Smart Brothers SMART SLEEP

Phenibut

Phenibut (β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid) is a GABA-B receptor agonist, a central nervous system depressant used as a medicine in Russia¹.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland at night that helps regulate the sleep–wake cycle.

Valerian root

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root is a traditional herbal remedy for sleep and nervousness.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP is the direct precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin and is usually extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds².

Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean, L-DOPA)

Mucuna pruriens seeds naturally contain L-DOPA (levodopa), the precursor of dopamine and the main medicine for Parkinson's disease.

Phenibut

There are no controlled trials in healthy people supporting its use as a supplement.

Melatonin

The EU authorises the claim that melatonin contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep, for products providing 1 mg close to bedtime, and a claim on the relief of jet lag at 0.5 mg³⁴.

A meta-analysis found that melatonin modestly reduced the time taken to fall asleep and increased total sleep time in people with primary sleep disorders⁵.

Valerian root

An umbrella review found a good safety profile but no evidence of efficacy for treating insomnia; some subjective improvement in sleep quality was reported, not confirmed by objective measures⁶.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

A review of controlled trials examined 5-HTP for depression; the evidence is limited and of mixed quality². There is no authorised EU claim for 5-HTP.

Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean, L-DOPA)

A 12-month randomised trial in untreated Parkinson's disease in sub-Saharan Africa found Mucuna pruriens could be a cost-effective alternative where commercial levodopa is not available⁷. There is no good evidence that it raises testosterone or improves mood or performance in healthy people.

Phenibut

Its marketing as a nootropic supplement is not supported by evidence¹.

Melatonin

The effects are modest⁵. Higher doses have not been shown to work better for falling asleep.

Valerian root

High-quality randomised trials are scarce⁶.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

Most trials are small and old².

Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean, L-DOPA)

The trial used standardised preparations under medical supervision; larger double-blind trials are needed⁷. Supplements rarely state their L-DOPA content.

Phenibut

A systematic review describes serious toxicity and withdrawal syndromes with phenibut, including agitation, delirium and reduced consciousness, often requiring hospital treatment⁸. Dependence can develop quickly.

Melatonin

Melatonin may cause daytime drowsiness and headache, and it can interact with sedatives, blood thinners and some antidepressants. Do not drive or operate machinery if drowsy.

Valerian root

Generally safe; it may cause drowsiness and should not be combined with sedatives or alcohol⁶.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

Safety concerns include serotonin syndrome when combined with antidepressants or other serotonergic substances, and historical reports of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome linked to contaminated products². Do not combine with antidepressants, migraine triptans or tramadol.

Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean, L-DOPA)

L-DOPA can cause nausea, low blood pressure, involuntary movements and psychiatric effects, and it interacts with MAO inhibitors, antipsychotics and Parkinson's medicines. People with heart disease, psychiatric conditions or melanoma history should not use it without medical advice.

Contains a synthetic research compound that is not authorised as food (novel food) or as a medicinal product in the EU. Contains melatonin. Products providing 1 mg or more of melatonin per daily dose are classified as medicinal products in several EU member states. No dosing information for human use is provided.

Phenibut

Phenibut is not authorised as a food or food supplement ingredient in the EU⁹. Substances with a pharmacological action on the nervous system are regulated as medicinal products in the EU, and Phenibut is not an authorised medicine¹⁰.

Melatonin

Melatonin is permitted in food supplements in some EU countries only up to set amounts; above those amounts, or in some Member States at any dose, it is regulated as a medicine¹⁰.

Valerian root

Some valerian preparations are traditional herbal medicines in the EU¹⁰. No health claim for this ingredient is authorised in the EU³; it is sold under national food-supplement rules¹¹.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP is pharmacologically active; some EU Member States restrict it in food supplements or classify it as medicinal¹⁰. No health claim for this ingredient is authorised in the EU³; botanical ingredients are sold under national food-supplement rules¹¹.

Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean, L-DOPA)

Because it contains levodopa, a medicinal substance, the classification of Mucuna pruriens products differs between EU Member States¹⁰. No health claim for this ingredient is authorised in the EU³; botanical ingredients are sold under national food-supplement rules¹¹.