A 2003 review in "Social Science & Medicine" indicates that patenting traditional medicines is difficult. Because of the many issues involved, few drugs contain only natural ingredients. A 2009 report in "Sleep Medicine" suggests that people often use over-the-counter sleep aids. Pharmaceutical companies, therefore, have become interested in herbal supplements and hormonal treatments. Three medications that enhance sleep quality using only natural substances are available by prescription. None of these drugs can be prescribed in the United States, but their active ingredients are easy to obtain over the counter.
Circadin
Circadin is a prescription drug approved for the treatment of sleep disorders. This medication is available in many European countries including England. The active ingredient in Circadin is melatonin. This natural substance is released nightly by the pineal gland. Melatonin can be synthesized in the laboratory and administered in a pill form. Circadin contains 2 mg of melatonin presented in a slow-release formula.
According to a 2007 study in "Current Medical Research and Opinion," Circadin improves sleep efficiency, morning alertness, and life quality in older adults with insomnia. Another 2007 experiment in the "Journal of Sleep Research" reveals similar results. The latter study also shows that Circadin is well tolerated, and it does not cause negative after effects such as daytime sleepiness.
Tryptan
Tryptan is a medication indicated for the treatment for depression. This drug is available by prescription in Canada. The active chemical in Tryptan is tryptophan. This natural product is found in foods such as milk and turkey. Tryptophan is not produced by the body, it can be obtained only through dietary means. Tryptan contains either a 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, or 1 g dose of tryptophan.
According to a 2010 paper in "Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews," tryptophan improves mood in depression and enhances sleep with insomniacs. The substance also impairs performance, so it should be carefully used. A 2002 study in "Psychiatry Research" depleted people of tryptophan by feeding them a special diet. This protocol reduces sleep quality, and it increases phasic activity. Concerning side effects, a 2008 study in "Psychopharmacology" shows that an unusually large (50 g) dose does not adversely affect healthy adults.
Antares
Antares is a drug prescribed as an antidepressant in Germany. The active ingredient in Antares are chemicals called "kavalactones" that are isolated from the kava bush. This natural product is made from roots of the Piper methysticum plant. Antares contains 120 mg of kavalactones.
According to a 2005 paper in "Psychopharmacology," kava increases the quantity, and improves the quality, of sleep in rats. A 2001 study in "Human Psychopharmacology" shows that kava reduces stress and enhances sleep in humans as well. The latter study, however, reveals that kava is often associated with such side effects as vivid dreams and persistent dizziness. In fact, kava must be obtained from a reliable source such as a pharmaceutical company to ensure drug purity.
References
- "Social Science & Medicine"; Intellectual property rights and traditional medicine: policy dilemmas at the interface; K. Timmermans; August 2003
- "Sleep Medicine"; The use of natural products for sleep: A common practice?; M. M. Sanchez-Ortuno et al., May 7, 2009
- "Current Medical Research and Opinion"; Efficacy of prolonged release melatonin in insomnia patients aged 55-80 years: quality of sleep and next-day alertness outcomes; A. G. Wade et al.; October 2007
- "Journal of Sleep Research"; Prolonged-release melatonin improves sleep quality and morning alertness in insomnia patients aged 55 years and older and has no withdrawal effects; P. Lemoine et al.; December 2007
- "Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews"; Effects of tryptophan loading on human cognition, mood, and sleep; B. Y. Silber et al.; March 2010
