because of the article containing different alternatives to help PD - before trying any of these alternative methods -consult with your doctors.. A MUST!
Valerian root is dangerous for many already depressed and on medications!
this article is from www.uspharmacist.com
http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldforma...&article_id=83

Side Effects and Toxicity

Several reports of toxic effects of the valepotriates have surfaced since the early 1980s. Because the valepotriates possess an epoxide structure, they demonstrate alkylating activity in cell culture. Valepotriates were shown to be cytotoxic to tumor cells, mouse early hematopoietic cells, and human T-lymphocytes.21,22 They also inhibited the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.23 Alkylating agents show a good correlation between alkylating potency and mutagenic potency in the Ames test.24

Purified valepotriates and their decomposition products—baldrinal and homobaldrinal—were investigated for their genotoxic activity in the Salmonella/microsome test (Ames test) and the SOS-chrom test.25 The valepotriates developed mutagenic activity in these test systems only after being activated by esterases, whereas baldrinal and homobaldrinal showed direct mutagenic effects in both tests. When evaluating the potential in vivo danger of these cytotoxic effects, it must be noted that valepotriates are lipophilic compounds and are thus present only in very small quantities—if at all—in most standard aqueous extracts of valerian roots. They are also unstable in most extracts and are poorly absorbed after oral administration. Therefore, concentrations achieved in vitro would unlikely occur in vivo.

In studies of CNS depressant activity of the purified sesquiterpene valerenic acid in mice, extremely high injected doses (150?00 mg/kg) resulted in muscle spasms and strong convulsions.11 Despite these toxicological findings, there have been no clearly identified toxicities reported in humans.26 However, reports of headaches, excitability, and cardiac disturbances have been noted in various clinical trials.26 Because of its potential effects on uterine contraction, valerian’s use during pregnancy could be problematic. Importantly, valerian extracts have not proven to act synergistically with alcohol as have the benzodiazepines. The interaction of valerian with other CNS depressants such as opiates, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines, is unclear.

Valerian root WARNING- can be very dangerous for those on any medication

link -
http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldforma...&article_id=83

another link of warnings about valerian root
http://www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb133...tegory5Herb133

A careful read of the article shows valerian to be quite safe as these things go.

I believe that herbal used as per folklore of many many years are not toxic. The danger lies in the extracts from herbs where the dose exceeds that by folklore recommendations manifolds. But we wpd’s are desperate lot and the “respected” medical establishment have no cure for us so we read research and hang on to it with hope .. and some times we are ready to turn ourselves into white rats .. (The medical establishment is doing the same with us any way !?)
I agree with you that one has to be careful .. the research articles are not easy reading..
I am very greatful to forum members who do this wonderful search and exchange opinions and experience .. and I am specially thankful to those of us who explain this research and comment on it..
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With regard to Valerian root : I found out that one of the supplement companies is offering it as one constituent of a sleep essential tablet containiNg the following :

-valerian root 100 mg
-passion flower 50 mg
-chamomile flower 75 mg
-hops flower 75 mg
-scullcap herb 75 mg
-L-taurine 50 mg
-GABA 25 MG
- MELATONINE 3MG
- Magnesium 30 mg
- calcium 40 mg

ANY IDEAS OR COMMENTS AS I AM THINKING OF USING IT ??

if you are taking an SSRI -antidepressant
valerian can be dangerous valerian is basically a depressant/calm the CNS -it does have side effects
better link -
another link of warnings about valerian root
http://www.herbmed.org/index.asp
search - valerian -
Adverse Effects & Toxicity
In a review it has been indicated that, studies of better-known herbal sedatives, notably valerian and kava, showed moderate evidence for both safety and efficacy for valerian while revealing disturbing toxicity concerns for kava. Block 2004

[A riddle solved--why valerian-hops extract makes you drowsy] [Article in German]. Holzgrabe 2004

In vitro toxicity of high doses of valerian & peppermint oil(PO) in cultured human hepatoma cells & at doses 2-3 orders of magnitude greater than those recommended for human use, increase in rat bile flow after acute PO & increase in alkaline phosphatase after chronic PO were demonstrated. Vo 2003

Complications can arise from Echinacea, ephedra garlic, ginkgo, kava, St John's wort & Valerian by their direct and pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic effects. Pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactions include potentiation of the sedative effect of anaesthetics by kava and valerian. Ang-Lee 2001

Herbs affecting the central nervous system: gingko, kava, St. John's wort, and valerian. Assemi 2001

