Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep

Abstract

Sleep is an essential component of physical and emotional well-being, and lack, or disruption, of sleep due to insomnia is a highly prevalent problem. The interest in complementary and alternative medicines for treating or preventing insomnia has increased recently. Centuries-old herbal treatments, popular for their safety and effectiveness, include valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, lavender, and Californian poppy. These herbal medicines have been shown to reduce sleep latency and increase subjective and objective measures of sleep quality. Research into their molecular components revealed that their sedative and sleep-promoting properties rely on interactions with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a major role in controlling different vigilance states. GABA receptors are the targets of many pharmacological treatments for insomnia, such as benzodiazepines. Here, we perform a systematic analysis of studies assessing the mechanisms of action of various herbal medicines on different subtypes of GABA receptors in the context of sleep control. Currently available evidence suggests that herbal extracts may exert some of their hypnotic and anxiolytic activity through interacting with GABA receptors and modulating GABAergic signaling in the brain, but their mechanism of action in the treatment of insomnia is not completely understood.

Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide in the Ethanol Extract of Lotus Leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) Enhances Sleep Quantity and Quality in a Rodent Model via a GABAergic Mechanism

“…Insomnia is caused by a wide variety of psychological factors, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and environmental factors, such as caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes [ 1 ]. Pharmacological treatments, such as benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, are used to suppress disruption of biological rhythms and the onset of diseases due to insomnia; however, chronic use of these drugs show many side effects due to resistance and dependence [ 2 , 3 ]. Therefore, various studies have been conducted to screen and utilize natural substances that not only alleviate and treat insomnia but also have no side effects.…”

“…Therefore, various studies have been conducted to screen and utilize natural substances that not only alleviate and treat insomnia but also have no side effects. Jujube ( Ziziphus jujube ), Hope ( Humulus lupulus ), Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis L.), and lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) extracts are natural substances and are used worldwide owing to their relaxation and sleep-improving effects as well as safety [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Arousal-Inducing Effect of Garcinia cambogia Peel Extract in Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep Test and Electroencephalographic Analysis

“…Arousal refers to the physiological and psychological state of being awoken from sleep or sense organs stimulated to a point of perception [ 1 , 2 ]. It is promoted by a number of neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine, histamine, orexins, dopamine, and glutamate, throughout the brainstem, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain [ 3 , 4 ]. Insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, has been recognized as the most common sleep disorder in recent years [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Case study: Awareness of indigenous knowledge associated with traditional herbs for health and sustainable development

“…Traditional herbs or medicinal plants may be consumed in the form of pills, teas, essential oil and food garnishing. Thus, medicinal plants should be used in daily life due to notable health bene tsalongwith sleep improvement [5].However, traditional medicines are a rich heritage of the Indiaand ministry (AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidha, and Homeopathy) has been released an advisory during the COVID-19 crisis for preventive health and immunity-boosting measures for self-care [6].…”