Monteloeder’s lemon verbena extract eases relaxation and sleep quality in teenagers, study finds

A new study supports that RelaxPLX, a natural lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, may support relaxation and sleep quality in teenagers experiencing occasional stress and restlessness. Developed by nutraceutical innovator Monteloeder, a subsidiary of Suannutra, RelaxPlx is standardized to verbascosides. 

Verbascoside is a polyphenolic compound recognized for multiple biological activities, including its ability to interact with the benzodiazepine binding site in the GABA-A receptors of neurons, which may help promote a calming effect.

Verbascoside has also been shown to support the production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine, Monteloeder highlights.

“Previous clinical studies conducted on lemon verbena have shown significant improvements in sleep- and stress-related parameters. However, these studies were focused on adult populations,” explains Jonathan Jones, PhD, chief R&D officer at Monteloeder.

“There are very few sleep studies conducted on healthy children and teenagers. Adolescence in particular can be a highly challenging period.”

Sleep as a foundational pillar

Sleep is critical for well-being, particularly during adolescence. It plays a vital role in helping young brains consolidate learning, maintain a balanced mood, and support physical development and immune function. According to health experts, teenagers aged 13–18 years need eight to ten hours of sleep every night, Monteloeder highlights.

However, studies demonstrate that 60–70% of adolescents, predominantly in Western countries and Asia, are not getting the recommended dose, notes the supplier.

The National Sleep Foundation’s 2024 “Sleep in America” report reveals that nearly 80% of teens experience ongoing sleep deficits, and many report that insufficient rest affects their mood, daily functioning, and social well-being.

“Teenagers are especially sensitive to the effects of limited sleep and emotional changes,” asserts Mariana Ortega-Rufino, MS, science marketing manager of Suannutra. “During puberty, hormonal shifts can influence the circadian rhythm, making restful sleep more difficult to achieve.”

Study focus pivots to adolescents

Following successful clinical trials of its lemon verbena extract in supporting sleep quality in adults, Monteloeder explored the compound’s potential benefits in adolescents.

Melatonin is naturally released late in the night, making it more difficult to fall asleep early and wake up feeling refreshed. Some experts have speculated that this shift could contribute to the emotional ups and downs often seen during adolescence.

“Limited sleep in teenagers is often linked to trouble focusing, lower academic performance, and changes in mood,” adds Ortega-Rufino.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in Applied Science, enrolled 44 healthy adolescents aged 12–16 who reported occasional sleep and stress-related challenges.

Led by Pau Navarro, the participants were administered either a 400 mg dose of RelaxPlx or a placebo one hour before bedtime for 12 weeks.

 Teens taking RelaxPlx exhibited a 21% drop in salivary cortisol levels — a key marker linked to stress.The researchers recorded observations across all five sleep behavior parameters in the Enhanced Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale (ASWS), which included going to bed, falling asleep, maintaining sleep, reinitiating sleep after waking, and returning to wakefulness in the morning.

The RelaxPlx group also experienced “meaningful improvements” in perceived stress levels, as measured through the Perceived Stress Scale for Children. After the first month of supplementation, this group showed “progressive changes” in key stress indicators, such as “feeling rushed, nervous, or worried.”

The results aligned with the questionnaire, note the study authors. Teens taking RelaxPlx exhibited a 21% drop in salivary cortisol levels — a key marker linked to stress — while the levels of the stress hormone increased by 9% overall in the placebo group. 

Stronger changes among females

Notably, the changes appeared more quickly and were stronger among female participants. A blind clinical validation by an independent psychologist rated 86% of participants in the RelaxPlx group as “improved” — versus 19% in placebo.

Monteloeder says positive parental feedback further supported the benefits of RelaxPlx in helping their teens unwind. In a 10-question evaluation at the end of the study, parents awarded high scores in the areas of sleep and emotional well-being for their adolescent children.

“What stands out in this study is the triple validation it achieved via feedback from the teenagers through questionnaires, physiological biomarker data, and observations from both the psychologist and parents,” says Jones.

“Our natural formula offers a safe, science-backed way to help teens manage occasional stress, manage emotional balance, and maintain mental well-being.”

In other scientific sleep research, PLT Health Solutions recently presented clinical study results for its Serezin Restorative Sleep + Pain Relief ingredient at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Conference in Seattle, Washington, US. Serezin is a synergistic complex of Boswellia serrata and ginger extracts that have been clinically proven to improve sleep across a wide range of measures.