Valerian is used as an anti-anxiety drug & reported to have sedative & antidepressant properties. There are several reports on valerian root toxicity which includes nephrotoxicity, headaches, chest tightness, mydriasis, abdominal pain & tremor of the hands & feet. [Article in Hebrew] Boniel 2001

Review usage and adverse effects of Valerian, melatonin, St John's wort and kava -kava Heiligenstein 1998

'Sleep-Qik' (valerian dry extract 75 mg, hyoscine HBr 0.25 mg, cyproheptadine HCl 2 mg) associated with CNS depression and anticholinergic poisoning in 23 patients who had taken 7-160 doses; no evidence of liver damage Chan 1995

An individual taking 20 times the normal dose had mild symptoms which resolved within 24 h. Willey 1995

Letter warns of liver damage warning with insomnia remedy Shepherd 1993

300 and 600 mg/kg/day of V. officinalis and Crataegus oxyacantha for 30 days to rats to test for toxicity Fehri 1991

Toxicity evaluation of Valerian and Crataegus in rats given 300 and 600 mg/kg/24 h for 30 days Fehri 1991

Baldrinals, metabolites of valtrate and isovaltrate, but not dihydro-valtrate, appears to be mutagenic in the sensitive Salmonella assay von der Hude 1986

Interactions
An evidence-based literature review of five commonly used herbs in Denmark namely St John's wort, ginkgo biloba, valerian, garlic & ginseng were presented and attention to clinical practice & recommendations for discontinuation of the five herbs were given before surgery.[Article in Danish]. Kistorp 2002

Examples of synergy which may occur in psychoactive herbs through pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interactions includes Hypericum perforatum, Piper methysticum, and Valeriana officinalis which may be due to additive and supra-additive effects of plant's multiple constituents. Spinella 2002

28 articles have been identified that describe interactions between herbal (i.e. St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, kava, valerian, and ginseng) and conventional drug therapies used for the treatment of dementia. Gold 2001

A 23-year-old woman with no psychiatric history developed acute mania & psychosis while using a high dosage of Valdispert'balans', a combination of valerian extract and hypericin). Discontinuation of product & treatment with olanzapine led to complete recovery. [Article in Dutch]. Guzelcan 2001

Herbs including Ginkgo biloba, Piper methysticum (Kava-Kava), Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Cannabis sativa, Salix alba and others have been reviewed for the synergistic interactions in experimental, in vitro as well as clinical studies. Williamson 2001

Use of problematic plants like Echinacea, Allium cepa, Gingko biloba, Panax ginseng and Valeriana officinalis should be limited, or completely excluded in cases of simultaneous therapy with, e.g., warfarin, hepatotoxic agents, MAOI inhibitors, phenelzin sulphate, or phenytoin. [Article in Czech]. Tumova 2000
http://www.herbmed.org/herbs/herb133...tegory5Herb133

Valerian does not suppress the CNS. It acts more like a neuro hormone would, as opposed to a medication that changes chemicals of neuro-transmission. It enhances what the body is suppose to be doing, but due to stress is malfunctioning, if I may use simple terminology so laypersons understand, as well.

However, you are correct that it, or any other herb, can interact or interfer with precription medications, as well as, worsen a physical condition. So, no one should begin taking any herb without [1] doing thorough research on that herb and know its interactions and contraindications and [2] asking their doctor if he feels it is safe for them (unless totally healthy).

Herbs, after all, were medicine before pharmaceutical companies began making synthetic medications.

hello dear pjd,
I would rather take herbal medicine, than the hard stuff -
but I do realize, there are many side effects from the drugs, and we must be careful when using an anti depression medications and valerian root,
it made me very depressed...it was called formula 303...
Formula 303's Ingredients:

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) - used for centuries to calm upset nerves and for treating mood problems, pain and headache. Today homeopaths and herbalists use Valerian root for its antispasmodic, calmative, tranquilizing, carminative (good for upset stomach and digestion) and pain relieving effects. (approximately 264 mg)

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) - discovered in 1569 it is primarily used as a sedative or nervine to combat excess nervousness and anxiety, to tranquilize, and to promote sleep; as an anodyne, anti-spasmodic and anti-convulsant to treat dysmenorrhea, muscle cramps, and so forth. (approximately 132 mg)

Magnesium - is one of the most important essential minerals to promote proper nerve function. It is a key element in the stabilization of nerve cells, without which, the nerves would be in a constant state of excitation (a state known as tetany.) (approximately 65 mg)

http://www.herbmed.org/top20.asp