The Effects of Hericium erinaceus (Amyloban® 3399) on Sleep Quality and Subjective Well-being among Female Undergraduate Students: A Pilot Study

Authors: Hisayoshi Okamura, Nobuko Anno, Akira Tsuda, Takahiro Inokuchi, Naohisa Uchimura, and Kazutoyo Inanaga

Journal: Personalized Medicine Universe

Study Design: Pilot study

Participants: 8 female undergraduate students (mean age: 21.7 ± 0.4 years) preparing for a national exam

Trial Length: 4 weeks

Intervention:

• Amyloban® 3399 (containing 0.5% Hericenone and 6% Amyloban (a fat-soluble compound, which reduces the endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by amyloid beta and helps increase the survival of nerve cells) – 6 tablets per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses, taken with food

Primary Outcomes:

• Sleep quality assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
• Subjective well-being assessed by the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28)
• Salivary free 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (free-MHPG) levels as an indicator of stress and sympathetic nervous system activity

Summary: The study investigated the effects of Amyloban® 3399 on sleep quality and subjective well-being in female undergraduate students experiencing stress related to an upcoming exam. The results showed a trend towards improvement in anxiety and insomnia, as measured by the GHQ-28, after 4 weeks of supplementation. Although not statistically significant, PSQI scores also decreased, suggesting potential benefits for sleep quality. Additionally, salivary free-MHPG levels increased significantly, indicating a potential balancing effect on the mind and body. The study concludes that Amyloban® 3399 may help improve mood, sleep quality, and overall well-being in individuals experiencing stress, although further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings.