FlavonoidsApigenin

Apigenin, luteolin, and piplartine are core active components of Sugemule-4 that bind to EGFR, potentially treating insomnia through serotonergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways.

The study identified 106 active compounds and 364 overlapping targets for Sugemule-4 in insomnia treatment. Network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed that apigenin, luteolin, and piplartine bind strongly to EGFR, with molecular dynamics confirming stable interactions, suggesting multi-target mechanisms via serotonergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Prediction of the therapeutic mechanism of Sugemule-4 in insomnia treatment using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

observational

Su R, Wang J, Su D, Su R, Sa C, Bao L · Medicine (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Sugemule-4 (SGML-4) active compounds (apigenin, luteolin, piplartine) analyzed via network pharmacology and molecular docking
Outcome: Binding affinity and stability of protein-compound complexes; enrichment in serotonergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Not applicable (in silico study using databases and computational models)

Result:

PubMed: 41367024DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000046489

Mechanism Graph

Active compounds (apigenin, luteolin, piplartine) bind to EGFR with strong affinity
↓
EGFR forms stable hydrogen bonds with these compounds
↓
Modulation of serotonergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways
↓
Multi-target, multi-pathway anti-insomnia effects

Limitations

  • ⚠In silico predictions require experimental validation in vivo or in vitro
  • ⚠Limited to computational databases which may not capture all active compounds or targets
  • ⚠No human or animal subjects were directly tested

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sugemule-4?▼

Sugemule-4 is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for treating insomnia, composed of multiple active compounds.

How does apigenin help with insomnia?▼

Apigenin, a flavonoid, binds to EGFR and modulates serotonergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways, which are implicated in sleep regulation.

What is the role of EGFR in insomnia?▼

EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) was identified as a central target, potentially mediating sleep-related signaling through serotonergic and calcium pathways.

Are these findings clinically proven?▼

No, this is a computational study using network pharmacology and molecular docking; clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy in humans.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 1.Su R, Wang J, Su D, Su R, Sa C, Bao L. "Prediction of the therapeutic mechanism of Sugemule-4 in insomnia treatment using network pharmacology and molecular docking.." Medicine, 2025. PMID: 41367024 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000046489
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.