OmniActive research endorses low-dose valerian extract for quality sleep

03 Nov 2023 --- US nutrition ingredient provider OmniActive Health Technologies has unveiled its proprietary Sleeproot ingredient, a standardized and differentiated valerian extract, to improve sleep quality and manage occasional anxiety.

The latest study conducted on Sleeproot published in Advances in Therapy revealed that it significantly improves sleep quality scores based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, reduces sleep latency and allows participants to fall asleep more quickly.

“These findings represent an innovative plant-based approach to managing occasional sleep and anxiety issues,” says Dr. Deshanie Rai, VP, global scientific and regulatory affairs manager at OmniActive.  

“This study shows that Sleeproot, a low dose valerian extract, at a 2% valerenic acid potency, can significantly improve aspects of sleep quality, as measured by validated quantitative and qualitative sleep methodologies.”

On the scale of sleepiness 
OmniActive’s Sleeproot significantly increases sleep duration and sleep efficiency — the time asleep as opposed to time spent in bed. More importantly, it reduces daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and helps participants wake up refreshed. A considerable reduction in anxiety was also observed.

A 200 mg dose per day of Sleeproot valerian extract has been clinically shown to support the time of falling asleep and actual sleeping, with these benefits observed as early as three days after supplementation.

“These findings show that Sleeproot can offer a non-hormonal approach for those seeking to improve sleep quality and a natural way to manage occasional anxiety,” says Kratika Gupta, global marketing lead at OmniActive.

An OmniActive-endorsed study shows that Sleeproot, a low-dose valerian extract, has many benefits for sleep quality.

“This ingredient’s benefits and safety profile positions Sleeproot as a perfect plant-based alternative to conventional interventions, catering to wellness companies seeking a comprehensive natural solution for sleep and anxiety concerns.” 

Sleeproot extract contains 2% valerenic acid. This high active content sets it apart from other valerian products on the market, which typically only contain an average of 0.8% valerenic acid.

Application adaptability is higher due to the lower dosage, making Sleeproot well-suited for use in challenging delivery systems such as gummies. As a powder, it can also be used in tablets and capsules.

Moreover, Sleeproot has been clinically shown to help lower occasional anxiety scores in individuals with occasional sleeplessness. Addressing both sleep quality and feelings of mild anxiety can help contribute to overall well-being.

Bedtime studies
The Sleeproot study featured 72 healthy male and female adults between 21–48 years with sleep issues. Participants were administered capsules one hour before bedtime for eight weeks.

The research included regular study visits to monitor outcomes related to sleep quality and occasional anxiety. 

Using a combination of validated sleep assessment tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Wrist Actigraphy and Polysomnography, researchers measured various sleep quality parameters. 

These parameters included sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, daytime sleepiness and the feeling of being refreshed upon waking. Additionally, the Beck Anxiety Index was used to assess feelings related to occasional anxiety. 

Meanwhile, nutrition companies are vigorously targeting mental health solutions, which has been a taboo in many regions. The COVID-19 pandemic helped push mental well-being into the spotlight and opened up opportunities for ingredient suppliers to combat stress, anxiety and depression with solutions that tap into emerging research into the gut-brain axis. 

In addition, eating highly processed foods may harm mental health due to the lack of vitamins and high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar, a US study has revealed. 

By Inga de Jong