Melissa phospholipids improves sleep quality and mental well-being: concluding results from clinical study in adults with emotional distress

Abstract

Background: Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is a botanical support widely used for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. Objective: To evaluate the impact of daily supplementation with Melissa phospholipids (MOP) at 200 or 400 mg for 3 weeks on sleep quality and psychological well-being in adults with emotional distress and poor sleep quality. Design: This prospective, open-label, dose-comparison clinical study enrolled 32 adults with poor sleep quality and/ or clinically significant emotional distress. Participants received daily supplementation with either 200 or 400 mg/day MOP for 3 weeks. Sleep quality (primary endpoint) was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline (T0), and week 3 (T1). Secondary endpoints included depression, anxiety, and stress, positive and negative affect, mental well-being, and quality of life. Safety was also assessed through adherence monitoring, documentation of side effects or adverse events, and by routine blood biochemistry parameters of liver and renal functions. Results: PSQI scores significantly improved over time (P < 0.0001), with greater and earlier benefits at 400 mg/ day (−30% vs. −15%; P < 0.05). The 400 mg dose also produced significant reductions in depression (−26%), anxiety (−18%), and stress (−22%) scores (all P < 0.001), together with increased positive and negative affect together with Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (+15%). Quality of life improved across total score (33%) and its four domains, with significant results in physical well-being (P < 0.05). No statistically significant changes in safety parameters were detected and no adverse effects were reported. Discussion: MOP, particularly at 400 mg/day, confirmed to significantly improve sleep and life quality, mood, and overall mental well-being. Conclusion: These findings support and extend the health benefits of MOP as a well-tolerated, safe natural approach in a dose-dependent frame to managing sleep quality and emotional distress. Future placebo-controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.