Sadra Medical Journal

Design and Standardization of a Solid Oral Polyherbal Hypnotic Formulation Based on Traditional Persian Medicine

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammad Ali Farboodniay Jahromi 1
Zohreh Abolhassanzadeh 1
Amirhossein Dadbakhsh 2
Mohammad Mehdi Zarshenas 1, 2

1 Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2025.108006.1671
Abstract
Introduction: Insomnia is a prevalent global sleep disorder that adversely affects health, occupational performance, and emotional well-being. Conventional pharmacological treatments are often associated with limited efficacy, adverse effects, and risks of dependency. Consequently, there is growing interest in safer alternative approaches, particularly those derived from traditional medicine, for managing inadequate sleep quality and insomnia.
Methods: This study investigated traditional Persian medicinal approaches to insomnia by reviewing major classical texts, including Qarabadin-e Salehi, Qarabadin-e Azam, Qarabadin-e Ghaderi, Eksir-e Azam, the Canon of Avicenna, Mo’alajat-e Aghili, and Tibb-e Akbari. A commonly used traditional formulation known as “Monavvem” powder was selected for further development and analysis. Four medicinal plants, including Lavandula stoechas (lavender), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Echium amoenum (borage), and Valeriana officinalis (valerian), were processed into powder for use in herbal infusions (tea bags). Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were conducted for botanical authentication. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC/FID) were employed to identify and quantify key essential oil components.
Results: Borneol (14.88%) and thymol (8.39%) were identified as the major essential oil components of Monavvem powder. The analytical methods were validated using standard analytical protocols. Additional fingerprinting was performed via Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT/IR). Spectrophotometric analysis determined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the final product to be 6.91 mg/g and 1.5 mg/g, respectively. The formulation was assessed for microbial and heavy metal contamination, and all quality control parameters were met. 
Conclusion: The manufacturing procedures and quality control tests for the final tea bag product were successfully documented. This standardized product paves the way for a natural therapeutic aid in managing sleep disorders, pending future clinical evaluations.

Keywords

Insomnia
Teas
Herbal
Lavandula
Borage
Valerian
Lemon balm
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 13, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 660-685

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