The University of Napoli Federico II and other institutions in Italy, New Zealand, Pakistan, and China have reported on the carryover effects of a food supplement containing Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract, indicating that its actions persist for at least a month after discontinuation.

Carryover Effects and Their Implications

A carryover effect refers to the persistent influence of a substance or treatment after its administration has ceased. In the context of this study, the researchers found that the Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract-based supplement showed carryover effects, suggesting its actions persist for at least a month after discontinuation.

“Overall, these findings suggest that a Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract-based food supplement is a safe and effective strategy for restoring the sleep-wake cycle and improving quality of life in individuals with primary insomnia.”

Insomnia: A Common Sleep Disorder

The European Sleep Research Society estimates that more than 10% of Europeans suffer from insomnia, making it the most common sleep disorder. Despite its prevalence, scientists have made less progress in addressing insomnia than other conditions, such as sleep-related breathing disorders and restless legs syndrome.

• Insomnia affects more than 10% of Europeans, with the most common symptoms being difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and early morning awakening.
• Insomnia is often linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and mental health conditions.
• Nearly half of individuals with insomnia have never discussed their concerns with their doctor or taken remedies.

Herbal Remedies for Sleep

Several herbal remedies are used to promote sleep and regulate circadian rhythms, including:

1. Valerian, chamomile, and lemon balm, which contain flavonoids and phenolic acids.
2. Melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles and is often used to promote sleep.
3. Natural phytomelatonin, which avoids chemical residues in synthetic supplements.

Scutellaria lateriflora L.: A Traditional Herbal Remedy

Scutellaria lateriflora L. has been used traditionally for nervous tension, neurological disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. Previous evidence suggests that it may suppress cortisol release and mediate GABA interactions, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Study Details

The randomized controlled crossover study involved 66 participants with insomnia who took the BlueCALM supplement containing 400 mg Scutellaria lateriflora L. dried extract or placebo daily for 56 days, separated by a 28-day washout period.

1. Participants kept a sleep diary for the entire seven-month study duration.
2. The researchers evaluated participants after each treatment and at intervals throughout.
3. A chemical analysis of the dried extract was conducted to record the presence of phenolic acids, flavonols, flavones, flavanones, phenylethanoids, and C-glycosides.

Findings and Implications

The study found that the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores increased over time in the placebo group, indicating a progressive deterioration in sleep quality. In contrast, the scores in the supplement group consistently decreased, and no adverse effects were reported.

“Similarly, other sleep-related parameters, including sleep onset latency, sleep effectiveness, total sleep time, and VAS [Visual Analog Scale] scores, demonstrated improvements in the food supplement group, supporting its potential efficacy in alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate sleep disturbances,”

However, the PSQI reduction in the supplement group did not reach the “threshold value of 5, below which sleep quality is considered good.” Additionally, the researchers noted that the carryover effect in the supplement group first suggested that the washout period was insufficient and indicated a “persistence of the supplement’s effects for at least one month after discontinuation.”

Recommendations for Future Studies

The researchers recommend future, larger studies that take these findings into account, as the study’s results suggest that the Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract-based supplement has potential for improving sleep quality in individuals with mild to moderate insomnia. Conclusion

The study’s findings highlight the importance of considering the carryover effects of herbal supplements and the need for further research to fully understand their efficacy and safety. The results also emphasize the potential benefits of using Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract-based supplements for restoring the sleep-wake cycle and improving quality of life in individuals with primary insomnia.