Supplements

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).

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of Melissa officinalis Phytosome on Sleep Quality: Results of a Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Cross-Over Study.

observational

Di Pierro F, Sisti D, Rocchi M, Belli A, Bertuccioli A, Cazzaniga M, Palazzi CM, Tanda ML, Zerbinati N · Nutrients (2024)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified in abstract
Intervention: Melissa officinalis Phytosome (MOP) - a highly standardized extract formulated as Phytosome™ to improve oral bioavailability of active polyphenolic components
Outcome: Sleep quality measured by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score, slow-wave sleep (SWS) duration, REM sleep duration, and self-reported sleep quality improvement
Effect Size: N/A (Cohen's d not reported; ISI reduction of 2.9 points)
Population: Adults with mild insomnia (exact demographics not specified in abstract)

Result:

PubMed: 39683592DOI: 10.3390/nu16234199

Mechanism Graph

Hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., rosmarinic acid) inhibit GABA-T enzyme
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Increased GABA levels in the brain
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Reduced neuronal excitability and anxiety
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Improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.