Potential mechanisms for the pharmacological activity of valerian extracts may include increased release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and agonistic activities on the GABA receptors. Sesquiterpenes of the volatile oil (valerenic acid and its derivatives, valeranone, valeranal) and valepotriates (valtrate, didrovaltrate, acevaltrate, iso-valeroxyhydroxyvaltrate) are two main groups of compounds in the subterranean organs of valerian. The valerenic acids have been reported for the sedative activity of V. officinalis and they are often used as an indicator of medicinal quality.