Branded Ingredients · Sleep Support
EFLA 943 (Valeriana officinalis extract)
Strong EvidenceCompound
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
EFLA 943 is a standardized Valeriana officinalis extract containing valerenic acid and isovaleric acid that modulates GABA neurotransmission. This proprietary extract improves sleep quality by reducing sleep latency and increasing total sleep duration through GABAergic mechanisms.
EFLA 943 is a branded, standardized extract from the roots of Valeriana officinalis L., a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It is produced by Frutarom (now part of IFF) using a proprietary water-ethanol extraction method that ensures high potency and consistency, with emphasis on sesquiterpenoid content.
A 2023 randomized controlled trial (PMID: 37899385) with 80 adults suffering from mild insomnia demonstrated that 8 weeks of EFLA 943 supplementation significantly improved multiple sleep parameters measured by both subjective questionnaires and objective actigraphy. A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis (PMID: 4394901) concluded that valerian may improve subjective sleep quality but noted methodological limitations in existing research.
Clinically studied doses of EFLA 943 and similar Valeriana officinalis extracts range from 530 mg twice daily (1,060 mg/day) to 600 mg once nightly, taken for 8 weeks. The specific EFLA 943 sleep trial used a higher-potency standardized extract daily for 8 weeks, though exact dosage was not specified in available abstracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
EFLA 943 contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid that enhance GABA-A receptor activity in the central nervous system. These compounds increase GABA availability at synaptic junctions, promoting neuronal inhibition and sedative effects. The extract also modulates adenosine receptors and may influence melatonin pathways to regulate circadian rhythm.
A randomized controlled trial with 80 participants demonstrated EFLA 943 increased actual sleep time by 38.76 minutes and significantly improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Clinical studies show reduced sleep latency with standardized extract supplementation. Evidence suggests potential benefits for preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction, though research remains limited. The extract's efficacy appears consistent across multiple sleep parameters in controlled settings.
EFLA 943 is generally well-tolerated with mild side effects including drowsiness, headache, and gastrointestinal upset. The extract may potentiate sedative medications, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, requiring dosage adjustments. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and severe hepatic impairment due to limited safety data. Patients taking CNS depressants should consult healthcare providers before supplementation.
