of the drug depends on its effectiveness for a particular patient. Courses can be prescribed for 14-30 days, but no more than one and a half months. Long-term use of tablets leads to the development of heartburn, drowsiness, and decreased performance of the patient. If the result from using the pills is not observed within a week, then you should stop taking it and replace the product with another one.

Price, where to buy

How much this drug costs depends on the number of tablets in the package.

The price of valerian tablets is from 70 rubles for 50 pcs.

Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
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