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
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary study suggests that the combination of hawthorn, magnesium, and Eschscholtzia could be useful in treating anxiety. A recent observational study involving the use of a combination of Eschscholtzia californica and Valeriana officinalis extracts (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 maximum of four tablets per night for one month. The results showed a significant reduction in the severity of insomnia, as well as improvement in sleep quality and duration. Patient anxiety, assessed by the Hamilton anxiety scale, also decreased. The study is not controlled and included few participants.
Posologie
Oral: 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 ✪✪✪✪✪
Escholtzia is recommended as a traditional remedy to promote sleep according to the EMA.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
320 mg
1 - month
powder
Synergies
Nervousness ✪✪✪✪✪
Escholtzia is recommended for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress according to the EMA.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
960 mg
2 - weeks
powder
Properties
Anxiolytic
Some compounds of Eschscholtzia, like 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 enhance this interaction in the cerebral cortex of rats. This explains the sedative effects, as GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability in the brain.
Usages associés
Sedative
Eschscholtzia, thanks to protopine and california, has a sedative effect. It reduces the time to fall asleep and improves sleep quality. Studies on mice have shown that Eschscholtzia extends sleep duration and reduces locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. It acts by inhibiting certain enzymes, limiting the conversion of dopamine to noradrenaline and reducing adrenaline synthesis, thus 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 be the source of the traditionally attributed analgesic (pain-relieving) properties of Eschscholtzia.
Safety dosage
Adults from 18 years: 480 mg - 600 mg
For insomnia, a single dose of 480 mg with dinner and another single dose 30-60 min before bed. In infusion: 5 g per day in hot water. In TM: 1 to 2 times 75 drops at bedtime. For anxiety, 15 to 30 drops up to 3 times a day. Extracts should contain at least 0.5% total alkaloids.
Interactions
Médicaments
Benzodiazepines: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the sedative effects of the California poppy and benzodiazepines could accumulate.
Central nervous system depressants: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the sedative effects of the California poppy and central nervous system depressants could accumulate.
Precautions
Pregnant women from 18 years: avoid
As a precaution, avoid usage.
Breastfeeding women from 18 years: avoid
As a precaution, avoid usage.
