Valerenic acid assay

Valerenic acids are bioactive compounds found in the roots of Valeriana officinalis , a medicinal plant known for its relaxing and sedative properties. These molecules play a key role in the effectiveness of valerian extracts used in herbal medicine and in the formulation of dietary supplements for well-being and stress management. Quantifying valerenic acids is essential to ensure the standardization, safety, and traceability of finished products. It allows manufacturers to guarantee that their formulations comply with regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

Analytical methods for the determination of valerenic acids

The determination of valerenic acids relies on high-precision chromatographic techniques, allowing reliable and reproducible results.

• HPLC-UV (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection) : reference method for the quantification of these compounds in various extracts and finished products.
• LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry) : advanced technique offering increased sensitivity, particularly suited to complex matrices or multi-component formulations.

These methods are part of a broader framework of quality control applied to medicinal plants, such as HPLC and MS/MS, which are widely used for the identification and quantification of plant active substances.

Applications and challenges for the nutraceutical industry

Valerenic acid analysis is relevant to several players in the nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic sectors:

• Manufacturers of food supplements: to guarantee the standardization of valerian extracts.
• R&D laboratories: to study the efficacy and composition of valerian-based formulations.
• Distributors and importers of plant-based raw materials: to ensure the quality and conformity of batches.

This approach is part of a broader strategy to enhance the value of plant-based assets, similar to the analysis of compounds such as theanine , theobromine or trigonelline , also offered by YesWeLab.

Matrices involved in the analysis

Valerenic acid analysis can be performed on a wide variety of valerian-derived matrices: infusions and herbal teas, dry and hydroalcoholic extracts, root powders, and finished products such as capsules, tablets, or complex mixtures. The methodology chosen is adapted according to the nature of the matrix and the specific needs of the client, whether for routine quality control, regulatory validation, or production monitoring.

Importance of standardization and traceability

Standardizing valerian extracts guarantees not only the therapeutic efficacy of the products but also consumer safety. Measuring valerenic acid content allows verification of the actual active ingredient content claimed on the label, ensures consistency between different production batches, and meets regulatory requirements for marketing nutraceutical products. These issues are similar to those encountered with other plant molecules such as tyramine , tryptamine , and gymnemic acids , whose measurement also contributes to ensuring the safety of formulations.

YesWeLab's expertise for your valerian analyses

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, carefully selected for their expertise, certifications, and accreditations (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Our scientific team assists you in defining the analytical method best suited to your samples and objectives. Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from a simplified service: quick quote requests, online sample tracking, and timely delivery of results. Numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms already trust us to centralize and optimize their analyses.

Take action

Do you need to analyze your valerian extracts or nutraceutical products containing valerenic acid? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for reliable quality control that meets regulatory requirements. Request a quote online now for your valerenic acid analysis.