- 2026-04-17
- Pharmaceutical biology 64(1)
- Shurui Yang
- Haiming Zhang
- Li Chen
- Zhiyu Zhang
- Liuyang Huang
- Wenyan Wang
- Wei Lu
- Yayuan Wang
- Song Wu
- Zhengbo Hu
- Siyu Wang
- Rui Chen
- Fengxia Liang
Study Design
- Type
- Systematic Review
- Methods
- Systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Science
Context
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that substantially impairs quality of life. Conventional treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological agents, are often limited by side effects and insufficient long-term safety data. Valeriana species, such as Valeriana officinalis L. and Valeriana jatamansi Jones, have been traditionally used for their sedative and neuroprotective properties.Objective
This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of Valeriana species for insomnia, emphasizing their pharmacological mechanisms, multi-organ effects, and evidence from preclinical and clinical studies.Methods
A systematic literature search was performed in databases including PubMed and Web of Science. Studies addressing Valeriana-induced sleep regulation, neurotransmitter modulation, oxidative stress reduction, and neural, hepatic, and gastrointestinal interactions were included to assess efficacy and safety.Results
Valeriana species modulate neurotransmission, mitigate oxidative stress, and influence hepatic and gastrointestinal functions. Preclinical studies support their sedative and neuroprotective effects, while clinical outcomes vary with formulation, dosage, and individual response. Overall, safety profiles are favorable, though inconsistencies remain.Conclusion
Valeriana species represent a promising multi-target strategy for insomnia, integrating neural and peripheral pathways. Future research should clarify the mechanisms underlying multi-organ effects, optimize formulations, and conduct rigorous clinical trials to establish standardized, effective, and safe interventions.