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Metas de Enfermería

Metas de Enfermería

JUNIO 2005 N° 5 Volumen 8

Valeriana Officinalis: the valeriana

Section: Medicinal herbs

How to quote

Serrano Ruiz A. Valeriana officinalis: la valeriana. Metas de Enferm jun 2005; 8(5): 24-26

Authors

Alfredo Serrano Ruiz

Position

Diplomado en Enfermería.

Contact address

Servicio de Farmacología Clínica. Hospital Clínica Puerta de Hierro. San Martín de Porres, 4. 28035 Madrid.

Contact email: aserrano.hpth@salud.madrid.org

Abstract

The Valeriana herb has been well known for centuries in Western Europe. The root or extracts of the plant are used both in monotherapy as well as in combination with other herbs. It is used mainly in the treatment of mild anxiety and sleep disorders. Despite its ample popularity, few well designed clinical trials to study the efficacy profile and safety of this phytotherapeutic method have been conducted and published. At present is yet to be known which molecules are responsible for its effects and action mechanism. The proposed action mechanisms of the molecules found in the valerian herb extracts advice against the utilisation of this plant in combination with central nervous system depressor drugs.

Keywords:

Valeriana officinalis; medicinal plants; pharmacology; sleep disorders; anxietyCNS depressors

Versión en Español

Título:

Valeria officinalis: la valeriana