Supplements

Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum resin (ASF) improves sleep quality in individuals with functional dyspepsia symptoms

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 62 participants with functional dyspepsia symptoms received 250 mg/day of ASF or placebo for 14 days. ASF treatment significantly improved sleep quality as measured by the Bergen Insomnia Scale, with a mean change of 10.89 Β± 3.23 points (P < .001) on day 14.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026β€’1 RCTsβ€’πŸ“– Read as article β†’

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCTβ˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†
Meta-analysisβ˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†
Mechanismβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Safetyβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum resin alleviates dyspepsia symptoms through modulation of microbiome-gut-brain axis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

observational

Das S S, Rm V, Aneesa PA, Joy Parappilly S, Natinga Mulakal J, Chakrapani Ps B, Illathu Madhavamenon K Β· Medicine (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 14 days
Intervention: 250 mg/day of a food-grade, self-emulsifying hydrogel formulation of Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum resin (ASF) for 14 days
Outcome: Sleep quality measured by the Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS)
Effect Size: N/A (only mean change reported: Ξ”BIS = 10.89 Β± 3.23)
Population: 62 participants diagnosed with functional dyspepsia symptoms

Result:

PubMed: 41054174DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000044590

Mechanism Graph

ASF modulates gut microbiota by decreasing Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and enhancing alpha diversity
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ASF enriches beneficial genera (e.g., Bacteroides, Prevotella) and reduces harmful taxa (e.g., Escherichia, Clostridia)
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These microbiome changes influence the microbiome-gut-brain axis
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Result: Improved sleep quality, reduced dyspepsia symptoms, and enhanced cognitive performance

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=62) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Short intervention duration (14 days) does not assess long-term efficacy or safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bergen Insomnia Scale and how was it used?β–Ό

The Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS) is a validated questionnaire assessing insomnia symptoms. In this study, it was used to measure sleep quality at baseline and on day 14, with a higher score indicating worse sleep.

How does Ferula asafoetida improve sleep?β–Ό

The proposed mechanism involves modulation of the gut microbiome (reducing Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing beneficial bacteria), which influences the microbiome-gut-brain axis, leading to improved sleep quality.

Is this study applicable to people without dyspepsia?β–Ό

No, the study only included participants with functional dyspepsia symptoms, so the sleep improvement may not generalize to healthy individuals or those with other conditions.

What were the side effects of ASF?β–Ό

The abstract does not report any adverse effects, but the short 14-day duration and small sample size may not capture all potential side effects.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Das S S, Rm V, Aneesa PA, Joy Parappilly S, Natinga Mulakal J, Chakrapani Ps B, Illathu Madhavamenon K. "Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum resin alleviates dyspepsia symptoms through modulation of microbiome-gut-brain axis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.." Medicine, 2025. PMID: 41054174 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000044590
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.