Evidence supporting the use of: Kavalactone
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Kavalactones are the primary active compounds found in the kava plant (Piper methysticum), traditionally used in the South Pacific for its calming and sedative effects. Over the past few decades, kava and its extracts (particularly standardized kavalactones) have been studied for their potential to alleviate insomnia and sleep disturbances. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicate that kava may have a moderate effect in improving sleep quality and reducing the time to sleep onset in people with insomnia or anxiety-related sleep disturbances. The proposed mechanism relates to its modulation of GABAergic activity in the central nervous system, which is similar to how some prescription anxiolytics and sedatives work, though kava does not typically cause the same degree of motor impairment or dependency risks.
However, the quality of the evidence is moderate. While some trials report statistically significant improvements, others find only modest or non-significant effects, and methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, short durations, and variability in kava preparations affect the reliability of the results. Additionally, safety concerns—particularly rare cases of hepatotoxicity—have led to regulatory restrictions in some countries. Overall, the scientific evidence supports the use of kavalactones for mild insomnia, especially when related to anxiety, but more large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
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