An Innovative Dietary Ingredient Complex with Salidroside and L-Malic Acid Improves Markers of Perceived Stress and Anxiety in Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

Adaptogens are substances touted for their ability to promote resilience to stress. With more individuals reporting a greater degree of perceived stress, renewed attention has been focused on novel adaptogen complexes for stress reduction. Salidroside is a potent adaptogen found in the Rhodiola root, traditionally credited with increasing resistance to physical and mental stressors, while recent science has uncovered the neuroprotective effects of L-malic acid. The main objective of this study was to determine if daily supplementation of a novel salidroside and L-malic acid complex, across two dosing levels, could improve markers of perceived stress and its downstream effects, including anxiety and sleep disturbance. A 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study was conducted on individuals who subjectively reported a 30% room for improvement in perceived stress. Post hoc subgroup analysis was also conducted to determine if subpopulations experienced any enhanced benefits. Clinically meaningful improvements were reported in perceived stress and anxiety across the study population. Furthermore, men and non-premenopausal women saw enhanced benefits in emotional appraisal and sleep, suggesting hormonal interactions may be an underlying factor. SalidroPRO™ is a new dietary ingredient complex that may support rapid and sustained psychological well-being.