Work

Natural products in insomnia: Molecular mechanisms, action targets, and therapeutic potential

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Insomnia is a disorder characterized by sleep disturbances and daytime impairments. It can be alleviated with conventional clinical medications, but considerable individual variability and adverse effects (AEs) remain persistent challenges. Many natural products are known for their low toxicity and multi-target properties. These products offer distinct advantages in treating insomnia by modulating its underlying pathological mechanisms. Although previous reviews have summarized the effects of natural products on insomnia, systematic classification based on natural products and comprehensive exploration of their interactions with multidimensional pathological mechanisms remain insufficient. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms by which natural products modulate insomnia. It also offers an in-depth discussion of the current limitations and challenges. The goal is to establish a theoretical foundation and technical framework to optimize treatment strategies and advance the clinical translation of natural product research.

Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2026.101661