Valerian root contains valeric acid, which is how they found the drug Depakote (Valproic acid). It's effect has been attributed to the blockade of voltage-gate

Valerian root contains valeric acid, which is how they found the drug Depakote (Valproic acid). It's effect has been attributed to the blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels and increased brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).