Valerian Root

There is one small randomized, double-blind trial suggesting valerian extract reduced OCD symptoms (750–765 mg/day, 8 weeks), but overall clinical evidence for OCD is very limited and not yet definitive.

The leading biological explanation is that certain valerian constituents (especially valerenic acid and related compounds) interact with the GABAergic system — they appear to modulate GABA receptors in ways that produce calming/anxiolytic and sedative effects. Since GABA dysfunction is implicated in anxiety and related disorders, that mechanism is the rationale for using valerian for anxiety-related symptoms (and possibly some OCD symptoms). BioMed Central

Valerian also contains other bioactive components (valepotriates, isovaltrate, etc.) that have shown activity at adenosine and other neural targets in lab studies; several of these actions could plausibly reduce arousal, intrusive thinking, or compulsive responding. But these preclinical mechanisms don’t prove clinical effectiveness for OCD. PillBuys

Trial example for OCD (how it was given): The 2011 randomized double-blind pilot trial for OCD used Valeriana officinalis extract 250 mg capsule taken three times daily (≈750 mg/day) (some reports list 765 mg/day depending on extraction method) for 8 weeks; capsules were given TID. This is the direct clinical protocol used in the only published RCT for OCD. PillBuys

Common dosing used in anxiety/insomnia studies and clinical practice: many human studies use 300–900 mg/day of valerian root (often 300–600 mg/day is cited as typical). Products vary widely (whole root, concentrated extracts, tinctures) and dosing schedules (once nightly for insomnia; TID or divided doses for daytime anxiety/OCD). For sleep problems many trials run 2–4 weeks (some longer); for the OCD trial the duration was 8 weeks. Healthline

Formulation matters: trials differ — whole-root preparations, ethanol extracts, or standardized extracts (aiming to standardize valerenic acid or valepotriates) can behave differently. The OCD trial used an extract (capsules of prepared extract). If you’re using a supplement, choose a reputable brand with clear extract information (and third-party testing when possible). PillBuys

How to apply it in practice (based on evidence + common guidance):

• If replicating the OCD trial: 250 mg capsule 3×/day (≈750 mg/day) for 8 weeks (trial used this exact regimen). PillBuys
• For anxiety/insomnia people commonly use 300–600 mg once daily at bedtime (for sleep) or divided doses for daytime anxiety — but there’s no single universally accepted regimen. Healthline
• Expectations / course length: many clinical trials are short (4 weeks typical; the OCD trial ran 8 weeks). Any plan should be evaluated with a clinician at intervals (e.g., 4–8 weeks) for efficacy and tolerability. PillBuys

Randomized, double-blind trial in OCD (the main direct evidence):

• Pakseresht S., Boostani H., Sayyah M. — Extract of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) vs. Placebo in Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Double-Blind Study (2011). 31 outpatients, extract 250 mg TID (≈750 mg/day) vs placebo for 8 weeks — the authors reported a statistically significant improvement in the extract group versus placebo. This is a small pilot trial and authors caution that further studies are required. (Full PDF of the paper). PillBuys

Anxiety / generalized anxiety trials (related evidence):

• Andreatini et al. (2002) — pilot randomized study looking at valepotriates (a valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); results were mixed and small sample sizes limit conclusions. Europe PMC
• Multiple small RCTs and systematic reviews/meta-analyses address valerian for insomnia and anxiety; overall evidence is mixed — some meta-analyses find small benefits for sleep or subjective anxiety in some trials, others find inconsistent results. Higher-quality large RCTs for anxiety/OCD are lacking. See systematic reviews for sleep/anxiety which summarize the heterogeneity of trials. American Journal of Medicine

Mechanistic / preclinical studies (how it might work): laboratory studies showing valerenic acid modulates GABA receptors and other receptor interactions (these support a plausible mechanism). BioMed Central

Summary on evidence: There is a plausible mechanism (GABA modulation) and a single small RCT showing benefit in OCD, plus some small/heterogeneous trials in anxiety and many trials for sleep. However, overall the clinical evidence specifically for OCD is limited (small sample, single center); larger, independent, well-powered trials and replication are needed before valerian can be considered proven for OCD. PillBuys