Supplements

Hub herb pairs (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) may treat insomnia via 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 using data mining, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. Six hub herb pairs were identified, and network pharmacology suggested they may act through the cAMP signaling pathway in synergy with other pathways. Molecular docking indicated good binding 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

Hub herb pairs activate the cAMP signaling pathway
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cAMP pathway synergizes with HIF-1, prolactin, PI3K-Akt, and chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation pathways
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Active ingredients from herb pairs bind to hub targets with good affinity
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Result: Potential modulation of insomnia-related biological 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 compounds 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.

Which signaling pathway is considered key in this study?▼

The cAMP signaling pathway is considered a key node, acting synergistically with HIF-1, prolactin, PI3K-Akt, and chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation pathways.

What methods were used in this research?▼

The study used data mining of 104 TCM prescriptions, association rule algorithms to identify hub herb pairs, network pharmacology to analyze mechanisms, and molecular docking to predict binding affinities.

What are the most frequently used herbs for insomnia according to this paper?▼

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

Products

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

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.