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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is a non-standardized food and plant allergenic extract used primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to the Valeriana officinalis plant. It belongs to the class of allergenic extracts used in clinical immunology.
Name
Valeriana Officinalis Whole
Raw Name
VALERIANA OFFICINALIS WHOLE
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
6
Variant Count
7
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Valeriana Officinalis Whole
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is a non-standardized food and plant allergenic extract used primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to the Valeriana officinalis plant. It belongs to the class of allergenic extracts used in clinical immunology.
Detailed information about Valeriana Officinalis Whole
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Valeriana Officinalis Whole.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is a specialized biological preparation classified as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC] and a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]. Unlike the over-the-counter herbal supplements derived from the same plant (often used for sleep or anxiety), this clinical-grade extract is specifically designed for use by allergists and immunologists. Its primary function is the diagnosis and, in some cases, the desensitization of patients who exhibit hypersensitivity reactions to the Valeriana officinalis (valerian) plant.
As a 'non-standardized' extract, its potency is not measured by a federally mandated bioequivalent unit (such as the Bioequivalent Allergy Unit or BAU). Instead, it is prepared through a controlled extraction process from the whole plant material, resulting in a complex mixture of proteins, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides that represent the antigenic profile of the source material. According to the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), these extracts are regulated as biological products under the Public Health Service Act. Your healthcare provider may use this extract to determine if your immune system produces specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to valerian exposure.
The therapeutic and diagnostic mechanism of Valeriana Officinalis Whole is rooted in the fundamental principles of immunology. When used for diagnostic purposes, such as in percutaneous (skin prick) testing, the extract is introduced into the epidermal layer of the skin. If a patient is sensitized, IgE antibodies bound to the surface of mast cells in the skin will recognize the valerian antigens. This recognition triggers 'degranulation,' a process where mast cells release inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. This results in a localized 'wheal and flare' reaction—a raised bump surrounded by redness—which the clinician measures to confirm an allergy.
When used in allergen immunotherapy (AIT or 'allergy shots'), the mechanism shifts toward immunomodulation. By administering gradually increasing doses of the extract subcutaneously, the healthcare provider aims to shift the patient's immune response from a Th2-dominated profile (associated with allergy and IgE production) to a Th1-dominated or T-regulatory (Treg) profile. This process increases the production of 'blocking antibodies' (IgG4), which compete with IgE for allergen binding, eventually reducing the allergic symptoms upon natural exposure. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand how this specific extract will be utilized in your clinical care.
Traditional pharmacokinetic parameters (like those used for oral tablets) are often difficult to apply to allergenic extracts because they are biological mixtures rather than single chemical entities. However, their behavior in the body follows specific biological pathways:
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is indicated for:
Off-label uses are rare but may include specific research protocols for cross-reactivity studies within the Caprifoliaceae family. Your doctor will determine the appropriate use based on your clinical history.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is typically available in the following formats for clinical use:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Valeriana Officinalis Whole is right for your specific condition. This product must be administered under the supervision of a physician trained in the management of systemic allergic reactions.
Dosage for Valeriana Officinalis Whole is highly individualized and depends entirely on whether the extract is being used for diagnosis or treatment. There is no 'standard' dose that applies to all patients.
Immunotherapy involves two distinct phases:
Valeriana Officinalis Whole may be used in children, but extreme caution is required. Pediatric dosing follows the same escalation logic as adult dosing, but the starting point may be even more conservative. Some clinical guidelines suggest that immunotherapy is most effective and safest for children aged 5 and older. Your pediatrician or pediatric allergist will determine the safest concentration based on the child's sensitivity level.
No specific dosage adjustments are typically required for renal impairment, as the systemic load of the extract is minimal. However, the patient's overall health must be stable to manage a potential systemic reaction.
No dosage adjustments are established for patients with liver disease. The primary concern remains the patient's ability to tolerate emergency medications (like epinephrine) should a reaction occur.
Elderly patients (over 65) may have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which could make the use of epinephrine (required for treating anaphylaxis) more risky. Dosage escalation may be slower in this population.
This medication is NEVER self-administered at home. It must be administered in a clinical setting (such as an allergy clinic) by a trained professional.
In immunotherapy, if a dose is missed, the next dose may need to be reduced depending on how much time has elapsed.
An 'overdose' in this context refers to an injection of too much allergen or an injection given too quickly during the build-up phase.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or skip appointments without medical guidance, as this increases the risk of a reaction.
Most patients undergoing testing or treatment with Valeriana Officinalis Whole will experience some form of localized reaction. These are generally not dangerous but indicate the immune system is responding to the allergen.
