Escholtzia: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Golden poppy, California poppy
Scientific name(s)
Eschscholtzia californica
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Alkaloids
Protopines
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary study suggests that the combination of hawthorn, magnesium, and Eschscholtzia may be helpful in the treatment of anxiety. A recent observational study examining the use of a combination of extracts of Eschscholtzia californica and Valeriana officinalis (Phytostandard®. One tablet contains 80 mg of Eschscholtzia extract and 32 mg of valerian extract) in the treatment of insomnia. The study evaluated the efficacy of the supplement taken at a dose of up to four tablets per night for one month. Results showed a significant decrease in the severity of insomnia, as well as an improvement in sleep quality and duration. Patients' anxiety, assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, also decreased. The study is uncontrolled and included few participants.
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
320 mg
1 - month
powder
Synergies
A combination of Eschscholtzia californica Cham. and Valeriana officinalis L. extracts for adjustment insomnia: A prospective observational study
Sleep disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Eschscholtzia is recommended as a traditional remedy to promote sleep by the EMA.
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
320 mg
1 - month
powder
Synergies
Nervousness ✪✪✪✪✪
Eschscholtzia is recommended for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress according to the EMA.nn
Posologie
Oral use: aerial parts
960 mg
2 - weeks
powder
Properties
Anxiolytic
Some compounds of Eschscholtzia, such as protopine, act by increasing the interaction between gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its receptors in the brain. Other alkaloids, including protopine, cryptopine and allocryptopine, also strengthen this interaction in the cerebral cortex of rats. This explains the sedative effects, since GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability in the brain.
Usages associés
Sedative
Eschscholtzia, thanks to protopine and californine, has a sedative effect. It decreases the time to fall asleep and improves sleep quality. Studies in mice have shown that Eschscholtzia prolongs the duration of sleep and reduces locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. It acts by inhibiting certain enzymes, limiting the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine and reducing the synthesis of epinephrine, thereby contributing to its calming effect.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Eschscholtzia acts on enkephalins, peptides that play a role in pain management, by modifying their structure or lifespan. This action could underlie the analgesic (pain-relieving) properties traditionally attributed to Eschscholtzia.
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 480 mg - 600 mg
For insomnia, a single dose of 480 mg with dinner and another single dose 30-60 minutes before bedtime.nnInfusion: 5 g per day in hot water.nnMother tincture (MT): 1 to 2 times 75 drops at bedtime. For anxiety, 15 to 30 drops up to 3 times per day.nnExtracts should contain at least 0.5% total alkaloids.nn
Interactions
Médicaments
Benzodiazepines: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the sedative effects of the California poppy and benzodiazepines could be cumulative.
Central nervous system depressants: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the sedative effects of the California poppy and central nervous system depressants could be cumulative.
Precautions
Pregnant women 18 years and older: avoid
As a precaution, avoid use. nn
Breastfeeding women 18 years and older: avoid
As a precaution, avoid use. nn
