Valerenic acid is a monocarboxylic acid, bicyclic sesquiterpenoid chemical constituent of the essential oil of different varieties of herbal drugs. Valerenic acid has 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid, substituted at position 3 by a 3,7-dimethyl-2,4,5,6,7,7 a-hexahydro-1H-inden-4-yl group.
Valerian (Valeriana sp.) contains valerenic acids, such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and iridoid glycosides that give the root a sedative and antispasmodic activity. In the volatile oil component of valerian, sesquiterpenes, are thought to be responsible for its biological effect (Houghton 1999).
Valerian extracts allosterically modulate GABA-A receptors and induced an anxiolytic activity. This activity is closely related to valerenic acid.
Background: Valerian is commonly used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Valerian extracts allosterically modulate GABA-A receptors and induced an anxiolytic activity. This activity is closely related to valerenic acid. In the present experiments it was investigated whether acetoxy valerenic acid may interfere with the anxiolytic action of valerenic acid.
Methods: Situational anxiety was measured using male CD-1 mice in the elevated plus maze test after oral administration of the test substances. In addition the body core temperature was measured. For the 3H-GABA binding assay dissected tissue from frontal cortex of male RjHan:WI rats were used. Statistical evaluation was performed by means of the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallies H-test, followed by the two-tailed Mann-Whitney U-test.
Results: Adding of acetoxy valerenic acid abolished the anxiolytic action of valerenic acid. There was no effect on body core temperature. Moreover, the valerian extract did not show any affinity to benzodiazepine binding sites.
Conclusion: The determining compound for the observed anxiolytic effect of the valerian extract is its content of valerenic acid.
Scientists aren't sure how valerian works, but they believe it increases the amount of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps regulate nerve cells and has a calming effect on anxiety.
How fast does valerian work for anxiety?
While some people will feel the effects of valerian root very quickly, many note that the herb works best when they take it for 1 to 2 weeks. However, research has not fully explored the long-term effects of the plant.