The present invention relates to a valerian extract for the treatment and prophylaxis of GABA-related disorders, preferably GABAA-related disorders, more preferably selected from the group consisting of anxiety, depression, restlessness and insomnia, wherein the ratio of valerenic acid (VA) to acetoxyvalerenic acid (AVA) in the extract is at least 2:1. The invention also teaches pharmaceutical compositions comprising such extracts as well as methods for preparing these extracts.
