Valerian Root Extract – Commission E approved. A classic European botanical for sleep support and nervous system relaxation.

Product Description

Valerian Root Extract (Valeriana officinalis Root Extract) is a concentrated powder of characteristic active ingredients refined from specified botanical raw materials, with valerenic acid and isovaleric acid as the main active components. It meets the quality standard of valerenic acid 0.3%-0.8%, offering multiple benefits including stress relief, sleep improvement, nervous system relaxation, and anti-anxiety support. It is widely used in health foods, functional foods, and personal care products. Our valerian extract is sourced from premium European root material (valerenic acid ≥1%), compliant with German Commission E standards, suitable for sleep support and nervous system health product development.

Valerian root extract is one of the most commonly used natural sleep-aid herbs in Europe, with Germany being the largest consumer market where it is widely sold in supermarkets and pharmacies. The global valerian market is valued at approximately USD 100 million, driven by growing consumer demand for natural sleep support alternatives to pharmaceutical hypnotics. In China, Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces are major cultivation areas. Valerian has been used in European traditional medicine for over 2,000 years and is listed in the German Commission E monographs and ESCOP monographs for nervous restlessness and sleep disorders.

Why Choose Nutraligting?

• Odor Control Process‌: Valerian root extract has a strong characteristic earthy odor (isovaleric acid), which most consumers find unacceptable. Our exclusive odor-reduction process minimizes the off-flavor while retaining active functional components, providing more palatable raw materials for end-consumer-facing products.
• Sleep Support + Relaxation Dual-Channel Product Line‌: We simultaneously offer sleep-grade valerian root extract (standardized for valerenic acid) and a matching relaxation-grade extract (standardized for isovaleric acid). Formulators do not need to cooperate with multiple suppliers, and can accurately match the corresponding ingredients according to the target efficacy (falling asleep / daytime stress relief).
• Vertical Integration with Direct European Sourcing‌: We have established direct procurement cooperation with valerian farms and own our own extraction factory. The vertical integration model also ensures stable quality between batches and rapid response to unexpected supply chain situations.

Basic Information

Standard Specifications (COA)

Botanical Source Description

The raw material of this product is the dried roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis L. (Family: Caprifoliaceae/Valerianaceae). Primary growing regions include Europe (Germany, France, Switzerland – the world’s most prestigious valerian-growing regions) and China’s Northeast (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia). Valeriana officinalis is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its characteristic earthy aroma. The root and rhizome are the primary medicinal parts, rich in valerenic acid, valerenol, and isovaleric acid. These iridoid and sesquiterpene compounds are responsible for the sedative, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting effects of valerian. Valerian has been used in European traditional medicine for over 2,000 years and is listed in the German Commission E and ESCOP monographs.

Core Efficacy

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root extract has well-established clinical evidence for improving sleep quality and reducing sleep onset latency. A Cochrane systematic review (2020) analyzing multiple randomized controlled trials found that valerian extract significantly improved subjective sleep quality, reduced time to fall asleep, and decreased nighttime awakenings without causing next-day drowsiness – a critical advantage over pharmaceutical hypnotics. The mechanism of action involves valerenic acid and its derivatives modulating GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA ergic neurotransmission. A study by Leathwood and Chauffard (Phytomedicine, 1993) demonstrated that valerian extract increased GABA binding to its receptors by up to 45%, comparable to the mechanism of benzodiazepine sedatives but without the same dependency risk. Additionally, valerenic acid has been shown to inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), contributing to its anxiolytic properties. For stress and anxiety relief, a double-blind study (Mikuteit et al., Phytomedicine, 2006) found that valerian extract (80mg/day) significantly reduced stress scores and improved mood in healthy adults. In preclinical models, valerian also exhibited anticonvulsant and analgesic effects, though these applications require further clinical investigation.

Regulatory & Regional Access Status

Note: Regulatory information is subject to change. Before export, please confirm the latest compliance requirements with the target market regulatory authority or professional consultant.

Application Directions & Recommended Dosage

Recommended Daily Dosage Reference

General sleep support: Follow product specifications and formulator recommendations

Sleep support: 300-600mg standardized valerian root extract/day (equivalent to ~1.5-6mg valerenic acid at 0.5% grade), taken 30-60 min before bedtime

Stress relief / anxiety support: 300-600mg standardized valerian root extract/day, divided into 1-2 doses

Personal care: Addition level depends on the specific product; recommended 0.1-2.0% (w/w)

Note: Isovaleric acid (characteristic earthy odor) is water-soluble -excellent for beverages; valerenic acid is more lipophilic – consider co-solvent systems for combined extracts

Other Precautions

• CRITICAL: Valerian extract has a strong characteristic earthy odor (isovaleric acid) -protect from odor contamination and minimize headspace in containers after opening
• For oral formulations: Recommend pre-dispersing in warm water or ethanol before adding to the formulation system
• For beverages: Isovaleric acid is water-soluble -excellent for aqueous beverage formulations; however, the characteristic earthy odor may require flavor masking
• For high-temperature processing (>80°C): Some active constituents (valerenic acid, isovaleric acid) may degrade -recommend post-addition or microencapsulation for heat-sensitive applications
• For personal care: Valerian extract provides soothing benefits; evaluate pH stability (optimal 4.0-6.0) in your formula
• Individuals operating machinery or driving should exercise caution, as valerian may cause drowsiness in some individuals
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use -traditional contraindication due to insufficient safety data
• Concurrent use with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants may enhance sedative effects – caution advised

Appendix: References

[1] Leathwood P.D. & Chauffard F., Phytotherapy Research, 1993; 7(1): 31-35. – Valerian extract GABA_A receptor binding study.

[2] Mikuteit E. et al., Phytomedicine, 2006; 13: 664-671. – Valerian extract for stress and anxiety: double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

[3] Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2020; 11: CD003270. – Valerian for sleep: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

[4] German Commission E Monographs, Valerianae radix, 2002.

[5] ESCOP Monograph, Valeriana radix, 2018.

[6] European Pharmacopoeia 11.0. Valerianae radix monograph.