Valerian lekarstvennaya – Valeriana officinalis L.

Perennial herb up to 1-1.5 m, families valerianovыh (Valerianaceae). It grows in the European part of the USSR, the Caucasus, in Western and Eastern Siberia and the Far East. For medical purposes, the roots and rhizomes of the plant are harvested..

The chemical composition of valerian

Rhizome and roots of valerian contain up to 3-3.5 % essential oil, isovaleric acid, bornilizovalerianat, ʙorneol, borneolovye esters of formic, butyric and acetic acids, pinenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, and a number of alkaloids (xatinin, valerin), glycoside compound (valerozidы), valepatriaty, tannins, resin, Some ketones, starch and organic acids (palmitic, stearic, acetic, formic, malic et al.).

The pharmacological properties of valerian

The pharmacological properties of drugs of valerian diverse. The therapeutic effect is inherent in the entire range of substances, contained in the roots and rhizomes of plants.

Valerian okazыvaet sedation, tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system, regulates the heart's activity, It has antispasmodic and choleretic properties, increases glandular secretion apparatus of the gastrointestinal tract.

In experiments it was found, valerian preparations that reduce reflex excitability in the central nervous system finishes and increase in inhibitory processes ; neurons, cortical and subcortical brain structures, and prolong sleep, caused by various hypnotic compounds, and have a significant anticonvulsant activity against convulsive effects analeptikov.

Preparations of valerian neyroregulyatornoe have a positive impact on the heart muscle directly on the basic mechanisms of automaticity of the heart and vascular system. Besides, valerian herbal formulations have koronarorasshiryayuschee and antihypertensive properties.

The use of valerian in medicine

Valeriana officinalis long widely used in medical practice as separate galenic formulations, and composed infusions multicomponent, tinctures, drops and other complex tools, calming and improving the activity of the cardiovascular system. Valerian preparations are prescribed for diseases, accompanied by nervous excitement, insomnia, migraine headaches, hysteria.

Valerian is widely used for mild forms of neurasthenia and psychasthenia., at pre- and climacteric disorders, vegetoneurosis, neuroses of the cardiovascular system, as well as for the prevention and treatment in the early stages of angina pectoris, hypertensive disease, with some diseases of the liver and biliary tract, in case of illness, accompanied by spasms of the stomach and intestines with impaired secretion of the glandular apparatus. Valerian medications are often prescribed along with other sedatives and heart medications., antispasmodics.

Valerian drugs reduce CNS excitability, and the calming effect appears slowly, but stable enough. Feeling of tension disappears in patients, irritability, sleep improves.

Valerian has a therapeutic effect with systematic and long-term course use, therefore the timing and doses of drugs, made from this plant, is prescribed by the attending physician depending on the stage of the disease, forms of the course of the disease and the general condition of the patient.

Valerian preparations are generally well tolerated by patients, with the exception of individuals with individual intolerance. With prolonged use and overdose of drugs, drowsiness is possible, feeling of depression and depression of the general state, decreased performance. These side effects quickly disappear with dose reduction or temporary discontinuation of valerian drugs.

Valerian dosage forms, Dosing and Administration

Valerian infusion (Valerian injected). 20 g (2,5 tablespoons) raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, Pour 200 ml (1 glass) hot boiled water, closed with a lid and heated in boiling water in a water bath for 15 m, cooled at room temperature for 45 m, filter, the remaining raw materials squeeze. The volume of the resulting infusion topped with boiled water to 200 ml. Assign 2-3 tablespoons every 30 min after meal, Older children - by 1 dessert spoon, young children - up to 1 a teaspoon 3-4 times a day.

The infusion is kept in a cool place no more 2 d.

Valerian is produced in packs. Store in a dry, cool place.

Valerian tincture (Tincture of Valerian) preparing for 70 % alcohol in the ratio 1:5. It is a reddish-brown liquid with a characteristic odor and bittersweet spicy taste. It gets dark under the influence of sunlight. Assign inside adults 20-30 drops per reception 3-4 times a day, children - as many drops per appointment as the child is.

Available in bottles.

Valerian extract thick (Valerian extract thick). A dense mass of dark brown color with a characteristic valerian smell, spicy bitter taste. Applied as a tablet, coated, 1-2 tablets per appointment. Each tablet contains 0,02 g of thick valerian extract. The tablets are easy to take, however, a freshly prepared valerian infusion gives a more pronounced effect.

Corvalol (Corvalol) - combined preparation, containing about 2 % α-bromisovaleric acid ethyl ester, fenoʙarʙitala 1,82 %, caustic soda (for converting phenobarbital into soluble phenobarbital sodium) about 3 %, peppermint oil 0,14 %, alcohol mixture 96 % and distilled water to 100 %. Colorless transparent liquid with a specific aromatic odor. The composition and action is similar to the drugs "Valocordin" and "Milokordin".

Corvalol is used for neuroses with increased irritability, with mild spasms of the coronary vessels, tachycardia, insomnia, in the early stages of hypertension, with intestinal spasms. Assign inside 15-30 drops 2-3 times a day, with tachycardia and vascular spasms, a single dose can be increased to 40-45 drops. Corvalol is well tolerated: even with prolonged use of the drug, side effects are usually not observed. In some cases, during the daytime, drowsiness and light dizziness may occur.; when the dose is reduced, these phenomena disappear.

Storage: in a cool place protected from light (not higher +15 ° C).

Valocormid (Valocormide) - combined preparation, containing valerian tincture and lily of the valley tincture 10 ml, belladonna tincture - 5 ml, sodium bromide - 4 g, menthol - 0,25 g, distilled water - up to 30 ml. Transparent liquid brown, salty taste with the smell of valerian and menthol.

Used for cardiovascular neuroses, accompanied by bradycardia. The composition and action is similar to Zelenin's drops. Assign 10-20 drops 2-3 times a day.

Available in bottles. Storage – in a dark place.

Collection sedative consists of rhizomes with valerian roots (1 part), peppermint leaves and three-leaf watch (by 2 parts), hop cones (1 part). One - two tablespoons of the collection are poured with boiling water (2 cup), infused for 30 m, filter. Take half a cup 2 once a day (in the morning and in the evening).

Camphor-valerian drops (Valerian drops when Camphire). Structure: camphor 10 g, valerian tincture before 100 ml. Transparent reddish-brown liquid with the smell of camphor and valerian. It becomes cloudy when mixed with water, a white precipitate of camphor is released. Used as a sedative, mainly for cardiovascular neuroses.. Prescribe 15-20 drops 3 once a day.

Available in glass bottles. Store in a cool,, protected from light.