Mechanisms of Suanzaoren decoction in the treatment of insomnia via intestinal microecology regulation
10.1097/st9.0000000000000101
- Author:
Zhuojun DONG
1
;
Ranran ZHAO
1
;
Qichun ZHANG
2
;
Zhongxing SONG
3
;
Huaxu ZHU
2
;
Yanru LIU
3
;
Zhishu TANG
4
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
2. Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Jiangsu Botanical Medicine Refinement Engineering Research Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
3. Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Xianyang, China
4. State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Gut microbes;
Gut-brain axis;
Insomnia;
Suanzaoren decoction
- From:
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;4(3):225-231
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Sleep disorders are a serious global health problem influenced by neuropsychiatric disorders, diseases, environment, diet, and other factors. Recent studies have revealed that gut microbes (GM) are closely associated with sleep. Their metabolites regulate circadian rhythms, neurotransmitter systems, and other physiological processes through the gut-brain axis, influencing brain homeostasis and contributing to the pathogenesis of insomnia. Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) is a classic and well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for the treatment of insomnia. Modern pharmacological research indicates that SZRD can maintain intestinal microbial homeostasis, regulate microbial metabolites, and safeguard the intestinal immune barrier. This review elucidates the pathophysiological interplay between sleep disorders and GM and summarizes the progress of research on SZRD in treating insomnia via the “microbes-gut-brain axis” by regulating intestinal microecology. It is expected to broaden the clinical application of TCM in insomnia treatment and provide a theoretical foundation for pharmacological innovation of classic TCM prescriptions.
