Results of a new clinical study reinforces lemon verbena’s role in helping to shorten time to fall asleep and promote better sleep quality. Supplementation with RelaxPLX, a pure extract of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) formulated by SUANNUTRA’s subsidiary Monteloeder, was shown to improve sleep patterns and naturally increase endogenous secretion of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
Beyond its antioxidant properties, lemon verbena has been noted for its gentle sedative effects and ability to provide emotional comfort and boost sleep quality naturally.
Sleep deficit is one of the most prevalent complaints in the public health domain. It affects some 35% of the population worldwide. Resulting disorders range from non-restorative slumber, difficulties falling asleep, and frequent awakenings. Deficient sleep not only —leaves subjects feeling unrefreshed, it may interfere with daily functions and, in the long term, can exert a profound impact on physical and mental wellness.
The randomized double-blind controlled study, led by Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Ph.D., was published in the May, 2024 issue of Nutrients. Conducted at Medical school of the Catholic University of San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) in Spain, the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial[1] included 71 healthy adult participants complaining of sleep disturbances as assessed by a validated questionnaire. The participants were randomly assigned a 400mg capsule of lemon verbena extract (RelaxPLX) or placebo which they were instructed to take 1 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 midway through the study following 45 days of supplementation.
Additionally, nocturnal plasma melatonin levels increased in the RelaxPLX subjects by more than 14%, demonstrating the formula’s ability to naturally boost the body’s innate production of the sleep hormone melatonin. This is a trait highly sought after in the supplement space.
“We discovered the positive effects of our lemon verbena on sleep while evaluating its use for joint health in athletes,” informs Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez, SuanNnutra’s Marketing Director. “This initial finding spurred the development of RelaxPLX. Since then, we have explored how standardized 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.”
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 standardized to 24% verbascosides, the key polyphenol found in lemon verbena leaves and responsible for the soporific effect of the botanical.
