A feasibility study of valerian extract for sleep disturbance in person with arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To present a pilot study of valerian to explore issues of feasibility and efficacy in studies of sedative herbs for arthritis-related sleep disturbance.


METHODS
Fifteen persons with arthritis and mild sleep disturbance were randomized to receive 600 mg valerian (Valeriana officinalis, n = 7) or placebo (n = 8) for five nights.


RESULTS
Protocol adherence (dosing and data collection) was high. Allocation concealment was successful using a novel approach for matching the placebo on the distinctive odor of valerian. Nonsignificant differences between the groups were found on all sleep outcomes, measured by daily diaries and wrist actigraphy.


CONCLUSIONS
The study methods were feasible, except for recruitment issues (addressed in the discussion), and may guide the testing of other sedative herbs for persons with arthritis. Although efficacy outcomes were inconclusive due to the small sample size of this study, recent evidence from larger trials of valerian also does not support its efficacy.
Taibi
Diana M
DM
Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7266, USA. dmtaibi@u.washington.edu
Bourguignon
Cheryl
C
Gill Taylor
Ann
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001168:Arthritis / Q000150:complications*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017286:Polysomnography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014632:Valerian
D010936:Plant Extracts