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The dichloromethane fraction of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction improves sleep and modulates monoamine neurotransmitters in a Drosophila melanogaster model of insomnia.

In a sleep-deprived Drosophila melanogaster model, the dichloromethane fraction of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction showed the best anti-insomnia effect among all tested fractions. It reduced brain levels of dopamine and homovanillic acid while increasing 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, suggesting modulation of central neurotransmitter pathways.

Last updated: Aug 25, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Integrated Screening of Effective Anti-Insomnia Fractions of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po Decoction via Drosophila melanogaster and Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Underlying Pharmacodynamic Material and Mechanism.

observational

Sun Y, Zhao R, Liu R, Li T, Ni S, Wu H, Cao Y, Qu Y, Yang T, Zhang C, Sun Y · ACS omega (2021)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Dichloromethane fraction of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction (ZZHPD) administered to sleep-deprived Drosophila melanogaster
Outcome: Sleep improvement (activity monitoring), brain monoamine neurotransmitter levels (dopamine, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, HVA)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Seven-day-old virgin Drosophila melanogaster subjected to sleep deprivation via repeated light stimulation at night

Result:

PubMed: 33842786DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00445

Mechanism Graph

Dichloromethane fraction of ZZHPD reduces dopamine and HVA levels in Drosophila brain
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Increases 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in Drosophila brain
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Network pharmacology identifies 71 targets and 73 pathways related to insomnia, including inflammatory response, central neurotransmitter regulation, and apoptosis
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Molecular docking shows naringenin and apigenin bind to GABAA receptor, histamine H1, orexin receptor type 2, and interleukin-6

Limitations

  • ⚠Study conducted in an animal model (Drosophila melanogaster), which may not fully replicate human sleep physiology
  • ⚠Dose-response relationships and optimal dosing for human application are not established in this abstract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction?▼

Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used for insomnia, containing compounds such as magnolol, honokiol, and hesperidin.

How was the anti-insomnia effect measured in this study?▼

The effect was measured using the PySolo activity monitoring system in Drosophila melanogaster, with sleep improvement assessed by changes in activity patterns.

Which neurotransmitter changes were observed with the dichloromethane fraction?▼

The fraction reduced dopamine and homovanillic acid levels, and increased 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid in the Drosophila brain.

What are the potential mechanisms of ZZHPD for insomnia?▼

Network pharmacology suggests mechanisms involve multi-target regulation of inflammatory response, central neurotransmitter pathways, and apoptosis, with compounds like naringenin and apigenin binding to GABAA, histamine H1, orexin receptor type 2, and interleukin-6.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Sun Y, Zhao R, Liu R, Li T, Ni S, Wu H, Cao Y, Qu Y, Yang T, Zhang C, Sun Y. "Integrated Screening of Effective Anti-Insomnia Fractions of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po Decoction via Drosophila melanogaster and Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Underlying Pharmacodynamic Material and Mechanism.." ACS omega, 2021. PMID: 33842786 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00445
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.