Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Silkvine
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Silkvine (Periploca sepium, or in some references, Periploca japonica) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where its root, known as “Xiang Jia Pi” (香加皮), is sometimes included in herbal formulas for calming the mind and supporting sleep. Historical TCM texts describe its use to "calm the spirit," "dispel wind-dampness," and "tonify heart and kidney," which are often interpreted as supporting conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. However, the primary historical uses are more focused on rheumatism, edema, and strengthening bones and tendons rather than insomnia directly.
Modern scientific research on Chinese Silkvine specifically for insomnia is lacking. There are very few, if any, clinical studies directly investigating its effects on sleep or insomnia in humans. Some animal studies have explored its potential anti-inflammatory and cardiotonic effects, but not its sedative or anxiolytic properties. The rationale for its use in insomnia remains rooted in traditional practice and theory rather than scientific validation. Thus, while Chinese Silkvine is sometimes used in traditional contexts to support sleep, the evidence base is limited to historical precedent and theoretical indications, rather than robust clinical or pharmacological data.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Silkvine
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestive Heart Failure
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Migraine
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nausea and Vomiting