Chaihu-Longgu-Muli Decoction promotes sleep in mice with insomnia

Purpose: To determine the hypnotic and sedative effects, and the mechanism of action of Chaihu-Longgu-Muli Decoction (CLMD) in mice with insomnia. Methods: A mice model induced with insomnia using p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), was established. The sedative and hypnotic effects of CLMD on mice were evaluated by animal behavioral tests. The animals were separated into four experimental groups: (1) control group, (2) PCPA group, (3) PCPA + 5 mg/kg CLMD group, and (4) CPA + 10 mg/kg CLMD group. The 5-HTR1A expression was determined by western blot. The expression levels of the neurotransmitters were assessed using commercial ELISA kits, while the histological changes in hypothalamic tissues were examined microscopically after staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). Results: CLMD exerted a sedative effect on and ameliorated anxiety-like and stressful behaviors in mice with insomnia. Moreover, CLMD induced sleep and enhanced 5-HTR1A to modulate neurotransmitter secretion. The data also indicate that CLMD exerted a protective role by alleviating hypothalamic damage and regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome associated with insomnia. Conclusion: These findings indicate that CLMD has sedative and hypnotic effects, and offers a new therapeutic modality for insomnia treatment.