Valerian extract

Main Components:
"Valerian extract contains various active ingredients, among which the most important are valeric acid and other related compounds (not 'valeric acid and valeric acid' again). These components mainly exist in the roots and rhizomes of Valerian. In addition, it also includes components such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils. Volatile oil is the main source of the unique odor of Valerian extract, and its composition is complex, such as containing components like borneol acetate (not 'bornyl acetate'). These components work together to give Valerian extract multiple physiological benefits."
Pharmacological Effects:
"Calming and Soothing the Mind:
Valerian extract has a significant sedative effect on the central nervous system. It can regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, mainly by increasing the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid and an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals. Valerian extract increases GABA levels and reduces neuronal excitability, leading to a sense of relaxation and drowsiness, which helps alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality. In clinical trials, patients with insomnia found that they had shorter sleep latency, increased sleep depth, and fewer nighttime awakenings after taking Valerian extract."
"Anti-Anxiety Effect:
Its anti-anxiety effect is closely related to the mechanism of calming and soothing the mind. Valerian extract can regulate the stress response of the nervous system and reduce physiological and psychological indicators related to anxiety. For example, in some animal experiments, animals exposed to stressful environments showed a significant reduction in behavioral anxiety symptoms, such as reduced avoidance behavior and excessive activity in open-field experiments, after being given Valerian extract. This may be because the extract acts on the limbic system in the brain, which is associated with emotion regulation and anxiety response."
"Smooth Muscle Relaxation Effect:
Valerian extract has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles, especially on gastrointestinal and uterine smooth muscles. For gastrointestinal smooth muscles, it can alleviate gastrointestinal spasms and the pain and discomfort caused by them. It may have a certain auxiliary effect in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. For uterine smooth muscle, it can regulate uterine contractions to a certain extent and may help alleviate pain and discomfort during female menstrual periods, such as dysmenorrhea."
"Improve Cardiovascular Function:
Valerian extract also has certain benefits for the cardiovascular system. It can lower blood pressure, possibly by regulating the function of endothelial cells in blood vessels, causing vasodilation and reducing peripheral resistance. At the same time, it can also regulate heart rate and reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias. In some studies, hypertensive patients experienced a certain degree of blood pressure control and a more stable heart rate after taking Valerian extract for a period of time."