What Is Valerian in Tamil?

Valeriana officinalis Linn. var. latifolia Miq. (Valeriana officinalis Linn. var. latifolia Miq.) is a plant belonging to the Valerianaceae family. It is harvested in autumn, cleaned of impurities, and dried in the shade. The medicinal parts are the roots and rhizomes, which are pungent, bitter, and warm in nature. They are primarily used for treating epigastric and abdominal pain, rheumatic arthralgia, lumbosacral pain, and insomnia. Modern research has also shown that broad-leaved Valerian has sedative, antidepressant, coronary artery dilating, lipid-regulating, and lipid peroxidation-inhibiting effects, as well as cerebral vasodilating properties. This paper reviews recent literature on the pharmacognosy, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects of broad-leaved Valerian, aiming to provide theoretical support for its further development and utilization.

1 Pharmacognosy Research

Valeriana (Valeriana officinalis Linn. var. latifolia Miq.) is a variety of Valeriana, highly similar to Valeriana, distributed from the northeast to the southwest regions of China. Peng Xiaoying et al. [1] conducted microscopic observations on the herbal powder of Valeriana officinalis. The results showed that the dried powder of Valeriana officinalis contained a large number of fragmented tissue clumps, fragments, and cellular remnants. Long fibers, striate vessels, reticulate vessels, annular vessels, spiral-shaped vessel fragments or clusters, thin-walled cells, and internal needle-like orange-colored crystalline structures, stone cells, oil droplets, cork layer fragments, numerous single starch grains, and white bodies. Wei Zha'an [2] and Chen Lei conducted detailed anatomical observations and herbal identification of broad-leaved Valeriana.

2 Cultivation and Propagation

To enable large-scale cultivation of Valeriana and achieve sustainable utilization of broad-leaved Valeriana resources, domestic scholars have conducted extensive research on Valeriana propagation techniques. Lu Guilin et al. [3] observed the ecological and biological characteristics and growth and development patterns of Valeriana, finding that environmental conditions and field management measures significantly influence the growth and development of broad-leaved Valeriana. Chen Qian et al. [4] demonstrated that increasing the number of pollinating bees can resolve seed production issues in the artificial cultivation of broad-leaved Valeriana. Dong Yan et al. [5] studied the reproduction of broad-leaved Valeriana seeds, concluding that soaking seeds followed by dehulling can increase seed germination rates to 80%, with the optimal sowing period being December. Liu Lan et al. [6] explored seedling propagation issues in the industrial development of broad-leaved valerian from three aspects: seed selection, root branching and tillering, and tissue culture-induced callus formation. The results indicated that seeds sown in artificial greenhouses were more conducive to seed germination, and appropriate root treatment could reduce costs.

3 Active Components of Valerian Extracts

3.1 Essential Oils

Wang Liqun et al. [7] extracted essential oils from broad-leaved valerian using the method described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, yielding an essential oil yield of 1%. The volatile oil of broad-leaved valerian is primarily composed of terpenes, with additional components including alkenes, alcohols, ketones, esters, and ethers. Among these, borneol acetate, caryophyllene, and camphene are the main components, with borneol acetate accounting for as much as 37.94% [8]. However, its content decreases with increasing altitude [9].

3.2 Lignans

Lignan compounds isolated from valerian extracts include: bis-tetrahydrofuran lignan-4-O-β-D-pyranoglucoside, (+)-pinocembrin-O-β-D-pyranoglucoside, Small wax glycoside I, Qingmu Xiang glycoside A, (+)-1-hydroxy-pinenol-1-O-β-D-glucoside, (+)-Pinenol-4,4'-O-dipyranoside, (+)-Cyclogentioflavone-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside [10], Neojusticin A, Justicidin A, Pinoresinol, Pinorespiol, and 8-hydroxypinoresinol.

3.3 Terpenoids

Monoterpenoids: Densispicnins C, p-menth-8-ene-1,2-diol, and 9-hydroxyborneo.

Diterpenoids: Dihydroxymaaliane, Madolin F, Madolin A, Volvalerenal B, Kissoone A [11], Volvalerenal F, Volvalerenal G, Volvalerenic Acid F, Volvalerenal H, Volvalerenic Acid G, Volvalerenal I, Volvalerenal J, Volvalerenal K, Madolin A, Volvalerenl A, Volvalerenl C, Volvalerenl B, Madolin B, Volvalerenal D, Volvalerenic A, Aromadendrane 4α, 10β-diol, 15

- hydroxyspathulenol,  1-hydroxy-1,11,11-decahydrocyclopropane azulene-10-one, 4α,10α-trimethyl epoxyaromadendrane, Alloromadendrane-4α,10β-diol, and Volvalerenic acid D [12].

Cycloaromatic terpenoids: Valeriridoid P, 6-hydroxy-7-hydroxymethyl-4-methylenecyclopentanone-1(3H)-one, Valeriana glycoside A; Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid and Quercetin acid.

3.4 Flavonoids

The flavonoids in broad-leaved valerian include rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin [13], 3,5-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone, 1,7-dihydroxy-3,8

-dimethoxyflavone, and cotton bark extract, among others.

