From the Guidelines
Valerian root is generally considered safe for short-term use, but it may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and digestive issues, as evidenced by the limited available studies, including a clinical guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic insomnia in adults 1. The potential side effects of valerian root can be attributed to its effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, similar to some anti-anxiety medications.
- Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Digestive issues like stomach pain or nausea
- Vivid dreams
- Morning grogginess
- Less common side effects may include:
- Dry mouth
- Excitability
- Uneasiness, particularly at higher doses It is essential to note that valerian can potentially interact with certain medications, especially other sedatives, sleep medications, alcohol, and some antidepressants, potentially increasing drowsiness or other effects, as mentioned in the clinical guideline 1. Long-term safety of valerian root has not been well-established, and it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data 1. Additionally, people with liver disease should use caution, and valerian may affect driving ability or operating machinery due to its sedative properties. Given the limited available evidence, including the study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine 1, it is crucial to prioritize caution when using valerian root, especially for extended periods or in combination with other medications.
From the Research
Potential Side Effects of Valerian Root
- The available evidence suggests that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects 2.
- There were no severe adverse events associated with valerian intake in subjects aged between 7 and 80 years 3.
- Valerian root is well tolerated and safe, with infrequent and benign side effects 4.
- However, some reports on the valerian root toxicity include nephrotoxicity, headaches, chest tightness, mydriasis, abdominal pain, and tremor of the hands and feet 5.
Specific Studies on Valerian Root Side Effects
- A study on the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress effects of valerian root extract in human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (Hepg2) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco2) cell lines found that valerian root extract did not induce oxidative stress in HepG2 and Caco2 cell lines 6.
- Another study discussed the safety and efficacy of valerian in psychiatric practice, highlighting the potential for valerian to induce mania, as well as reports of valerian root toxicity 5.
Overall Safety of Valerian Root
- The evidence suggests that valerian is a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential side effects 3, 4.
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential side effects and drug interactions of valerian root, and advise patients to use it cautiously and under medical supervision 5.