Which key aromatic and active compounds does this valerian root oil contain?
Valerian root oil is chemically defined by sesquiterpenes (valeranone), monoterpene esters (bornyl acetate), and valerenic acids — the latter being the signature GABA-modulating active of European valerian.
Key Compounds & Specifications
| Compound | Role / Specification | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Camphene | 9%–29% (mandatory fingerprint) | T/CAFFCI 70-2023 |
| Bornyl acetate | 21%–41% (mandatory fingerprint) | T/CAFFCI 70-2023 |
| Valeranone | Signature woody-rooty sesquiterpene ketone; aroma-defining | ISO 4720 / literature |
| Valerenic acids | GABA receptor modulators; active sedative markers | EMA monograph; USP: ≥ 0.05% in root; EP: ≥ 0.17% in root |
| Isovaleric acid & esters | Musky-animalic base note | Literature |
| Essential oil content (root) | ≥ 0.5% mL/g | EP Valerianae radix |
- Key note: Chinese V. jatamansi (Zhi Zhu Xiang) typically does NOT contain valerenic acid — that is the main chemical difference from European V. officinalis
- GC-MS identified 98 components in SFE-CO2 extract vs 67 in steam-distilled oil (47 shared) — the CO2 grade is richer in heavier sesquiterpenes
- Bornyl acetate purity can reach 77.46% after molecular distillation (Li et al. 2017)
- A full GC-MS composition report accompanies every batch COA; camphene and bornyl acetate ranges are verified per T/CAFFCI 70-2023
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This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.
