Abstract
- Indian Names: Sugandh Bala, Tagar, and Muskbala
- Latin Names: Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana wallichi
Valeriana species has been used for years and is served as traditional medicine for anticonvulsant effects. The root part of this herb is composed of various classes of chemical compounds, including terpenes , valepotriates and some alkaloids. The most common use of this herb is to improve sleep. Patients suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia can benefit from reducing sleep latency. Poor sleep and sleep sickness are the primary concerns. Sleep deprivation can lead to illness. This is a major concern for everyone. Work pressure, anxieties, any illness, peer pressure, and many more reasons behind the sleep sickness. For this treatment, everyone intakes chemical drugs and hallucinations, which may cause damage to the brain cells and suppress the activity of the central nervous system. Valeriana is a well-known herb that has the potency to treat sleeping disorders. This herb can be taken in the form of capsules or in powdered form. The dried root extract is used to prepare the medicine. This herbal supplement is very rare on the market but can be easily obtained from the store of Planet Ayurveda. The very natural and herbal pharmaceutical sleep aid. Indian Valeriana can be consumed as a capsule and is extracted from the rhizome part of the root.
Introduction
A well-known traditional medicinal herb that grows in damp locations. It is native to Asia and Europe and is also naturally seen in the regions of the Northern US and Canada. The Indian Valerian is a wild herb that is seen at the high altitudes of the temperate Himalayas. It is an aromatic herb that rises up to a height of 50 cm. The tightly clustered flowers at the axis of the stem are white or pale pink in colour. It consists of several stems that are around 17–40 cm long. The scented leaves of Valeriana are compound and radicle. This perennial flowering plant belongs to the family Valerianaceae. The valerian root is basically the medicinal part, which exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, sedative, anti-inflammatory and some neuroprotective activities. patients suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia or help reduce sleep latency.
Nutritional Composition
The main micro and macronutrients are present, such as phosphorus , calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium. And the root part of valerian contains essential vitamins such as beta-carotene and vitamin B complexes.
Bioactive Compounds
The main phytochemical compounds are derived from the root extracts. The main active compounds present in valerian are the iridoid molecules, such as valepotriates and valerenic acid. Whereas high levels of valepotriates are found in the V. officinalis and V. wallichi species, among others, a number of these chemicals exhibit CNS activity.
Mainly, alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids, and volatile oils are present and are discussed below in the table:
| Alkaloids | Rooksha |
| Flavonoids | Ushna |
| Other chemical compounds, like: | Caffeic, chlorogenic acid , tannins, and sitosterol |
Benefits Of Valeriana
1. Anticonvulsant activity (promotes better sleep)
There are a number of valerian species. The two main species are V. officinalis and V. wallichii (Tagar). These are found in tropical and temperate Himalayan regions. And it is used traditionally for medicinal purposes. In vitro studies show the activity of the receptors present in our body, like how they activate the nerves and help as a sleep aid. Valerian affects the chemicals that regulate sleep, like GABA and serotonin neurotransmitters. This herb increases the levels of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in the brain. This regulates the nerve cells and calms the anxiety effect. The chemical components present in this herb have active sedative properties. The valerian capsules, tablets or tinctures consist of valerenic acid. A compound with active pharmacological activity. The herbal products are made with fine dried root extract.
2. Reduces Muscle Cramps
Valerian has mild muscle relaxant properties that help to relieve muscle tension, spasms, and pain. The sedative effect of this herb may also aid in overall body relaxation, thereby relieving physical stress and tension.
3. Control Blood Pressure
The two main compounds of valerian roots have sedative effects. This may relax the muscles from extreme fatigue. It also lowers blood pressure and relieves stress and anxiety. This may also help to lower the heart rate when needed. Although high blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
4. Ease the Menstrual Pain
Women use valerian to relieve menstrual cramps and related discomfort. Its muscle-relaxing properties can soothe uterine muscles, reduce cramping, and alleviate the emotional stress that comes with menstruation.
5. Memory Enhancement
The root extract of valerian herb aids memory improvement by potentially lowering stress and anxiety through its interaction with the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. The herb’s valerinic acid promotes problem-solving abilities and memory performance in both adolescents and children.
Ayurvedic Properties Of Valeriana
- Rasa (taste): Katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (sharp)
- Guna (qualities): Laghu (light for digestion), snigdha (slimy in nature)
- Vipaka: Katu (undergoes pungent after digestion)
- Veerya (potency): Ushna (hot)
- Karma (actions): Tridoshahara — balance all three doshas, especially kaphavata shamaka (reduces vitiated kapha and vata dosha)
- Vishagna (controls the poison in the body)
- Part Used: Roots
Due to its high potency. Clinically, it has been proven that Tagara possesses the properties of Nidrajanana (i.e., sedative and hypnotic), so it was found effective in Anidra. The sedative effect is due to the presence of chemical valepotriates that inhibit the breakdown of GABA in the brain. This herb is said to have been used traditionally in ancient times. In Ayurvedic terms, V. wallichi is also known as Tagar, which manages the Anidra, Kampavata, Amavata, kasa and Swasha. This herb is an Ayurvedic treatment that protects the brain and nervous system. It is also used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and migraines. To treat patients, the fresh root of Tagar is ground with buttermilk and applied as a paste. This can be applied externally to wounds and pain points. Excessive intake of this herb can cause vomiting and dizziness, so the recommended dose is 1 to 3 g. There are numerous herbal medicines, including Tagra, such as Dhanvantara Taila, that relieve joint pain. Tagara’s major chemical constituents are valerate and didrovaltratum.
Conclusion
This article concluded that the Genus Valeriana species has shown therapeutic use in Indian traditional systems of medicine as it shows properties towards anti-inflammatory agents, anticonvulsants and antioxidants. Several bioactive compounds show the wide range of uses for which they activate brain cells. This acts like a sedative for the brain and nervous system. Also, the use of Valerian species is seen in muscle and joint pain. The other use is that, for better sleep and relief from tiredness, valerian is added to water during baths. The root of Valerian has all the important active chemicals that are used in medicine. In Ayurveda, too, there are so many herbal supplements made with the species of valerian. The most common species, Indian Valerian, also called Tagar, is naturally extracted from the root part and is available in the form of a capsule. So one can use this herbal medicine at home.
