Safety evaluation of aqueous extract from Valeriana officinalis L. roots: Genotoxicity, acute, subchronic and teratology toxicity

Valeriana officinalis L., commonly known as "valerian", is a traditional herbal medicine distributed in the north temperate zones of America, Europe and Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, valerian and its roots were used for the treatment of restlessness of the heart and mind, palpitation and insomnia caused by internal depression of emotions and moods. However, safety evaluation of valerian remains deeply unclear.