Valerian as a Complementary Treatment for Anxiety in Diabetic Patients

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin, necessitating long-term management through lifestyle adjustments and insulin therapy. Living with type 1 diabetes involves constant vigilance and management, which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

As a result, diabetics are more likely to suffer from anxiety than non-diabetics, leading to poorer health outcomes.¹ Herbs known for their calming properties, such as valerian, could potentially address these psychological needs effectively. This clinical trial was designed to assess the effects of valerian on anxiety and quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes.

The Study

The clinical trial involved 82 patients with type 1 diabetes, who were randomly assigned to two groups. Participants in the intervention group received capsules containing 530 mg of valerian root extract, an hour before bedtime each night for eight weeks. Those in the control group received placebo capsules.

Researchers measured anxiety levels using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and quality of life using the Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaire before and at various points throughout the study period.

The Results

Initially, there was no major difference in anxiety scores between the groups. However, significant improvements emerged after eight weeks of treatment. The intervention group, which received valerian capsules, showed a marked reduction in anxiety levels compared to the control group. This finding suggests that treatment may require a longer duration to become apparent.

Additionally, at the end of the eight-week study period, the quality-of-life scores in the intervention group were substantially higher than those in the control group.

What Does this Mean?

This trial offers evidence of the potential of valerian root for anxiety in patients with type 1 diabetes. The improvements in quality of life observed in the intervention group suggest that valerian provides dual benefits and may be considered a complementary treatment for anxiety.

Valerian is known for its calming and sedative properties, which are thought to stem from its ability to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nervous activity and reduce anxiety. By enhancing GABA levels, valerian may help alleviate the heightened stress and anxiety that many diabetes patients experience.

While the results provide a promising foundation for integrating herbs into diabetes care, further research is needed to solidify these findings and explore long-term effects.

Other herbs that may help alleviate anxiety are chamomile, St. John's wort, and ashwagandha.