Assessing subjective and psychomotor effects of the herbal medication valerian in healthy volunteers

The combination of Passiflora alata and Valeriana officinalis on memory tasks in mice: comparison with diazepam

“…However, in the present study, the CPV did not induce any memory impairment, which was contrary to expectations for this GABA enhancement action of valerian. On the other hand, the absence of amnesic effect of CPV was in accordance with the literature with no reports of deleterious effects on cognition or psychomotor performance in the clinical studies with valerian or valepotriates (Andreatini et al, 2002;Kuhlman et al, 1999;Glass et al, 2003;Hallam et al, 2003;Gutierrez et al, 2004). To explain this paradox, it was postulated that the behavioral effect of the phytomedicines could be due to a synergistic interaction between its constituents (Della-Loggia et al, 1981;Williamson, 2001).…”

Smoking of Thyme Herb in a Psychotic Patient: A Case Report

“…Furthermore, thyme use might make a profit therapeutically by decreasing the abuse of other substances with known negative effects. Although the effects of some plants were investigated as evidence based, our knowledge is limited about the effect mechanisms of the majority (13). Psychoactive effects of many plants are known but a wrong perception might occur as they are safe due to the expression "herbal", potential of abuse may increase because they are easily and legally obtainable and their metabolites are not detectable in urine and blood samples (14).…”

Valerian: No evidence for Clinically Relevant interactions

“…In contrast to classical sedatives, valerian extracts did not impair the ability to drive or to use machines, neither after single [19][20][21][22] nor after repeated doses [23]. Reports of putative adverse reactions are extremely rare and include one case of hepatic symptoms after prolonged treatment and one case of cardiac symptoms after discontinuation of a long-term treatment with very high doses, which were interpreted as a withdrawal reaction [24,25].…”