6-Methylapigenin and hesperidin: new valeriana flavonoids with activity on the CNS

Valerian is an ancient tranquillizing drug obtained from the underground organs of several Valeriana species. Its active principles were assumed to be terpenoids in the form of valepotriates and/or as components of the essential oil. However, unknown active compounds were not discarded and synergic effects were suspected. We have recently isolated 6-methylapigenin (MA) from Valeriana wallichii and proved that it is a benzodiazepine binding site (BDZ-bs) ligand [Planta Med. 68 (2002) 934]. The present paper is the first report of the presence of 2 S(−)-hesperidin in valeriana and describes that it has sedative and sleep-enhancing properties. MA, in turn, was found to have anxiolytic properties and was able to potentiate the sleep-enhancing properties of hesperidin (HN). MA and HN are new members of the growing family of natural flavonoids with activity on the CNS, and their properties suggest that they are promising drug leads in the field.