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Fermented ginseng improves the first-night effect in humans.
Kazuyoshi Kitaoka1, Kaoru Uchida, Naoko Okamoto
1Department of Integrative Physiology, Institute of Health Biosciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan.
Sleep
|March 20, 2009
Summary
Fermented ginseng (FG) may improve the first-night effect (FNE) in humans by reducing anxiety. This study found FG tended to improve sleep quality and efficiency, potentially through GABAergic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- The first-night effect (FNE) is a common sleep disturbance characterized by reduced sleep quality on the first night in a new environment.
- Ginseng, a popular herbal remedy, has shown various physiological effects, including potential anxiolytic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria-fermented ginseng (FG) in mitigating the first-night effect (FNE) in humans.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms, including GABAergic neurotransmission and anxiolytic effects, in both animal models and human subjects.
Main Methods:
- Animal studies involved behavioral tests and mRNA expression analysis of GABAergic markers in response to FG.
- Human studies utilized a double-blind, placebo-controlled design with polysomnography to record sleep patterns.
- Participants underwent psychological questionnaires and stress marker analysis.
Main Results:
- Fermented ginseng (FG) demonstrated anxiolytic effects in mice, with decreased mRNA expression of Abat and GAT1 in the hippocampus, suggesting increased GABAergic activity.
- In humans, FG administration showed a trend towards diminishing the reduction in total sleep time and sleep efficiency associated with FNE.
- No significant changes in sleep architecture were observed in the FG group compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Fermented ginseng (FG) shows potential for improving the first-night effect (FNE) in humans.
- The beneficial effects of FG on sleep may be attributed to its anxiolytic properties, possibly mediated by modifications in the GABAergic system.
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