Bioactive metabolites from Valeriana genera

Departmem of Chemistry, Kumaun University, Nainital-263 002, Uttarakhand, India E-mail : mathelacs@gmail.com CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, CSIR-CIMAP, Post CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015, Uttar Pradesh, India Manuscript received 24 October 2011, accepted 26 October 2011 Valeriano species (Valerianaceae) with cosmopolitan distribution are the source of important phytomedicines for curing nervous unrest, emotional troubles (as tranquilizer/sedative), epilepsy and insanity. Valerian continues to be a safe sedative/hypnotic choice for patients with mild to moderate insomnia. Valeriano species possess variety of bioactive sesquiterpenoids navour chemicals and valepotriates possessing unique structural features. The activity of Valerian herbs is largely due to the valeporiates but the results show the sesquiterpenoids as being equally effective. Some valepotriates exhibit significant cytotoxic activity. Recent reports have indicated the existence of chemically distinct chemotypes within certain Valeriano consequently affecting their bioactivity. Present communication reviews recent work on Himalayan Valeriana viz., V. wallichii DC. (V. jatamansi), V. himalayana (V. dioica L.), V. pyrolaefolia Decne, V. hardwickii var. hardwickii and V. hardwickii var. arnottiana (Wt. C.B.)