Education, Science, Technology, Innovation and Life
Open Access
Sign In

Pharmacological Mechanisms and Research Status of Polygonum Multiflorum in the Treatment of Insomnia

Download as PDF

DOI: 10.23977/medcm.2025.070110 | Downloads: 12 | Views: 487

Author(s)

Bingzi Xie 1, Hui Zhang 2, Xinlong Ji 1

Affiliation(s)

1 Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
2 Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China

Corresponding Author

Hui Zhang

ABSTRACT

Insomnia is a common neurological disorder in clinical practice, which can be caused by physiological, psychological, environmental factors, mental illnesses, and physical diseases, significantly impacting people's daily lives. Based on the medication rules of ancient physicians in treating insomnia, it has been found that insufficient heart blood is a key pathogenesis of insomnia. Polygonum multiflorum, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has the functions of nourishing blood, calming the mind, dispelling wind, and unblocking collaterals. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that the main components of Polygonum multiflorum include anthraquinones such as emodin, flavonoids such as luteolin xyloside, and stilbene glycosides such as 2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside. Additionally, Polygonum multiflorum has anti-chronic inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotransmitter regulatory effects. In summary, Polygonum multiflorum shows great potential in the treatment of insomnia. This article summarizes the pharmacological mechanisms of Polygonum multiflorum in treating insomnia, providing scientific insights for its clinical application.

KEYWORDS

Polygonum multiflorum; Insomnia; Pharmacological mechanisms; Research status; Review

CITE THIS PAPER

Bingzi Xie, Hui Zhang, Xinlong Ji, Pharmacological Mechanisms and Research Status of Polygonum Multiflorum in the Treatment of Insomnia. MEDS Chinese Medicine (2025) Vol. 7: 90-95. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/medcm.2025.070110.