> Warning: Stop taking Valeriana Officinalis Whole (discontinue the session) and call your doctor or seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis:
Because Valeriana Officinalis Whole is a biological extract, it does not typically cause the long-term organ toxicity associated with synthetic drugs (like liver or kidney damage). The primary long-term risk is the development of increased sensitivity if the immunotherapy is not managed correctly, or the extremely rare risk of developing an autoimmune-like response, though this is theoretically discussed rather than commonly observed in clinical practice.
While Valeriana Officinalis Whole may not have a specific individual black box warning, the FDA requires all allergenic extracts to carry a general warning regarding Anaphylaxis.
Report any unusual symptoms or reactions that occur after you leave the clinic to your healthcare provider immediately.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is a potent biological agent. Its use is restricted to diagnostic and therapeutic settings under the direct supervision of a physician. It is not for self-administration. Patients must be in a stable state of health before receiving an injection; for example, if you have a fever or an active asthma flare-up, your injection should be postponed.
No specific FDA black box warning exists uniquely for Valeriana Officinalis Whole, but it falls under the mandatory class warning for all Allergenic Extracts. The warning emphasizes that these products can cause severe systemic reactions. The risk is increased in patients with highly sensitive skin, those receiving high doses, or those with underlying respiratory conditions. Epinephrine must be available for immediate use whenever these extracts are administered.
No routine blood work (like CBC or LFTs) is required for Valeriana Officinalis Whole. However, the following monitoring is mandatory:
Generally, this extract does not cause sedation. However, if you experience a systemic reaction or feel lightheaded after an injection, you should not drive or operate machinery until the symptoms have completely resolved and your doctor clears you.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and the extract. However, alcohol consumption can cause vasodilation and may theoretically increase the rate of absorption of the allergen or mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is best to avoid alcohol for several hours before and after your appointment.
If you decide to stop immunotherapy, there is no 'withdrawal' syndrome. However, your allergy symptoms will likely return to their baseline levels over time. You should discuss the timing of discontinuation with your allergist to ensure you have reached a sufficient level of desensitization.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially any history of heart problems or lung disease, with your healthcare provider before starting Valeriana Officinalis Whole.
There are no absolute drug-drug contraindications that prevent the use of Valeriana Officinalis Whole, but certain combinations make its use significantly more dangerous:
There are no known direct interactions with specific foods. However, if a patient has a known food allergy to members of the Caprifoliaceae family (which includes some honeysuckles), they may have an increased risk of a reaction to Valeriana Officinalis Whole. It is also advised not to eat a heavy meal immediately before an injection, as this can complicate the management of gastrointestinal symptoms during anaphylaxis.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole does not interfere with standard chemistry or hematology panels. However, it will directly affect:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially any medications for blood pressure or heart rhythm.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
These conditions require a careful risk-benefit analysis by the physician:
Patients who are allergic to other plants in the Caprifoliaceae family (such as Lonicera or honeysuckle) or the Dipsacaceae family may show cross-reactivity to Valeriana Officinalis Whole. A thorough botanical allergy history is essential before testing.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including your lung function and current medications, before prescribing Valeriana Officinalis Whole.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is classified by the FDA under Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, and it is not known whether the extract can cause fetal harm.
It is not known whether the antigenic components of Valeriana Officinalis Whole are excreted in human milk. However, because these are large proteins and the amount administered is very small, it is considered unlikely to affect a nursing infant. The benefits of treating the mother's allergies must be weighed against any theoretical risk. Most clinical guidelines consider immunotherapy compatible with breastfeeding.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole can be used in the pediatric population, typically for children aged 5 and older.
Patients over the age of 65 require special consideration:
There are no specific guidelines for the use of Valeriana Officinalis Whole in patients with kidney disease. Because the product is biological and administered in microgram quantities, it does not pose a traditional 'drug-loading' risk to the kidneys. However, the patient must be stable enough to handle emergency medical interventions.
There is no evidence that liver disease alters the response to allergenic extracts. Dose adjustments are not required, but the clinician should be aware of the patient's overall health status and any potential coagulopathies (bleeding risks) if performing extensive skin testing.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your allergist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have chronic heart or lung conditions.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole acts as a source of exogenous antigens. In diagnostic use, it cross-links allergen-specific IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils. This cross-linking triggers a signal transduction cascade involving tyrosine kinases (like Syk), leading to the release of pre-formed mediators (histamine) and the synthesis of new mediators (leukotrienes). This is the classic Type I Hypersensitivity reaction.
In therapeutic use (Immunotherapy), the mechanism is more complex. Repeated exposure to increasing doses of the extract induces 'immunological tolerance.' Key changes include:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous/Percutaneous) |
| Protein Binding | N/A (Biological mixture) |
| Half-life | Varies by protein component (hours to days) |
| Tmax | 15-30 minutes (local) |
| Metabolism | Cellular proteolysis |
| Excretion | Renal (metabolites) |
Valeriana Officinalis Whole belongs to the therapeutic class of Allergenic Extracts. It is specifically categorized as a non-standardized extract, meaning its potency is determined by the manufacturer's internal standards rather than a universal FDA reference standard. It is related to other botanical extracts like Ragweed, Timothy Grass, and various food extracts used in clinical allergy practice.
