Mood Enhancers
5 HTP, GABA and St. Johns Wort Mood Enhancers
What is 5 HTP Mood Enhancer? The Griffonia Extract is
rich in 5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP), which comes from an African
vegetable, the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, and contains 30%
5-HTP. 5-HTP is an amino acid that is a direct precursor of
serotonin, an important neurotransmitter having pain soothing
and relaxing effects. 5-HTP is not present in significant
amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP
from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary
proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does
not significantly increase 5-HTP levels.
5-HTP mood enhancer is the precursor to serotonin. It
improves mood, anxiety and is beneficial in weight loss.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the
intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain
chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that
suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of
modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many
people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered
levels of serotonin within the brain.
What is GABA? A non-essential amino acid found mainly in
the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory
neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell
activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the
brain. GABA is referred to as the "brain's natural calming
agent". By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may
help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.
GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, discovered in 1950, is
the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in
the brain. Excitation in the brain must be balanced with
inhibition. Too much excitation can lead to restlessness,
irritability, insomnia, and even seizures. GABA is able to
induce relaxation, analgesia, and sleep. Barbiturates and
benzodiazepines are known to stimulate GABA receptors, and hence
induce relaxation. Several neurological disorders, such as
epilepsy, sleep disorders, and Parkinson's disease are affected
by this neurotransmitter.
What is St Johns Wort Mood Enhancer? Extracts of
Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now successfully
competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy.
Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying
the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a
phytochemical point of view, St John's wort is one of the
best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have
studied St John's Wort for decades. They discovered a
combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is
"hypericin", react with specific chemicals in the brain to
temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the
nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription
antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine),
natural extracts from St. John's Wort have shown to relax and
soothe the psyche with minimal side effects.