ISSN:
1573-739X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract The pharmacological action of Valerian is mainly ascribed to the so-called valepotriates, which were first shown to be present in Valerian ByThies (1966). An investigation into the composition of the essential oil of subterranean parts of a commercial Valerian strain has been carried out in order to obtain a clearer insight into its possible contribution to the pharmacological action of this plant. During this investigation, mainly performed by means ofGc-Ms, 69 compounds could be identified of which 45 had not been reported to be present in the essential oil of European Valerian. Three types of essential oil could be distinguished in a comparative investigation of a number of samples of root material from individual plants, namely: Type A: 2.4–4.9% elemol, 6.2–8.7% valeranone and 13.4–15.9% valerenal; no ‘M = 238’ and ‘M = 280’. Type B: 9.8–11.7% elemol, 10.3–12.0% valerenal; no valeranone, ‘M = 238’ and ‘M = 280’. Type C: 1.9–2.8% elemol, 16.2–18.1% valeranone, 9.3–10.3% ‘M = 238’, 3.3–3.9% valerenal and 3.3–3.8% ‘M = 280’. ‘M = 238’ and ‘M = 280’ are presumably a kessyl alcohol and its corresponding acetate respectively. From the results obtained the conclusion can be drawn that, if the essential oil of Valerian plays a role in the pharmacological action of the crude drug, it depends upon the composition of the essential oil. An extended investigation has to be carried out in order to define the original chemotypes ofValeriana officinalis L. s.l.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02293248
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