L-THEANINE

L-Theanine is extracted from the leaves of green tea.  It is implicated in reducing anxiety and causing calmness without sedation.  Best of all, it also benefits cognitive function by improving focus and memory.1 L-theanine’s benefits can be experienced within 30 min to an hour of intake.

Its’ physiological mechanisms of action include increasing alpha brain waves2, reducing stress-induced corticosterone3, and increasing GABA (a calming and uplifting brain chemical) by stimulating its receptors in the brain. Alpha brain waves are associated with a state of relaxation, focus and mental alertness.4,5,6,7

L-Theanine further has a protective effect on the brain by reducing the toxic degeneration of nerve cells by A-beta (1-42) proteins which causes Alzheimer’s disease, and by suppressing inflammation.8

Another remarkable benefit of L-Theanine, is its positive effect on gene expression in brain areas referred to as the hippocampus and amygdala.  These brain areas are implicated in the development of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) following a severely traumatic experience. 9-11

 Clinical Indications

• Stress & anxiety

PASSION FLOWER

Passionflower has a long history of use for anxiety, restlessness, sleep disorders, mental stress, irritability, and epileptic seizures. It also shows clinical potential in the treatment of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
Passionflower provides various bioactive compounds which increases GABA (calming neurotransmitter in the brain), serotonin (happy neurotransmitter) and noradrenalin (underlies the body’s stress response).12 These bio-actives also provide anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant protection in the brain, reducing the risk of damage to nerve cells. 13 Passionflower also shows anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive, and anti-tumour activity.14

Clinical Indications 19

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Anxiety & Nervousness
• Sleep disorders
• Seizure
• Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder
• Hypertension

LEMON BALM

Lemon Balm has been used for thousands of years for various medical concerns, including digestive complaints, fever, wounds, mental decline, headaches, insect bites, herpes, gout and skin disease.  However, Lemon balm is most well-known for its significant benefits in depression, irritability and sleeping disorders.15 Treatment with Lemon balm improves metal performance, uplifts mood, and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.16

By increasing the activity of acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter, which is involved in arousal, memory and learning, and by increasing blood flow to the brain, Lemon balm helps to improve memory.17 It also increases GABA, promoting an increased level of relaxation.  By increasing GABA, glutamate is decreased.  By keeping glutamate levels in balance, and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor, healthy maintenance, growth and development of the brain cells are promoted.

In summary, Lemon balm protects the brain against the damaging effects of stress, is helpful in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), reduces tension and agitation, improves mood and cognitive function, and helps to improve symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.18

 Clinical Indications

• Depression
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Sleep disorders
• Tenseness
• Irritability
• Cognitive dysfunction

SPIRULINA

Diet can significantly influence the risk of various degenerative neural and mental diseases.

As nutritional therapy, Spirulina is used as a functional superfood to support emotional well-being and healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system.  It provides a multitude of nutrients which nourishes the body and brain. With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and neuroprotective properties, research indicates that spirulina can help reduce mental fatigue, protect brain blood vessels from damage, and contribute to reducing the risk of various brain conditions.

Untamed Calm-Equine is rich in Tryptophan. An average daily serving size of 20g provides 180mg of Tryptophan, which is one of Spirulina’s hidden treasures. Tryptophan is well studied for its serotonin enhancing effects in neuropsychiatric disorders. As a building block of serotonin, it increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter within the central nervous system, that regulates mood and cognitive function. A deficiency in tryptophan or serotonin may result in depression, aggression, fear, and stress. 20

Central nervous system protection:
Another way in which Spirulina exerts a protective effect on the central nervous system, is through its beneficial influence on the intestinal microflora. By improving the health of the digestive and autonomic nervous systems, it also protects the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis. By preserving gut homeostasis, the risk of several brain disorders can be reduced.21

Spirulina also protects against toxin induced degeneration of nerve cells and promotes the growth and development of nerve tissue22-26.  It therefore demonstrates potential for protecting against age related cognitive decline, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Other benefits of Spirulina 27-79:

SPIRULINA is a nutrient-rich, blue-green algae, and is considered a super food.  It contains superior concentrations of protein and essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, multiple phytoactives, and chlorophyll.

Actions and health benefits of Spirulina supplementation:

• Protein-rich super food supporting multiple body systems and general health.
  Insufficient protein or poor-quality protein diets may predispose your horse to poor condition, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, impaired recovery after injury or training, and decreased mental ability. Protein rich diets have multiple health benefits, promote a healthy body condition, and help to maintain optimal well-being.  Spirulina is considered a complete protein source, containing all amino acids required for healthy physiological function.  Protein is an essential component of all living  cells, and a substrate for a multitude of physiological processes.  Spirulina contains amino acids, which form vital structural components in muscle cells, ligaments, and    tendons. Sufficient protein enables your horse to improve muscle composition and physical strength, especially when combined with regular exercise.  Spirulina supports healthy body weight & muscle function, and promotes overall well-being.
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic alleviating allergic symptoms like hay fever, rhinitis and hives.
• Antiparasitic activity against parasites like Demodex mites, which causes inflammatory skin infection in horses.
• Antiviral activity against enveloped viruses like Herpes simplex type I, cytomegalovirus, measles and mumps and influenza.
• Reduces LDL-cholesterol, providing protection against cholesterol related cardiovascular disease.
• Supports systemic detoxification systems by promoting detoxification of toxic chemicals like pesticides, chemical drugs and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, and protecting against liver damage caused by these toxins. Spirulina therefore alleviates the risk of deleterious toxin-induced degeneration and chronic disease affecting the nervous system, immune function, hormone balance, genetic health, heart, kidneys, liver, bone and joints.
• Antioxidant and anticancer protection: Spirulina is rich in anti-cancer nutraceuticals like beta-carotene and polysaccharides.  Research demonstrates that these constituents enhance protection against cancer by inhibiting cancer development, tumour size and spreading, and even reversing cancer. Some of its mechanisms include: antioxidant defense against free radical damage, inhibiting cancer cell signalling and cancer cell DNA synthesis, and inducing cancer cell death.  Many studies validate the significant benefit of Spirulina extracts in many cancers of the lungs, mouth, cervix, skin, blood, and liver.
• Antidiabetic: Spirulina improves insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control, alleviating the risk of diabetes.
• Enhances muscle performance and endurance capacity: Spirulina promotes muscle hypertrophy, enhances power output, and improves endurance capacity.
• Liver protective: It protects against liver toxicity and supports liver regeneration.
• Enhanced fertility and reproduction capacity:  Spirulina enhances the fertility and reproductive capacity of healthy animals, diabetic animals, and animals with reduced fertility caused by chemical toxicity.  It increases testicular weight, sperm production, and sperm quality.