A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study on the efficacy of Passiflora incarnata L. in an acute stressful situation
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center study During Visit 1 study information and an informed consent form are handed out. After study inclusion on Visit 2, participants are assigned to one of two groups at random and receive the test products (either Pascoflair® or placebo tablets). The 3rd visit includes the completion of questionnaires regarding wellbeing and the Trier Social Stress Test.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
3 x 1 tablet per day for 3 days
3 x 1 ablet per day for 3 days
Juliane Hellhammer
Trier, Germany
VAS Insecurity (During)
The primary objective is to assess effects of P. incarnata on psychological stress measured by Visual Analogue Scales (VAS; Bond and Lader 1974) by comparing scores collected before, during and after stress exposure between the P. incarnata and a placebo group. In this study, psychological stress is defined as stress perception, anxiety and insecurity. These three variables are determined simultaneously in the study before, during and after the stress test. Minimum = 0 mm; Maximum = 100 mm, higher value = represent a worsend outcome.
Time frame: during stress test = Visite 3
VAS Anxiety (During)
The primary objective is to assess effects of P. incarnata on psychological stress measured by Visual Analogue Scales (VAS; Bond and Lader 1974) by comparing scores collected before, during and after stress exposure between the P. incarnata and a placebo group. In this study, psychological stress is defined as stress perception, anxiety and insecurity. These three variables are determined simultaneously in the study before, during and after the stress test. Minimum = 0 mm; Maximum = 100 mm, higher value = represent a worsend outcome.
Time frame: during stress test = Visite 3
VAS Stress Perception (During)
The primary objective is to assess effects of P. incarnata on psychological stress measured by Visual Analogue Scales (VAS; Bond and Lader 1974) by comparing scores collected before, during and after stress exposure between the P. incarnata and a placebo group. In this study, psychological stress is defined as stress perception, anxiety and insecurity. These three variables are determined simultaneously in the study before, during and after the stress test. Minimum = 0 mm; Maximum = 100 mm, higher value = represent a worsend outcome.
Time frame: during stress test = Visite 3
Serum Cortisol (Pre-post Comparison)
2 min. prior to and 1 min. after the TSST
Time frame: 1 day
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
ACTH (Pre-post Comparison)
ACTH - Adrenocorticotropes Hormon - 2 min. prior to and 1 min. after the TSST
Time frame: 1 day
Epinephrine (Before)
2 min. prior the TSST
Time frame: 1 day
Norepinephrine (Before)
2 min. prior the TSST
Time frame: before stress test
State Anxiety (STAI-X1) Questionnaire
The STAI-X1 measures state anxiety (one scale). Answers are given on a four-point rating scale ranging from 1 = "not at all" to 4 = "very true". The questionnaire is used as baseline measurement at V2. In addition, it is also employed before and immediately after the stress test at V3 to assess changes in state anxiety. Assess V2, before and after V3
Time frame: 1 day
POMS Questionnaire
The POMS assesses the four states depression/anxiety, fatigue, vigor and hostility (4 scales). High vigor scores reflect a positive mood whereas high scores in the other subscales indicate negative mood. Subjects rate their mood state on a 7-point rating scale ranging from 1 = "not at all" to 7 = "very strongly". The questionnaire is completed on V2 and V3.
