Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Anxiety, Depression, ADHD /
ADD and Related Emotional Disturbances
St. John's Wort
Valerian Root
5-HTP
Rhodiola Rosea
SAM-e
Bacopa
Ginseng
B Vitamins
Zinc
Magnesium
Kava Kava Root
Complementary and alternative medicine use is very popular in the United
States and abroad. A recent survey found that over 40% of US consumers used
a complementary therapy over the course of the last year. These therapies
include, but are not limited to, herbal supplements, high dose vitamins,
amino acids and fish oils.
Most consumers using alternative therapies used them for chronic, rather
than life-threatening medical conditions that include:
- Anxiety
- Chronic Fatigue
- Chronic Pain
- Headaches
- Depression
- Overall Mental Health
In recent years, numerous clinical studies and observations have been performed
in response to the overwhelming use of herbal therapies for mental health
related conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression,
ADD, ADHD and related emotional disturbances. A brief summary of the most
studied and widely used constituents can be found below. For expanded reviews,
clinical trials and safety information, visit the Medicor Labs Ingredient
Reference Center.
St. Johns Wort (Hyperforin and Hypericin)
St. Johns Wort is the most widely used mood enhancing single herb preparation
on the market. The active phytochemicals in SJW, hyperforin and hypericin,
are believed to be responsible for its anti-depressive effects. Meta-Analysis
of clinical trials involving hundreds of patients suggests that St. Johns
Wort may be effective in helping to support depressed mood and mood fluctuations
by maintaining the balance of key neurotransmitters in the brain including
Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Dopamine and GABA.
Learn more about St. Johns Wort and Hyperforin at Clarocet.com
Valerian Root
Valerian root is known for its direct sedative effect on the Central Nervous
System (CNS) and is commonly used as a calming agent for helping to reduce
headaches, feelings of nervousness and difficulty sleeping.
According to numerous clinical trials, the results of taking Valerian for
one to thirty days are mild sedation and a decrease in feelings of anxiety,
nervousness, and an improved overall sleep quality. The sedative activity
on the central nervous system is largely ascribed to the valepotriate and
sesquiterpene constituents of the root.
Learn more about Valerian at Clarocet.com
5-HTP
The first large-scale clinical trial using 5-HTP in depression was conducted
in 1972. Patients with unipolar and bipolar depression were given daily oral
dosages of 5HTP from 50 mg to 300 mg. Significant improvement in symptoms
was observed in 69% of patients and no significant side effects were reported.
Though most herbal preparations may need to be used consistently for 4 to
8 weeks to see effective results, the response rate in most of the patients
taking 5-HTP was quite rapid and occurred in less than two weeks.
This trial has been subsequently reinforced by additional clinical studies
that show 5-HTP may be an effective treatment alternative for symptoms related
to depression.
Learn more about 5-HTP at Clarocet.com
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is recognized for its adaptogenic properties in Russia, Eastern
and Western Europe, and Scandinavia. Modern research shows that
rhodiola increases the body's resistance to emotional and physical
stress. In numerous pre-clinical trials, Rhodiola was found to support
the healthy function of the neurotransmitters Serotonin, Norepinephrine,
Dopamine and GABA, an effect that may be partially responsible for
helping to reduce anxiety, mental fatigue and poor mood in those taking
the herb regularly. It is often used to help positively support cognitive
functions such as memory and attention.
Learn more about Rhodiola Rosea at Clarocet.com
SAM-e
Independent research suggests that SAM-e crosses through the blood-brain
barrier and inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin,
thus increasing its availability in the central nervous system. Researchers
believe that this may be the mechanism of action responsible for SAM-e's
role in stabilizing mood. Clinical studies show that SAM-e may work
in as little as 7 days and a review of nearly 30 clinical trials found
that SAM-e's mood enhancing effects were statistically significant
when compared with placebo.
Learn more about SAM-e at Clarocet.com
Bacopa
Bacopa is commonly known as a calming agent that may reduce feelings of
nervousness, stress and other emotional disturbances associated with anxiety
related conditions. Clinical study has also shown Bacopa to help significantly
improve insomnia, headaches, irritability and mental fatigue.
Bacopa may help to boost memory retention of new information, logical memory
and other forms of learning in adults and children.
Learn
more about Bacopa at Clarocet.com
Ginseng
Medical research has recently begun to investigate the benefits that the
ginseng herb may offer. While additional clinical study data is still needed,
a 2002 study assessed patients who took regular daily doses of ginseng over
an 8 week period. After 4 weeks of ginseng therapy, the study found that
patient scores improved in social functioning and mental health.
Ginseng may help to improve cognitive function related to mental arithmetic,
memory quality, response time, accuracy and general memory improvement. In
a study involving children, Ginseng in a combination therapy helped to reduce
hyperactive-impulsivity scores in children with ADHD.
Learn
more about Ginseng at Clarocet.com
B Vitamins - B1, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12
The B-complex of vitamins are essential nutrients required for proper mental
function and overall health. Deficiencies in B-vitamins may cause symptoms
related to anxiety and depression and include fatigue, sleep difficulty,
stress, nervousness, anxiety and depressive states.
Clinical trials and scientific studies involving the mechanisms of action
in B-vitamins show them to play key roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and
are essential to maintain balanced levels of Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Dopamine,
GABA and Acetylcholine.
Learn more about B Vitamins at Clarocet.com
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell of the human
body. Depression has been directly connected with low blood-zinc levels in
the body. This has been confirmed by numerous clinical studies. Though further
studies involving zinc supplementation in depressed patients are currently
underway, the current data suggest that zinc has a strong possibility of
possessing anti-depressant activity and may be a beneficial supplement for
those currently taking anti-depressants for depression related emotional
disturbances.
In April, 2004, researchers performed a double-blind, placebo controlled
clinical trial assessing the role of zinc in ADHD. The study demonstrated
that zinc as a supplementary medication might also be beneficial in the treatment
of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Learn more about Zinc at Clarocet.com
Magnesium
Clinical study and open trials suggest that lowered serum levels of magnesium
may be partially responsible for symptoms such as anxiety, hyper-emotionality,
fatigue, headaches, insomnia, light-headedness, dizziness and nervous fits.
A recent clinical study provided daily magnesium supplementation to children
with a deficiency of magnesium in the blood and who were classified as having
ADHD syndrome according to the DSM IV. After six (6) months of supplementation,
magnesium levels in the children increased. As a result, the children showed
a significant decline in symptoms of hyperactivity / ADHD.
Learn more about Magnesium at Clarocet.com
Kava Kava
Kava Root's effects are often compared to standard sedatives due to its
unique action on the CNS (Central Nervous System). The body absorbs Kava
Kava very quickly, which helps to provide fast-acting natural sedation, making
Kava, along with St. Johns Wort, one of the most popular anxiety herbs on
the market. The initial effects begin with a relaxed, more sociable state
of mind and a heightening of the senses.
A recent meta-analysis of clinical studies found Kava Kava to be more effective
than placebo for helping to relieve anxiety related symptoms and also indicated
that Kava Kava extract was as effective in relieving generalized anxiety
disorder as the popular prescription drug Buspirone.
Learn
more about Kava Kava at Clarocet.com
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