Valerian species have an important role among herbs widely recognized as sedatives and natural sleep aids. Several species of the Valeriana genus are spread all over the world and used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Four Valeriana species occur in Hungary: Valeriana tripteris L., V. dioica L., V. simplicifolia L. syn., V. dioica ssp. simplicifolia (Rchb.) Nyman., and V. officinalis. The latter species has three known subspecies in Hungary: V. officinalis ssp. collina (Wallr.), V officinalis ssp. sambucifolia (Mikan f.), and V officinalis ssp. officinalis. Of these, the latter is the most popular in medicinal herb growing. Detailed technical information for production is available; however, the morphological and genetic variability characteristics of Valeriana species cause problems in variety breeding and propagation material production. With the help of today’s micropropagation methods, development of the process for other Valeriana species has begun in other countries. Moreover, efforts are taken to broaden the use of the species by exploiting the anti-microbial and antioxidant effects in medicine, as well as in plant protection. The use of native valerian species and the development of a micropropagation methodology, as well as the production of new varieties with better adaptability and high-quality would boost their cultivation in Hungary.

Keywords: Valeriana, herb, production, propagation material