Published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the study is the first to show that an iminosugar may benefit sleep at a relatively low dose of 20 mg a day.
The researchers from Aberystwyth University, Wales, say the findings suggest that this supplement has the potential to improve overall well-being and support cognitive function.
“Sleep disturbances are a known risk factor for cognitive decline, mood disorders and reduced physical health in older adults,” they wrote. “Therefore, even small improvements could have meaningful clinical implications, particularly if sustained long-term.”
The study was funded by the Welsh Government Covid Recovery Challenge Fund (part of the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Division funding) and Innovate UK Better Food for All.
Cucumber as an anti-inflammatory aid
Cucumbers have long been known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, however, only recently have scientists discovered the molecule behind these benefits.
In 2020, Dr. Robert Nash and his research team at PhytoQuest investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of cucumber extract and successfully isolated idoBR1, an iminosugar amino acid.
Research has shown that this iminosugar helps the body modulate Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine) and other biological markers associated with joint health.
Based on these findings, U.S.-based IminoTech launched Q-actin, a 100% natural ingredient with high levels of idoBR1. In Europe, Q-actin is distributed by Vivatis.
Studies suggest that Q-actin may improve joint mobility and function and relieve pain associated with moderate osteoarthritis. However, until now, no studies had analyzed the ingredient’s ability to improve sleep.
Study details
For this most recent study, Dr. Nash and the research team at Aberystwyth University recruited 47 healthy adults between the ages of 50 and 78 (15 men and 32 women) and randomly assigned them to one of two groups.
Over a 12-week period, the intervention group was instructed to take two gummies containing 20 mg of Q-actin daily, while the control group received placebo gummies matched for taste and texture.
Physical strength and finger dexterity were measured using hand grip strength and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), while sleeping habits were recorded using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Urine samples were also taken and analyzed.
While there was no significant difference in grip strength between the two groups, the Q-actin group showed significant improvements in finger dexterity between weeks six and 12, achieving a faster peg test score than the control group.
The Q-actin group also showed a trend towards improved sleep quality, according to the self-reported PSQI. This was supported by the urine analyses, which found increases in urinary melatonin metabolites, indicating a potential mechanistic link between Q-actin consumption and enhanced sleep regulation.
“The result is very interesting because it shows the anti-inflammatory iminosugar acid idoBR1 standardised in Q-actin can increase melatonin levels,” Dr. Nash told NutraIngredients. “Poor sleep raises inflammatory markers in the brain but inflammation can also impact sleep patterns, so reducing inflammatory responses might have a positive effect on sleep quality and overall health.”
“How idoBR1 and Q-actin increase melatonin levels is not clear and will require further research,” he added.
A supplement with dual benefits
Despite the study’s limitations—including the small sample size, lack of cohort diversity and reliance on some self-reported measures—the researchers said the findings could have important implications.
They highlighted that both sleep and neuromuscular function are closely linked to cognitive health, suggesting potential for a ‘dual benefit’.
“If Q-actin and idoBR1 can improve sleep in ageing people, it may offer improvements to overall health, including neurological function and quality of life,” said Dr. Nash. “We would like to conduct a larger study with people reporting sleep problems and also measure inflammatory markers in the serum as inflammation in the brain is seen as a factor driving development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.”
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1563999. “Oral supplement in healthy older adults to support physical fitness and mental wellbeing.” Authors: A. Lloyd et al.