Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 02, 2024 1 month, 2 weeks, 17 hours, 31 minutes ago
TCM News: Insomnia affects millions worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating that about 35% of people globally suffer from this condition. In China alone, approximately 38% of the population, including around 300 million middle-aged individuals, struggle with sleep disorders. The lack of effective and safe treatment options has made it crucial to explore new remedies. This
TCM News report delves into the potential of Periostracum Cicadae (PC) extract and a key compound found in it called N-acetyldopamine in treating insomnia, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected by this pervasive issue.
Traditional Chinese medicine shows promise for treating insomnia
The Power of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Periostracum Cicadae, the cast-off shell of the cicada, has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Historically used to treat children's night cries and later extended to insomnia, PC is known for its diverse pharmacological properties. This traditional remedy has been gradually gaining acceptance worldwide for its safety and efficacy, particularly in the treatment of refractory diseases.
Understanding the Study
Chinese researchers from the School of Pharmacy at Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan Engineering Research Center of Medicinal and Edible Chinese Medicine Technology, and Bencao Academy embarked on a study to explore the effects of PC extract and N-acetyldopamine on insomnia. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques like UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, they identified the primary components of the PC extract, focusing on N-acetyldopamine.
Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulations
The study employed molecular docking and dynamic simulations to investigate how N-acetyldopamine interacts with sleep-related proteins. The findings revealed that N-acetyldopamine could form stable complexes with 5-HT1A, BDNF, and D2R proteins, which are crucial in regulating sleep. These interactions suggested that N-acetyldopamine might influence neurotransmitter levels and improve sleep quality.
Animal Models Provide Insight
To validate these findings, the researchers used a PCPA-induced insomnia model in rats. This model simulates the symptoms of insomnia by inhibiting the synthesis of serotonin (5-HT), a key neurotransmitter involved in sleep regulation. The results were promising - rats treated with PC extract and N-acetyldopamine showed significant improvements in their sleep-related symptoms.
Key Findings and Implications
The study found that PC extract and N-acetyldopamine could:
-Increase levels of sleep-promoting neurotransmitters like 5-HT, GABA, and BDNF.
-Decrease levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, which are associated with wakefulness.
-Improve the pathological state of the hypothalamus in insomnia rats.
-Significantly affe
ct the expression of proteins related to sleep regulation.
Potential Benefits Over Conventional Treatments
Current insomnia treatments, such as benzodiazepines and melatonin receptor agonists, often come with adverse effects like tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicines like PC extract offer a safer alternative with fewer side effects. This makes PC extract and N-acetyldopamine attractive options for developing new insomnia treatments.
A Step Forward in Insomnia Treatment
This study underscores the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in addressing modern health issues. By identifying and validating the effects of PC extract and N-acetyldopamine on sleep-related neurotransmitters and proteins, researchers have paved the way for new, effective treatments for insomnia.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Molecules
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/15/3638
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