Preclinical studies and molecular mechanisms of action of Valeriana officinalis L. (review)

Introduction. Valeriana officinalis L. is a medicinal plant widely utilized in clinical practice, characterized by valuable pharmacological properties and extensively represented on the pharmaceutical market of the Republic of Belarus and the EAEU countries.

Text. The primary classes of biologically active compounds present in the subterranean organs of Valeriana officinalis are valepotriates and essential oil constituents (borneol, isovaleric acid, and sesquiterpenoids, notably valerenic acid). Preclinical investigations demonstrate that Valeriana officinalis exerts sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system; antispasmodic and muscle relaxant actions on smooth and skeletal muscles; as well as cardioprotective, antiarrhythmic, and anti-ischemic effects on the myocardium. Key molecular targets include GABA_A, adenosine A₁, and serotonin 5-HT_5a receptors. Toxicological evaluations confirm the high safety profile of valerian phytopreparations, showing an absence of acute and chronic toxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity, and teratogenicity at therapeutic doses.

Conclusion. Valeriana officinalis possesses a multicomponent chemical composition, proven multitarget pharmacological activity, and an established safety profile, substantiating its ongoing value for developing standardized modern phytomedicines.

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