A lemon verbena extract marketed by Monteloeder as RelaxPLX was associated with self-reported improvements to sleep, such as a shortened time to fall asleep and improved overall sleep quality, in a clinical study published in Nutrients.
 
In addition to improving self-reported sleep quality, the research team, led by Silvia Pérez- Piñero, PhD, found that those who took the supplement over the treatment period also had higher circulating levels of melatonin.
 
Sleep issues impact about 35% of the global population, interfering with daily functions and long-term physical and mental wellness, Monteloeder reported. Beyond its antioxidant properties, lemon verbena has been previously noted for its potential to promote feelings of calm and boost sleep quality.
 
In the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, conducted at the University of San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) in Spain, 71 healthy adult participants were assigned to take either 400 mg of RelaxPLX or a matching placebo an hour before bedtime for 90 consecutive days. Participants were also instructed not to make any changes to their dietary habits or levels of physical activity.
 
Participants’ sleep quality was evaluated through multiple self-reported assessments, including the Visual Analog Scale and another questionnaire, which together revealed overall improvements in sleep quality and improvements in falling asleep more quickly.
 
Sleep actigraphy measurement results also recorded physiological improvements in sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and the number of disruptions or awakenings.
 
All of these improvements were observed by researchers at day 45 of the treatment period, according to the authors.
 
Finally, nocturnal plasma melatonin levels increased in the RelaxPLX subjects by more than 14%, demonstrating that lemon verbena may improve endogenous melatonin production.
 
“We discovered the positive effects of our lemon verbena on sleep while evaluating its use for joint health in athletes,” said Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez, marketing director at Suannnutra, parent company of Monteloeder. “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.”
 
To produce RelaxPLX, Monteloeder applies a proprietary method of hydroalcoholic extraction of select lemon verbena leaves to deliver highly concentrated 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 contain 24% verbacosides, the key polyphenol found in the botanical believed to be responsible for its sleep-promoting qualities.
 
“As the key formulators of lemon verbena for the product, we have committed many years to analyzing its attributes and mechanism of action, and have unfolded multiple biological activities. Its natural capacity to stimulate melatonin was a particularly promising revelation,” said Anthony Weston, CEO of Suannutra.
 
According to the company, lemon verbena is linked to a number of physiological activities, such as increasing sensitivity to the GABA-A receptor, enhancing production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), enhancing production of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine, and reducing cortisol. Maximum plasma concentrations of verbacosides are achieved within 20 minutes of supplementation, previous pharmacokinetic analyses show.