Evidence supporting the use of: Valerenic acid
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Valerenic acid is a sesquiterpenoid compound found in Valeriana officinalis (valerian root), a herbal remedy traditionally used for insomnia and sleep disorders. Its use for insomnia is supported by both historical/traditional practices and some modern scientific investigation, though the strength of scientific evidence is moderate at best.
Several laboratory studies have shown that valerenic acid acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors in the brain, which are associated with sedative and anxiolytic effects—mechanisms similar to those of some pharmaceutical sleep aids. Animal studies suggest valerenic acid can reduce sleep latency and increase overall sleep time. However, clinical trials in humans have mostly examined valerian extracts (which contain valerenic acid among other constituents), not purified valerenic acid itself. Meta-analyses of valerian supplements for insomnia show mixed results, with some studies reporting small improvements in subjective sleep quality and others finding no significant effects compared to placebo. The specific role of valerenic acid, as opposed to other components of valerian, remains uncertain in these results.
In summary, while there is a plausible scientific mechanism and limited evidence from preclinical and clinical studies, the overall quality and consistency of the evidence for valerenic acid’s efficacy in treating insomnia is relatively low, justifying a modest evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut