€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL***** Chan TY Tang CH Critchley JA Poisoning due to an over-the-counter hypnotic, Sleep-Qik (hyoscine, cyproheptadine, valerian). In: Postgrad Med J (1995 Apr) 71(834):227-8 ISSN: 0032-5473 The clinical features and risk of hepatotoxicity of 'Sleep-Qik' (valerian dry extract 75 mg, hyoscine hydrobromide 0.25 mg, cyproheptadine hydrochloride 2 mg) were determined in 23 patients treated in our hospital between 1988 and 1991. The main clinical problems were central nervous system depression and anticholinergic poisoning. There was no clinical evidence of acute hepatitis in the 23 patients after taking an average of 2.5 g of valerian (range 0.5 to 12 g). There was no evidence of subclinical liver damage in 12 patients who had routine liver function tests performed approximately 6-12 hours after ingestion. Delayed onset of severe liver damage was excluded in 10 patients in whom a telephone follow-up was possible. However, subclinical liver dysfunction in the acute stage (onset after 12-24 hours) and in the intervening period after discharge from hospital could not be excluded. To establish the risk of hepatotoxicity in long-term users and in those taking an overdosage of valerian, a much larger study of longer duration with serial liver function tests is clearly needed. Registry Numbers: 129-03-3 (Cyproheptadine) 51-34-3 (Scopolamine) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****ARCHIVES INTERNATIONALES DE PHARMACODYNAMIE ET DE THERAPIE***** Hazelhoff B Malingre TM Meijer DK Antispasmodic effects of valeriana compounds: an in-vivo and in-vitro study on the guinea-pig ileum. In: Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther (1982 Jun) 257(2):274-87 ISSN: 0003-9780 The valepotriates isovaltrate and valtrate, and the essential oil compound valeranone caused a suppression of rhythmic contractions in a closed part of the guinea-pig ileum in-vivo. The same compounds and didrovaltrate relaxed potassium stimulated contractures and inhibited BaCl2 contractions in guinea-pig ileum preparations in-vitro. Guinea- pig stomach fundic strips stimulated by carbachol were also relaxed by these substances. Potassium stimulated smooth muscle cells were also relaxed by the valeriana compounds (10(-5)-10(-4) M) even, when autonomic receptors were blocked by appropriate antagonists. In lower concentrations (10(-6)-10(-5) M), the compounds did not affect the dose-response curves of carbachol and isoprenaline. In some experiments valeranone at 4.10(-6) M produced an increased isoprenaline relaxation of the guinea-pig ileum. Valeranone and didrovaltrate were about equipotent to papaverine in inhibiting BaCl2 contractions. It is concluded that the valeriana compounds probably relax stimulated smooth muscle cells by acting as musculotropic agents and not by interacting with receptors of the autonomic nervous system. Registry Numbers: 58-74-2 (Papaverine) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Santos MS Ferreira F Cunha AP Carvalho AP Ribeiro CF Macedo T Synaptosomal GABA release as influenced by valerian root extract-- involvement of the GABA carrier. In: Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther (1994 Mar-Apr) 327(2):220-31 ISSN: 0003-9780 The effect of an aqueous extract obtained from the roots of Valeriana officinalis was investigated on the uptake and release of GABA in synaptosomes isolated from rat brain cortex. Aqueous extract of valerian inhibited the uptake and stimulated the release of [3H]GABA, either in the absence or in the presence of K+ depolarization. The release was Na(+)-dependent and independent of the presence of Ca2+ in the external medium. It is concluded that valerian extract releases [3H]GABA by reversal of the GABA carrier, which is Na(+)- dependent and Ca(2+)-independent. This increase in [3H]GABA release appears to be independent from Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and the membrane potential. Registry Numbers: EC 3.6.1.37 (Na(+)-K(+)-Exchanging ATPase) 56-12-2 (GABA) 62-49-7 (Choline) 7440-09-7 (Potassium) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****ARZNEIMITTEL-FORSCHUNG***** Cavadas C Araujo I Cotrim MD Amaral T Cunha AP Macedo T Ribeiro CF In vitro study on the interaction of Valeriana officinalis L. extracts and their amino acids on GABAA receptor in rat brain. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1995 Jul) 45(7):753-5 ISSN: 0004-4172 This work studied in vitro the interaction of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. and compounds that are present in the extracts (amino acids and valerenic acid) with the GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor, using the [3H] muscimol binding technique to crude synaptic membranes from rat brain cortices. Both extracts displaced [3H]muscimol bound and this effect is probably due only to their amino acid content, specially GABA. This fact explains the in vitro effect of valerian extracts on GABAA receptor but not their sedative effect. Registry Numbers: 2763-96-4 (Muscimol) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Leuschner J Muller J Rudmann M Characterisation of the central nervous depressant activity of a commercially available valerian root extract. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1993 Jun) 43(6):638-41 ISSN: 0004-4172 The evaluation of a commercially available valerian root extract (Valdispert) revealed pronounced sedative properties in the mouse with respect to a reduction in motility and an increase in the thiopental sleeping-time. A direct comparison with diazepam and chlorpromazine revealed a moderate sedative activity for the tested extract. The extract showed only weak anticonvulsive properties. Registry Numbers: 439-14-5 (Diazepam) 50-53-3 (Chlorpromazine) 54-95-5 (Pentylenetetrazole) 76-75-5 (Thiopental) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****CHEMICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN***** Sakamoto T Mitani Y Nakajima K Psychotropic effects of Japanese valerian root extract. In: Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) (1992 Mar) 40(3):758-61 ISSN: 0009-2363 The psychotropic effects of "Hokkai-Kisso", i.e. roots of Japanese valerian, were compared with those of diazepam and imipramine. Both 30% EtOH extract of valerian root (11.2 g/kg) and diazepam (3 mg/kg) significantly prolonged hexobarbital-induced sleep in mice. Spontaneous ambulation and rearing during an open field test were significantly decreased by valerian extract (11.2 g/kg), but kessyl glycol diacetate (KGD, 400 mg/kg) and diazepam (3 mg/kg) significantly increased ambulation. Diazepam (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased approach-avoidance conflict in mice in a water-lick conflict test, but valerian extract and KGD did not. By contrast, valerian extract (4.1 g/kg) and imipramine (20 mg/kg) significantly inhibited immobility induced by a forced swimming test in rats, but did not increase spontaneous motor activity during an open field test just before the forced swimming test. In addition, valerian extract and imipramine significantly reversed reserpine-induced hypothermia in mice. These results indicate that valerian extract acts on the central nervous system and may be an antidepressant. Registry Numbers: 13835-51-3 (kessyl glycol diacetate) 439-14-5 (Diazepam) 50-49-7 (Imipramine) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Oshima Y Matsuoka S Ohizumi Y Antidepressant principles of Valeriana fauriei roots. In: Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) (1995 Jan) 43(1):169-70 ISSN: 0009-2363 A methanol extract of the roots of Valeriana fauriei (Valerianaceae), exhibited antidepressant activity in mice. The extract was fractioned, monitored by the activity, to afford alpha-kessyl alcohol as an active principle. The antidepressant activity of some guaiane and valerane types of sesquiterpenoids in the active fraction was also evaluated. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****CHUNG-KUO CHUNG HSI I CHIEH HO TSA CHIH***** Yang GY Wang W [Clinical studies on the treatment of coronary heart disease with Valeriana officinalis var latifolia] In: Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih (1994 Sep) 14(9):540-2 ISSN: 1003-5370 (Published in Chinese) Valeriana officinalis var latifolia (VOL), which is the variety of Valeriana officinalis and has the properties to relieve smooth muscle spasm and powerful vasodilation, as demonstrated by animal experiments; no report on its application in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) has been found as yet with VOL. Our preparation of a volatile oil fractionated from its root have been used to treat 82 CHD patients with angina pectoris, among whom ST-T ischemic changes appeared on ECG in 50 cases before treatment. Its total effective rate for the simple angina (without detectable ischemic findings) was 87.80%; the angina with ischemic findings, 88.00%. For comparisons, another 34 patients with the same conditions, 24 cases among them belonged to the angina with ischemic findings, were treated with a composite injection of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SMCo); the total effective rates for the simple angina and for the angina with ischemic findings were 41.18% and 37.50% respectively. The differences between VOL and SMCo were both highly significant (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) either in the simple angina or in the angina with ischemic findings. The results showed VOL was superior to SMCo on matter in the remission of symptoms, decreasing the attack frequency and shortening the duration of angina, or in restoring the blood supply to ischemic myocardium. In addition, it was discovered that VOL could lower plasma lipids as well. No toxic actions to liver, kidney, hemopoietic tissue, have been found. Registry Numbers: 57-88-5 (Cholesterol) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ **CHUNG-KUO CHUNG YAO TSA CHIH CHINA JOURNAL OF CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA* Cao B Hong GX [Central inhibition action of Valeriana jatamansii Jones] In: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih (1994 Jan) 19(1):40-2, 63 ISSN: 1001-5302 (Published in Chinese) The use of water extract (ip or ig) of Valeriana jatamansii together with pentobarbital sodium can enhance sedative and hypnotic effect in mice, inhibit the spontaneous activity in mice, and antagonize convulsive action induced by thiosemicarbazide (TSZ). Although ineffective on the convulsion induced by picrotoxin (PT), it can prolong the latent period of convulsion induced by PT in mice. The number of writhings in mice can be reduced after ip or ig water extract. Registry Numbers: 124-87-8 (Picrotoxin) 76-74-4 (Pentobarbital) 79-19-6 (thiosemicarbazide) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY***** Andreatini R Leite JR Effect of valepotriates on the behavior of rats in the elevated plus- maze during diazepam withdrawal. In: Eur J Pharmacol (1994 Aug 1) 260(2-3):233-5 ISSN: 0014-2999 The effect of a mixture of valepotriates on the elevated plus-maze performance of diazepam withdrawn rats was evaluated. The rats were chronically (28 days) treated with diazepam (doses increased up to 5.0 mg/kg) and then treated with control solution for 3 days to induce a withdrawal syndrome. Chronically vehicle-treated rats were used as control. The abstinent animals treated with vehicle showed a significant decrease in the percentage of time spent in the open arms when compared with the control animals. Diazepam and valerian 12.0 mg/kg reversed this anxiogenic effect. Valerian 6.0 mg/kg did not show any difference in relation to the others group. Registry Numbers: 18296-44-1 (Baldrisedon) 18296-45-2 (Didrovaltrate) 25161-41-5 (acevaltrate) 439-14-5 (Diazepam) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****FARMAKOLOGIIA I TOKSIKOLOGIIA***** Dunaev VV Trzhetsinskii SD Tishkin VS Fursa NS Linenko VI [Biological activity of the sum of the valepotriates isolated from Valeriana alliariifolia] Biologicheskaia aktivnost' summy valepotriatov, vydelennykh iz valeriany chesnochnikolistnoi. In: Farmakol Toksikol (1987 Nov-Dec) 50(6):33-7 ISSN: 0014-8318 (Published in Russian) The native sum of valepotriates isolated from Val. alliariifolia Adams which was named valiracyl is an agent of low toxicity and exerts a pronounced neurotropic effect. Valiracyl suppresses the orientation reflex of animals in an "open field", decreases a spontaneous and caffeine-stimulated motor activity, potentiates and prolongs the action of barbiturates, significantly reduces aggressiveness of animals, decreases sensitivity to the convulsant effects of corasol and thiosemicarbazide, produces the antihypoxic and mild myorelaxant actions. The neurotropic effects of valiracyl are related to increased level of the GABA inhibition mediator and decreased intensity of bioenergetic processes in the brain. Registry Numbers: 56-12-2 (GABA) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****IZVESTIIA AKADEMII NAUK. SERIIA BIOLOGICHESKAIA***** Lovkova MIa Buzuk GN Sokolova SM Kliment'eva NI Ponomareva SM Shelepova OV Vorotnitskaia IE [Medicinal plants--concentrators of chromium. The role of chromium in alkaloid metabolism] Lekarstvennue rasteniia--kontsentratory khroma. Rol' khroma v metabolizme alkaloidov. In: Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol (1996 Sep-Oct)(5):552-64 ISSN: 0002-3329 (Published in Russian) Mass screening of medicinal plants of the flora of Russia (196 species) was performed for chromium content. A total of 124 species- chromium concentrators were found, in which the chromium content markedly exceeded the mean values, this excess being 4- to 6-fold in 54 species, 7- to 3-fold in 62 species, and 37- to 114-fold in seven species. The greatest capacity of chromium accumulation was shown for the sand immortelle, foxglove, Alexandrian laurel, Greek valerian, marsh cudweed, adenostilis, and lobelia. These species are considered as potential sources of chromium for correction of its deficiency in humans. Some mechanisms underlying the effect of chromium on metabolism of alkaloids derivative of quinolizidine, tropane, isoquinoline, and indole, were deciphered. Registry Numbers: 7440-47-3 (Chromium) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY***** Tittel G Wagner H [High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and quantitative determination of valepotriates in valeriana drugs and preparations (author's transl)] Hochleistungsflussigchromatographische Trennung und quantitative Bestimmung von Valepotriaten aus Valeriana-Drogen und Zubereitungen. In: J Chromatogr (1978 Feb 1) 148(2):459-68 ISSN: 0376-737X (Published in German) It is possible directly to separate and analyse, quantitatively and qualitatively, the valepotriates from Valeriana crude extracts or from commercial Valeriana preparations by high-performance liquid chromatography. The separations are achieved on 4 or 8 mm I.D. columns packed with silica gel (particle size 10 micron) with n- hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures as eluent. A refractive index detection system is necessary for determining all of the valepotriates. If the concentration differences between didrovaltratum and valtratum are very great, an ultraviolet (UV) detector must be used and the determination must be conducted in two steps. For valtratum drugs UV detection alone will suffice. As internal standards p- dimethylaminobenzaldehyde should be used for extracts and preparations from valtratum races, and benzaldehyde in the presence of didrovaltratum races. This determination is superior to the combined thin-layer chromatographic-hydroxamic acid method used hitherto with respect to time consumption, precision, and sensitivity. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY***** Tufik S Fujita K Seabra M de L Lobo LL Effects of a prolonged administration of valepotriates in rats on the mothers and their offspring. In: J Ethnopharmacol (1994 Jan) 41(1-2):39-44 ISSN: 0378-8741 Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerianaceae) is widely known to be associated with sedative properties. The effects of a valepotriates mixtures on mothers and progeny were evaluated in rats. A 30-day administration of valepotriates did not change the average length of estral cycle, nor the number of estrous phases during this period. Also, there were no changes on the fertility index. Fetotoxicity and external examination studies did not show differences, although internal examination revealed an increase in number of retarded ossification after the highest doses employed--12 and 24 mg/kg. No changes were detected in the development of the offspring after treatment during pregnancy. As for temperature, valepotriates caused a hypothermizant effect after administration by the intraperitoneal route but not after oral administration. Generally, the valepotriates employed induced some alterations after administration by the intraperitoneal route, but doses given orally were innocuous to pregnant rats and their offspring. Registry Numbers: 18296-44-1 (Baldrisedon) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****JOURNAL DE PHARMACIE DE BELGIQUE***** Fehri B Aiache JM Boukef K Memmi A Hizaoui B [Valeriana officinalis and Crataegus oxyacantha: toxicity from repeated administration and pharmacologic investigations] Valeriana officinalis et Crataegus oxyacantha: toxicite par administrations reiterees et investigations pharmacologiques. In: J Pharm Belg (1991 May-Jun) 46(3):165-76 ISSN: 0047-2166 (Published in French) The aim of this work is to study the toxicity of Valeriana officinalis and Crataegus oxyacantha after reiterated administrations. The study has been carried on the rat which received 300 and 600 mg/kg/24 h of the drugs for 30 days. During the period of the treatment, animals weight and blood pressure have been measured. On the end of the treatment the animals have been sacrificed. The principal organs have been weighed and in blood samples collected hematological and biochemical parameters have been determined. This work is concerned by pharmacological properties which are related to the two plants. The influence of the drugs on the behaviour, the pain, the intestinal peristalsis and strychnine convulsions are reported. