on August 04, 2026
Vasomotor symptoms, particularly hot flashes, represent one of the most common and disabling disorders reported by women during the transition to and after menopause. For those seeking non-hormonal or complementary options, research is focusing on various phytocompounds and traditional medicinal plants to rigorously evaluate their clinical efficacy and safety. In this context, Valeriana officinalis, known primarily for its sedative-hypnotic properties, has been investigated to determine whether it may play a direct role in alleviating neurovegetative disorders.
Presumed Biological Mechanisms
From a pathophysiological perspective, hot flashes are linked to estrogen deficiency, which alters the thermoregulatory center located in the hypothalamus. This phenomenon involves several neurotransmitter systems, particularly serotonergic, noradrenergic, and GABAergic pathways. The phytocompounds found in valerian extract—including valerenic acids, valepotriates, and flavonoids—can interact with GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system. Through this GABAergic modulation, valerian promotes an inhibitory and stabilizing effect on the autonomic nervous system, helping to reduce the sympathetic hyperactivity that triggers the pronounced vasomotor response (peripheral vasodilation, increased heart rate, and sweating).
Evidence from the Randomized Clinical Trial
Confirming the therapeutic hypothesis, a major triple-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial evaluated the impact of valerian root extract on the severity and frequency of hot flashes. The study enrolled 60 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 55, who were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups:
· Active group: oral administration of one 530 mg valerian capsule twice daily for a total of two months.
· Control group: oral administration of a placebo capsule containing 530 mg of starch, with the same dosage and duration.
Symptom progression was monitored using the Kupperman index before the start of therapy, after one month, and at the end of the second month of treatment.
Data analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in the severity of hot flashes in the valerian group compared to the placebo group. This improvement was evident after the first month of administration and continued into the second month. At the same time, at the end of the two-month intervention, the average daily frequency of hot flashes was also significantly lower in the active group compared to the placebo control.
Valerian officinalis supplementation thus appears to be a natural, safe, and effective therapeutic resource for the integrated management of menopausal women, capable of reducing both the frequency and intensity of vasomotor symptoms.
Bibliographic References
1. Jenabi E, Shobeiri F, Hazavehei SM, Roshanaei G. The effect of Valerian on the severity and frequency of hot flashes: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Women Health. 2017 Feb 16; 58(3): 297-304.
