Scientific Study

Insomnia

Study type: 

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of magnesium supplementation on insomnia in elderly.

Method of evaluation:

Insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), a seven-item questionnaire measuring sleep difficulties and satisfaction. Participants also kept daily sleep logs to track their sleep time.

Dose:

500 mg/d elemental magnesium (2 x 250 mg tablets) or placebo 

Participants:

43 men and women with an average age of 65 years

Duration:

8 weeks

Results:

The researchers observed that participants who took magnesium supplements had significant improvements compared to the placebo group. These included significantly longer sleep time, better sleep efficiency, higher levels of serum renin and melatonin, and a significant decrease in insomnia severity, time to fall asleep, and stress levels. They also observed trends in reduced early morning awakenings and increased magnesium levels.

Year:

2012

Scientific Study

Stress

Study type: 

Randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial 

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of a combination of magnesium, vitamins B6, B9, B12, rhodiola, and L-theanine (Mg-Teadiola) on stress and stress-related quality of life parameters, including sleep and pain perception, in chronically stressed individuals.

Method of evaluation:

Sleep quality was assessed before and after the intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a self-reported questionnaire which measures seven areas: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction.

Dose:

150 mg/day of magnesium with 125 mg/d L-theanine, 222 mg/d rhodiola, 0.7 mg vit B6, 0.1 mg of vit B9, and 1.25 mcg vit B12, or placebo

Participants:

100  chronically stressed, bu otherwise healthy men and women aged 18-65 years

Duration:

28 days

Results:

Mg-Teadiola showed potential for improving sleep-related quality of life, particularly in significantly reducing daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness with longer use. The study also found an association between Mg-Teadiola supplementation and significant decreases in stress scores. 

Year:

2022

Scientific Study

Depression

Study type: 

Case histories (Case #1)

Purpose:

To determine the effects of magnesium supplementation in individuals with major depressive disorder

Dose:

300 mg/d of magnesium as glycinate and later as taurinate

Participant:

A 59-year-old male with a history of mild depression, previously managed with antidepressants, suddenly developed severe anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and suicidal depression after a year of intense stress and poor dietary habits.

Results:

The subject reported that after the first night of starting magnesium, his sleep returned to near normal. Over the next four days, depression was significantly reduced for 4-6 hours after each dose, anxiety gradually faded, and headaches quickly disappeared. In the months that followed, normalcy was maintained only by frequent magnesium ingestion.

Year:

2006

Scientific Study

Anti Fatigue Effects

Study type: 

Animal study

Purpose:

To investigate the anti-fatigue effects of chaga mushroom polysaccharides in mice. 

Methods of evaluation:

In this study, the researchers conducted the forced swim test to investigate the impact of chaga mushroom polysaccharides on exercise endurance in mice. This test is a commonly used model to assess the potential anti-fatigue effects of various medications or substances.

Dose:

50 mg/kg/day of 3 polysaccharide fractions of chaga mushrooms dissolved in distilled water. Chaga mushroom fractions refer to specific components obtained from chaga mushrooms through fractionation or separation techniques. These fractions may have unique properties or compositions that differ from the original mushroom extract. 

Duration:

30 days

Results:

The study found that the first polysaccharide fraction of chaga mushroom (fraction 1) exhibited potential anti-fatigue effects. When administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg, fraction 1 increased the duration of climbing and swimming in mice while reducing immobility time. Additionally, fraction 1 led to a decrease in fatigue-related metabolic parameters and significantly reduced the concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) in the mice's brain. Recent research suggests that high release of serotonin is associated with central fatigue, and decreasing serotonin production in the brain may improve endurance exercise performance. On the other hand, the second and third fractions of chaga mushroom did not exhibit any anti-fatigue effect. 

Therefore, the study suggests that the first polysaccharide fraction of chaga mushroom may have beneficial effects by reducing fatigue and improving endurance, possibly through its influence on serotonin levels in the brain.

Year:

2020