In this post-pandemic world, the increased number of adversities we are living is taking a huge toll on our mental health, with a larger number of people reporting to feel stressed more than ever before. Stress can affect sleep, and a bad night´s sleep can increase daily stress, giving rise to a continuous vicious cycle. Many consumers have been looking for natural solutions to stop this cycle, as it can be seen by the significant increase in sleep and stress supplement sales. For sleep-supporting supplements, melatonin is the most common ingredient found. However, as consumers begin to look for more holistic approaches to their health, new ingredients are surging that can help get a good night´s sleep while providing additional benefits.
This is the case of relaxPLX, a highly purified botanical extract based on lemon verbena that has been shown to both support healthy sleep while also contributing to help manage stress. Lemon verbena is a widely popular plant, originally from South America but brought to the Mediterranean region about 500 years ago. It´s traditional use in the form of tea to help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort and its anxiolytic effects have been known for centuries. RelaxPLX expands from this traditional use by presenting one of the highest concentration of polyphenols, particularly verbascoside, that can be found in the market derived from lemon verbena.
Verbascoside is a potent phenylpropanoid that can surpass the blood-brain barrier and bind to GABA-A receptors, specifically binding to the same site as the pharmaceutical benzodiazepine. This causes more GABA to enter the neurons, which acts as an inhibitor in the central nervous system. In other words, relaxPLX exerts its sleep-enhancing effects by increasing GABA sensitivity and therefore favoring sleep.
Clinical studies performed using relaxPLX revealed that its intake reduces the expression of the stress hormone cortisol. This was corroborated by an increased perception by the consumers of decreased stress. There are very few botanical-based ingredients in the market that have been demonstrated to significantly reduce cortisol as that observed with relaxPLX. Regarding sleep support, the studies revealed fewer nighttime waking periods, and significant increase in REM and deep sleep stages. This indicates a significant improvement in sleep quality, making the participants feel more refreshed. Also, no side effects were reported, including any negative impact on the daily activities (no grogginess, headaches, dizziness, or other effects that can be reported with sleep inducing drugs or supplements).
The combination of sleep and stress support is key, as a product solely focused on one of these aspects will not have a significant impact on the consumer´s health. If the consumer is stressed, taking a sleep-inducing drug or supplement may not have the desired effect, resulting in restless nights and stronger side effects, doing more harm than good.
With relaxPLX, by helping to both manage stress and provide sleep support, results in a holistic solution for consumers searching for a natural, plant-based ingredient for sleep and stress.
CSO Monteloeder
