A Review on Valeriana wallichii: Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Research

Background In the past decade, a rising trend has been seen in the use of plant-based medicines because of fewer/no side effects. Plants are always the major source of traditional medicines in every culture. The main objective of this review is to shed light on the phytochemical composition and pharmacological research of Valeriana wallichii. Methods Electronic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, etc., were searched for traditional uses, extraction of phytoconstituents, therapeutical uses and pharmacology of V. wallichii. Results V. wallichii has been used as a sleep remedy since ancient times in the Indian traditional system of medicines. It is also used as a diuretic, spasmolytic and pain-relieving agent. It is used for the treatment of epilepsy, dyspeptic symptoms, failing reflexes, habitual constipation, insanity, nervous debility, obesity, spastic disorders, and in snake poisoning, and also reported to have cytotoxic potential. The pharmacological activity of the plant is due to the presence of different types of secondary metabolites, including valerianic acid, valerosidatum glycoside, valepotriates, dihydrovaltrate, 6-methylapigenin, hesperidin, sesquiterpenoids, bornylisovalerianate, isovalerenic acid, 1-camphene, 1-pinene, terpineol, valerianine, bornylisovalerianate, valerianine and so on. This review focuses on the detailed phytochemistry of the plant and its therapeutic indication. The main emphasis is given to the anticancer potential of V. wallichii, with in vitro cytotoxic as well as in vivo antitumor description. Conclusion The review reveals that further research, as well as clinical trials, are needed to know this plant as an effective drug for the treatment of cancer in the future with exact molecular mechanisms.