Monteloeder's Lemon Verbena Extract Shown to Help Promote Relaxation and Sleep Quality in Teens

Monteloeder's RelaxPLX^® natural lemon verbena extract science-backed for its supportive role in helping teenagers relax and sleep better

MADRID, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Results from a new study show that RelaxPLX^® a natural lemon verbena extract, could help support relaxation and sleep quality in teenagers experiencing occasional stress and restlessness. Developed by nutraceutical innovators Monteloeder, SL, a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA, SA, RelaxPLX^® is backed by science for its role in helping to promote teen wellbeing.

Sleep is a foundational pillar of wellbeing 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 to 18 years need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. Yet studies demonstrate that 60% to 70% of adolescents, predominantly in Western countries and Asia, are not getting the recommended dose. The National Sleep Foundation's 2024 'Sleep in America' report reveals that nearly 80% of teens experience ongoing sleep deficits, and many report that the insufficient rest affects their mood, daily functioning and social wellbeing.

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

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.

The Science of Sleep

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in the journal Applied Science in May 2025, 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 400mg dose of RelaxPLX or placebo one hour before bedtime for 12 weeks.

Enhanced Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale (ASWS) scores were observed across all five sleep behavior parameters, 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 (PSS-C). 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. Teens taking RelaxPLX exhibited a 21% drop in salivary cortisol levels—a key marker linked to stress—while the levels of the stress hormone actually increased by 9% overall in the placebo group. Moreover, 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 (vs 19% in placebo). 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 wellbeing for their adolescent children.

The Calming Herb

RelaxPLX is a purified extract of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), a lemon scented aromatic herb traditionally used for relaxation and digestive comfort. RelaxPLX is standardized to verbascosides. Verbascoside is a polyphenolic compound recognized for multiple biological activities, including the 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 such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine.

"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."

Triple Validation

"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," continues Jones. "Our natural formula offers a safe, science-backed way to help teens manage occasional stress, manage emotional balance, and maintain mental wellbeing."

About Monteloeder

Monteloeder contributes cutting-edge innovation and scientific rigor to the development of botanical health ingredients, featuring proprietary patented products supported by clinical studies. The company's portfolio has garnered international accolades in wellness, women health, and beauty from within. Monteloeder is a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA, which boasts a rich heritage of more than 125 years of combined experience in the European, US, and Asian nutraceutical sector.

Company contact

Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA

Mariana Ortega

Science Marketing Manager

E-mail: info@monteloeder.com

Website: www.suannutra.com

Press Contact

NutriPR

Liat Simha

Tel: +972-9-9742893

E-mail: liat@nutripr.com

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SOURCE Monteloeder, S.L.