REFERENCES

[1] Wen Zheqing. Self-regulation and treatment of insomnia [J]. Health Guide, 2023, 29(02): 54-55.
[2] Shi L, Lu Z A, Que J Y, et al. Prevalence of and risk factors associated with mental health symptoms among the general population in China during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic [J]. JAMA Network Open, 2020, 3(7): e2014053.
[3] Pappa S, Ntella V, Giannakas T, et al. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis [J]. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 2020(88): 901-907.
[4] Lai Yan. Clinical study on the treatment of insomnia due to heart-kidney imbalance with modified Jiaotai Pill based on the theory of yin-yang balance. 2021. Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, MA thesis.
[5] Yao Renwen, Lao Jinxiong. Clinical observation on acupuncture at ghost points combined with Longdan Xiegan Decoction for treating post-stroke insomnia due to liver fire disturbing the heart [J]. Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024, 41(03): 677-683. doi:10.13359/j.cnki.gzxbtcm.2024.03.023.
[6] Li Fengming. Observation and analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture combined with ear acupressure in treating insomnia [J]. World Latest Medical Information, 2021, 21(103): 489-490.
[7] Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China: 2015 Edition. Part I [S]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2015: 32.
[8] Chen Qingxiang, et al. Clinical application of foot reflexology in treating insomnia [J]. Guangming Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2024, 39(03): 581-584.
[9] Zhang Liying. Data mining and network pharmacology research on Professor Ji Bing's medication rules for treating insomnia. 2023. Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine, MA thesis.
[10] Jiang Lijie. Discovery of effective treatments for insomnia through multi-physician syndrome differentiation and treatment [D]. China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 2014.
[11] Hu Bo. Data mining-based summary of Professor Yang Lihua's medication rules for treating post-stroke insomnia. 2023. Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, MA thesis.
[12] Gao Yue. Clinical efficacy evaluation and experimental study of Yiqi Runchang Formula in treating children with functional constipation due to qi deficiency. 2023. Shandong University of Chinese Medicine, MA thesis.
[13] Cao Siqiong, et al. Study on the value transfer rules of Polygonum multiflorum decoction pieces and standard decoction based on characteristic and multi-component quantification [J]. Natural Product Research and Development.
[14] Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China: Part I [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2020: 42.
[15] Li Xuguang, Fang Lianhua, Du Guanhua. Research progress on the cardiovascular protective mechanisms of flavonoids [J]. Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin, 2018, 34(6): 741-744.
[16] Veler H. Sleep and inflammation: Bidirectional relationship [J]. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 2023, 18(2): 213-218.
[17] Blum I D, Keles M F, Baz E S, et al. Astroglial calcium signaling encodes sleep need in Drosophila [J]. Current Biology, 2021, 31(1): 150-162.
[18] Lange T, Luebber F, Grasshoff H, et al. The contribution of sleep to the neuroendocrine regulation of rhythms in human leukocyte traffic [J]. Seminars in Immunopathology, 2022, 44(2): 239-254.
[19] Zielinski M R, Gibbons A J. Neuroinflammation, sleep, and circadian rhythms [J]. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2022, 12: 853096. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.853096. 
[20] Tao Liyu, Gao Yueqiu, Wei Jing, et al. Research progress on the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Polygonum multiflorum [J]. Lishizhen Medicine and Materia Medica Research, 2018, 29(10): 2486-2488.
[21] Tong Yixin, Bai Qiang. Exploring the mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum in treating insomnia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking [J]. Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2021, 13(26): 1-5.
[22] Liu Ying. Study on the sleep-improving effects and chemical components of Polygonum multiflorum. 2021. Harbin University of Commerce, MA thesis.
[23] Liang B, Li Y H, Kong H. Serum paraoxonase, arylesterase activities and oxidative status in patients with insomnia [J]. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2023, 17(18): 2517.
[24] Yin Jierong. (2023). Mechanism of melatonin regulating BMAL1 to alleviate oxidative stress and improve cognition in chronic insomnia rats. Master's thesis, Central South University. doi:10.27661/d.cnki.gzhnu.2023.003170.
[25] Wang X L, Wolff S E C, Korpel N, et al. Deficiency of the circadian clock gene Bmal1 reduces microglial immunometabolism [J]. Frontiers in Immunology, 2020, 11: 586399.
[26] Ramanathan L, Gulyani S, Nienhuis R, et al. Sleep deprivation decreases superoxide dismutase activity in rat hippocampus and brainstem [J]. Neuroreport, 2022, 13(11): 1387.
[27] Süer C, Dolu N, Artis A S, et al. The effects of long-term sleep deprivation on long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus and brain oxidation status in rats [J]. Neuroscience Research, 2021, 70(1): 71.
[28] Zhang Sijia, Zhou Yingjing, Wang Ru, et al. Research progress on Wendan Decoction and its variants in treating insomnia [J]. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2023, 25(10): 192-198.
[29] Li Zhongwen, Yang Ling, Song Xiaojun, et al. Effects of Shenmen and Sanyinjiao acupuncture on sleep quality and serum GABA and 5-HT levels in insomnia patients [J]. World Science and Technology - Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2022, 24(2): 860-866.
[30] Sahu S, Ray K, Yocendra Kumar M S, et al. Valeriana wallichii root extract improves sleep quality and modulates brain monoamine levels in rats [J]. Phytomedicine, 2022, 19(10): 924-929.
[31] Gan Yu, Ma Jin, Qiao Min, et al. Effects of Anshen umbilical patch on spontaneous activity and serum GABA and NE levels in experimental insomnia model rats [J]. Laboratory Animal Science, 2018, 35(4): 45-48.
[32] Li Ling, Cheng Li, You Xiaoyan, et al. Clinical Efficacy of the Method of Soothing the Liver, Activating Blood Circulation and Resolving Phlegm in the Treatment of Senile Insomnia and Its Influence on the Levels of Serum 5-Hydroxytryptamine, Dopamine and Melatonin [J]. Journal of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 2022, 39(7): 1498-1505.
[33] OBATA KH. Synaptic Inhibition and γ-Aminobutyric Acid in the Mammalian Central Nervous System [J]. Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci, 2023, 89(4): 139-156.
[34] Wang Xiufeng, Zeng Xueai, Zhang Yu, Zhang Yifan, Li Xing, Huang Junshan. Effects of Herbs for Nourishing the Heart and Calming the Spirit and Herbs for Heavy Sedation and Tranquilization on Neurotransmitters in Insomnia Rats [J]. Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2018, 7(6): 357-363.
[35] Xiao Meihong, Wang Baifei, Wang Jianzhong, et al. Intervention of Compound Polygoni Multiflori Caulis Mixture on Sleep Microstructure of Patients with Insomnia of Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency Type [J]. Clinical Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2023, 35(01): 130-134. DOI: 10.16448/j.cjtcm.2023.0129.
[36] Yu Man, et al. Brief Discussion on Wu Jun's Experience of Medicinal Pair in Clinical Practice [J]. Clinical Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 27(09) (2015): 1238-1240. doi: 10.16448/j.cjtcm.2015.0467.
[37] Cai Hao and Lü Guoxiong. Analysis of Lü Guoxiong's Medication Rules in the Treatment of Insomnia Based on Data Mining [J]. Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, 15(09) (2023): 98-102.
[38] Zhou Yang, Guo Lengqiu, Liu Xun, et al. Exploring the Action Mechanism of Poria Cocos (with Polyporus Umbellatus) in the Treatment of Insomnia Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Experimental Verification [J]. Natural Product Research and Development, 2021, 33(1): 14-126.
[39] SHAH V K, CHOI J J, HAN J Y, et al. Pachymic Acid Enhances Pentobarbital-induced Sleeping Behaviors via GABAA-ergic Systems in Mice [J]. Biomol Ther (Seoul), 2022, 22(4): 314-320.
[40] Li Jiajie, et al. Experience of Wang Letao, a Physician of Xin'an School, in Using Polygoni Multiflori Caulis in Treating Diseases of the Heart and Brain Systems [J]. China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, 35(04) (2020): 1828-1831.
[41] Li Zhibin. Li Zhibin's Effective Prescriptions and Their Therapeutic Experiences——Zhumian Jiaotai Decoction [J]. Jiangsu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 53(08) (2021): 7-8. doi: 10.19844/j.cnki.1672-397X.2021.08.004.
[42] Lei Hongtao, et al. Selection of Commonly Used Medicinal Pairs by Song Jun in the Treatment of Insomnia [J]. Clinical Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 33(05) (2021): 837-840. doi: 10.16448/j.cjtcm.2021.0512.
[43] Ye Ziyǔ, et al. Research Progress on the Action Mechanism of Active Ingredients of Glossy Privet Fruit in Anti-hepatic Fibrosis [J]. Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs, 55(04) (2024): 1389-1396.
[44] Wang Yongcheng, et al. Clinical Efficacy of Uncaria Rhynchophylla Formula in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension with Anxiety Disorder of Yang Hyperactivity and Toxic Heat Syndrome and Its Influence on Inflammatory Balance [J]. Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae, 29(24) (2023): 138-145. doi: 10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20232326. 
[45] Liu Meihong and Zou Zhengrong. Research Progress on Chemical Components, Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Glossy Privet Fruit [J]. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Botany, 30(03) (2022): 446-460.

Downloads: 8498
Visits: 475938

Sponsors, Associates, and Links


All published work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2016 - 2031 Clausius Scientific Press Inc. All Rights Reserved.