Common questions about Valeriana Officinalis Whole
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is a clinical-grade allergenic extract used by medical specialists to diagnose and treat allergies to the valerian plant. Unlike herbal valerian used for sleep, this extract is intended for skin testing and allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots). It helps doctors identify if a patient's immune system reacts to valerian proteins by triggering a controlled, localized allergic response. If an allergy is confirmed, the extract can be used in a long-term treatment plan to desensitize the patient. This process involves giving small, increasing doses to help the body build up a tolerance over time.
The most frequent side effects are localized to the site where the extract was applied or injected. These include redness, itching, and a raised bump known as a 'wheal,' which typically appears within 20 minutes of testing. Some patients undergoing immunotherapy may experience larger areas of swelling or 'large local reactions' that can last for a day or two. While these are usually harmless, they must be monitored by your doctor. Systemic symptoms like sneezing or mild fatigue are less common but can occur. Always report any reaction to your healthcare provider before your next dose.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Valeriana Officinalis Whole allergenic extract. However, healthcare providers generally recommend avoiding alcohol on the day of your allergy testing or immunotherapy injection. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, which might theoretically speed up the absorption of the allergen into your bloodstream, increasing the risk of a systemic reaction. Additionally, being under the influence of alcohol could make it harder for you to notice or accurately describe early symptoms of anaphylaxis. It is safest to remain sober for several hours following your clinical appointment.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole is generally not recommended for initiation during pregnancy. While the extract itself is not known to be a toxin or teratogen, the risk of a systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) poses a significant danger to the fetus. If a mother experiences a severe drop in blood pressure or respiratory distress, the baby may suffer from a lack of oxygen. If you are already on a stable maintenance dose of immunotherapy, your doctor may decide to continue it, but they will typically not increase the dosage. Always inform your allergist immediately if you become pregnant.
The timeframe for Valeriana Officinalis Whole depends on whether it is used for diagnosis or treatment. For diagnostic skin testing, the results are visible within 15 to 20 minutes. For immunotherapy (allergy shots), the process is much slower. Most patients enter a 'build-up phase' that lasts several months, and they may not notice a reduction in allergy symptoms until they reach their maintenance dose. Significant clinical improvement usually takes 6 to 12 months of consistent treatment. A full course of therapy typically lasts 3 to 5 years to ensure long-lasting results.
Yes, you can stop receiving Valeriana Officinalis Whole injections at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms. Unlike some medications that affect the nervous system, allergenic extracts do not cause dependency. However, stopping immunotherapy before the recommended 3-to-5-year mark usually means that your allergy symptoms will eventually return to their original severity. If you miss too many doses, you cannot simply resume where you left off; your doctor will need to reduce the dose to ensure your safety. Always discuss your treatment plan with your allergist before stopping.
If you miss an immunotherapy appointment, you should contact your allergy clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. The safety of your next dose depends on how much time has passed since your last injection. If it has only been an extra week, you may be able to continue with the scheduled dose. However, if several weeks have passed, your immune system's tolerance may have decreased, and your doctor will likely need to reduce the concentration of the next injection to prevent a reaction. Never try to 'double up' on doses to make up for a missed one.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Valeriana Officinalis Whole causes weight gain. The extract consists of proteins and biological materials administered in very small quantities, which do not affect the body's metabolism or appetite. Unlike some other medications used for allergies, such as oral corticosteroids (like prednisone), allergenic extracts do not cause fluid retention or fat redistribution. If you experience unexpected weight changes while undergoing immunotherapy, you should consult your primary care physician to investigate other potential causes unrelated to the allergy shots.
Valeriana Officinalis Whole can be used alongside most medications, but there are critical exceptions. You must inform your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers (for blood pressure or heart issues), as these can make it very difficult to treat a severe allergic reaction if one occurs. Antihistamines and certain antidepressants must be stopped several days before diagnostic testing because they can hide the results. However, most routine medications for other conditions are safe to continue. Your allergist will perform a full review of your current medications to ensure there are no safety concerns.
The concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' works differently for allergenic extracts. Valeriana Officinalis Whole is a biological product, and while different manufacturers may produce it, they are not considered 'generics' in the same way as ibuprofen or lisinopril. Each manufacturer's extract is unique based on their specific source material and extraction process. Because it is a non-standardized extract, one company's 1:20 w/v solution may not be exactly identical to another's. Your allergist will usually stick with the same manufacturer's product throughout your treatment to ensure consistency and safety.