Evidence supporting the use of: Pineal Gland
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
The use of the pineal gland in the context of insomnia primarily refers to its role as the source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Scientifically, melatonin supplements—synthetically produced to mimic the hormone naturally secreted by the pineal gland—have been extensively studied for their effects on sleep. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that melatonin can be effective in reducing sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and improving overall sleep quality, particularly in cases of circadian rhythm disturbances such as jet lag, shift work disorder, and delayed sleep phase disorder. The evidence for its efficacy in primary insomnia (insomnia not caused by another condition) is more modest but still suggestive of a beneficial effect, especially in older adults whose natural melatonin production declines with age.
It is important to note that there is little to no scientific evidence supporting the use of animal pineal gland extracts themselves for treating insomnia; rather, it is the isolated and purified hormone melatonin that has been validated. Safety profiles for melatonin are generally favorable when used short-term. In summary, while the pineal gland itself is not used directly, the hormone it produces—melatonin—has a strong body of scientific evidence supporting its use in certain sleep disorders, justifying a high evidence rating.
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