Proprietary valerian extract supports sleep quality in recent study

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A recent study¹ found that a proprietary valerian extract (Sleeproot from OmniActive Health Technologies) improved overall sleep quality in subjects with sleep complaints. In the study, 80 subjects were randomized to receive either the valerian extract or placebo day for eight weeks. The primary endpoints included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and sleep latency using wrist actigraphy (WA). Researchers also observed a number of secondary endpoints, including sleep parameters such as actual sleep time and sleep efficiency using WA, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the feeling of waking up refreshed, and a tertiary endpoint of sleep parameters using polysomnography (PSG) in a subset of 20 subjects per group.

Seventy-two subjects (35 and 37 subjects in the placebo and valerian groups, respectively) completed the study. Results showed that compared to placebo subjects in the valerian group saw significant decreases in PSQI Total Scores on days 14, 28, and 56. They also saw significant improvements in sleep latency and actual sleep time on days 3, 14, 28, and 56, as well as sleep efficiency on days 14, 28, and 56. Additionally, subjects taking the valerian extract saw a decrease in anxiety on days 14, 28, and 56, daytime drowsiness on days 28 and 56, as well as increased feelings of waking up refreshed on days 28 and 56, compared to placebo. PSG carried out on a subset of 20 subjects per group showed significant improvements in total sleep time, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency on day 56 in the valerian group, compared to the placebo group.

"These findings represent an innovative plant-based approach to managing occasional sleep and anxiety issues,” said Deshanie Rai, PhD, FACN, VP, global scientific, and regulatory affairs at OmniActive, in a press release. “This study shows that Sleeproot, a low dose valerian extract, at a 2% valerenic acid potency, can significantly improve aspects of sleep quality, as measured by validated quantitative and qualitative sleep methodologies.”

According to the study’s authors, “Valerenic acid from valerian is considered responsible for sedative activities through modulation of GABAA receptor function, inhibition of enzymatic breakdown of GABA, enhanced benzodiazepine binding, or partial agonistic activities against the 5-HT5a receptor, as demonstrated through experimental studies.”

“These findings show that Sleeproot can offer a non-hormonal approach for those seeking to improve sleep quality and a natural way to manage occasional anxiety,” says Kratika Gupta, global marketing lead at OmniActive. “This ingredient’s unique benefits and safety profile positions Sleeproot as a perfect plant-based alternative to conventional interventions, catering to wellness companies that are seeking a comprehensive natural solution for sleep and anxiety concerns.”

Reference

Shekhar, H.C.; Joshua, L.; Thomas, J.V. Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study. Advances in Therapy. 2023, Article ASAP. DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 (accessed 2023-11-30).