Ethanol Extract of Gardenia augusta (L.) Merr. Flowers Produces Sleep Improvement in Rat Model

Introduction: Sleep disorder may have detrimental consequences on health and one of the treatments is the use of hypnotics. Unfortunately, hypnotics treatment may also be accompanied by side effects and lead to dependence. The present study aimed to investigate the sleep improving effects of ethanol extract of Gardenia augusta (L.) Merr. flowers in rat model. Methods: Rats were assigned into group receiving the extract (at 0.9 or 1.8 g/kg), the reference drug crocetin (at 0.9 mg/kg) or vehicle, once a day orally for 15 days. Results: Tested on day 1 and 14 of treatment, the rats receiving 1.8 g/kg of the extract showed improvements in sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, wake episodes, and sleep cycle, which were significantly different from crocetin. Furthermore, tested on day 2 and 15 of treatment, the rats treated with 1.8 g/kg extract demonstrated superior sedative rating scale compared to crocetin. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicates the potential of Gardenia augusta (L.) Merr. flower extract to be used as an adjunct treatment for sleep disorder.