Evidence supporting the use of: Phenibut
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant developed in Russia in the 1960s and is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It is used in some Eastern European countries as an anxiolytic and sleep aid. The scientific rationale for its use in insomnia is based on its mechanism of action as a GABAB receptor agonist and its ability to reduce neuronal excitability, which can promote sedation and sleep. There are a few human studies and case reports from Russia and neighboring countries that suggest phenibut may improve sleep onset and quality, particularly in patients with anxiety or stress-related insomnia. However, rigorous, placebo-controlled clinical trials in Western populations are lacking, and most available data come from non-English literature or preclinical studies.
Important concerns include phenibut’s potential for tolerance, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and abuse, which are well documented in case studies and clinical reports. Due to these risks and the lack of robust evidence, phenibut is not approved for medical use in most Western countries, and its use for insomnia is not recommended by regulatory agencies. In summary, while there is some scientific basis and limited clinical evidence for phenibut’s sedative effects, the quality and quantity of supporting evidence are low, and significant safety concerns exist.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fringed Pink
Frankincense
Gelsemium
Geraniol
Giant Blazingstar
Glycine
Gardenia jasminoides
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
