Valerianaceae

Valerianaceae, the sub-family of the family Caprifoliaceae (order Dipsacales), contains about 315 species of annual and perennial herbs, distributed, throughout the world. Numerous Valerianaceae species have a traditional use. Species from the genus Valeriana have been used for their antispasmodic, relaxing, and sedative properties that have been mainly attributed to the presence of valepotriates, borneol derivatives, and isovalerenic acid. Patrinia species are commonly used in Asian medicine to treat peri-appendicular abscesses, dysentery, erysipelas, conjunctival congestion, lung carbuncle, post-partum disease, and leucorrhea.