Evidence supporting the use of: Kavalactones
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Kavalactones are the primary active compounds found in the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum). Kava has been traditionally used in the South Pacific for its calming and sedative effects, including ceremonial and medicinal use to promote relaxation and sleep. More recently, several clinical studies have investigated kava and its kavalactones for their potential to alleviate insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews (such as Sarris et al., 2011, and Pittler & Ernst, 2003) suggest that kava extracts, particularly standardized preparations with defined kavalactone content, may modestly improve sleep quality and reduce the time to sleep onset compared to placebo. The proposed mechanisms include modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, which promotes relaxation and sedation. However, the magnitude of benefit appears to be modest, and results are not entirely consistent across all studies. Importantly, concerns regarding the potential for hepatotoxicity have led to regulatory restrictions or advisories in several countries, limiting the widespread recommendation of kava for insomnia. In summary, there is scientific evidence supporting the use of kavalactones for insomnia, but the quality and consistency of the evidence are moderate, and safety concerns remain a significant consideration.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
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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
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ganoderma
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anemarrhena asphodeloides
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peach
wood betony
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soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
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Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
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Borassus aethiopum
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Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
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Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
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Corydalis
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Milk Protein
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