Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
A randomised-controlled trial of the effects of a traditional herbal supplement on sleep onset insomnia
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA. nfarag@ucsd.edu
Objectives:
To study the effectiveness and safety of a traditional herbal supplement used for sleep onset insomnia.
Design:
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.
Setting:
A total of 25 healthy volunteers (20-65 years of age) suffering from sleep onset insomnia were recruited from the general population.
Intervention:
A traditional Ayurvedic supplement formulated to reduce sleep onset insomnia.
Main Outcome Measure:
Sleep latency.
Results:
The supplement led to a statistically significant decrease in reported sleep latency of 16.72 min (S.D.=44.8) as compared to placebo (P=0.003). There were no self-reported side effects.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that traditional herbal supplements may be of significant benefit to patients suffering from sleep onset insomnia while avoiding the negative side effects of commonly prescribed hypnotics.
Related Concept Videos
Management of Insomnia
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Blind Procedures
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
The Placebo Effect
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...