Valerian Root
Product Description
Valerian Root is a natural herbal product derived from the root of the Valeriana officinalis plant, traditionally used for its calming and sedative properties. It contains active compounds such as valerenic acids and volatile oils that interact with the nervous system to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Widely used in both traditional medicine and modern herbal formulations, Valerian Root is valued for its ability to alleviate anxiety, reduce insomnia, and support overall mental wellness. It is available in various forms including dried root, powders, extracts, and capsules for laboratory and pharmaceutical research and formulation.
Uses
Primary Uses
Laboratory and Medical Applications
- Used in phytochemical and pharmacological research to study sedative and anxiolytic effects.
- Employed in quality control laboratories for standardization and purity testing of herbal products.
- Utilized in pharmaceutical labs for formulation of sleep aids and anxiety relief supplements.
- Applied in clinical research for evaluating efficacy and safety of herbal treatments.
- Used in toxicology labs to assess interactions and side effects of herbal compounds.
Secondary Uses
Research and Industrial Applications
- Utilized in herbal product development for teas and formulations.
- Employed in cosmetic industry for incorporation into calming and relaxing skincare products.
- Used in agricultural research focused on cultivation practices for medicinal plants.
- Studied in ethnobotanical research exploring traditional uses of medicinal herbs.
Key Attributes
Basic Identification Attributes
- Source: Root of Valeriana officinalis plant
- Form: Dried root, powder, extract
- Active Constituents: Valerenic acids, valepotriates, volatile oils
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Brownish fibrous root material or fine powder
- Aroma: Strong, characteristic earthy odor
- Solubility: Extractable in water and alcohol-based solvents
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Generally regarded as safe but may cause drowsiness; avoid operating machinery after use
- Possible interactions with sedatives and CNS depressants
- Allergy or hypersensitivity reactions rare but possible
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep sealed in airtight containers to preserve potency
- Use gloves when handling large quantities to avoid contamination
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with herbal product quality standards
- Suitable for GMP-compliant herbal and pharmaceutical manufacturing
Environmental & Health Impact
- Naturally sourced and biodegradable
- Sustainable cultivation practices recommended to preserve wild populations
Safety Handling Precautions
- Use PPE when handling powders to avoid inhalation
- Avoid combining with alcohol or sedative medications without supervision
First Aid Measures
- In case of overdose, seek medical attention immediately
- For skin contact, wash with soap and water if irritation occurs
- If ingested inappropriately, contact poison control or medical professional
Firefighting Measures
- Non-flammable organic material
- Use water spray or appropriate extinguishing media for surrounding fire