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Xie Cao - Valerian officinalis
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Professional Data |
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 Pin Yin
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Xie Cao
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| Latin
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Herba Valerian officinalis
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| Introduction |
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Herba Valerian officinalis (Fam. Valerianaceae) is a perennial herb that can grow up to five feet tall. It has small pinkish white (sometimes lavender or red) clustered flowers that bloom from June to September. The dried roots that are used medicinally and have an aromatic odor and a bitter taste.
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| Western medical |
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Stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, sedative, pain killer.
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| Chemical constituents |
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Borynl acetat, betacaryophyllene, valeranone, valerenal, sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenes, esters, valepoitriats, valerosidate, alkaloids, choline, phenolic acids, sugars, fixed oil.
The herb contains about 1% volatile oil, a volatile alkaloid, methyl-2-pyrroyl ketone.
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| Pharmacological actions |
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| Various effects |
Functions of valerian officinalis of different kinds or from different areas varied a little. Mainly the herb is anti pathogenic microorganism, anti-cancer and tumor-inhibiting, sedative and anti-depression. |
The volatile oil could dilate coronary artery and increase the blood amount in coronary vessel, and improve cardiac microcirculation. xie cao could lower blood pressure. |
xie cao extract could relieve spasm in bilary tract and alleviate renal failure.
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| Clinical Studies |
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Traditionally, the herb is indicated in the treatment of digestive complaints, urinary tract problems, epilepsy, flatulence, nausea, stagnant liver, antiperspirant, antidote for poisons, vaginal yeast infections, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, bloating, roundworms in children, headaches, malaria, coughs and asthma. It also used as a tranquilizer and sleep aid. |
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| References |
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Except those noted, all references come from Weng Weiliang, et al., Clinical Chinese materia medica, Henan Science & Technology Press, 1998 |
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