Branded Ingredients · Other
EFLA 943 (Valeriana officinalis extract)
Strong EvidenceCompound
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
EFLA 943 is a standardized Valeriana officinalis extract containing valerenic acid and isovaleric acid that modulates GABA neurotransmission. This proprietary extract improves sleep quality by reducing sleep latency and increasing total sleep duration through GABAergic mechanisms.
EFLA 943 is a branded, standardized extract from the roots of Valeriana officinalis L., a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It is produced by Frutarom (now part of IFF) using a proprietary water-ethanol extraction method that ensures high potency and consistency, with emphasis on sesquiterpenoid content.
A 2023 randomized controlled trial (PMID: 37899385) with 80 adults suffering from mild insomnia demonstrated that 8 weeks of EFLA 943 supplementation significantly improved multiple sleep parameters measured by both subjective questionnaires and objective actigraphy. A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis (PMID: 4394901) concluded that valerian may improve subjective sleep quality but noted methodological limitations in existing research.
Clinically studied doses of EFLA 943 and similar Valeriana officinalis extracts range from 530 mg twice daily (1,060 mg/day) to 600 mg once nightly, taken for 8 weeks. The specific EFLA 943 sleep trial used a higher-potency standardized extract daily for 8 weeks, though exact dosage was not specified in available abstracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
EFLA 943 is a proprietary standardized hydroethanolic extract of Valeriana officinalis root, not consumed as a macronutrient source. Key bioactive compounds include: • Valerenic acid and its derivatives (acetoxyvalerenic acid, hydroxyvalerenic acid) — typically standardized to contain defined concentrations of valerenic acid (approximately 0.8–1.2 mg per dose depending on formulation), considered the primary active marker compound responsible for GABAergic activity. • Iridoids (valepotriates including valtrate, isovaltrate, and didrovaltrate) — present in variable but generally low concentrations in the finished extract due to instability during processing; approximate range 0.5–2% in raw material but significantly lower post-extraction. • Sesquiterpenes — including valerenal and valeranone, contributing to sedative and anxiolytic effects; typically present at sub-milligram levels per dose. • Lignans (hydroxypinoresinol and related compounds) — may contribute to 5-HT1A receptor partial agonism; trace to low concentrations. • Flavonoids (hesperidin, linarin, 6-methylapigenin) — linarin and 6-methylapigenin have demonstrated synergistic sedative activity with valerenic acid; present at microgram-to-low-milligram levels. • Essential oil fraction (0.3–0.7% of dried root) — contains bornyl acetate, camphene, and β-caryophyllene among other terpenes. • GABA — naturally present in valerian root extract, though concentrations vary (estimated 0.01–0.8 mg per dose); bioavailability of exogenous GABA across the blood-brain barrier remains debated and likely minimal. • Amino acids including glutamine and arginine — trace amounts, not nutritionally significant. The EFLA 943 extraction process (80% ethanol v/v) is specifically designed to enrich lipophilic sesquiterpenic acids while maintaining a consistent phytochemical fingerprint. Typical clinical dosing is 300–600 mg of extract per day. The extract contains negligible macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates), no significant vitamins or minerals, and no dietary fiber. Bioavailability notes: Valerenic acid demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability with hepatic first-pass metabolism; peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1–2 hours. The lipophilic nature of key sesquiterpenes supports reasonable gastrointestinal absorption. The sedative effects appear to involve synergistic interactions among multiple constituents rather than a single compound, making whole-extract standardization (as in EFLA 943) pharmacologically relevant.
EFLA 943 contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid that enhance GABA-A receptor activity in the central nervous system. These compounds increase GABA availability at synaptic junctions, promoting neuronal inhibition and sedative effects. The extract also modulates adenosine receptors and may influence melatonin pathways to regulate circadian rhythm.
A randomized controlled trial with 80 participants demonstrated EFLA 943 increased actual sleep time by 38.76 minutes and significantly improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Clinical studies show reduced sleep latency with standardized extract supplementation. Evidence suggests potential benefits for preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction, though research remains limited. The extract's efficacy appears consistent across multiple sleep parameters in controlled settings.
EFLA 943 is generally well-tolerated with mild side effects including drowsiness, headache, and gastrointestinal upset. The extract may potentiate sedative medications, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, requiring dosage adjustments. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and severe hepatic impairment due to limited safety data. Patients taking CNS depressants should consult healthcare providers before supplementation.
