Lemon balm study reports better sleep scores, with major uncertainty
An open-label dose comparison found improvements, but its design cannot establish that the supplement caused them.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Sleep questionnaire scores improved during a short study of a lemon balm phospholipid supplement. The higher-dose group had a larger reported change, but participants knew what they were taking and there was no placebo group. These results cannot establish that the supplement caused the improvements, or that it is broadly safe.
The study was small, open-label and lacked a placebo group. Random allocation is not reported. An abstract-based account of short-term laboratory results and adverse-event reporting cannot establish safety over longer use.
What researchers found
Percentage change in sleep-quality scores
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index after 3 weeks: 400 versus 200 mg/day of Melissa phospholipids; reported dose comparison P < 0.05.
Interpreting questionnaire changes
Participants knew which supplement dose they received, and sleep quality was assessed with a questionnaire before and after supplementation. Without a placebo comparison, changes cannot be separated confidently from influences unrelated to the supplement.
Other outcomes and safety
Depression, anxiety and stress scores fell in the higher-dose group. No adverse effects were reported, and safety blood tests showed no statistically significant changes; these observations do not establish safety over longer use.
The original publication
Melissa phospholipids improves sleep quality and mental well-being: concluding results from clinical study in adults with emotional distress.
Rondanelli M, Mazzola G, Barrile GC et al.
Food Nutr Res · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41777239
- Record checked
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