Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich. 2001 Jan; 95(1): 33-4.

[Phytochemicals as means to induce sleep]

Volz HP.

Psychiatrische Klinik der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena. volz@landgraf.med.uni-jena.de

Phytopharmacons are widely used in Germany. Whereas St. John's wort extracts are prescribed for the treatment of mild forms of depression and kava-kava for unspecified anxiety syndromes, hop, balm, lavender, passiflora and valerian are traditionally administered against nervousness and sleep disturbances. Controlled clinical trials are only available for valerian. However, no sleep inducing potential of valerian was observed, only a certain positive effect on daytime mood. Therefore, the mentioned phytopharmacons cannot be recommended for the treatment of sleep disturbances.