Abstract:

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge (X. sorbifolia), a regionally significant oilseed crop indigenous to northern China, has long been recognized for its medicinal value. A distinguishing feature of X. sorbifolium oil is its high concentration of nervonic acid, a bioactive lipid essential for the development and optimal functioning of the nervous system. In the present study, the potential sleep-enhancing properties of X. sorbifolium oil were investigated. The research began with a human feeding trial, which demonstrated notable improvements in sleep quality. To further validate the findings, animal experiments were conducted in accordance with the standardized protocols outlined in the Methods for Functional Testing and Evaluation of Health Food. Using male ICR mice, hydrated chloral-induced sleep tests were performed to assess the effects of X. sorbifolium oil on sleep latency and duration. Results revealed that oral administration of the oil significantly reduced sleep latency by up to 33% and extended sleep duration by as much as 46% compared to the control group. Beyond the anesthetic-induced tests, a noninvasive video-based analysis was employed to evaluate sleep patterns under natural conditions, free from anesthetic interference. This approach further confirmed a marked increase in total sleep duration. In summary, our findings demonstrated that oral administration of X. sorbifolium oil conferred substantial sleep-promoting benefits, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for enhancing sleep quality.

Key words: Seed kernel oil of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge, Natural sleep-promoting oil, Non-drug sleep-promoting intervention