valerian

(vă-lēr′ē-an )

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[Fr. Valeria, the name of a Roman province, where the plant was common]
A perennial herb (Valeriana officinalis) used as a sedative and sleep aid. The drug acts by inhibiting the breakdown of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. It may interact with other sedatives and hypnotics such as alcohol and barbituates. Its effectiveness is limited.
SYN: SEE: garden heliotrope; SEE: garden valerian

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