Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
PubMed 33086877 · doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) for sleep problems and associated disorders. A total of 60 studies (n=6,894) were included in the systematic review. Sub-meta-analyses were conducted for subjective sleep quality (10 studies, n=1,065) and anxiety reduction (8 studies, n=535).
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes, relative risks, or confidence intervals. It states that valerian promoted sleep and reduced anxiety, with more reliable effects observed from whole root/rhizome extracts and combination preparations. No severe adverse events were reported across subjects aged 7 to 80 years.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes clinical evidence on valerian and suggests that historically inconsistent trial results are largely driven by variable extract quality, constituent instability, and a lack of manufacturing standardization.
Limits
The abstract reports no quantitative effect estimates, p-values, or measures of statistical heterogeneity. The included trials were limited by variable extract quality, unstable active constituents, and heterogeneous preparation methods.
Cited by
- partial Saffron and valerian root are clinically supported ingredients that can assist with falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking refreshed.