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Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
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Plant Extracts for Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review
S Guadagna1, D F Barattini1, S Rosu2
1Opera Contract Research Organization Srl, A TIGERMED Company, Timisoara, Romania.
Summary
Oral plant extracts are generally safe sleep aids, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness for various sleep complaints. Valerian and lavender show potential but have conflicting results.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Herbal Medicine
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Sleep complaints are prevalent, impacting physical, psychological, and socioeconomic well-being.
- Numerous oral plant-based food supplements are marketed for sleep improvement.
- Existing treatments for sleep disorders have limitations, driving interest in natural alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review recent literature on oral plant extracts for sleep disorders.
- To differentiate the effects of plant extracts on specific sleep symptoms: sleep initiation/maintenance, early waking, and sleep quality.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, noncontrolled trials, and cohort studies up to March 5, 2020.
- Used search terms including "oral food supplement," "sleep disorders," and specific compound names.
- Selected 7 compounds and 38 relevant reports for analysis.
Main Results:
- Evidence for the clinical efficacy of many nutraceuticals for sleep is limited.
- Valerian and lavender are the most studied plant extracts for sleep.
- These extracts show potential anxiolytic effects and improvements in sleep quality/duration, though results are conflicting.
Conclusions:
- Oral plant-based sleep aids are generally safe and well-tolerated.
- High-quality research is required to validate the effectiveness of these supplements for specific sleep complaints.
- Future research should explore combining plant extracts with sleep hygiene and identifying optimal products for targeted symptom relief.
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