Valerian root
Valerian root is the root and rhizome of Valeriana officinalis, cultivated mainly in Europe and China. It is sold as dried, cut or powdered root and as dry or liquid hydroalcoholic extracts, often standardized to valerenic acids. The root has a strong odor from isovaleric acid that develops as it dries and ages, which affects handling and packaging.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Dried, milled root and rhizome; not standardized.
Dry hydroalcoholic extract sold on a percentage of valerenic acids by HPLC.
Tincture or fluid extract in ethanol or glycerin, sold on a herb-to-solvent ratio.
Dried, cut root for tea blends.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep valerian in tightly sealed, odor-barrier packaging, cool, dry and out of light, and store it away from other ingredients because its odor migrates. Valerenic acids decline with heat and time. Shelf life or retest date comes from the supplier.
Valerenic acid content varies by growing region, harvest and drying temperature. Record supplier lot and retest date, and check each COA against the spec.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.510 lists valerian rhizome and roots (Valeriana officinalis L.) among natural flavoring substances that may be used in food under that section's conditions.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's natural health product monograph for valerian lists the dried root, or root and rhizome, of Valeriana officinalis as source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Mollet del Vallès, Spain
Euromed is a Spanish producer of standardized botanical extracts for pharmaceutical, supplement, food and cosmetic companies, with plants near Barcelona and in Murcia. It is part of the Dermapharm Group.
Manufacturer · Changsha, China
Hunan Nutramax is a plant extract producer in Changsha, China, best known for monk fruit (luo han guo), stevia and sweet tea extracts, that also offers a range of herbal extracts.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include root powder, standardized extract, liquid extract and cut root. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity (HPTLC), valerenic acids (HPLC), essential oil, heavy metals, microbiology and residual solvents, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep valerian in tightly sealed, odor-barrier packaging, cool, dry and out of light, and store it away from other ingredients because its odor migrates. Valerenic acids decline with heat and time. Shelf life or retest date comes from the supplier.
21 CFR 172.510 lists valerian rhizome and roots (Valeriana officinalis L.) among natural flavoring substances that may be used in food under that section's conditions. Health Canada's natural health product monograph for valerian lists the dried root, or root and rhizome, of Valeriana officinalis as source material.
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