Results coming out of Madrid through nutraceutical company, Monteloeder, have shown that lemon verbena shortens the time taken to fall asleep and promotes improved sleep quality through natural promotion of melatonin.
Monteloeder, the global subsidiary of nutraceutical organisation Suannutra, has produced RelaxPLX, a pure lemon verbena extract supplement. It has been shown to improve sleep patterns and naturally increase endogenous secretion of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
Sleep deficit is one of the most prevalent complaints in the public health domain, affecting around 35 per cent of the global population. Deficient sleep can interfere with daily functions and exert a profound impact on physical and mental wellness in the long term.
Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Ph.D., led the randomised double-blind controlled study, which was published in the May 2024 issue of Nutrients. Conducted at the Medical school of the Catholic University of San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) in Spain, the placebo-controlled clinical trial included 71 healthy adult participants experiencing sleep disturbances.
33 of the participants were assigned a 400mg capsule of RelaxPLX lemon verbena extract and 38 were assigned a placebo, of which both groups were instructed to take one hour before bedtime for 90 consecutive days. The participants were also instructed not to make any changes to their dietary habits or levels of physical activity.
The positive effect of RelaxPLX on sleep quality was demonstrated through several measurement techniques.
A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) survey assessment revealed significant improvements in overall sleep quality in the RelaxPLX group compared to the placebo group. In a short, self-reported questionnaire, participants in the RelaxPLX group reported significant improvements in drifting off to sleep more quickly, and experienced better sleep quality as opposed to those in the placebo group.
These reports matched actigraphy measurement results that recorded physiological improvements in sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and fewer sleep disruptions or awakenings. These improvements were already noted by the study’s midpoint, following 45 days of supplementation.
Additionally, nocturnal plasma melatonin levels increased in the RelaxPLX subjects by over 14 per cent, demonstrating the formula’s ability to naturally boost the body’s innate production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Suannutra’s marketing director, Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez, said that the company discovered the positive effects of lemon verbena on sleep while evaluating its use for joint health in athletes.
“This initial finding spurred the development of RelaxPLX. Since then, we have explored how standardised doses can improve sleep quality, which we believe is a critical component of overall health, mental well-being, and longevity.
“Our first eight-week clinical trial on 40 participants demonstrated RelaxPLX’s capabilities in alleviating occasional stress and sleep difficulties. The current clinical study aimed to confirm and delve deeper into these benefits,” said Gutiérrez.
Monteloeder applies a proprietary method of hydroalcoholic extraction of selected lemon verbena leaves to deliver a pure concentration of active compounds, primarily flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.
Microfiltration further concentrates the active compounds, followed by low-temperature drying to preserve them. RelaxPLX is standardised to 24% verbascosides, the key polyphenol found in lemon verbena leaves.
Some of the mechanisms through which lemon verbena exerts its beneficial activities include: increasing sensitivity to the relaxing GABA-A receptor, enhancing expression of neuroprotective brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and enhancing production of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. RelaxPLX has also demonstrated abilities to reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
Previous pharmacokinetic analysis of RelaxPLX showed rapid absorption of the verbascosides with maximum plasma concentrations achieved within 20 minutes. Native to South America, the aromatic lemon verbena shrub was recognized for its traditional use as a digestive aid and to reduce muscle spasms and tension.
