Effects of Neurexan on Stress-Induced Changes of Spectral EEG Power: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Exploratory Trial in Human Volunteers

Wilfried Dimpfel

doi:10.4236/wjns.2019.93007

Abstract

Neurexan is a multicomponent natural medicinal product used for stress-related symptoms such as nervous restlessness and insomnia. The present study investigated the efficacy of Neurexan on stress-induced changes of brainwave frequencies using quantitative analysis of spectral EEG power. Thirty healthy male and female volunteers were tested in a randomized, placebo controlled cross-over trial under conditions of relaxation and experimental stress-in- duction. Recording of the EEG was performed over four hours after drug administration. Data was analyzed using the proprietary fast dynamic EEG technology Neurocode-Tracking. Quantitative EEG revealed a task dependent increase of beta2 power as a surrogate parameter of stress induced anxiety. The elevated frontotemporal beta2 power was ameliorated by intake of Neurexan during the second and third hour after administration. This indicates that Neurexan is effectively helping subjects to better cope with task-related stress situations.

Highlights

Treating nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia remains difficult, due to their complex and various origins
The present study investigated the efficacy of Neurexan on stress-induced changes of brainwave frequencies using quantitative analysis of spectral EEG power
Under the condition of Eyes Open (EO; relaxed before the stress induction), spectral power in the EEG was very similar at baseline before intake of drugs for both treatment arms

Summary

Introduction

Restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia remains difficult, due to their complex and various origins. A recent study revealed that more than half of the working age population experience some stress that is sometimes related to burnout, exhaustion and accompanied with depression and/or anxiety. Anti-depressants, anxiolytics and beta-blockers are widely used to control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety-related disorders. These medications are often associated with side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. Natural medications such as Neurexan are regarded as safe alternatives. Another observational study comparing with valerian-based preparations demonstrated that Neurexan is the more effective treatment of nervousness and restlessness [5]

Methods

Results

Conclusion