In vitro binding experiments with a Valerian, hops and their fixed combination extract (Ze91019) to selected central nervous system receptors.

The fixed valerian-hops extract combination Ze91019 is used as a sleep aid. Although its exact mechanism of action is not well understood, earlier studies indicate that the CNS effect of valerian might occur through interaction with the GABA, melatonin and/or the adenosine systems in the brain. The use of hops in sleep remedies, however, is mainly based on traditional use and scarce scientific information. In this report, the binding of Ze91019, and the component valerian and hops extracts within, was tested on 14 subtypes of five classes of central receptors (dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, MCH and neuropeptide-Y). Binding affinities could be demonstrated at some of the screened melatonin (ML1 and ML2) and serotonin (5-HT4e, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7) receptor subtypes.