Botanical May Reduce Anxiety

By CP Staff

A recently published study investigated the effect of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) on anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders each year, totaling approximately 18 percent of adults in the U.S. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and specific phobias. Researchers have suggested that valerian exerts anxiolytic effects by interacting with GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

In this study, rats were supplemented with valerian root extract, the active constituent of valerian known as valerenic acid, valerenic acid plus GABA, the benzodiazepine (anti-anxiety) drug diazepam, or ethanol as the control. The rats were then assessed for anxiety-related behavior using a maze test.

The results showed that there was a significant reduction in anxiety behavior in the rats supplemented with valerian extract or valerenic acid, compared to the rats in the control group. Additionally, the study showed no significant difference in efficacy between any of the treatment groups, meaning anxiety reduction was similar in the groups receiving valerian compared to the groups receiving diazepam.

The researchers concluded, “The evidence supports Valeriana officinalis as a potential alternative to the traditional anxiolytics as measured by the elevated plus maze.”

Reference:

Murphy K, Kubin ZJ, Shepherd JN, Ettinger RH. Valeriana officinalis root extracts have potent anxiolytic effects in laboratory rats. Phytomedicine. 2010 Jul;17(8-9):674-8.

Valerian is found in Allay™ along with other synergistic botanicals known to create a sense of calm and well-being.