A lemon balm extract marketed by Givaudan as Zensera was shown to support cognitive test performance and subjective measures of mood after a single dose, in a study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology.

Globally, concerns around mental health are high, with stress, anxiety, and sleep particularly important, Givaudan reported. Relaxation alone, however, doesn’t meet consumers’ needs in the nutraceutical category; people are also seeking products to support focus, composure, and mental sharpness.

In the newly published study, 106 healthy young adults who reported moderate stress at baseline were administered either a placebo or a single dose of Zensera and were assessed at multiple points during the day following demanding cognitive tests.

At five hours post-consumption, subjects demonstrated better performance on the most demanding cognitive challenges compared to placebo. Same-day support for cognitive performance appeared to last for at least five hours post-consumption, and participants who took the supplement saw improvements in self-reported feelings of calmness and contentment.

Overall, the findings support Zensera’s usage in stressed adults, supporting calmness and cognitive performance during stressful days, the company reported.

“The publication of this study in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology validates our scientific research and underlines the efficacy of the ingredient,” said Romain le Cozannet, PhD, technical leader of the mind and energy category at Givaudan. “We’re pleased to offer customers a benefit combination that’s particularly relevant for today’s fast-paced lifestyles, now backed by peer-reviewed science.”