Abstract: A process for preparing a pharmaceutically-active extract of the root of a plant of the family Valerianacae, specifically, Valeriana officinalis L., is described. This process comprises the steps of adding the roots to an alcoholic extraction solvent to form a mixture, wherein the alcoholic extraction solvent comprises between approximately 50% to approximately 100% (v/v) in a remainder of water, and heating the mixture to a temperature of between approximately 70° C. to approximately 80° C. for a period of at least approximately two hours. By this process valerenic acid is obtained in the extract, and the extract has a content of valepotriates and valepotriate degradation products or derivatives that is substantially reduced with respect to the content of valepotriates in the roots, and has a content of valerenic acids that is not substantially reduced with respect to the content of valerenic acids in the roots.

Abstract: A coating for masking or reducing the detectable presence of certain characteristic odor or odors, taste or tastes of pharmaceutical preparations, particularly Valerian extracts, is described. The coating comprises from one to three coating compartments, in any combination or as a single-layer amalgam. The first coating compartment comprises a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent The second coating compartment may comprise a sugar and at least one anti-tackiness agent. The third coating compartment may comprise a methacrylate copolymer, a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent.

Abstract: A novel method of inhibiting at least one symptomology of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and its related disorders, including disorders such as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), is disclosed. Said method optionally comprising identifying a host, preferably a human, afflicted with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and its related disorders; and comprising administering to said host a pharmaceutically effective amount of Valeriana, preferably an extract of Valeriana. A novel method of inhibiting at least one symptomology of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and its related disorders is disclosed.