3.5 Other compounds

Broadleaf valerian also contains some anthraquinone compounds such as: 1,3-dihydroxyanthraquinone,1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone, 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-hydroxymethylanthraquinone, and emodin; Steroid compounds such as β-sitosterol, stigmasterol-3,7-dione, 3β-hydroxy-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-diene, and stigmasterol; aromatic ring derivatives: vanillin, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, 3-methoxyisopropylbenzoic acid, 4-isopropylbenzoic acid, p-hydroxypropionic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde.

4 Pharmacological effects

4.1 Sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant effects

Huang Baokang et al. [14] compared the sedative and hypnotic activities of ethanol extracts from four plants: Chinese valerian, broad-leaved valerian, spider valerian, and black water valerian. The results showed that broad-leaved valerian and spider valerian exhibited stronger activity than the other two valerian species. Luo Guojun et al. [15] investigated the therapeutic effects of broad-leaved valerian extract on experimental epileptic rats. The results showed that extracts of broad-leaved valerian at different doses could antagonize the kindling effect of pentylenetetrazole to varying degrees, with a dose-dependent relationship, and also inhibited the germination of moss fibers in the hippocampus. 

4.2 Effects on the circulatory system

Broadleaf valerian inhibits the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in rabbits and humans, with a clear dose-dependent relationship. The mechanism may be related to direct inhibition of DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle [16–17], suggesting its potential as a new drug for preventing atherosclerosis and hypertension [18]. Yin Hong et al. [19] demonstrated that broad-leaved valerian promotes the secretion of PGI2, inhibits the production of TXA2, thereby dilating coronary arteries, and reduces the production of tumor necrosis factor, improving coronary microcirculation. The essential oil of broad-leaved valerian significantly reduces the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood of experimental hyperlipidemic rabbits, while increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), suggesting that the essential oil of broad-leaved valerian has lipid-regulating effects [20]. Luo Guojun et al. [21–22] found that broad-leaved valerian can effectively dilate spastic cerebral arteries, reduce the severity of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits, thereby confirming that broad-leaved valerian can dilate the basilar arteries of the brain, improve microcirculation, and protect neurons. Yan Jie et al. found that broad-leaved valerian significantly reduced neuronal damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in vascular dementia mice and improved learning and memory impairments caused by cerebral ischemia [23].

Wang Yunfu et al. [24–25] investigated the effects of broad-leaved valerian on focal cerebral ischemia and found that it can reduce pathological damage to brain tissue after focal cerebral ischemia, with the mechanism possibly related to inhibiting the expression of C-Fos and C-Jun in various regions of the hippocampus after focal cerebral ischemia. Chen Baihua et al. [26] demonstrated that broad-leaved valerian has an anti-proliferative effect on rabbit arterial intimal injury and a preventive and therapeutic effect on RS after PTCA. Additionally, Yang Guiyuan et al. [27] conducted a clinical study using broad-leaved valerian essential oil to treat patients with coronary heart disease, finding that broad-leaved valerian has significant therapeutic effects in alleviating angina pectoris and improving myocardial ischemia.

4.3 Protective effects on the kidneys

Broadleaf valerian protects the kidneys of rats with hyperlipidemia by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, urine protein, and blood creatinine levels. It also decreases the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, wave-like protein, type IV collagen, and TGF-β1 in renal tubular epithelial cells. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the mesangial cell phenotype transformation in the glomeruli and reducing TGF-β1 expression in renal tissue [28–29].

4.4 Other effects

Additionally, the ether ester extract of broad-leaved valerian has antioxidant effects [30], and the extract of broad-leaved valerian, along with its single compounds X and kaempferol, exhibit significant antiviral activity against H5N1 virus.

References

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[2] Wei Zha'an. Anatomical observation and in vitro culture study of the nutritional organs of broad-leaved valerian [D]. Changsha: Hunan Agricultural University, 2010.

[3] Lu Guilin, He Li, Wu Qiongming, et al. Study on the biological characteristics and artificial cultivation techniques of broad-leaved valerian [J]. Anhui Agricultural Sciences, 2013, 41 (36): 13828–13830.

[4] Chen Qian, Wang Yuejin, Wang Youwei. Study on the reproductive biological characteristics of broad-leaved valerian [J]. Wuhan Journal of Botany, 2005, 23 (2): 169–173.

[5] Dong Yan, Han Jianyu, Sun Chao. Study on seed propagation of broad-leaved valerian [J]. Seeds, 2007, 26(9): 107–108.

[6] Liu Lan, Luo Zaiqi, Yang Guihua, et al. Research on Industrialization Breeding Technology of Broad-leaved Valerian, a Traditional Chinese Herb in Guizhou Province [J]. Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, 2010 (9): 105–107.

[7] Wang Liqun, Xiong Yitao, Tao Fuhua, et al. Analysis of Volatile Oil Components of Broad-leaved Valerian [J]. Chinese Herbal Medicines, 1999, 22(6): 298–299.

[8] Dai Zeqin, Zhou Mei, Huang Xiuping, et al. Determination of the content of acetyl borneol ester in the essential oil of the roots of broad-leaved valerian [J]. Anhui Agricultural Sciences, 2013, 41(16): 7112–7113.

