Valerian history

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are known for their sedating properties and are frequently used over-the-counter medications (usual doses 25-50 mg) for difficulty sleeping. Diphenhydramine is approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia and can be effective at reducing sleep latency and increasing sleep time.43 However, diphenhydramine produces undesirable anticholinergic effects and carryover sedation that limit its use. As with TCAs and BZDRAs, diphenhydramine should be used with caution in the elderly. Valerian root is an herbal sleep remedy that has inconsistent effects on sleep but may reduce sleep latency and efficiency at commonly used doses of 400 to 900 mg valerian extract. Ramelteon, a new melatonin receptor agonist, is indicated for insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset. The recommended dose is 8 mg at bedtime. Ramelteon is not a controlled substance and thus may be a viable option for patients with a history of substance abuse. 

Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. (1982). Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 17(1) 65-71. Lebot V, Merlin M, Lindstrom L. (1997). Kava—the Pacific Elixir The Definitive Guide to Its Ethnobotany, History, and Chemistry. Rochester, VT Healing Arts Press. [Originally published New Haven Yale University Press, 1992.]... 

A case of heart failure with delirium was reported in a man with a significant history of cardiovascular disease who had taken valerian (500-2000 mg daily) for 5 years and was also taking numerous other medications and supplements (isosorbide dinitrate, digoxin, furosemide, benazepril, aspirin, lovastatin, ibuprofen, potassium, zinc, and vitamins). The reporting physicians stated that valerian is considered to exert a benzodiazepine-like action through the enhancement of y-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission they suggested that symptoms reported in this case were similar to benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and hypothesized that the cardiac failure was due to valerian withdrawal (Garges et al. 1998). 

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