With the growing interest in and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients, clinicians have been struggling to find accurate and up-to-date information on such practices. Herbal products are one of the most frequently used supplements. Their widespread use in many European countries in both over-the-counter and prescription forms suggests a familiarity within the medical community. Until recently, however, knowledge within traditional US medical circles regarding herbal supplements was minimal. Only recently have peer-reviewed journals published research and review articles on CAM. Patients generally have relied on the Internet, books, or a clerk in a health food store for their information. The majority of available literature has been written by strict proponents or opponents of CAM. The former are accused of accepting weak evidence, while the latter are charged with accepting only the most rigorous studies and rejecting all else. The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia's monograph attempts to provide a comprehensive review of a single herbal medicine, Valeriana officinalis. The review committee is composed primarily of practitioners of naturopathic and herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]