Valerian (herb) some affinity for the GABA receptor, a class of receptors on which benzodiazepines are known to act. Valeric acid, which is responsible for the typical odor of mostly older valerian roots, does not have any sedative properties. Valeric acid is related to valproic acid, a widely prescribed anticonvulsant; valproic acid is a derivative of valeric acid. Valerian also contains isovaltrate, which has been shown to be an inverse agonist for adenosine A receptor sites. This action likely does not contribute to the herb's possible sedative effects, which would be expected from an agonist, rather than an inverse agonist, at this
Valerian Stan cu degetele în urechi” and editorial by Cristian Tudor Popescu „Guvernul conduce reforma pe ultimul drum”; Magazine 22, 8-14 iulie 1997, „Compromis la Guvern/ Valerian Stan – Casele, demnitarii şi demnitatea”; România liberă, 19 iulie 1997, „Lista lui Stan/ Moşierii nu mai vin, i-a făcut regimul Iliescu/ 11.000 de hectare de terenuri agricole luate cu japca doar în 4 judeţe”; România liberă, 26 august, editorial by Octavian Paler „Bizareriile d-lui Ciorbea”; Evenimentul zilei, 28 august 1997, „Prin demiterea lui Valerian Stan, Guvernul rade incoruptibilii”; Adevărul, 28 august 1997, „Monstruoasa coaliţie l-a demis pe Valerian Stan”, editorial by Adrian Ursu; România