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PHARMACEUTISCH WEEKBLAD. SCIENTIFIC EDITION***** Violon C Van Cauwenbergh N Vercruysse A Valepotriate content in different in vitro cultures of Valerianaceae and characterization of Valeriana officinalis L. callus during a growth period. In: Pharm Weekbl [Sci] (1983 Oct 21) 5(5):205-9 ISSN: 0167-6555 Different in vitro cultures of Valerianaceae were analysed for valepotriate content [(iso)valtrate, acevaltrate, didrovaltrate] in a study on properties of production in vitro (plant species, growth conditions, differentiation level, valepotriate content of the medium after growth). The in vitro cultures were: callus cultures of Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianella locusta L. and Centranthus ruber L.DC.; a suspension culture of Valeriana officinalis L. and a root organ culture of Centranthus ruber L.DC. All of the cultures produced valepotriates in vitro in different amounts. None of the media that had served for growth contained any valepotriates. In order to characterize the in vitro growth more precisely different parameters were analysed at different time intervals during a growth period in one of the cultures (callus culture of Valeriana officinalis L.). These different parameters were: fresh and dry weight, lipid and nitrogen content and (iso)valtrate content. This study during a growth period was performed on two media differing in plant hormone content. Registry Numbers: 7727-37-9 (Nitrogen) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PHARMACOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR***** Leathwood PD Chauffard F Heck E Munoz-Box R Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. In: Pharmacol Biochem Behav (1982 Jul) 17(1):65-71 ISSN: 0091-3057 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. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Lindahl O Lindwall L Double blind study of a valerian preparation. In: Pharmacol Biochem Behav (1989 Apr) 32(4):1065-6 ISSN: 0091-3057 Valerian root contains two substances of special pharmacological interest--valepotriates and sesquiterpenes. The former, which has been used for standardization of the drug, is cytotoxic. The latter has no such effect. Both have sedative effects. A double blind test has been carried out on a preparation (VALERINA NATT) containing primarily sesquiterpenes. When compared with placebo it showed a good and significant effect on poor sleep (p less than 0.001). Forty-four percent reported perfect sleep and 89% reported improved sleep from the preparation. No side effects were observed. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY***** Schulz H Stolz C Muller J The effect of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers: a pilot study. In: Pharmacopsychiatry (1994 Jul) 27(4):147-51 ISSN: 0176-3679 The effect of acute and repeated treatment (seven days) with a valerian extract (Valdispert forte, 405 mg t.i.d.) on objective and subjective measures of sleep was studied. Polysomnography was conducted in 14 elderly poor sleepers on three nights, at one-week intervals (N0, N1, N2). N0 was an adaptation night, N1 and N2 the first and last night under treatment. Six subjects received placebo and eight subjects valerian. Subjects in the valerian group showed an increase in slow-wave sleep (SWS) and a decrease in sleep stage 1. Density of K-complexes was increased under active treatment. There was no effect on sleep onset time or time awake after sleep onset. REM sleep was unaltered. There was also no effect on self-rated sleep quality. We hypothesize that valerian increases SWS in subjects with low baseline values. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PHARMAZIE***** Pank F Hannig HJ Hauschild J Zygmunt B [Chemical weed control in the cropping of medicinal plants. Part 1: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) (author's transl)] Chemische Unkrautbekampfung in Arzneipflanzenkulturen. 