The drug yields 0.5% to 1% volatile oil and it should contain NLT 15% of alcohol (60%) extractable matter. The volatile oil consists of esters, alcohols, eugenol, terpenes and sesquiterpenes. It also contains epoxy-iridoid esters called valepotriates, the principal component of which is valtrate (0.4% to 2%). About 0.05% to 1% alkaloids are also present in the dried root. Several other minor valepotriates are also present. During drying and storage, some of them decompose by hydrolysis and oxidation releasing isovalerenic acid that gives the characteristic odour to the roots. GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and glutamine have also been identified in the aqueous extract and these have been suspected to contribute to sedative properties.