Helicid for Sleep Improvement Anxiety Relief and Headache Alleviation

1. Description

Helicid, also known as tofu fruit extract or Shencai fruit extract, is an active compound isolated from the fruits of the deep-green longan (Erythralia latifolia), a plant in the Erythralia family. Its chemical structure is similar to that of gastrodin (p-hydroxymethylbenzene-O-β-D-glucopyranoside). Pharmacological and clinical studies indicate that tofu fruit glycoside (Chemicalbook) exerts effects on the central nervous system similar to those of gastrodin; however, its sedative, hypnotic, and analgesic effects are stronger than those of gastrodin. It has demonstrated definite efficacy in treating neurosis without side effects such as rebound insomnia or drug dependence, making it of significant clinical value. Products derived from it, such as Shen Shuai Fruit Extract Tablets, are already in clinical use.

2. Application

(1) Treatment of neurosis: Used to relieve headaches, dizziness, and sleep disorders caused by neurosis; in clinical practice, effects are generally observed within 3–7 days of treatment.

(2) Treatment of headache disorders: Used to treat vascular headaches, tension-type headaches, and trigeminal neuralgia; clinical studies show that the overall response rate in the treatment group can reach 94.5%.

(3) Adjunctive Treatment for Insomnia: Used in conjunction with sleep hygiene guidance to treat insomnia; after 6 weeks of treatment, the rate of satisfactory sleep quality reaches 46%.

(4) Antidepressant Studies: In a rat model of depression induced by chronic, unpredictable, mild stress, a dose of 32 mg/kg significantly reversed stress-induced reduced sucrose preference and prolonged immobility time in the forced swimming test.

(5) Cognitive enhancement studies: In studies aimed at improving learning and cognitive abilities, it shortened the escape latency in the Morris water maze.

(6) Neuroprotective studies: In a corticosterone-induced PC12 cell damage model, it inhibited neuronal apoptosis by regulating the lncRNA-NONRATT030918.2/miRNA-128-3p/Prim1 axis.

3. Main Efficacy

(1) Sedative and Hypnotic Effects: It exerts sedative and sleep-inducing effects on the central nervous system, with a stronger effect than gastrodin. It can be used for tension-type pain or insomnia caused by pain.

(2) Antidepressant Activity: By regulating the expression of serotonin transporters, it reverses stress-induced decreases in serum corticosterone levels and downregulation of 5-HT1A receptor expression in the hippocampus. It activates the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway to exert antidepressant effects.

(3) Analgesic Effects: It possesses clear analgesic activity, showing good efficacy for chronic persistent pain and visceral dull pain, and significant efficacy for vascular headaches.

(4) Neuroprotective Effects: By downregulating NCALD expression, it inhibits the abnormal activation of the sGC/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway and reduces hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. It inhibits corticosterone-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by regulating the lncRNA-NONRATT030918.2/miRNA-128-3p/Prim1 axis.

(5) Cognitive-enhancing effects: By activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, it promotes the proliferation of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region and dentate gyrus, thereby improving learning and cognitive abilities.