Valerian extract alters functional brain connectivity: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6286
• Publication Date: 2019-01-11T09:59:42Z
• Authors: Daeyoung Roh; Jae Hoon Jung; Kyung Hee Yoon; Chang Hyun Lee; Lee Young Kang; Sang‐Kyu Lee; Kitack Shin; Do Hoon Kim
• Keywords: Valerian

Valerian root is the most commonly used herbal supplement for sedation and anxiolysis, but it unknown whether may affect functional brain connectivity. Our goal was to use electroencephalography (EEG) investigate valerian extract (VRE) affects resting‐state connectivity changes such are associated with clinical symptoms. This 4‐week, double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial conducted 64 nonclinical volunteers suffering psychological stress. The participants received VRE (100 mg) or a placebo thrice daily. We examined VRE's therapeutic effects on anxiety stress‐related constructs. Functional were measured as EEG coherence in alpha theta frequency bands. groups both exhibited significant postintervention improvements all scales, no between‐group differences these noted. Compared group, group significantly greater increases frontal region across four electrode pairs, correlated anxiolysis. also decreases another electrodes pairs. findings indicate that alters relation anxiety. Further studies needed confirm neurophysiological effects.