Medicinal Plants: Central Nervous System-Hypnotics and Sedatives

Question 1

Valerian

BOTANICAL INFORMATION:

Answer 1

• Europe
• Weedy, herbaceous
• Naturalized in eastern North America
• Other species-Asia and North America

Question 2

Valerian

HISTORY AS A MEDICINAL PLANT:

Answer 2

• Traditional folk medicine in Europe and Chinese and Ayruvdic medicine
• Ancient Greeks-treat digestive and urinary tract disorders
• Medieval name-“heal-all”
  
  • Treatment of epilepsy
• Treat nervous afflictions-“hysteric complaints”
  
  • Reducing stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, nervous tension
• Root was used

Question 3

Valerian

MODERN UTILIZATION:

Answer 3

• Promote sleep, mild sedative effect
• Valepotriates-Valerenic acid and valtrate
• Terpenoids-essential oils
• Other sedatives-hops, lemon balm, passion flower