Melissa phospholipids improves sleep quality and mental well-being: concluding results from clinical study in adults with emotional distress

Mariangela Rondanelli; Giuseppe Mazzola; Gaetan Claude Barrile; Paola Misiano; Simone Perna

doi:10.29219/fnr.v70.13729

Mariangela Rondanelli Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Giuseppe Mazzola Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Gaetan Claude Barrile Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Paola Misiano Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
Simone Perna Division of Human Nutrition, Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v70.13729

Keywords: Melissa, lemon balm, sleep quality, emotional well-being, anxiety, emotional distress, Phytosome, phospholipids, rosmarinic acid

Abstract

Background: Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is a botanical support widely used for its calming and sleep-promoting properties.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of daily supplementation with Melissa phospholipids (MOP) at 200 or 400 mg for 3 weeks on sleep quality and psychological well-being in adults with emotional distress and poor sleep quality.

Design: This prospective, open-label, dose-comparison clinical study enrolled 32 adults with poor sleep quality and/or clinically significant emotional distress. Participants received daily supplementation with either 200 or 400 mg/day MOP for 3 weeks. Sleep quality (primary endpoint) was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline (T0), and week 3 (T1). Secondary endpoints included depression, anxiety, and stress, positive and negative affect, mental well-being, and quality of life. Safety was also assessed through adherence monitoring, documentation of side effects or adverse events, and by routine blood biochemistry parameters of liver and renal functions.

Results: PSQI scores significantly improved over time (P < 0.0001), with greater and earlier benefits at 400 mg/day (−30% vs. −15%; P < 0.05). The 400 mg dose also produced significant reductions in depression (−26%), anxiety (−18%), and stress (−22%) scores (all P < 0.001), together with increased positive and negative affect together with Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (+15%). Quality of life improved across total score (33%) and its four domains, with significant results in physical well-being (P < 0.05). No statistically significant changes in safety parameters were detected and no adverse effects were reported.

Discussion: MOP, particularly at 400 mg/day, confirmed to significantly improve sleep and life quality, mood, and overall mental well-being.

Conclusion: These findings support and extend the health benefits of MOP as a well-tolerated, safe natural approach in a dose-dependent frame to managing sleep quality and emotional distress. Future placebo-controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.