Volume : 12, Issue : 10, October – 2025

Title:

NATURAL SEDATIVES AND HYPNOTICS: AN OVERVIEW ON VALERIAN, HOPS, AND PASSION FLOWER

Authors :

Darshan P Paraskar, Aditi V Tikait, Dr Swati P Deshmukh

Abstract :

This review highlights the sedative and hypnotic properties of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian), Humulus lupulus (Hops), and Passiflora incarnata (Passion flower), widely used in herbal medicine for insomnia and anxiety. These plants primarily act through modulation of the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) pathway, resulting in central nervous system depression and improved sleep induction. Valerian root, rich in valerenic acid and valepotriates, enhances GABA activity, producing mild sedation and reducing sleep latency. Hops, containing humulone and lupulone, exhibit synergistic effects with valerian, reinforcing relaxation and promoting deeper sleep. Passion flower, characterized by flavonoids such as vitexin and chrysin, enhances GABA binding affinity, contributing to its tranquilizing and sleep-promoting actions. Recent studies support the combined use of these botanicals as effective natural alternatives to synthetic hypnotics, with minimal side effects or dependency risks. Collectively, these herbs demonstrate strong potential in the formulation of phytotherapeutic agents for safe management of mild to moderate insomnia.
Keywords :- Valeriana officinalis, Humulus lupulus, Passiflora incarnata, sleep disorders, herbal sedative, hypnotics, GABAergic pathway

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Darshan P Paraskar et al., Natural Sedatives And Hypnotics: An Overview On Valerian, Hops, And Passion Flower, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(10).

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