복령(Poria cocos), 용안육(Longanae Arillus) 및 청피(Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) 알코올 추출물의 펜토바비탈 유도 수면 모델에서의 수면 증진 활성

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and sleep-promoting activities of the ethanol extracts of three medicinal plants, viz. Poria cocos, Longanae Arillus, and Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (PCRV). Polyphenol contents were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and radical scavenging activity to evaluate their antioxidant activities. The sleep-promoting activities of extracts were evaluated using a pentobarbital-induced sleep model and a caffeine-induced insomnia model. Of the three medicinal plant extracts, PCRV extract had the highest total polyphenol content (215.44 mg/g) and exhibited excellent radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, PCRV extract contained sleep-promoting quercetin-3-glucuronide and trans-ferulic acid and promoted sleep more than the other two extracts, and at 160 or 200 mg/kg, PCRV extract also more significantly improved sleep latency (P<0.001) and duration (P<0.001). In the insomnia model, caffeine-induced increases in sleep latency and reductions in sleep duration were significantly and dose-dependently suppressed by PCRV extract. Collectively, the study shows PCRV extract effectively removes free radicals, promotes sleep, and has potential use as a functional substance for ameliorating sleep disorders.