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In the Americas (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico and Peru), there has been a long history in the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat insomnia (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). Yet, insomnia continues to plague many of us and is a risk factor for developing other disorders, such as mental disorders and increasing health care costs (Cheng et al., 2020). Findings from clinical studies reveal the advantages of using complementary and alternative medicine for treating insomnia and that the safety of these therapies is acceptable. In addition, understanding insomnia can help us identify potential pathways for the prevention and treatment of sleeplessness using botanical medicines (Hu et al., 2018).

We have also seen a dramatic increase in the interest and use of medicinal plants over the past decade, with varying benefits cited (Miroddi et al., 2013). The high consumption of these products by a growing community has led to concerns about their efficacy and safety. Data from preclinical trials of using botanicals to target sleeplessness suggests a possible modulation of the circadian rhythm, alleviation of inflammation, activation of GABA receptors, antagonism of serotonergic receptors, and inhibition of pathways mediated by glutamate (Cheng et al., 2020).

Two identified pathways affecting sleeplessness are g-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT) (Sarris et al., 2011; Hu et al., 2018). The GABA neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory molecule of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and plays an essential role in the balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. Besides, most sedative-hypnotic pharma products target the benzodiazepine site in the GABAA receptors (Cho S. M. et al., 2010). Manayi et al., (2016) study on natural terpenoids also suggests that GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter reducing neural excitability in the CNS with three subclasses of receptors. The role of serotonin (5-HT) in sleep, supporting the sleep-promoting effects and the role of specific receptor subtypes in sleep-wake regulation, has been the focus of many studies. Recent studies have also suggested a role for the 5-HT1B receptor in depression, anxiety and sleep. 5-HT1B antagonists reduce the latency to onset of anxiolytic behaviour and play a role in stress regulation.

Valerian is a herbal hypnotic and sedative that works via GABAergic activity. As a medicinal plant, valerian modulates GABAA receptors, with valerian acid one of its active compounds (Felgentreff et al., 2012). Evidence suggests that the type of extraction from the valerian plant directly affects the activity level on both GABA-synthesizing and GABA-metabolizing enzymes, resulting in potentially different effects on sleep outcomes. At sofi, we are using chromatography to fingerprint each specific batch of valerian extract and document the concentration of active compounds.

Valerian is a herbal hypnotic and sedative that works via GABAergic activity. As a medicinal plant, valerian modulates GABAA receptors, with valerian acid one of its active compounds (Felgentreff et al., 2012). Evidence suggests that the type of extraction from the valerian plant directly affects the activity level on both GABA-synthesizing and GABA-metabolizing enzymes, resulting in potentially different effects on sleep outcomes. At sofi, we are using chromatography to fingerprint each specific batch of valerian extract and document the concentration of active compounds.