1. Mitteilung: Baldrian (Valeriana officinalis L.). In: Pharmazie (1980 Feb) 35(2):115-9 ISSN: 0031-7144 (Published in German) More than 40 herbicides have been tested in field trials with valerian over a period of several years. The following herbicidies have proved best suited: chloropham for application in autumn after planting, metobromurone for spraying in the early spring at the commencement of sprouting, nitrofen or a nitrofen-simazine compound preparation for application in May. The utilization of a sequence of herbicides led to a 90% reduction of the weed cover and a 65% reduction of the manual work needed for weed control. The yield and the essential oil and valepotriate contents of valerian were not impaired. The results from residue analyses are presented. Registry Numbers: 101-21-3 (Chlorpropham) 122-34-9 (Simazine) 1836-75-5 (nitrofen) 3060-89-7 (metobromuron) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Buchbauer G Jager W Jirovetz L Meyer F Dietrich H [Effects of valerian root oil, borneol, isoborneol, bornyl acetate and isobornyl acetate on the motility of laboratory animals (mice) after inhalation] Wirkungen von Baldrianol, Borneol, Isoborneol, Bornylacetat und Isobornylacetat auf die Motilitat von Versuchstieren (Mausen) nach Inhalation. In: Pharmazie (1992 Aug) 47(8):620-2 ISSN: 0031-7144 (Published in German) The aromatherapeutical use of commercial valerian root oil (Chinese origin) and of pure fragrance compounds--borneol, isoborneol, bornyl acetate (main constituent of the proved valerian root oil) and isobornyl acetate--as potentially drugs with sedative effects after inhalation was investigated in an animal experiment (mice). In additional analyses the mice were treated i.p. by caffeine and distinct sedative effects were observed only by inhalation of the cited substances. Registry Numbers: 58-08-2 (Caffeine) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PHYTOCHEMISTRY***** Nishiya K Kimura T Takeya K Itokawa H Sesquiterpenoids and iridoid glycosides from Valeriana fauriei. In: Phytochemistry (1992 Oct) 31(10):3511-4 ISSN: 0031-9422 A new guaiane sesquiterpenoid glycoside together with known sesquiterpenoids and iridoid glycosides have been isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Valeriana fauriei. The 13C NMR assignments of the isolated compounds are presented. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN***** Cott J NCDEU update. Natural product formulations available in europe for psychotropic indications. In: Psychopharmacol Bull (1995) 31(4):745-51 ISSN: 0048-5764 Until the middle of this century, development of medical treatment for human disease was intimately connected with the plant kingdom. Despite advances of the last three decades in utilizing chemical synthetic approaches to drug design and sophisticated structure- activity studies, there is still a great need for novel compounds with unique mechanisms of action in the field of medicine. While many thousands of structural analogs have been synthesized and tested, numerous gaps remain in the therapeutic armamentarium for psychiatric illnesses. Most new drugs marketed for psychotherapeutic indications in recent years have been only incremental improvements on existing medications. Major breakthroughs have resulted primarily from the study of natural products. Some of our most valuable drugs have been isolated from plant and animal sources, including aspirin, morphine, reserpine (the first antipsychotic), almost all of our antibiotics, digitalis, and such anti-cancer agents as vincristine, vinblastine, and taxol. Recent political and social events suggest that new emphasis will be placed on natural products research in the years to come. This article highlights therapeutic applications of Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Valerian officinalis, and Panex ginseng. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****SCHWEIZERISCHE RUNDSCHAU FUR MEDIZIN PRAXIS***** Gerhard U Hobi V Kocher R Konig C [Acute sedative effect of a herbal relaxation tablet as compared to that of bromazepam] Die sedative Akutwirkung eines pflanzlichen Entspannungsdragees im Vergleich zu Bromazepam. In: Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax (1991 Dec 27) 80(52):1481-6 ISSN: 0369-8394 (Published in German) The relaxing effect and the systemic tolerance of a single oral dose of Valverde relaxation dragees have been examined double-blinded against 3 mg of bromazepam and placebo in groups of 20 healthy male volunteers each treatment. The systemic tolerance was assessed at the end of the examination, relying on spontaneous remarks or comments made on side effects upon questioning. As the four plants from which Valverde has been extracted (valerian, balm, passion-flower, and pestilence wort) have a reputation of being tranquilizing agents with spasmolytic effect, not only this effect needs to be demonstrated, but also sedative side effects and impairment of vigilance must be assessed to explore the risk for accident proneness. We expected that the relaxing-tranquilizing effect of bromazepam as well as of Valverde relaxation dragees compared with placebo is perceived subjectively. A potentially existing impairment