Valerian...don’t write off an old friend.

What it does.

Valerian is one the herbs that has been most widely used by riders and trainers from many disciplines for a long time.

Valerian is a European native but grows well in many other parts of the world including New Zealand and Australia. The plant we normally use medicinally is Valeriana officinalis although there are many species in the family.

The actions which are most widely known underline Valerian’s well recognised uses as an anxiolytic, hypnotic and mild sedative. Other actions to note are its anti-diarrhoeal, hypotensive and spasmolytic properties.

In humans Valerian is most commonly used in insomnia, restlessness, nervous tension and anxiety. In horses this translates to over excitedness where we know it can be very effective. However it is important not to overlook Valerian’s usefulness in other roles.

It is spasmolytic and therefore very useful as a first aid treatment for muscle cramp and most especially colic. Spectacular results have been achieved using it as a first aid treatment, but colic can be very serious so it is important to call the vet. He has stronger muscle relaxants than Valerian but we have seen many cases where Valerian has quickly eased the immediate problem.

One little known action of Valerian is its ability to control diarrhoea. The causes of diarrhoea can be many and varied. If it is stress related Valerian will help through its anxiolytic and spasmolytic action by helping with the mental problem and slowing the hyper motility of the gut. If the cause is a rotoviral infection Valerian is also helpful. A study on humans showed that rotovirus sufferers treated with Valerian and electrolytes had quicker recovery than those treated with just electrolytes or antibiotics and electrolytes.

How does it work?

Valerian contains several groups of compounds which are responsible for its sedative activity. These include valepotriates, essential oil and valerenic acid and its derivatives. Early research concentrated on the effects of the essential oil, but in the 1950s it was shown that the essential oil was not primarily responsible for the sedative activity. This led to the search for other compounds and the valepotriates were discovered about 10 years later. Since then further work has looked at the role of valerianic acid.

How Valerian actually works at a micro level is still not totally clear and research continues. What we do know so far is that there is an effect on the synaptic membranes and it has been suggested that Valerian slows nerve transmission by partially inhibiting the passage of nerve impulses across the synaptic gap.

Various studies have indicated that the sedative action is the result of interactions with GABA and melatonin receptors, however the precise nature of these interactions is yet to be defined. One observation is that extracts of this plant prolong the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain.

Can you overdose?

Treatment of humans using this herb has shown that it can aggravate a sensation of tiredness or drowsiness, particularly at high doses. However it is thought that this is more a case of increased awareness of the bodies needs than a negative depressant effect. A few humans find valerian stimulating in which case its use may be contraindicated. A similar effect has been noted in horses.

Overdose on valerian of 20 times the recommended dose was reported to have induced the following sensations: blurred vision, change in heartbeat, excitability, headache, nausea, restlessness and uneasiness. All of these symptoms disappeared within 24 hours.

What’s the problem?

The problem is that the French have developed a test procedure to detect valerianic acid, or its metabolites in urine. The FEI have adopted this and now require that all its testing laboratories do the same. This means that all urine samples will be tested for valerian.

The action of the FEI does seem slightly strange. The official web site says “The objective is to protect the integrity of equestrian sports through controlling the use of substances capable of giving a horse an advantage or disadvantage in an event, contrary to its natural abilities” Annex 4 of the FEI Veterinary Regulations sets it out in detail. However the FEI does apparently allow the use of Regumate, although it is not noted on the web site. .

Regumate is used to stop a mare from cycling. Surely the natural breeding cycle of a mare is part of her natural abilities. Whatever the logic we have to live with the FEI and within it rules when we compete.

Other Herbs.

There are many other common herbs that have a similar, but milder effect to Valerian which as far as we know can not be tested for. They include Lemon Balm, Chamomile and Vervain. We have preferred to use Valerian because it is often more effective, so please do not write it off just because the FEI have banned it from competition. It is still very useful in training and education of young horses and in those events such as hunting which are not within the bailiwick of the FEI.

Caution.

Valerianic acid occurs in varying levels in many herbs other than Valerian. If you have any doubts check with the supplier, manufacturer or a qualified herbalists. Also when you are buying any herbal products that you think may contain a banned substance look at the label. If the complete list of ingredients is not there put it back on the shelf; you must know what you are giving your horse. If you know what’s in it but are still unsure ask the manufacturer or the retailer if it has been tested and ask for a copy of the test results.