EFLA 943 (Valeriana officinalis extract)

EFLA 943 is a proprietary standardized hydroethanolic extract of Valeriana officinalis root, not consumed as a macronutrient source. Key bioactive compounds include: • Valerenic acid and its derivatives (acetoxyvalerenic acid, hydroxyvalerenic acid) — typically standardized to contain defined concentrations of valerenic acid (approximately 0.8–1.2 mg per dose depending on formulation), considered the primary active marker compound responsible for GABAergic activity. • Iridoids (valepotriates including valtrate, isovaltrate, and didrovaltrate) — present in variable but generally low concentrations in the finished extract due to instability during processing; approximate range 0.5–2% in raw material but significantly lower post-extraction. • Sesquiterpenes — including valerenal and valeranone, contributing to sedative and anxiolytic effects; typically present at sub-milligram levels per dose. • Lignans (hydroxypinoresinol and related compounds) — may contribute to 5-HT1A receptor partial agonism; trace to low concentrations. • Flavonoids (hesperidin, linarin, 6-methylapigenin) — linarin and 6-methylapigenin have demonstrated synergistic sedative activity with valerenic acid; present at microgram-to-low-milligram levels. • Essential oil fraction (0.3–0.7% of dried root) — contains bornyl acetate, camphene, and β-caryophyllene among other terpenes. • GABA — naturally present in valerian root extract, though concentrations vary (estimated 0.01–0.8 mg per dose); bioavailability of exogenous GABA across the blood-brain barrier remains debated and likely minimal. • Amino acids including glutamine and arginine — trace amounts, not nutritionally significant. The EFLA 943 extraction process (80% ethanol v/v) is specifically designed to enrich lipophilic sesquiterpenic acids while maintaining a consistent phytochemical fingerprint. Typical clinical dosing is 300–600 mg of extract per day. The extract contains negligible macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates), no significant vitamins or minerals, and no dietary fiber. Bioavailability notes: Valerenic acid demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability with hepatic first-pass metabolism; peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1–2 hours. The lipophilic nature of key sesquiterpenes supports reasonable gastrointestinal absorption. The sedative effects appear to involve synergistic interactions among multiple constituents rather than a single compound, making whole-extract standardization (as in EFLA 943) pharmacologically relevant.