Valeriana

Valerian

Valerian. The rhizoma and rootlets of Valeriana officinalis Linné (Nat. Ord. Valerianaceae). Valeriane, Fr.; Baldrian-wurzel, Ger.

Extractum Valerianae Fluidum

Fluid extract of valerian. Dose, 3 ss— oz ss.

Tinctura Valerianae

Tincture of valerian (200 grm. to 1,000 c. c). Dose, 3 ss— 3 ij-

Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata

Ammoniated tincture of valerian (200 grm. of valerian and aromatic spirit of ammonia to make 1,000 c. c).

Ammonii Valerianas

Valerianate of ammonia. Is a white salt, in the form of quadrangular plates, having the disagreeable odor of valerianic acid, and a sharp, sweetish taste. It deliquesces in a moist air, but effloresces in a dry one, and is very soluble in water and in alcohol. It is decomposed by potassa, with evolution of ammonia, and by the mineral acids with separation of valerianic acid, which rises to the surface in the form of oil.

Oleum Valerianae

Oil of valerian. Dose, τη ij—τη iv.

Composition

Valerian contains from one to two per cent of an essential oil, which, if distilled from the perfectly fresh plant, has but little odor. In the process of drying of the root, or on exposure to the air of the oil distilled from fresh roots, valerianic acid is formed. As obtained from the dried root, the oil of valerian consists of valerianic acid, a camphor, valerene, and valerol.

An acid strongly resembling valerianic is obtained by the oxidation of amylic alcohol; but the two acids are not identical. The valerianic acid of pharmacy is, however, obtained in this way, and the various valerianates are products of the combination of the acid formed from amylic alcohol with bases.

Antagonists and Incompatibles

Quinine, digitalis, ergot, and remedies acting similarly, antagonize the actions of valerian.

Synergists

All the agents of this group, opium, alcohol, ether, etc., increase the action of valerian.

Physiological Actions

Valerian and its preparations have a hot, pungent taste, and a peculiar and disagreeable odor. A sensation of warmth at the epigastrium follows when it is taken into the stomach. In large doses, nausea, hiccough, eructations of the drug, vomiting, and diarrhoea, may be produced. In small doses no appreciable physiological effects are observed; but in considerable doses the action of the heart is increased, the temperature of the surface rises, and diaphoresis occurs. As respects the nervous system, headache, vertigo, exhilaration of mind, spectral illusions, hallucinations, have, it is said, been produced by valerian; but these results are by no means constant phenomena. According to Von Grisar (Köhler), oil of valerian reduces the reflex excitability, motility, and sensibility, and antagonizes the tetanizing action of brucine.

The odorous principle--valerianic acid—appears in the sweat, breath, and also the urine.

Therapy

The flatulence of the hysterical and hypochondriacal is quickly relieved by the tincture or fluid extract of valerian.

It sometimes happens that a mild attack of spasmodic asthma may be relieved by valerian, but this by no means efficient remedy quickly loses its effect. Whooping-cough, laryngismus stridulus, and other neuroses of the respiratory organs, may be occasionally modified by this agent; but it is by no means equal to many other remedies now available

The chief therapeutic use of valerian is in the treatment of nervousness, hysteria, and hysterical disorders generally. There can be no difference of opinion as to its great value in these cases; but as respects epilepsy, chorea, paralysis agitans, etc., in which it was formerly used, it must suffice to say that it is now never prescribed.

Under the impression that the physiological and therapeutical activity of valerian depends on valerianic acid, various valerianates have been introduced into practice. The only one which requires notice here is the valerianate of ammonia, which in the form of elixir is frequently prescribed in hysterical affections. Fluid extract of valerian has been used with advantage in diabetes insipidus and also in saccharine diabetes, but the results are not permanent. It diminishes the amount of urinary water in both, and lessens the excretion of sugar in the latter, but these effects continue only while the remedy is given.

Authorities referred to:

Fluckiger and Hanbury. Pharmacographia.

Husemann, Dr. Theodor. Handbuch der gesammten Arzneimittellehre, zweiter Band.

Husemann, Drs. Aug. und Theo. Die Pflanzenstoffe.

Kohler, Dr. Hermann. Handbuch der physiologischen Therapeutik, etc., erste Hälfte.

Trousseau et Pidoux. Traité de Thérapeutique et de Mat. Méd., huitiéme edition.