NCIt definition : An herbal extract isolated from the root of the plant Valeriana officinalis with sedative
and anxiolytic activities. Valeriana officinalis extract contains four distinct classes
of phytochemical constituents: volatile oils; sesquiterpenoids, including valerenic
acid and its hydroxyl and acetoxyl derivative; valepotriates; and volatile pyridine
alkaloids. Although the exact mechanism of action has not been established, the sesquiterpenoids
in Valeriana officinalis extract, particularly valerenic acid, appear to account for
its sedative and anxiolytic effects. Valerenic acid is both a subtype-selective GABA-A
receptor agonist and a 5HT-5A receptor partial agonist. The sedative-hypnotic benzodiazepines
are GABA-A receptor agonists.;
Semantic type(s)