Herrera-Arellano A, Luna-Villegas G, Cuevas-Uriostegui ML, Alvarez L, Vargas-Pineda G, Zamilpa-Alvarez A, Tortoriello J.Polysomnographic evaluation of the hypnotic effect of Valeriana edulis standardized extract in patients suffering from insomnia, Planta Med. 2001 Nov;67(8):695-9.
Mexican valerian (Valeriana edulis) is used in traditional medicine to treat insomnia and anxiety.
A double-blind controlled study examined the hypnotic effect and safety of Mexican valerian (450 mg) in people with insomnia, compared with Valeriana officinalis extract at the same dose.
Sleep duration, cycling between sleep stages, morning fatigue, memory quality and adverse effects were assessed in a sleep laboratory.
Twenty patients were studied for four consecutive nights, eight hours each night.
Results:
There were no substantial statistical differences in most parameters, except for a greater improvement in REM (rapid eye movement during sleep) measures with Valeriana officinalis and a reduction in the number of awakenings during sleep with Mexican valerian.
Overall, the results support the hypnotic effect and safety of acute treatment with Mexican valerian and Valeriana officinalis in patients with insomnia.