Stress Relief, Anti Anxiety

Lutein is a natural antioxidant compound found in plants including marigold, spinach, broccoli sprouts, and the green microalga Chlorella protothecoides . It is a carotenoid pigment demonstrated to reduce psychological stress by relieving  systemic oxidative stress associated with anxiety ^[3] . ^†

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) , commonly known as Indian ginseng, is demonstrated to have beneficial compounds that help with nervous, endocrine, and cardiopulmonary functions. It is a medicinal herb used for centuries due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and energy boosting properties ^[24] It is known as an adaptogen due to its anti-anxiety side effect ^{[18] [24]} . ^†

Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ) has been prescribed in herbal medicine for symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It has been demonstrated to be therapeutic towards strengthening focus and alleviating restlessness, muscle tension, mood imbalances, and sleep impairments. Studies suggest that the flavonoid (natural pigments) present in chamomile has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities that have anti-anxiety side-effects ^[11] . ^†

GABA, also known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates nerve activities. It is linked to physiological and psychological processes in the central nervous system. Unbalanced levels of GABA in the human brain is linked to anxiety. GABA supplements demonstrate anxiolytic effect by reducing neurotransmission thus reducing feelings of uneasiness and distress ^[17] . ^†

Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ) has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to help relieve imbalances in the central nervous system.  It has a bioactive compound known as rosmarinic acid which is demonstrated to have a calming, mood stabilizing, concentration boosting, and memory enhancing effects. Rosmarinic acid’s inhibiting interaction with the GABA-ergic system is also shown to produce anti-anxiety side-effects ^[20] . ^†

Skullcap ( Scutellaria lateriflora ), a plant in the mint family is administered as a sedative in herbal medicine to relieve anxiety disorders. It is ingested in the form of tea or dietary supplement. The scientific literature discusses its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-thrombic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities. Skullcap’s flavonoids (baicalin and baicalein) are purported to have anti-anxiety effects due to its interaction with the GABA-ergic system which is responsible for inhibiting neurotransmission ^{[1] †}

Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna ) is a berry producing plant utilized in herbal medicine. Compounds (amines, flavonoids, procyanidins, organic acids, tannins, and triterpene derivatives) naturally occurring in this plant demonstrate positive side effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Hawthorn extracts are used to reduce nervousness and improve sleep ^{[6] †}

Bacopa ( Bacopa monnieri ), also known as Brahmi, is used in herbal medicine to relieve neuroendocrine imbalances. It is purported to have active compounds that boost brain functioning and regulate brain stress hormones, as well as antioxidant side effects that reduce oxidative stress.  Clinical trial demonstrates the potential of Bacopa in enhancing cognitive functions among aging individuals ^{[5] †}

Magnolia ( Magnolia officinalis ) bark and seed cones are important in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. The plant has active compounds (e.g., magnolol, honokiol, 4-O-methylhonokiol, and obovatol) acknowledged to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that are beneficial in relieving various disorders and diseases including, stress, and anxiety ^[12] . ^†

The major phytoconstituents in passionflower ( Passiflora incarnate ) are flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, vitexin, etc.), as well as alkaloids, carbohydrates, essential oil, and amino acids that are beneficial to the human body. Although unspecified, the active ingredients in passionflower are known to have calming and anti-anxiety potentials. The compounds in this plant likely work together with the neurotransmitter inhibitor GABA to reduce anxiety ^{[7] †}

Extract from valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ) roots is used as herbal medicine and reported to have anti-anxiety and calming side effects, as well as antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The psychoactive molecules in valerian extract regulate GABA-ergic systems, a principle inhibiting neurotransmitter linked to anxiety and sleep disorder ^[14] . ^†

L-theanine is a compound that naturally occurs in green tea. In experimental studies, it has demonstrated an ability to reduce elevated systolic blood pressure from stressful stimuli. This systemic interaction results in the reduction of tension, anxiety, and fatigue ^{[13] †}

Oats ( Avena sativa ) is a staple grain beneficial for nervous system functioning. It contains phytochemicals such as avenanthramides, flavonoids, flavonolignans, triterpenoid saponins, sterols, and tocols.  A study on the effects of oat extracts demonstrates increased concentration, learning, and alertness during stressful situations. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities which can help with relieving oxidative stress ^{[21] †}

Macuna pruriens , commonly known as velvet bean, is a vine plant with phytochemicals that interact with the neuroendocrine system. It contains a high concentration of levodopa, a dopamine precursor. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is linked to motivation and attention. Dietary supplements with velvet bean extract are shown to decrease heart rate, as well as increase motivation and confidence ^[8] . ^†

St John’s Wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) is a common herbal ingredient. When ingested, extract from this plant is known to increase the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters regulate mood. The bioactive compounds hypericin and hyperforin are linked with St. John’s Wort mood enhancing and anti-inflammatory side-effects ^{[2] †}

Hops ( Humulus lupulus ) decrease neural activities with its sedative capability. It is an ingredient typically combined with other herbal medicines such as passionfruit and valerian to relieve stress and sleep impairments. Naturally occurring ethanolic and CO2 extracts from hops are suggested to induce relaxation ^{[19] †}

The serotonin precursor 5-HTP can be extracted from an African shrub known as Griffonia simpicifolia . Neurotransmitters and central nervous system chemicals (melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and beta-Endorphin) are shown to increase with 5-HTP intake ^[8] . Melatonin regulates sleep and wakefulness ^[9] , dopamine and norepinephrine regulate mood and behavior ^{[2] [8]} , and the increase in levels of beta-Endorphins during stressful situations may relieve pain ^[10] . ^†

C ontains B Vitamins (Vitamins B1,2,5,6), Niacin (B3), Biotin(B7), Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, and Potassium Gluconate. Vitamin B Complex and trace minerals such as magnesium and zinc work together to control oxidative stresses ^[22] and have shown to improve cognitive function and memory in aging individuals ^[4] . ^†