Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man

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#adult #aging #alcohol-drinking #coffee #female

Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man

Leathwood et al., 1982 | Pharmacol Biochem Behav | Rct

Citation

Leathwood P D, Chauffard F, ... Munoz-Box R. Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1982-Jul;17(1):65-71

Abstract

The effect of an aqueous extract of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) root on subjectively rated sleep measures was studied on 128 people. Each person received 9 samples to test (3 containing placebo, 3 containing 400 mg valerian extract and 3 containing a proprietary over-the-counter valerian preparation). The samples, identified only by a code number, and presented in random order, were taken on non-consecutive nights. Valerian produced a significant decrease in subjectively evaluated sleep latency scores and a significant improvement in sleep quality: the latter was most notable among people who considered themselves poor or irregular sleepers, smokers, and people who thought they normally had long sleep latencies. Night awakenings, dream recall and somnolence the next morning were relatively unaffected by valerian. With the proprietary valerian-containing preparation, the only change was a significant increase in reports of feeling more sleepy than normal the next morning. Thus the questionnaire, simple to use and non-invasive, provides a sensitive means for detecting the effects of mild sedatives on different aspects of sleep in man. It also allows identification within the test population of the subgroups most affected.

Key Findings

It also allows identification within the test population of the subgroups most affected.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 128
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aging
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Coffee
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Sex Factors
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Wake Disorders
  • Smoking
  • Valerian

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: valerian

Provenance

  • PMID: 7122669
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10