Development and Evaluation of a Natural Beverage Using Adaptogenic Dried Jujube, Astragalus, and Dried Longan for Enhanced Sleeping Quality and Stress Management

Chung, Jia Xing (2026) Development and Evaluation of a Natural Beverage Using Adaptogenic Dried Jujube, Astragalus, and Dried Longan for Enhanced Sleeping Quality and Stress Management. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Adaptogens are functional ingredients increasingly recognised for their ability to improve stress and sleep quality. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a natural beverage formulated with adaptogenic ingredients, namely dried jujube, Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) root, and dried longan, to support stress management and improve sleep quality as well as to assess its consumer acceptability. There are 3 formulations, which are the control containing dried longan extract with dried stevia leaves extract, whereas Formulations A and B contain dried jujube extract, dried longan extract, dried stevia leaves extract, and AM extract in different ratios. Phytochemical properties were analyzed to determine the formulation with the highest antioxidant content for consumption. Fifty participants were recruited and divided into control and treatment groups to evaluate their stress and sleep quality before and after the consumption with validated questionnaires. From the antioxidant assay, Formulation B exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity at 60.86 ± 0.75% with higher TPC at 19.94 ± 2.85 mg GAE/100 mL. The proximate analysis of Formulation B displayed higher ash (3.389%) and higher protein (0.193%), as well as a slightly lower moisture content (96.61%) compared to that of the control. The results revealed a higher total sugar (12.2 mg/mL), titratable acidity (0.06%), and 3°Brix alongside a lower pH compared to the control. The statistical analysis of the pilot study presented a significant improvement in the treatment group, with reduced stress (p = 0.004) and enhanced sleep quality (p < 0.001) as well as a weak correlation between stress and sleep outcomes (r = 0.28, p = 0.049). Positive responses were received from the consumer acceptance survey. Altogether, the beverage formulated with dried jujube, AM, and dried longan demonstrated a high potential as a natural functional drink in supporting stress management, sleep quality, and consumer appeal.