Description
The standardized extract of Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), containing valerenic acid as the principal marker compound. Used in sleep-support and anxiety-management dietary supplements globally and as a traditional herbal medicine.
Yellow-brown to brown free-flowing powder with characteristic earthy odor. Limited water solubility; freely soluble in alcohol.
We supply food-grade Valerian Root Extract from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include 0.4 percent Valerenic Acid (the historical standard supplement grade matching commission E specifications), 0.8 percent Valerenic Acid (premium grade), and 4:1 to 10:1 herb-to-extract ratios without standardization.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering valerenic acid content (HPLC), total sesquiterpene acids, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiology.
Introduction
Valerian has been used as a sleep-aid and calming herb since ancient Roman times. The plant's characteristic earthy odor (described by some as unpleasant) is the source of its identity in traditional herbalism.
Industrial production proceeds by ethanol or hydroalcoholic extraction of dried Valerian roots, followed by purification and standardization to defined valerenic acid content.
Recognized as a permitted food ingredient by the U.S. FDA, the European Food Safety Authority, and equivalent regulators worldwide. The European Medicines Agency has issued monographs for Valerian as a traditional herbal medicine for mild nervous tension and sleep disturbances.
Clinical evidence for Valerian in sleep applications is mixed but supports a modest benefit at appropriate doses (typically 400 to 900 mg of extract) for sleep latency and quality. Mechanism involves GABA-receptor modulation, similar to but milder than pharmaceutical benzodiazepine sedatives.
Strategic positioning is dominated by sleep-support dietary supplements globally, typically formulated alongside melatonin, magnesium, or other sleep-support actives.
Where it is used
- Sleep-support dietary supplements: the dominant commercial application globally
- Anxiety-management and stress-relief formulations
- Traditional herbal medicine: insomnia and nervousness applications
- Combination supplements with melatonin, GABA, and other sleep-support actives
- Pharmaceutical applications: sleep-aid medications in some markets where Valerian is regulated as a herbal medicine
- Veterinary applications for anxiety in companion animals
- Functional beverages: relaxation drinks and sleep teas
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow-brown to brown free-flowing powder |
| Valerenic acid content (HPLC) | 0.4% / 0.8% (grade dependent) |
| Total sesquiterpene acids | ≥ 0.5% |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5.0% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 8.0% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 10000 cfu/g |
| Source | Valeriana officinalis roots |
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