Effectiveness of Lesser-Known Herbal Sedatives for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Herbal sedatives are increasingly promoted as natural sleep aids and are
widely used, often despite limited robust evidence (1). While
preliminary studies suggest potential benefits, the overall research
remains fragmented, inconsistent, and based primarily on small-scale
trials (2). Certain herbs, like Rhodiola rosea, may negatively impact
sleep due to their stimulating effects when not used properly (3).
Others, such as California poppy, contain active compounds that warrant
careful safety assessments (4). While some sedative herbs like valerian
and chamomile have been studied (6), many such as passionflower, sweet
violet, lotus, and California poppy still lack rigorous scientific
evaluation (7). Conducting a systematic review could clarify whether
these less-researched herbal remedies for insomnia have sufficient
empirical support to inform clinical decision-making for healthcare
providers and policy developers<br>