Saanroo® (formerly Gencor) is pleased to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed clinical study highlighting the potential of its clinically backed ingredient, Levagen®+ (palmitoylethanolamide, PEA), to enhance physiological resilience to stress among female university students.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Westminster’s Centre for Nutraceuticals, this double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, published in the high-impact journal Frontiers, demonstrated for the first time that PEA supplementation may positively influence heart rate variability (HRV), a key marker of autonomic stress regulation.
The study investigated the impact of Levagen®+ over six weeks (700mg Levagen+ containing NLT 600mg PEA/day) on physiological and subjective markers of stress in moderately stressed female university participants. The results showed a significant increase (+9.70 ± 6.02 ms) in the Standard Deviation of Normal-to-Normal (SDNN) intervals, a primary HRV measure, among participants taking Levagen+® compared to those taking the placebo (−5.72 ± 3.14 ms, p = 0.024). This finding suggests that PEA may help enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress by supporting balance in the autonomic nervous system.
“This study demonstrates for the first time that PEA may enhance physiological resilience to stress, as indicated by improved heart rate variability (HRV) in our crossover trial participants supplemented with Levagen®+ PEA,” said Professor M. Gulrez Zariwala, B.Pharm, MSc, PhD, CMgr MCMI, FHEA, Director, Centre for Nutraceuticals. “Although further work is needed, this research provides a meaningful foundation for the application of PEA supplementation in stress management.”
Given PEA’s role in the endocannabinoid system and its influence on inflammation, further research is warranted in larger, more diverse populations; however, these preliminary findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting PEA as a promising dietary intervention for stress management, particularly in a female-only participant base.
“The industry has long lacked robust clinical data in female populations, and Saanroo is leading the charge to change that,” said Ramasamy Venkatesh, Managing Director at Gencor Pacific. “Levagen®+ continues to demonstrate powerful health benefits, and this study presents a solution for brands that want to address two of today’s most in-demand consumer needs: stress management and women’s health. We’re proud to see continued research confirming Levagen’s multifaceted benefits.”
Saanroo’s Levagen®+ utilises LipiSperse® technology by Pharmako Biotechnologies, which enhances bioavailability and dispersion in the gastrointestinal tract. Levagen®+ is supported by a robust and growing number of clinical studies across various health categories, including female health, joint health, recovery, sleep, cognitive health, and now, stress modulation.
