Effects of red ginseng extract on sleep architecture and electroencephalogram power spectra in rats

Abstract

We evaluated the ability of the ethanol extract of red ginseng (RGE) to regulate sleep architecture. Adult rats were chronically fitted with sleep-wake recording electrodes. Following post-surgical recovery, rats were habituated extensively to freely moving polygraphic recording conditions. Polygraphic signs of undisturbed sleep-wake activities were recorded for 12 h after RGE administration. Ginseng treatment produced more time in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and total sleep. The total percentage of wakefulness decreased comparably, and the number of sleep-wake cycles was reduced after 10 and 50 mg/kg RGE. RGE (10 mg/kg) administration decreased the power density of cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) d-waves (0.75-4.5 Hz) and increased a-waves (8.0-13.0 Hz) in NREM and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It also decreased d-wave power density during wakefulness. Although 100 mg/kg RGE showed little effect on the power densities in NREM and REM sleep, it increased d-wave and decreased q-wave (5.0-9.0 Hz) power densities during wakefulness. Thus, RGE increases spontaneous sleep and NREM sleep. Regulation of sleep architecture by RGE involves decreased d-and q-wave and increased a-wave activities according to cortical EEG.

Hypnotic effects and binding studies for GABAA and 5-HT2C receptors of traditional medicinal plants used in Asia for insomnia

“…Ginseng saponins administered at a high dose was shown to prolong the pentobarbital-induced sleep duration (Jung and Jin, 1996). The ethanol extract of Korean red ginseng was also shown to increase total sleep and nonrapid eye movement sleep and decrease wakefulness (Ma et al, 2009b). Constituents of ginseng include saponins (ginsenosides), polysaccharides, peptides and fatty acids.…”

Sleep-Aids Derived from Natural Products

“…Ginseng ( Panax ginseng , Araliaceae) may be in part related to maintaining sleep and wakefulness, and alter EEG spectra of sleep-wake stage in mice ( Ma et al ., 2008 , 2009a , 2009b ; Yang et al ., 2011b ). Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) were reported to have sleeping-modulating effects.…”

Medicinal Plants for Management of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Animal and Human Studies

“…It is worth noting that 100 mg/kg dosage indicated no effect on EEG waves; it only increased total sleep. Lower doses of red ginseng extract (RGE) were more effective for sleep regulation, specifically on NREM sleep [27]. Valerian preparation (BIM) decreased sleep latency significantly (1000 mg of each, with greater effect from valerian than BIM).…”