Synopsis

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

Indian Valerian (Valeriana jatamansi) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, primarily as a sedative, anxiolytic, and sleep aid. The herb is believed to exert calming effects, and its traditional uses overlap with those of European valerian (Valeriana officinalis), which is more extensively studied. The rationale for its use to support the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system comes from the broader traditional belief that valerian species promote relaxation and sleep, functions tightly linked to GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain. However, direct scientific studies specifically examining Indian Valerian’s impact on GABA pathways in humans are limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of Valeriana jatamansi may have mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, possibly due to modulation of GABA receptors, similar to Valeriana officinalis. Still, these findings are preliminary, and rigorous clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, while traditional use is well-established, and there is some suggestive preclinical evidence, robust scientific validation for Indian Valerian’s direct support of the GABA system is currently insufficient.

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