How can valerian benefit brain health?

    Written by:
    Giulia Guerrini

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Valerian supplementation may positively affect brain health because studies indicate that it can improve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and enhance cognition in people who are undergoing hemodialysis. Additionally, valerian root extract has been shown to help prevent early cognitive dysfunction after coronary bypass surgery.

    Some studies have also shown that supplementation with valerian may have a positive impact on brain health.

    In one study, the use of valerian ethanol root extract (at a dose of 250 mg three times daily) resulted in a moderate improvement in symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).[1]. Additionally, the consumption of valerian dried root (at a dose of 530 mg taken 60 minutes before bedtime) appeared to enhance cognition in individuals undergoing hemodialysis.[2] Supplementation with the same dose of valerian root extract, taken twice daily for 8 weeks, appeared to prevent early cognitive dysfunction following coronary bypass surgery.[3]