DEFINITION

Valerian consists of the subterranean parts of Valeriana officinalis L. (Fam. Valerianaceae) including the rhizome, roots, and stolons. It contains NLT 0.5% of volatile oil, NLT 0.05% of valerenic acid (C₁₅H₂₂O₂), and NLT 0.17% of total valerenic acids, calculated as the sum of hydroxyvalerenic acid, acetoxyvalerenic acid, and valerenic acid, on the dried basis.