Abstract: The present study aims to characterize some Iranian wild species of Valerianaceae with respect to their contents of valerenic acid and its derivatives. Identification of these compounds which are known as reliable markers in Valerianaceae family was achieved using TLC and UV-spectrophotometry methods. Valerenic acid makes substantial contribution to the sedative effect of valerian. Separation of valerenic acid and its derivatives was performed by TLC using a ternary mobile phase of hexane-ethyl acetate-glacial acetic acid (65:35:0.5 v/v) on silica gel HF254+366 plates. Spots were detected at 254 and 366 nm and then revelation of them was carried out with HCl-acetic acid reagent followed by anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent spraying at visible light. Quantitative analysis of valerenic acid and its derivatives was performed using UV-spectrophotometry. The calibration curve of authentic valerenic acid was linear in the range of 2-51 mg L-1. Additionally, for a more accurate determination of total valerenic acid derivatives (including valerenic acid, hydroxyvalerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid) extinction coefficient of each compound in ethanol was used. This is the first report for the identification and quantification of valerenic acid derivatives in all organs of Valeriana sisymbriifolia, Valeriana alliariifolia and Centranthus longiflorus in comparison with those of commercial Valeriana officinalis. Total valerenic acid derivatives content in different organs of these Iranian wild species ranged from 0.06-1.11% (D.W.). Present results showed that Iranian wild species of Valeriana and Centranthus DC. may be used as worthy sources of valerenic acid derivatives.