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Hub herb pairs (e.g., Radix Astragali-Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) may treat insomnia through the cAMP signaling pathway synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

This study analyzed 104 TCM prescriptions for insomnia and identified six hub herb pairs using data mining. Network pharmacology suggested that these pairs may act via the cAMP signaling pathway in coordination with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt pathways, with molecular docking confirming good binding affinity between active ingredients and hub targets.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

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

Study Evidence

Study 1. Medication Rules of Hub Herb Pairs for Insomnia and Mechanism of Action: Results of Data Mining, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking.

observational

Guo WL, Jiang HJ, Li YR, Yang JL, Chen YC · Chinese medical sciences journal = Chung-kuo i hsueh k'o hsueh tsa chih (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Six hub herb pairs derived from 104 TCM prescriptions for insomnia
Outcome: Identification of hub herb pairs, predicted signaling pathways (cAMP, HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, PI3K-Akt), and binding affinity via molecular docking
Effect Size: N/A
Population: TCM prescriptions for primary insomnia (104 prescriptions, 197 herbs)

Result:

PubMed: 39789928DOI: 10.24920/004384

Mechanism Graph

Herb pair active ingredients bind to hub targets (e.g., receptors) with good affinity
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This modulates the cAMP signaling pathway
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cAMP pathway synergistically interacts with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt pathways
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Result: Regulation of insomnia-related processes

Limitations

  • ⚠The study is based on computational predictions (network pharmacology and molecular docking) without in vivo or clinical validation.
  • ⚠The analysis is limited to 104 prescriptions, which may not represent all TCM approaches to insomnia.
  • ⚠The specific active ingredients and their concentrations in the herb pairs were not quantified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the six hub herb pairs identified for insomnia?▼

The six hub herb pairs are: Radix Astragali-Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, Rhizoma Chuanxiong-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Seman Platycladi-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae-Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Polygalae-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, and Radix Astragali-Semen Ziziphi Spinosae.

What signaling pathway is proposed as key for these herb pairs?▼

The cAMP signaling pathway is proposed as a key pathway, working synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

How was the mechanism of action studied?▼

The mechanism was studied using network pharmacology to identify signaling pathways and molecular docking to simulate binding between herb pair active ingredients and hub targets.

What are the most frequently used herbs in TCM for insomnia according to this study?▼

The most frequently used herbs include Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, and Poria cum Radix Pini.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Guo WL, Jiang HJ, Li YR, Yang JL, Chen YC. "Medication Rules of Hub Herb Pairs for Insomnia and Mechanism of Action: Results of Data Mining, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking.." Chinese medical sciences journal = Chung-kuo i hsueh k'o hsueh tsa chih, 2025. PMID: 39789928 DOI: 10.24920/004384
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.