Valerian Root Extract – Product Introduction
I. Product Overview
Valerian Root Extract is a brownish-yellow flowable powder made from the dried roots and rhizomes of the valerian plant (*Valeriana officinalis L.*, family Valerianaceae). It is produced through processes including extraction, separation, concentration, and spray drying. The product has the characteristic odor of valerian and a slightly bitter taste. It is a popular natural botanical product in European and American markets, primarily used as a dietary supplement ingredient for improving sleep and relieving anxiety.
II. Product Specifications and Quality Standards
2.1 Applicable Standard
The product complies with the Chinese Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Industry Standard **WM/T 7-2004 "Valerian Root Extract"** , which is supervised by the Ministry of Commerce and proposed and interpreted by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products.
2.2 Sensory Specifications
Parameter | Requirement |
Color | Brownish-yellow |
Odor | Characteristic valerian odor, slightly bitter taste |
Appearance | Uniform, flowable powder with no visible foreign matter |
2.3 Key Physicochemical Specifications
Parameter | Requirement |
Total Valerenic Acids Content | ≥ 0.8% |
Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% |
Residue on Ignition | ≤ 5.0% |
Particle Size (pass rate through 80-mesh sieve) | ≥ 90% |
Bulk Density (loose) | 45–65 g/100mL |
Bulk Density (tapped) | 60–80 g/100mL |
2.4 Heavy Metals and Microbiological Specifications
Parameter | Limit |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 20 mg/kg |
Arsenic (as As₂O₃) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
BHC Residue | ≤ 0.01 mg/kg |
DDT Residue | ≤ 0.01 mg/kg |
Total Bacterial Count | ≤ 10,000 cfu/g |
Molds and Yeasts Count | ≤ 100 cfu/g |
E. coli* | Not detectable |
Salmonella* | Not detectable |
III. Main Active Ingredients
The main active components of valerian root extract are total valerenic acids, which include three types of compounds:
Hydroxyvalerenic Acid
Acetoxyvalerenic Acid
Valerenic Acid
In addition, valerian also contains baldrinals and other compounds with anti-inflammatory biological activities. Valerian root contains 0.5–2% volatile oil, the main component of which is bornyl isovalerate.
IV. Manufacturing Process
4.1 Raw Material Requirements
Botanical Source**: Roots and rhizomes of *Valeriana officinalis L.* (family Valerianaceae)
Harvest Time**: September to October
Primary Processing**: Remove stems, leaves, and soil; dry in the sun
4.2 Process Flow
Extraction with ethanol → Concentration → Spray drying → Finished product
This process yields the optimal preparation for extracts with sedative-hypnotic and antidepressant effects.
V. Main Functions and Applications
5.1 Traditional Effects
Calms the mind, regulates vital energy, relieves pain. Experimental studies show it strengthens the inhibitory process of the cerebral cortex, reduces reflex excitability, and relieves smooth muscle spasms, thus producing sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, and analgesic effects.
5.2 Effects Confirmed by Modern Research
Functional Category | Specific Effect |
Sedative & Sleep Aid | Improves sleep quality, treats insomnia |
Antidepressant | Exhibits antidepressant effects |
Anxiolytic | Relieves tension and anxiety |
Antibacterial & Antiviral | Antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor effects |
Anti-inflammatory | Baldrinal and other components show anti-inflammatory activity |
VI. Product Forms and Application Areas
6.1 Main Product Forms
Extract Powder**: Standard specification is brownish powder with ≥0.8% total valerenic acids
Valerian Oil**: Volatile oil product for export trade
Valerian Softgel Capsules**: Preparation made from valerian essential oil; high safety profile, fast onset of action
Liquid Extract**: e.g., organic valerian root liquid extract
6.2 Application Areas
Area | Specific Application |
Pharmaceutical Ingredients | Raw material for sedative and antidepressant drugs |
Health Products | Dietary supplements for improving sleep and relieving anxiety |
Cosmetics | Skincare products such as valerian whitening masks |
Food Flavoring | Flavoring for food and cosmetic products |
VII. Packaging, Storage, and Transport
7.1 Packaging Specifications
Common packaging consists of sealed, moisture-proof, uncontaminated, sterilized cardboard drums or aluminum foil packaging. Standard size: 25 kg/drum.
7.2 Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place protected from light and high temperatures.
7.3 Shelf Life
2 years
VIII. Market and Application Prospects
Valerian is a best-selling natural botanical ingredient in European and American markets. The U.S. FDA has classified it as a food additive. According to a 2006 insomnia survey in six Chinese cities, more than half of adults in major cities had experienced insomnia to varying degrees. The insomnia drug market in China was estimated at approximately 10 billion RMB, indicating significant market potential. Areas such as Tongren in Guizhou Province have achieved export of processed valerian products, and valerian oil has re-entered the EU market.
IX. Precautions
1. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 3 years of age should not take this product.
2. It may enhance the effects of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines); concomitant use is strictly prohibited.
3. Discontinue use 2 weeks prior to surgery.
4. May affect alertness; avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery after taking.