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[Phytochemicals as means to induce sleep].

H P Volz1

  • 1Psychiatrische Klinik der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena. volz@landgraf.med.uni-jena.de

Zeitschrift Fur Arztliche Fortbildung Und Qualitatssicherung
|March 10, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Phytopharmacons like valerian are popular in Germany for sleep issues. However, research shows valerian may improve daytime mood but lacks sleep-inducing effects, so it and similar herbs aren't recommended for sleep disturbances.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Traditional Medicine
  • Herbal Medicine Efficacy
  • Sleep Disorder Therapeutics

Context:

  • Widespread use of phytopharmacons (herbal medicinal products) in Germany for various conditions.
  • Specific herbs like St. John's wort and kava-kava are prescribed for depression and anxiety.
  • Traditional use of hop, balm, lavender, passiflora, and valerian for nervousness and sleep disturbances.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the scientific evidence for the use of commonly administered phytopharmacons in Germany for sleep disturbances.
  • To assess the sleep-inducing potential and overall efficacy of valerian based on controlled clinical trials.

Summary:

  • Controlled clinical trials are available only for valerian among the commonly used herbs for sleep issues.
  • Valerian demonstrated no significant sleep-inducing potential in clinical trials.
  • Valerian showed a positive effect on daytime mood, but not on sleep quality.

Impact:

  • The findings challenge the traditional use of valerian and other listed phytopharmacons for treating sleep disturbances.
  • Lack of evidence necessitates a re-evaluation of recommendations for these herbal remedies in sleep management.
  • Highlights the need for rigorous scientific validation of phytopharmacons before clinical recommendation for specific indications.

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