Supplements

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

A 14-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that 250 mg/day of Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum resin (ASF) significantly improved sleep quality as measured by the Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS), with a mean change of 10.89 Β± 3.23 points (P < .001) compared to placebo. The improvement was observed in 62 participants with functional dyspepsia symptoms.

Last updated: Jul 7, 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 (71.9%)
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Enhances alpha diversity and enriches beneficial genera (e.g., Bacteroides, Prevotella)
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Reduces harmful taxa (e.g., Escherichia, Clostridia)
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Result: Improved sleep quality via microbiome-gut-brain axis modulation

Limitations

  • ⚠The study duration was only 14 days, limiting assessment of long-term effects
  • ⚠The sample size was relatively small (n=62), which may reduce generalizability
  • ⚠Sleep quality was assessed only by a self-report scale (BIS) without objective measures like polysomnography

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS) is a validated self-report questionnaire used to assess insomnia symptoms. In this study, it was administered at baseline and day 14 to measure changes in sleep quality.

How does Ferula asafoetida improve sleep?β–Ό

The proposed mechanism is through modulation of the microbiome-gut-brain axis, including reducing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and enriching beneficial gut bacteria, which may influence brain function and sleep regulation.

Is this supplement safe for long-term use?β–Ό

The study only tested a 14-day regimen, so long-term safety and efficacy are not established. The authors describe ASF as a food-grade supplement, but further research is needed.

Who might benefit from this supplement?β–Ό

The study focused on individuals with functional dyspepsia symptoms, who also experienced improvements in sleep quality. It may be relevant for those with gut-brain interaction disorders.

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.