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Anxt Key Ingredients

Anxt Key Ingredients

Key Compounds of Our Products

Ashwagandha

Ashwaganda is an Ayurvedic Herb also known as Withania Somnifera used as a broad spectrum remedy in India for centuries (Pratte M et al, 2014).

The herb is classified as an adaptogen, which indicates its ability to regulate physiologic processes and thereby stabilise the body's response to stress (Provino R, 2010). Ashwagandha exerts an anxiolytic effect in animals and humans. A randomised double blind, placebo controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high concentration full spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults (Chandrasekhar K et al, 2012) revealed that 600mg of ashwagandha extract for 60 days in persons with chronic mental stress was able to improve all tested parameters and reduced serum cortisol by 27.9%.

Research also shows that it has even proven to have effects on anxiety similar to those of standard benzodiazepines (Pratte M et al, 2014). A more recent study (Lopresti A et al, 2019) revealed that taking a daily dose of 240 mg of Ashwagandha significantly reduced people’s stress levels when compares with a placebo. This included reduced levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone.

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri is a nootropic herb that has been used in traditional medicine for longevity and cognitive enhancement. Supplementing Bacopa can reduce anxiety and improve memory formation.

A 2008 study (Calabrese C et al, 2008) on the effects of a standardised Bacopa extract on cognitive performance, anxiety and depression in the humans revealed a significant improvement in attention (less likely to pay attention to irrelevant information), working memory and less anxiety and depression. It may also be noted a decrease in heart rate without a change in blood pressure.

Further to this a more recent study (Benson S et al, 2013) examining the dosage of Bacopa on multitasking stress reactivity and mood revealed that a dosage of 640mg of the herb resulting in a significant reducing in cortisol levels in as little as two hours after taking it.

GABA

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid is an amino acid produced naturally in the brain. GABA functions as a neurotransmitter, facilitating communication among brain cells. GABA’s big role in the body is to reduce the activity of neurons in the brain and central nervous system, which in turn has a broad range of effects on the body and mind, including increased relaxation, reduced stress, a more calm, balanced mood, alleviation of pain, and a boost to sleep.

The role of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA has long been regarded as central to the regulation of anxiety and this neurotransmitter system is the target of benzodiazepines and related drugs used to treat anxiety disorders (Nuss P, 2015).

L-theanine

L-Theanine is a non proteinaceous amino acid predominately found in green tea that has been associated with a number of health benefits including the improvement of mood, cognition and a reduction in of anxiety-like symptoms (Everett J.M et al, 2016).

Everett J.M et al (2016) reviewed five randomised controlled trials that included 104 participants aiming to asses L-theanines consumption in relation to stress and anxiety. Studies found that there was a clear reduction in these symptoms when thiamine was consumed daily. An additional study focused on people living with severe conditions such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Research found that L-theanine decreased anxiety and improved symptoms (Ritsner M et al, 2009).

5-HTP

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia.

5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is used for several diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions.

A study conducted by Pediatr E (2004) aimed to assess the use of 5-HTP in treating sleep terrors in children. Results found 2mg/kg of 5-HTP for 20 days was associated with significantly less sleep terrors during the supplement period and for up to 6 months afterwards.

Mint

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is an aromatic herb in the mint family that is a cross between watermint and spearmint. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health benefits. Peppermint is used for many different purposes but most importantly, it is shown to improve sleep (Groves M, 2018).

A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mckay D and Blumberg J, 2006) showed peppermint tea to be a muscle relaxant which can be used to relax before bedtime.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is an herb that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Its roots are considered adaptogens, meaning they help your body adapt to stress when consumed. Rhodiola is also known as arctic root or golden root, and its scientific name is Rhodiola rosea (Res P, 2015).

Its root contains more than 140 active ingredients, the two most potent of which are rosavin and salidroside. People in Russia and Scandinavian countries have used rhodiola to treat anxiety, fatigue and depression for centuries.

One study investigated the effects of rhodiola extract in 101 people with life- and work-related stress. Participants were given 400 mg per day for four weeks (Res, P 2012). It found significant improvements in symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, exhaustion and anxiety, after just three days. These improvements continued throughout the study.

References:

Pratte M, Nanavati K, Young V and Morley C. An Alternative Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Human Trial Results Reported for the Ayurvedic Herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). J Altern Complement Med, 2014.

Provino R. The role of adaptogens in stress management. Aust J Med Herbal 2010;22:41–49 

Bhattacharya S, Muruganandam A. Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;75:547–555

Lopresti A, Smith S, Malvi H and Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019.

K Chandrasekhar , Jyoti KapoorSridhar Anishetty. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62

Calabrese C, Gregory W, Leo M, Kraemer D, Bone K, Oken B (2008) Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 2008 Jul;14(6):707-13.

Benson S, Downey L, Stough C, Wetherell M, Zangara A and Scholey A. An acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on multitasking stress reactivity and mood. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):551-9.

Ritsner M, Miodownik C, Ratner Y, Shleifer T, Mar M, Pintov L and Lerner V. L-Theanine Relieves Positive, Activation, and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder: An 8-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 2-Center Study. The Journal of Clinic Psychiatry. Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective. 2009.

Everett J.M, Gunathilake D, Dufficy L, Roach P, Thoas J, Thomas J, Upton D, NAumovski N. Theanine consumption, stress and anxiety in human clinical trials: A systematic review. Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism. Vol 4, pages 41 - 42. 2016.

Pediatr E. L -5-Hydroxytryptophan treatment of sleep terrors in children. National Library of Medicine. 163(7):402-7 2004.

Res P. Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS® 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms--results of an open-label study. National Library of Medicine. 26(8):1220-5 2012.

Res P. The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms. National Library of Medicine. 29(12):1934-9 (2015).