Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VALERIAN, EXTRACT

STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE

Not considered a hazardous substance according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Extract of the subterranean organs, including the rhizome, root and stolon of Valeriana
officinalis L., Valerianaceae. The extract, infusion or tincture often in conjunction with
bromides, chloral hydrate and phenobarbitone have been used in the treatment of hysteria
and other nervous conditions. It has also been used as a carminative.

SYNONYMS

"natural product", Valerbe, Baldrisedon, Recvalysat, Valdispert, V-103, "extract of:
Baldrianwurzel", "Valerianae Radix", Valer, "Valerian RhizomeValerian Root", "Valeriana
officinalis (Valerianaceae)Valeriana wallichi (Indian Valerian)Valeriana fauriei",
"(Japanese Valerian)Asmak", sedative

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Primary routes of exposure are usually by inhalation and ingestion.  The CNS depressant effects of valerian are apparently due to the  valepotriates. Since these are susceptible to environmental factors, the  actions of valerian extracts are highly variable. Valerian is moderately  toxic in mice when injected i.p., less so by mouth. Parenchymatous  degeneration of the liver in guinea pigs was ascribed to borneol content  of volatile valerian oil. Dry extracts are presumed to contain little if  any oil.