Insomnia is a major health issue, and it is recognized as the most prevalent sleep disorder: one-third of adults, especially women, suffer from it; moreover, chronic insomnia may seriously impair the quality of life, and it is also a risk factor for more severe conditions.
Hence the market’s interest in innovative botanicals that can alleviate this problem, such as Scutellaria lateriflora L., a plant native to North America, but now widespread and known also in Europe; already in 1996 the botanist Foster (1) has highlighted that the dried aerial parts of Scutellaria lateriflora L. were traditionally used as an antispasmodic and sedative in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Scientific literature has confirmed this, especially concerning some active components of the plant, baicalin and wogonin, flavonoids that would exert their anxiolytic effect through the allosteric modulation of the GABA receptor on the benzodiazepine site.
BLUECALM® is a dry extract standardized to contain 10
BLUECALM® has been tested on human adrenal cancer cells previously treated with forskolin, a molecule that induces steroidogenesis; in this in vitro model, BLUECALM® inhibited the release of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone (2). In a second study, BLUECALM® was shown to possess antioxidant and radical scavenger properties in several experimental models; in particular, it showed antiglycative activity, i.e., the inhibition of the formation of sugar glycation products (AGEs) (3), molecules involved in many degenerative processes and cellular aging. In a very recent study, the efficacy and tolerability of BLUECALM® were evaluated in a monocentric, randomized, cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in subjects with mild to moderate primary insomnia (4). A significant improvement in sleep-wake balance following supplementation with BLUECALM® was observed, as reflected by enhanced scores in both primary and secondary outcomes. Furthermore, none of the participants reported adverse effects. Finally, BLUECALM® comes from an entirely Italian supply chain (Lombardy and Trentino) and is identified by the cutting-edge technique of DNA barcoding to prevent possible adulteration with Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.), a hepatotoxic herb with which Blue Skullcap can be adulterated. To find out more about BlueCALM® and receive a free sample, visit us in Barcelona at Vitafoods Europe, 20-22 May 2025, Hall 4, Stand F26.
