Valerian extract alters functional brain connectivity: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Valerian root is a popular herbal supplement for anxiety and sedation.
• Its effects on functional brain connectivity remain largely uninvestigated.
• Understanding VRE's neurophysiological mechanisms is crucial for its clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of valerian root extract (VRE) on resting-state functional brain connectivity using electroencephalography (EEG).
• To determine if VRE-induced changes in brain connectivity correlate with improvements in anxiety and stress symptoms.
• To assess the therapeutic effects of VRE compared to placebo in individuals experiencing psychological stress.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 64 volunteers with psychological stress.
• Participants received either VRE (100 mg) or a placebo three times daily.
• EEG coherence in alpha and theta frequency bands was measured to assess functional brain connectivity.

Main Results:

• Both VRE and placebo groups showed significant improvements in clinical anxiety and stress scales.
• The VRE group demonstrated significantly increased alpha coherence in frontal brain regions, correlated with anxiolysis.
• The VRE group also showed significantly decreased theta coherence in other electrode pairs.

Conclusions:

• Valerian root extract alters functional brain connectivity, specifically modulating alpha and theta wave coherence.
• These neurophysiological changes are associated with the anxiolytic effects of VRE.
• Further EEG research is warranted to confirm the neurophysiological effects of VRE.