antidepressant Diazepam (with 300 or 600 mg/kg) without side A study of 122 healthy adults (350 mg Levagen®+ or placebo one effects. A second clinical study measured a significant effect on hour before sleep onset) showed a 16-minute decrease in time corticosterone secretion following acute stress. Carried out with to sleep after four weeks of treatment and a 19-minute decrease INRA, it also showed a modulation of the expression of genes by the eighth week of the study. These results are consistent involved in the stress response as well as the one involved in with a broader understanding of the important role endocan- the circadian rhythm. As part of the collaborative project VIPP nabinoids play in sleep. Multiple studies have identified chang- (Very Important Premium Peptides, 2018 - 2021, supported es in endocannabinoid levels related to sleep. by the ERDF and the region of Brittany), a preclinical study to Meanwhile, Gencor’s CALMaluma™ (Caralluma Fimbriata ex- identify and characterize the bioactive peptides present and tract), has also been researched for its potential in reducing responsible for the management of stress has been launched. anxiety and stress in adults. A clinical trial at the University of And a first clinical study is launched this summer with the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia), double-blind, rand- German CRO Daacro to measure the effectiveness of Peptidyss® omized, placebo-controlled, eight-week trial was conducted on stress and sleep. using CALMaluma™ on 97 patients (49 in the active group and Another player exploring the marine peptide sector is Copalis, 48 in the placebo group). which produces Protizen, a natural marine bioactive extracted Rhodiolife® (Nektium- Becarre Naturalin France) is the first from lean fish such as cod, pollack, etc. Its extraction is based Rhodiola rosea extract in the world certified safe for use in on a hydrolysis of the marine peptides. Its extraction is based on sports nutrition formulations, even for very high level athletes enzymatic hydrolysis followed by several refining steps to select (certification by BSCG). A pilot study of a product containing the active peptides of low molecular weight (average molecu- Rhodiolife® significantly reduced the Hamilton Anxiety Rating lar weight of 2,200 daltons). Protizen contains glutamic acid, a Scale (HARS). Other studies suggest a possible antidepressant precursor of GABA. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown an action of Rhodiola rosea extract. Moreover, the analysis of the effect on the overall improvement of the anxiety score, the de- EEG signature measured the cerebral activity, the action on the crease of the blood corticosterone level. central nervous system, stress and depression. It was found to Protizen, administered orally at a dose of 6 mg/kg, showed sig- be very similar to the signatures of caffeine, guarana (Paulinia nificant antistress/anxiety effects. No sedation or muscle re- cupa ) and Ginkgo biloba.na laxation was observed. Protizen does not have the motor side RedNite® is a natural nitrate, containing betalains and polyphe- effects associated with benzodiazepines. It is believed to have nols (no synthetic nitrites or nitrates) from beets to enhance a targeted effect on one of several GABAA receptor subtypes. stress tolerance. Thus, Protizen may have physiological properties distinct from A molecular study has shown that enXtra® (extracted from those of diazepam and probably has a pharmacological profile the rhizome of the spice Alpinia galanga), also distributed by only partially covering that of benzodiazepines. Becarre Natural, regulates the concentration of dopamine and inhibits the AchE protein. This makes it an interesting nootrop- THE RACE TO BE EFFECTIVE ic agent. EnXtra® is non-addictive, increases calmness, reduc- A groundbreaking clinical trial has shown the ability of Biotis™ es nervousness and anxiety, and increases alertness, making it GOS, FrieslandCampina Ingredients’prebiotic galacto-oligo- particularly ideal for sportsmen and athletes. It is used at the saccharide, to reduce self-reported anxiety in young women. recommended dose of 300 mg/day. The study is the first to demonstrate a clear link between GOS consumption, gut microbiota composition and mental well-be- SAFFRON AGAIN AND AGAIN ing. 64 women aged 18-25 with self-reported anxiety consumed Affron®, Pharmactive Biotech Products’ saffron extract, has a daily dose of Biotis™ GOS for one month. In addition to self-re- received a U.S. patent for its proven positive role in supporting ported data on sleep quality, mood and stress level, sequenc- low mood. The patent is an official recognition of the compa- ing of the gut microbiome was also performed. The Biotis™ GOS ny’s unique process in formulating Affron and its ability to help group showed improved mental well-being and reduced anx- people with mood disorders. The new patent essentially pro- iety levels, while microbiome analysis showed improved gut tects the proprietary composition and dosages of affron® that health, characterized by a significant increase in bifidobacteria make it particularly effective as a natural mood support agent. levels, compared to the control group. Brain imaging was used It was inFrontiers in Nutrition that the results of a clinical study on a subsample of participants to measure key regions of emo- were published that showed that Saffron extractSaffr’Inside™ tion regulation, providing insight into how changes in the gut (Activ’Inside) significantly improved mood and social rela- microbiome may be related to brain function. tionships. For eight weeks, 56 participants, men and women Gencor demonstrated the potential of Levagen®+, a palmitoy- (18-54 years old), in good health with no psychological disor- lethanolamide (PEA), in sleep via a collaboration with English ders or pathology and split into two parallel groups consumed rugby club Gloucester, whose pyersla consumed a PEA-based 30 mg of Safr’Inside™ (encapsulated saffron extract rich in safra- product to help them cope with the physical demands of their nal) or placebo daily, in 2 doses of 15mg. Compared to pharma- sport and recovery. The players were not informed about the cological treatments for mood and stress disorders, which carry applications of PEA in sleep. During the first three months of risks of adverse effects and dependence, saffron extract may be use, the club found significant improvement in sleep quality a natural alternative to improve mood and prevent the delete- (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). rious effects of stress. • #76 - 921 -GAM s’fitcA