Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adolescent #adult #aged #aged-80-and-over #anxiety

Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Shinjyo et al., 2020 | J Evid Based Integr Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Shinjyo Noriko, Waddell Guy, Green Julia. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2020;25:2515690X20967323. doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323

Abstract

Sleep problems are widely prevalent and associated with various comorbidities including anxiety. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a popular herbal medicine used as a sleep aid, however the outcomes of previous clinical studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to update and re-evaluate the available data in order to understand the reason behind the inconsistent outcomes and to provide a broader view of the use of valerian for associated disorders. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve publications relevant to the effectiveness of valerian as a treatment of sleep problems and associated disorders. A total of 60 studies (n=6,894) were included in this review, and meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effectiveness to improve subjective sleep quality (10 studies, n=1,065) and to reduce anxiety (8 studies, n=535). Results suggested that inconsistent outcomes were possibly due to the variable quality of herbal extracts and that more reliable effects could be expected from the whole root/rhizome. In addition, therapeutic benefits could be optimized when it was combined with appropriate herbal partners. There were no severe adverse events associated with valerian intake in subjects aged between 7 and 80 years. In conclusion, valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders. However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.

Key Findings

However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality
  • anxiety

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 6894
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Roots
  • Rhizome
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
  • Valerian
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: valerian-sleep

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09