of performance due to Valverde was assumed to be milder than impairment due to bromazepam. The study, however, in spite of a sophisticated test battery with extended testing, could not detect any effect for either of the two drugs; nor could it detect a side effect. The sedation and reduction of vigilance observed in a pre-study without placebo controls (Gerhard and Hobi, unpublished) was explained by natural fatigue which appeared in the course of the morning also under placebo. Therefore, sedative side effects, leading to an impairment in performance, can be excluded for both drugs at the studied dose level. Registry Numbers: 1812-30-2 (Bromazepam) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Gerhard U Linnenbrink N Georghiadou C Hobi V [Vigilance-decreasing effects of 2 plant-derived sedatives] Vigilanzmindernde Effekte zweier pflanzlicher Schlafmittel. In: Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax (1996 Apr 9) 85(15):473-81 ISSN: 0369-8394 (Published in German) Previous studies on the efficacy of valerian extracts have given occasional hints of possible side effects involving impaired vigilance. Because of the currently insufficient knowledge about potential impairment of vigilance by plant-based sedatives, we have conducted a controlled study to assess the effects of two plant-based sleep remedies in comparison with flunitrazepam and placebo after single oral administration. Aim of the study was to derive recommendations concerning potential hazards in driving or operating machinery. Residual sedative effects (hangover) were examined in four groups of 20 healthy volunteers, receiving either tablets containing valerian and hops or syrup containing valerian only or flunitrazepam or placebo; furthermore, immediate sedative effects of the two plant preparations have been examined in comparison with placebo (three groups of twelve healthy volunteers). The tests included objective measurements of cognitive psychomotor performance as well as subjective questionnaires on well-being. Tolerability was assessed from spontaneous reports of side effects and a verbal inquiry at the end of the tests. We found that objectively measurable impairment of performance on the morning after medication occurred only in the flunitrazepam group, a finding which was even more pronounced in the subjective questionnaires. In addition, 50% of the volunteers in the flunitrazepam group reported mild side effects in the inquiry at the end of the tests, compared with only 10% from the other groups. The subjective perception of sleep quality was improved in all three medication groups, when compared to placebo. Examination of acute effects of the plant remedies 1 to 2 hours after administration revealed no changes in the more important lead variables; however, a very slight impairment of vigilance after taking syrup was statistically significant as well as a retardation in the processing of complex information for the tablets. The subjective perception of effects was more pronounced (shaky legs, feeling less active). In conclusion, the residual sedative effects (hangover) observed in some earlier studies cannot be confirmed for the recommended doses of the two plant-based sleep remedies which we have examined with respect to vigilance and cognitive performance. On the contrary: our findings show improved subjective self-assessment (more alert, more active, feeling better). Hangover effects on the following morning need not be a cause for concern, which is of particular interest to car drivers; however, a slight impairment of performance during the first few hours after ingestion should be anticipated. Impairment of vigilance on the morning after ingestion of benzodiazepines, frequently reported and confirmed by our results, constitutes a potential hazard. In this situation, plant remedies such as those examined in this study should be considered as viable alternatives. Registry Numbers: 1622-62-4 (Flunitrazepam) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****VETERINARY AND HUMAN TOXICOLOGY***** Willey LB Mady SP Cobaugh DJ Wax PM Valerian overdose: a case report. In: Vet Hum Toxicol (1995 Aug) 37(4):364-5 ISSN: 0145-6296 We present the first reported case of valerian (Valeriana officianalis) overdose. This herb is popular as a sedative but little is known about its toxic effects. The patient presented with mild symptoms, all of which resolved within 24 h. Valerian overdose, at approximately 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose, appears to be benign. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€