Pharmacokinetics

The chemicals thought to be most responsible for the central nervous system actions of valerian root are the valepotriates, particularly bornyl acetate, and the sesquiterpenes, most notably valerenic acid. As the valepotriates are generally lipophilic, these unstable compounds are found primarily in alcohol extracts, while the more hydrophilic sesquiterpenes are present in both aqueous and alcohol extracts. Both types of extracts are consumed for therapeutic purposes.

Given the variations in the chemical constituents among individual valerian plants, and the large variety of species, it is impossible to draw firm conclusions about the pharmacokinetic properties of valerian by studying extracts. Rather, emphasis is placed on examining the pharmacological characteristics of particular chemical constituents, principally bornyl acetate and valerenic acid.