Effect of an oral supplementation with a proprietary melon juice concentrate (Extramel) on stress and fatigue in healthy people: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between perceived stress and oxidative stress. As SOD is the main enzyme of the enzymatic antioxidant defence system of the body, we evaluated the effect of an oral daily intake of a proprietary melon juice concentrate rich in SOD (EXTRAMEL) on the signs and symptoms of stress and fatigue in healthy volunteers.


METHODS
This randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study was conducted with seventy healthy volunteers aged between 30 and 55 years, who feel daily stress and fatigue. They took the dietary supplement based on the melon juice concentrate (10 mg Extramel corresponding to 140 IU SOD per capsule) or a placebo one time daily during 4 weeks. Stress and fatigue were measured using four observational psychometric scales: FARD, PSS-14, SF-12 and Epworth scale. The study was conducted by Isoclin, a clinical research organization, located in Poitiers, France.


RESULTS
No adverse effect was noted. The supplementation with the proprietary melon juice concentrate bringing 140 IU SOD/day significantly improved signs and symptoms of stress and fatigue linked to performance, physical (pain, sleep troubles), cognitive (concentration, weariness, sleep troubles) or behavioural (attitude, irritability, difficulty of contact) compared to the placebo. In the same way, quality of life and perceived stress were significantly improved with SOD supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study showed that an oral supplementation with a proprietary melon juice concentrate rich in SOD may have a positive effect on several signs and symptoms of perceived stress and fatigue.
Milesi
Marie-Anne
MA
Nutrition Department, Seppic (Air Liquide Group), Paris, France. marie-anne.milesi@airliquide.com
Lacan
Dominique
D
Brosse
Hervé
H
Desor
Didier
D
Notin
Claire
C
D000328:Adult; D019662:Cucurbitaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010936:Plant Extracts; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; C545282:Extramel