The Effects of Valerian on Sleep Quality, Depression, and State Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Our study sought to determine the effects of valerian on sleep quality, depression, and state anxiety in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial was conducted on 39 patients undergoing HD allocated into a valerian and placebo group. In the first phase of the study, group A (n = 19) received valerian and group B (n = 20) received a placebo one hour before sleep every night for a total of one month. Sleep quality, state anxiety, and depression were assessed in the patients at the beginning and end of the intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. In the second phase, the two groups’ treatment regimen was swapped. After a one-month washout period, the same process was repeated on the crossover groups (i.e., group A received placebo and group B received valerian). Results: In the first phase, the mean sleep quality, depression, and state anxiety scores showed significant reductions in both groups, but the reduction was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (7.6 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001; 6.5 vs. 2.3, p = 0.013; 14.6 vs. 7.3, p = 0.003, respectively). In the second phase, the mean sleep disorder, depression, and state anxiety scores showed significant reductions in both groups, but the reduction was significantly lower in group A compared to group B (1.4 vs. 4.6, p < 0.001; 1.2 vs. 3.8, p = 0.002; 1.5 vs. 6.2, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Valerian significantly improved sleep quality, the symptoms of state anxiety, and depression in HD patients.

A review of available herbal medicine options for the treatment of chronic insomnia

“…In a similar study, Gammoh et al [58] reported that there are no differences between using valerian at a dosage of 600mg for two weeks and placebo in terms of improving sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep quality. Tammadon et al [59] demonstrated that valerian produces similar results to oxazepam, with both agents improving sleep quality from baseline. Based on their reports, the levels of satisfaction in patients treated with valerian was over 80%.…”

Valerian essential oil for treating insomnia via the serotonergic synapse pathway

“…Valerian, forsythia perforatum, passionflower, and hops are all considered sleep aids for insomnia patients in natural medicines, and valerian is often used in western countries to help sleep or for sedation. As early as the sixteenth century, Valerian Sencha was used in Europe to help sleep and prolong life, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has listed valerian as a food supplement, and its use is not contraindicated ( 5 ). Its volatile components are often considered to be its effect on insomnia.…”

The chronic effects of a combination of herbal extracts (Euphytose®) on psychological mood state and response to a laboratory stressor: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study in healthy humans

“…Here, individuals given a 600-mg dose reported significantly lower levels of anxiety than those given placebo or a higher 1800 mg dose ( Kennedy et al, 2006 ). A similar dose in isolation (530 mg) significantly reduced state anxiety (as measure by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)) following 1 month’s supplementation in haemodialysis patients ( Tammadon et al, 2021 ). Anxiolytic effects have also been demonstrated following lower doses.…”