Evidence supporting the use of: Polysaccharides
For the health condition: Insomnia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Polysaccharides, particularly those extracted from traditional medicinal plants and fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom), Poria cocos, and jujube seeds, have been used historically in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the management of insomnia and sleep disturbances. The traditional use is based on the belief that these polysaccharide-rich substances help to "nourish the heart and calm the spirit," which are concepts specific to TCM rather than modern biomedical science.

Scientific studies specifically investigating polysaccharides for insomnia are limited and of low quality. Some preclinical research suggests these polysaccharides may exert anxiolytic or sedative effects in animal models, possibly by modulating neurotransmitters such as GABA or serotonin, or by exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, robust human clinical trials are lacking, and there is insufficient evidence to support their widespread use in treating insomnia according to modern medical standards.

In summary, the use of polysaccharides for insomnia is primarily justified by traditional use, with minimal and low-quality scientific evidence to support efficacy. More rigorous clinical research is needed to validate their effectiveness for sleep disorders.

More about Polysaccharides
More about Insomnia

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

Products containing Polysaccharides

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.