Indian Valerian (Valeriana jatamansi) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems for calming the mind and addressing symptoms related to anxiety and insomnia. The root is believed to possess sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic properties, and is often used in formulations intended to promote relaxation and mental tranquility. Many traditional texts and ethnobotanical reports document its use for nervous disorders, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, which are commonly associated with anxiety.

Scientifically, however, there are only a limited number of preclinical studies and very few clinical trials investigating the anxiolytic effects of Indian Valerian specifically (as opposed to European valerian, Valeriana officinalis). Some animal studies suggest that extracts of Indian Valerian may have mild sedative and anxiolytic-like effects, likely related to its content of valepotriates and other phytochemicals. Nonetheless, well-designed human clinical trials are lacking, and there is insufficient high-quality evidence to conclusively support its efficacy and safety for anxiety disorders in humans. Thus, its use is justified primarily by tradition and low-level preclinical evidence, rather than robust scientific validation.