[9] Dai Zeqin, Qian Zhiyao, Zhou Daotang, et al. Effect of altitude on the content of volatile oil and borneol acetate in broad-leaved valerian from Guizhou Province [J]. Chinese Journal of Experimental Materia Medica, 2015, 21(17): 56–58.

[10] Zuxian Peng, Zhang Weidong, Han Zhuzhen, et al. Study on water-soluble chemical components of broad-leaved valerian [J]. Journal of the Second Military Medical University, 2014, 35 (2): 161–170.

[11] Wang Jinxin, Han Zhuzhen, Li Hui Liang, et al. A new cycloartenol terpenoid compound from broad-leaved valerian [J]. Chinese Herbal Medicines, 2015, 46(1): 11–14.

[12] Chen Hengwen. Study on the Active Components of Broad-leaved Valerian Against H5N1 Virus [D]. Beijing: Academy of Military Medical Sciences, People's Liberation Army of China, 2014.

[13] Tan Bin. Study on Flavonoids in Broad-leaved Valerian [D]. Changsha: Hunan Agricultural University, 2008.

[14] Huang Baokang, Huang Liuqing, Zhao Zhongxin, et al. Comparative study on the sedative and hypnotic effects of four medicinal plants of the genus Valeriana in China [J]. Shizhen Guo Yi Guo Yao, 2008, 19 (11): 2710–2711.

[15] Luo Guojun, He Guohou, Wang Yunfu. Effects of extracts from broad-leaved Valeriana on the germination of moss fibers in the hippocampus of pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptic rats [J]. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2005, 21(4): 47–49.

[16] Wang Junfeng, Yang Guiyuan, Wang Jianing. Effects of broad-leaved valerian on the migration ability of cultured human arterial smooth muscle cells [J]. Journal of Yunyang Medical College, 1999, 18(4): 196–197.

[17] Chen Bohua. Experimental study on the inhibitory effects of broad-leaved valerian on the proliferation and migration of rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells [J]. Journal of Mathematical Medicine, 2004, 17(3): 281–282.

[18] Yang Guiyuan, Xu Qing, Wang Junfeng. Effects of broad-leaved valerian on contraction and growth of arterial smooth muscle cells [J]. Journal of Yunyang Medical College, 2002, 21(6): 324–326.

[19] Yin Hong, Xue Cunkuan, Ye Jianming, et al. Experimental study on the anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury effects of Valeriana extract [J]. Journal of Microcirculation, 2000, 10(1): 12.

[20] Hu Changxing, Yang Guiyuan, Li Gengshan. Effects of broad-leaved Valeriana on lipid metabolism in experimental hyperlipidemic rabbits [J]. Journal of Yunyang Medical College, 1998, 17 (3): 131–133.

[21] Luo Guojun, Xi Gangming, Fan Huayan, et al. Effects of broad-leaved valerian on the diameter and blood flow velocity of the basilar artery after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits [J]. Chinese Journal of Traditional and Western Medicine, 2001, 8(5): 310–311.

[22] Luo Guojun, Xi Gangming, Fan Huayan. Experimental study on the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits with broad-leaved valerian [J]. Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2002, 23(5): 39–41.

[23] Yan Jie, Pan Qingmin, Liu Wei, et al. Effects of broad-leaved valerian on learning, memory, and hippocampal neuronal pathology in vascular dementia mice [J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 2005, 13(1): 24–26.

[24] Wang Yunfu, Yan Jie, Luo Guojun, et al. Experimental study on the treatment of focal cerebral ischemia with broad-leaved valerian [J]. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation, 2004, 19(3): 137–138.

[25] Wang Yunfu, Yan Jie, Sun Shenggang, et al. Effects of Broad-leaved Valerian on C-Fos and C-Jun Expression in Rats After Focal Cerebral Ischemia [J]. Journal of Guangxi Medical University, 2004, 21(1): 10–12.

[26] Chen Bohua, Li Xiaohua, Zhang Qunlin. Inhibitory Effect of Broad-leaved Valerian on Endothelial Proliferation After Arterial Injury in Rabbits [J]. Journal of Mathematical Medicine, 2004, 17 (4): 316–318.

[27] Yang Guiyuan, Wang Wei. Clinical study on the treatment of coronary heart disease with broad-leaved valerian [J]. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 1994, 14(9): 540–542.

[28] Si Xiaoyun, Jia Ruhan, Huang Congxin, et al. Effects of broad-leaved valerian on α-smooth muscle actin expression in the glomeruli of rats with hyperlipidemia [J]. Pharmaceutical Guide, 2003, 22(4): 222–224.

[29] Si Xiaoyun, Jia Ruhan, Huang Congxin, et al. Effects of broad-leaved valerian on TGF-β1 expression in kidney tissue of rats with hypercholesterolemia [J]. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2003, 28(9): 845–848.

[30] Huang Ling, Li Jilie, Yang Jie, et al. In vitro antioxidant activity of extracts from Schisandra chinensis ether esters [J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology, 2009, 20(9): 2214–2216.