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Antioxidant-rich melon extract (Extramel) may ease stress, fatigue
19th February 2010Source: Nutrition Journal, By Stephen Daniells, 15 sept 2009
A daily supplement containing 140 international units of SOD was associated with improvements in sleep, concentration levels, and reduced irritability, compared to the placebo, according to findings from a randomised, double blind placebo controled study.
The pilot study used the commercially-available extract Extramel. Researchers from two companies Bionov and Seppic, in collaboration with scientists from the University Henri Poincare and Isoclin, a clinical research organisation, report their findings in Nutrition Journal.
The melon-extract is a rich source of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Dubbed 'the enzyme of life' when first discovered in 1968, it is the first antioxidant mobilised by the cell for defence. It is thought to be more powerful than antioxidant vitamins as it activates the body's production of its own antioxidants, including catalase and glutathione peroxidase.
"Several studies have shown that there is a link between psychological stress and intracellular oxidative stress,"explained lead author Marie-Anne Milesi from Seppic.
"We wanted to test whether augmenting the body's ability to deal with oxidative species might help a person's ability to resist burn-out. The 35 people in our study who received capsules containing superoxide dismutase showed improvements in several signs and symptoms of perceived stress and fatigue," she added.