Time frame: 1 day
MDBF Questionnaire
The MDBF assesses the three bipolar dimensions good/bad mood, wakefulness/tiredness and calmness/agitation (3 scales). The short form of the MDBF and its parallel version (versions A and B) each consist of 12 items. Subjects rate their mood state on a 5-point rating scale ranging from 1 = "not at all" to 5 = "very true". To determine mood changes induced by the TSST, the questionnaire is completed shortly before (version A) and immediately after the TSST (version B). Assess before and after V3
Time frame: 1 day
LSEQ Questionnaire (Getting to Sleep-Falling Asleep Easier Than Usual) - Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Getting to Sleep-Falling Asleep More Quickly Than Usual] - Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Getting to Sleep-Feeling More Drowsy Than Usual] - Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; lower values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Quality of Sleep - More Restful Than Usual] - Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Quality of Sleep - Fewer Periods of Wakefulness Than Usual] Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2, visite 3
LSEQ Questionnaire (Awakening From Sleep- Easier Than Usual] Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Awakening From Sleep- Quicker Than Usual] Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Behavior Following Awakening- Feeling Alert Upon Awakening] Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Behavior Following Awakening- Feeling Alert Now] Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
LSEQ Questionnaire (Behavior Following Awakening- Less Clumsy Balance and Coordination Upon Getting-up] Changes From V2 to V3
The LSEQ investigates four aspects of sleep using VAS: getting to sleep, quality of sleep, awakening from sleep and behavior following awakening. The LSEQ is completed on V2 and V3. V2 = For each female, V2 is scheduled to take place on day 6 (-8) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Upon arrival, subjects meeting all inclusion and no exclusion criteria are admitted to study participation and receive a random number starting from R001. V3 = After 2 days of treatment, the final appointment takes place in the afternoon. For each female, the appointment for V3 will be scheduled to take place on day 9 (-11) after the last contraceptive intake of a menstrual cycle. Females will be asked if oral contraceptives were administered on a regular basis and if pregnancy can be excluded. The LSEQ is a VAS scale 0 - 100mm, the value below is Change in percent; a higher value is a better outcome.
Time frame: Visite 2 (before treatment), Visite 3 (after treatment)
Norepinephrine (After)
2 min. after the TSST, higher value is better
Time frame: 1 day
Sympathovagal Balance (Before TSST, Sitting - 1. Measurement)
Sympathovagal balance is a measure of heart rate variability and gives information about the autonomic state that is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The low frequency component reflects sympathic activity, whereas the high requency domain gives Information about the parasympatic activity. Higher scores indicate a higher activation of the sympathic nervous System.
Time frame: before TSST
Sympathovagal Balance (Before TSST, Standing - 2. Measurement)
Sympathovagal balance is a measure of heart rate variability and gives information about the autonomic state that is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The low frequency component reflects sympathic activity, whereas the high requency domain gives Information about the parasympatic activity. Higher scores indicate a higher activation of the sympathic nervous System.
Time frame: before TSST
Sympathovagal Balance (During TSST, Preparation - 3. Measurement)
Sympathovagal balance is a measure of heart rate variability and gives information about the autonomic state that is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The low frequency component reflects sympathic activity, whereas the high requency domain gives Information about the parasympatic activity. Higher scores indicate a higher activation of the sympathic nervous System.
Time frame: during TSST
Sympathovagal Balance (During TSST, Interview - 4. Measurement)
Sympathovagal balance is a measure of heart rate variability and gives information about the autonomic state that is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The low frequency component reflects sympathic activity, whereas the high requency domain gives Information about the parasympatic activity. Higher scores indicate a higher activation of the sympathic nervous System.
Time frame: during TSST
Sympathovagal Balance (During TSST, Arithmetics - 5. Measurement)
Sympathovagal balance is a measure of heart rate variability and gives information about the autonomic state that is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The low frequency component reflects sympathic activity, whereas the high requency domain gives Information about the parasympatic activity. Higher scores indicate a higher activation of the sympathic nervous System.
Time frame: during TSST
Sympathovagal Balance (After TSST, Standing - 6. Measurement)
Sympathovagal balance is a measure of heart rate variability and gives information about the autonomic state that is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The low frequency component reflects sympathic activity, whereas the high requency domain gives Information about the parasympatic activity. Higher scores indicate a higher activation of the sympathic nervous System.
Time frame: after TSST
Sympathovagal Balance (After TSST, Sitting - 7. Measurement)
Sympathovagal balance is a measure of heart rate variability and gives information about the autonomic state that is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The low frequency component reflects sympathic activity, whereas the high requency domain gives Information about the parasympatic activity. Higher scores indicate a higher activation of the sympathic nervous System.
Time frame: after TSST