Research

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

Marie-Anne Milesi¹ , Dominique Lacan² , Hervé Brosse³ , Didier Desor⁴ and Claire Notin¹

¹  Nutrition Department, Seppic (Air Liquide Group), Paris, France

²  Bionov, Montpellier, France

³  Isoclin, Chasseneuil du Poitou, France

⁴  Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, Université Henri Poincaré, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France

author email corresponding author email

Nutrition Journal 2009, 8:40doi:10.1186/1475-2891-8-40

Published:	15 September 2009

Abstract

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.

Conclusion

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.