The effect of Valeriana officinalis tea on sympathovagal tone and cardiac function in healthy volunteers: A semi-experimental study

The use of herbal teas can affect some physiological parameters of the body. Valerian has been used as a valuable medicinal plant. There are reports about sedative and sleep-inducing effects of Valeriana officinalis L. (VOT) on the nervous system. But in relation to its possible effect on the autonomic nervous system, the available information is limited. This study aimed to determine the effect of VOT on sympathovagal tone based on heart rate variability indices.

In this semi-experimental study, 12 healthy volunteers were enrolled. At first, the participants received 50 ml of water as the control group, and then after the clearance time, they received VOT with a dilution of 50% with the same temperature and volume and were considered the intervention group. Assessment of sympathovagal tone was performed in terms of heart rate variability indices. There were 5 recording steps: baseline, after drinking water, and 5, 20, and 30 minutes after drinking VOT.

The mean±SD of the average heart rate per minute at the five recording steps after VOT was 65.4±15.5, 63.5 ±14.6, 62.7±15.6, 61.8±16.09, and 60.9 15.2, respectively (p <0.05). The average arterial systolic pressure at the five recording steps after VOT was 119.4±7.4, 117.9± 9, 114.3±7.9, 113.8±8.6, and 114±6.5 mmHg, respectively.

A single cup of VOT significantly decreased the heart rate. This effect may be associated with a decrease in sympathetic activity and an increase in parasympathetic activity.