The Positive Effects of Poria cocos Extract on Quality of Sleep in Insomnia Rat Models

Sleep disorders may have various causes and can incur mental and/or physical symptoms, and affect an individual’s quality of life. In this study, we confirm that the Poria cocos extract (PCET) can improve sleep quality and structure by promoting inhibitory neurotransmission via the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABA(A)) receptors based on the mechanisms revealed in the experiment with superior cervical ganglion neurons. Pentobarbital-induced sleep tests were conducted in order to determine whether the PCET extract improves the sleep quality and structure in normal ICR mice. Sleep latency and duration were checked with the righting reflex. To simulate the state of awakening as well as a normal sleep state, caffeine was administered orally before the PCET diet. After oral gavage of PCET, sleep latency was decreased, and total sleep duration was increased in normal and caffeine-induced sleep disturbance state. In the ACTH-induced sleep disturbed models, administration of PCET significantly reduced the sleep latency and increased the non-REM sleep duration, which was analyzed in real-time EEG by implanting wireless electrodes in SD rats. PCET was found to improve the sleep quality under a normal sleep state through the GABA(A) receptor; it also promoted and improved the sleep quality and sleep structure in both the arousal activation state and stress-based sleep disturbance.