Melissa officinalis Phytosome (MOP) improves sleep quality in adults with mild insomnia
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, MOP significantly reduced Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores by an average of 2.9 points compared to placebo (6.8 ± 4.1 vs 9.7 ± 3.7, p=0.003). Slow-wave sleep (SWS) duration increased by 15%, REM sleep decreased by 10%, and 87% of treated participants reported improved sleep quality versus 30% in the placebo group (χ²=21.01, p=0.0003).
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Melissa officinalis Phytosome (MOP) improves sleep quality in adults with mild insomnia The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Melissa officinalis Phytosome (MOP) improves sleep quality in adults with mild insomnia
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults with mild insomnia (exact demographics not specified in abstract).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of Melissa officinalis Phytosome on Sleep Quality: Results of a Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Cross-Over Study. (Nutrients, 2024) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., rosmarinic acid) inhibit GABA-T enzyme
- ▸Increased GABA levels in the brain
- ▸Reduced neuronal excitability and anxiety
- ▸Improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults with mild insomnia (exact demographics not specified in abstract)
Recommended Dose
Not specified in abstract
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Exact dose and formulation details not provided in abstract
- ▸No significant changes in physical activity or anxiety levels were observed, limiting mechanistic interpretation
- ▸Sample size not reported in abstract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melissa officinalis Phytosome (MOP)?▼
MOP is a standardized extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) formulated as a Phytosome to enhance the oral bioavailability of its active polyphenolic compounds, particularly hydroxycinnamic acids like rosmarinic acid.
How does MOP improve sleep?▼
The proposed mechanism involves rosmarinic acid inhibiting GABA-T, an enzyme that breaks down GABA, leading to increased GABA levels in the brain, which promotes relaxation and sleep.
Is MOP safe?▼
The study suggests MOP may be a natural and safe alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments for insomnia, though specific adverse events are not detailed in the abstract.
What were the main sleep outcomes measured?▼
The study measured Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores, slow-wave sleep (SWS) duration, REM sleep duration, and self-reported sleep quality improvement.
References
- 1.Di Pierro F, Sisti D, Rocchi M, Belli A, Bertuccioli A, Cazzaniga M, Palazzi CM, Tanda ML, Zerbinati N. “Effects of Melissa officinalis Phytosome on Sleep Quality: Results of a Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Cross-Over Study..” Nutrients, 2024. PMID: 39683592 DOI: 10.3390/nu16234199