Valerian for Anxiety
Valerian is not a proven treatment for anxiety. The only randomized trial done specifically for an anxiety disorder found no benefit over placebo, and the somewhat more encouraging data really describe sleep and sedation rather than anxiety itself.
Why this grade7-layer evidence engine
The grade is held to weak (Tier C) because human evidence aimed directly at anxiety is both scarce and unconvincing. A Cochrane systematic review (PMID 17054208) could locate just one small randomized trial (n=36), in which valerian was no better than placebo on HAM-A anxiety scores and was outperformed by diazepam on the STAI trait scale.
Later work is suggestive but does not lift the verdict. A 2020 meta-analysis (PMID 33086877, n=535) reported a pooled reduction in anxiety, yet the effect was inconsistent across studies and the analysis was anchored in sleep research, where valerian's signal is stronger. A 2021 crossover trial in dialysis patients (PMID 33936782, n=39) showed a Phase 1 drop in state anxiety, but the result did not hold up consistently in the second phase.
Authorities reinforce the cautious read. The WHO monograph backs valerian only as a mild sedative for anxiety-related sleep disturbance, not as a treatment for anxiety disorders, and the US FDA recognizes it merely as a flavoring agent, not for any health claim. A drug-interaction flag also applies: valerian can add to the sedation of benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other CNS depressants. The plausible calming mechanism keeps this above outright 'no effect,' but the data fall well short of establishing real benefit.
Scoring transparency
All scores computed by a 7-layer evidence engine — fully auditable▸View the full decision path (audit trail)
- compute_raw_score — 加權公式: L2×0.30 + L3×0.25 + L5×0.25 + L11×0.10 + L1×0.10 = 0.464
- tier_from_score — 依分數區間映射至 tier letter
- apply_hec_rules — 高階證據未達主導 (0 positive vs 1 negative)，由 raw_score 決定
- tier_strict_requirement_check — Tier 條件達標，未降階
- detect_disputes — 偵測到 0 個 hard + 0 個 soft dispute
- decide_status — 依 tier + dispute 結果決定 status