Some Quality Criteria of Valerian (Valeriana dioscoridis Sm.) Growing in Different Environments

Valerian (Valeriana dioscoridis Sm.) is a perennial herb of the Caprifoliaceae family. The genus Valeriana L. is represented by 14 species (15 taxa) in Turkey. This plant contains flavone glycosides, iridoids and lignans. Among these components, the medically important active ingredient is valerianic acid. Essential oils from valerian roots and rhizomes are used for the treatment of various diseases, including insomnia, mental illness, anxiety, menstrual cramps and physical stress conditions. In this study, evaluations were made of the root and rhizome of valerian plants grown in a natural environment and in greenhouse condition. The macro and micro nutrient contents of the powdered plant samples, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity values of the extracts were reported. Except for some macro and micro elements, it was determined that antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of plants cultivated and grown in nature were not different. The major components of both the natural and cultivated forms were determined to be 9-Borabicyclo [3.3.1] nonane, 9-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl]- (17.55% and 22.65%, respectively). The heavy metales such as Fe (415.21±47.8 mg/kg), Cu (50.9±0.2 mg/kg) and Mn (274.6±9.5 mg/kg), were obtained above limit values in grown plants of natural environment conditions.