Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
all heal, amantilla, garden heliotrope, baldrian, baldrianwurzel, Valeriana jatamansii, herba benedicta, Valeriana edulis, Valeriana officinalis, valeriana spp, Valeriana wallichii Valeriana sitchensis
Synonyms :
valerian
Class :
Neurology & Psychiatry, Herbals
Brand Name :
all heal, amantilla, garden heliotrope, baldrian, baldrianwurzel, Valeriana jatamansii, herba benedicta, Valeriana edulis, Valeriana officinalis, valeriana spp, Valeriana wallichii Valeriana sitchensis
Synonyms :
valerian
Class :
Neurology & Psychiatry, Herbals
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
ExtractÂ
CapsuleÂ
Insomnia Dosage Recommendation:
400–900 mg PO of aqueous extract up to 2 hours before bedtime
Extract from ethanol: 600 mg orally at bedtime
Root: 2-3 g orally (fresh or dried) three times a day
Hops or lemon balm combinations: 320–500 mg PO HS
a maximum of 28 days
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
ExtractÂ
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
It may enhance sedation when combined with codeine
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: they may increase the hypertensive effect of sympathomimetics
valerian: they may increase the hypertensive effect of sympathomimetics
valerian: they may increase the hypertensive effect of sympathomimetics
valerian: they may increase the hypertensive effect of sympathomimetics
valerian: they may increase the hypertensive effect of sympathomimetics
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
valerian: it may enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
valerian: it may enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
valerian: it may enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
valerian: it may enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
valerian: it may enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
Actions and SpectrumÂ
Actions:Â
valerian’s muscle relaxant properties may be attributed to its impact on the nervous system and GABA receptors. This relaxation effect can contribute to its ability to alleviate tension and promote relaxation.Â
valerian is often used as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. Compounds found in valerian, such as valerenic acid, interact with receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the nervous system.Â
Spectrum:Â
Frequency not definedÂ
Cardiac disturbancesÂ
HepatotoxicityÂ
InsomniaÂ
Morning drowsinessÂ
ExcitabilityÂ
HeadacheÂ
SedationÂ
UneasinessÂ
Black Box Warning:Â
NoneÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Contraindications:Â
Cautions:Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
Avoid the usage of valerian during pregnancy.Â
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
Avoid the usage of valerian while lactating. Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.Â
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.Â
Pharmacology:Â Â
valerian’s primary mechanism of action involves interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms the central nervous system. Compounds in valerian, such as valerenic acid, enhance the activity of GABA by inhibiting the breakdown of GABA in the brain, leading to an overall calming and relaxing effect.Â
Valerenic acid, a primary active compound in valerian, inhibits certain enzymes (GABA transaminase) that break down GABA. By inhibiting these enzymes, valerian helps maintain higher levels of GABA in the brain, contributing to its sedative and anxiolytic effects.Â
valerian compounds may also bind directly to GABA receptors, mainly GABA-A receptors, further enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA neurotransmission. This contributes to valerian’s potential to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Top of FormÂ
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
valerian is typically administered orally in various forms, such as teas, capsules, or extracts. After oral ingestion, the active compounds in valerian are absorbed primarily in the gastrointestinal tract.Â
DistributionÂ
Once absorbed, valerian compounds are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. They can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the central nervous system.Â
MetabolismÂ
The metabolism of valerian compounds occurs primarily in the liver. Valerenic acid, one of the main active compounds in valerian, undergoes hepatic metabolism. The exact metabolic pathways and potential metabolites are not extensively studied.Â
Elimination and excretionÂ
The elimination of valerian compounds occurs mainly through urine and feces. After metabolism in the liver, the metabolites are excreted from the body.Â
Administration:Â
valerian tea is made by steeping dried valerian root in hot water. To prepare valerian tea:Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: valerianÂ
Pronounced as: vah-LEH-ree-unÂ
Why do we use valerian?Â
valerian is used as a herbal remedy for centuries for its potential benefits on relaxation, sleep, and anxiety.Â
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