A new, patented, refined Valeriana officinalis extract (phytofin Valerian 368) from Finzelberg GmbH & Co. KG has previously been
shown to possess anxiolytic properties in rodent models of anxiety [1]. The current
study extended this line of research into humans. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled,
crossover study, 29 healthy participants attended the laboratory on three separate
days, 7 days apart, receiving a different treatment in counterbalanced order on each
occasion (placebo, 300, 900mg valerian extract). On each day mood and physiological
responses were assessed pre-dose and at 1 and 3 hours post-dose. Each assessment comprised
measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, salivary cortisol and sIgA, and completion
of Bond-Lader mood scales and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and
after 20 minutes performance of the Defined Intensity Stress Simulator (DISS) computerized
multitasking stressor battery.
The most notable results were improved mood in comparison to placebo for both doses
of valerian in the absence of the stressor (i.e. pre-DISS data), with increased ratings
of 'calmness' at both post-dose time points, and anxiety at the earlier time point.
There was no additional effect on the change in mood inculcated by the stressor for
either dose. Both doses of valerian also led to improved cognitive performance on
either one (300mg) or two (900mg) of the four concurrent DISS modules. The results
confirm the potential for this extract to exert a beneficial effect on mood in humans
and demonstrate that this property is not accompanied by any cognitive decrements.
[1] Hattesohl M: Pharmakologische Untersuchungen zu Valeriana officinalis L.s.l. [Dissertation]. Universität Münster 2006.
