Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin’s Insomnese formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and safety and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The ingredients described below will give you a better understanding of how this product works to relieve occasional sleeplessness.*
Click to view Product Research
Passion Flower Extract
Animal studies have demonstrated that passion flower, an herb traditionally used in the Americas and Europe, is effective for relieving occasional stress.* (1) A double-blind randomized human clinical trial found that passion flower was effective in reducing occasional stress without impairing job performance.* (2)
Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) Root Extract
Valerian root supports the body’s natural ability to fall asleep and induces deeper sleep, but does not cause side effects such as morning “hangovers.” (3, 4) In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human cross-over trial, valerian root extract was shown to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increase the amount of time spent in slow-wave or deep sleep — the most restful kind.* (5) The combination of valerian and lemon balm has been clinically proven effective for improving quality of sleep.* (6, 7, 9)
Lemon Extract (Balm)
Lemon balm has been approved by the German Commission E, a government regulatory agency that evaluates the safety and efficacy of herbs, for relieving occasional sleeplessness.* (8) The combination of valerian and lemon balm has been clinically proven effective for improving quality of sleep.* (6, 7, 9) Additionally, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over trial in human subjects found that lemon balm alone was able to promote calm in the face of laboratory-induced stress.* (10)
Chamomile Flower Extract
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has long been used for its relaxing and calming properties. Modern research is beginning to confirm its traditional use. A recent randomized, double-blind human clinical trial, which pitted chamomile extract tablets against placebo, found the herb was statistically superior to the sugar pills at reducing occasional stress and supporting psychological well-being.* (11)
Corydalis Extract
Corydalis is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine that may have a calming effect.* (12, 13) People suffering from occasional sleeplessness were able to fall asleep sooner and easier after supplementing with corydalis extract, according to a preliminary report. However, more research is needed to confirm this action. Corydalis has been shown to support a healthy nervous system, promoting relaxation and offering relief from temporary aches and pains.* (14)
Jamaica Dogwood Bark Extract
Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina) is a potent traditional remedy for treating occasional sleeplessness.* According to a study of Jamaica dogwood, sleep was increased. (15-18) *
St. John’s Wort Extract
Extracts of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), an herb that originated in Europe, have been used for centuries for supporting the nervous system, promoting a positive mood and relieving occasional sleeplessness.* Two double-blind human studies have found that St. John’s wort promotes healthy sleep, with one study also demonstrating an increase in deep sleep.* (19,20)
5-hydroxytryptophan
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid used in the formation of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep.* A research summary published in the journal Alternative Medicine Review notes that two human studies have shown 5-HTP increases rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, indicating improved sleep quality.* (21)
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it helps reduce mental excitement.* Low levels of GABA are linked to a variety of problems, including occasional sleeplessness and nervous tension.* According to one study, GABA increases the brain’s production of alpha waves, which are indicative of a state of relaxed awareness.* (22)
Close window
- Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A. "Anti-anxiety studies on extracts of passiflora incarnata linneaus." J Ethnopharmacol (2001) 78:165-70.
- Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Shayeganpour A, et al. "Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam." J Clin Pharm Ther (2001) 26: 363-7.
- Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. "Aqueous extract of valerian reduces latency to fall asleep in man." Planta Med (1985) 51: 144-8.
- Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. "Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man." Pharmacol Biochem Behav (1982) 17: 65-71.
- Donath F, Quispe S, Diefenbach K, et al. "Critical evaluation of the effect of valerian extract on sleep structure and sleep quality." Pharmacopsychiatry (2000) 33: 47-53.
- Dressing H, K?hler S, M?ller WE. "Improvement of sleep quality with a high-dose valerian/lemon balm preparation: A placebo-controlled double-blind study." Psychopharmakotherapie (1996) 6: 32-40.
- Cerny A, Schmid K. "Tolerability and efficacy of valerian/lemon balm in healthy volunteers (a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study)." Fitoterapia (1999) 70: 221-8.
- Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council, Austin, and Integrative Medicine Communications, Boston (1998) 147: 160-1.
- Dressing H, Riemann D, Low H, et al. "Insomnia: are valerian/balm combinations of equal value to benzodiazepine [translated from German]?" Therapiewoche (1992) 42: 726-736.
- Kennedy DO, Little W, Scholey AB. "Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)." Psychosom Med (2004) 66: 607-613.Close window
- Amsterdam JD, et al. "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder." J Clin Phsycopharmacol. 2009;29: 378-382.
- Schafter HL, et al. Sedative action of extract combinations of Eschscholtzia californica and Corydalis cava. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45:124,6.
- Kleber E, et al. Modulation of key reactions of the catecholamine metabolism by extracts from Eschscholtzia californica and Corydalis cava. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45:127,31.
- Chang HM, But PPH. Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica vol 1. World Scientific Inc., Singapore (1986) 521.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Eclectic Medical Publications, Sandy OR (1998) 86-87.
- British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 4th ed. Biddles Ltd, Guildford and King's Lynn, Great Britain (1996) 139-141.
- Della Loggia R, Zilli C, Del Negro P, Redaelli C, Tubaro A. "Isoflavones as spasmolytic principles of Piscidia erythrina." Prog Clin Biol Res (1988) 280: 365-368.
- Newall C, Anderson L, Phillipson J. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. Pharmaceutical Press, London (1996) 174-175.
- Schulz H, Jobert M. "The influence of hypericum extract on the sleep EEG in older volunteers [in German; English abstract]." Nervenheilkunde (1993) 12: 323-327.
- Friede M, Henneicke von Zepelin HH, and Freudenstein J. "Differential therapy of mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10 F 32.0; F 32.1) with St. John's wort." Pharacopsychiatry (2001) Jul; 34 Suppl 1: S38-S41.Close window
- Birdsall TC. "5-hydroxytryptophan: A clinically-effective serotonin precursor." Alt Med Rev. 1998;3(4):271-280.
- Abdou AM, et al. "Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans." Biofactors. Department of Research and Development, Pharma Foods International Co. Ltd., Kyoto, Japan (2006) 26(3): 201-8.
Close window