(P25-009-24) Assessment of Stress-Alleviating Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement

Objectives: Our bodies are designed to handle acute stress effectively, but chronic stress can have negative effects. Stress can affect several aspects of life including energy levels, memory, sleep, and overall physical and psychological health. Stress management strategies such as exercising, getting adequate sleep, and eating healthy can help combat these negative effects. Some dietary ingredients have also been known to provide support in reducing stress. The main objective of this single-center, single-blind clinical trial was to assess the stress-alleviating effect of a dietary supplement capsule (SUP) containing 600mg of lemon balm extract, 200mg of theanine, and 40mg of magnolia bark extract (40% honokiol).

Methods: Sixty healthy male and female participants between the age of 25-55 years with moderate stress according to Perceived Stress Scale consumed SUP (n=30) or placebo (PL) (n=30) daily for 30 days. Interviews with a registered social worker completed d0 and d30: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS). Self-perception questionnaires completed at d0, 1, 7, 30: Restorative Sleep Questionnaire Weekly Version (RSQ-W), Self-Perception Skin Health Questionnaire (SPSQ). P-value was assessed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test, where p< 0.05 compared to baseline and placebo was considered statistically significant.

Results: SUP group saw sig improvement vs PL on HDRS score (depression, -93% SUP vs +2% PL) and HAM-A score (anxiety, -98% SUP vs +15% PL), with 100% of subjects in SUP group reporting improvement in both tests. RSQ-W (sleep) improved sig vs PL at d30 (SUP +73% vs PL +46%) with a measurable sig improvement in sleep over baseline after one day (+17%). SPSQ (skin) attributes improved vs PL at d30 including radiance/glow (+71%), softness (+59%), and overall appearance (+59%).

Conclusions: This study indicated that daily intake of SUP improved depression, anxiety, and sleep in individuals with moderate stress after 30 days. Skin attributes were also improved, likely a result of improved sleep and the antioxidant effects of SUP ingredients. No adverse events were reported in this study, indicating good safety and tolerability.

Funding Sources: NSE Products, Inc.