Evidence supporting the use of: Valerian root
For the health condition: Nervousness

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Synopsis

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

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) has a long history of traditional use for nervousness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, especially in European herbal medicine. Modern scientific research has explored its effects on the nervous system, largely through its action on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission, which plays a key role in regulating nervousness and anxiety. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that valerian root extracts may increase GABA availability in the brain, leading to calming effects.

Clinical studies in humans have produced mixed results. While several small trials and meta-analyses report modest benefits of valerian for subjective feelings of anxiety and nervousness, the overall quality of evidence is low due to methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and inconsistent outcome measures. Notably, a 2020 systematic review in Phytotherapy Research concluded that valerian shows potential for reducing mild anxiety but emphasized the need for larger, high-quality studies.

Despite the limited scientific support, valerian root is widely used as an over-the-counter supplement for nervousness and related symptoms, likely due to its favorable safety profile and strong traditional reputation. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary clinical evidence for valerian root in supporting nervousness, the strength of the evidence is modest (rated 2 out of 5) and further well-designed studies are necessary to establish its efficacy definitively.

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