How It Works   Stress and Anxiety Can Take Over Your Life, But You Can Fight Back! The NATURAL Ingredients in Relagen Are Designed to Help You Relax! We all frequently feel stressed. Stress is healthy when it alerts us to problems in our lives that we need to deal with. But, without our even being aware of it, stress can build on itself until it leaves no room for a healthy response. Chemicals in our brains can make us eat too much, sleep too much, or not eat or sleep at all, while we worry over even the smallest things. Most prescription antidepressants have a long list of potential side effects, everything from nausea to reduced sexual functioning. Even when they help, they may at the same time increase some forms of stress because their side effects make you uncomfortable or discouraged. There is evidence now that certain prescription drugs at times actually have led to dangerous results: for example, Xanax has produced effects of addiction in some patients, including increasing tolerance by the body (meaning that more and more is needed to produce an effect) and withdrawal symptoms. There are recent studies showing that Prozac has increased the risk of suicide in younger people. Relagen is not a prescription drug, and is made from NATURAL ingredients. When taken in these appropriate amounts, the active ingredients in Relagen are not known to have any side effects. Just choosing Relagen can relieve your mind. Active Ingredients: Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid): Your body needs Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) to form and maintain bones, blood vessels and skin. There are two forms of Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid and D-Ascorbic Acid. D- Ascorbic Acid is discarded by the body, meaning that L-Ascorbic Acid is the only useful form of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters carry signals and messages from one neuron to another throughout your brain and nervous system. Norepinephrine and serotonin have been directly linked to controlling feelings of anxiety and depression and are the target neurotransmitters of many drugs and alternative therapies aimed at reducing symptoms related to anxiety, stress, insomnia and depression. Dopamine is directly involved in the synthesis of norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Vitamin C assists in converting the amino acid L-Tyrosine to dopamine, which is then converted to norepinephrine with the assistance of Vitamin B6 co-factors. In addition, Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, works to oppose the production of oxygen radicals that tends to increase during physical and emotional stress, as well as during infection. Vitamin C is also involved in the control of movement, the formation of emotional responses and the perception of pain and pleasure. It has been studied in relation to preventing infections and cancer, aiding the absorption of iron and reducing levels of lead in the blood. Because Vitamin C is water-soluble, it cannot be stored by the body except in very small amounts and must be replenished daily. Riboflavin: The B vitamins (among which are Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, Folic Acid and B12) are important for the healthy functioning of the nervous system, especially the production of neurotransmitters. People suffer from a deficiency of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) more commonly than with any other vitamin, at least partly because of an increased need for Riboflavin under stressful situations. Riboflavin helps during stress because it converts other B vitamins to their most useful forms. Riboflavin also helps bolster the immune system, which can weaken under stress. And, it works with other substances to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy. Riboflavin is easily destroyed by light, water during cooking, sulfa drugs, estrogen, and alcohol consumption. Niacin: Niacin (Vitamin B3) is valuable during stress because it helps the body to release energy from carbohydrates and promotes healthy neurons. It also plays a role in controlling blood sugar and in lowering levels of LDL ("bad cholesterol") and raising levels of HDL ("good cholesterol"). Niacin improves blood flow, which can help with circulatory problems. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for diseases such as arthritis, and has been claimed to slow the onset of Type 1 diabetes. Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride): Vitamin B6 (or Pyridoxine) helps in manufacturing neurotransmitters essential for the body to cope with stress, such as serotonin. Vitamin B6 may also help boost the immune system during times of stress, and helps keep neurons healthy. It aids in the conversion of naturally produced Tryptophan to Niacin. Vitamin B6 also is used to prevent damage to the nervous system by many powerful drugs, including isoniazid, ethionamide, capecitabine and drugs used to fight HIV infection. Enzymes that require Vitamin B6 are in involved in metabolism of amino acids and in formation of essential fatty acids. There are studies showing that Vitamin B6 aids in maintaining hormonal balance in pre-mentrual women, improves absorption of magnesium by the body and helps in the functioning of the lungs and kidneys. Folate (as Folic Acid): Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) is one of the B vitamins that your body uses when coping with stress. Studies have found that a deficiency of Folate and of Vitamin B12 can lead to psychiatric disturbances. It is thought that this could be caused by the neurotoxic effects of the amino acid homocysteine, which is broken down by Folate and Vitamin B12. Folic Acid acts as a coenzyme along with Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C in the metabolism of proteins and in the synthesis of new proteins. Folate is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It also is needed for tissue growth, cell production and cell function, and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system as well as helping avoid anemia. Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin): Like Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) helps your body to control levels of the amino acid homocysteine, excess amounts of which have been associated with psychiatric symptoms and with damage to the blood vessels. Avoiding deficiencies of Vitamin B-12, Folic Acid and Vitamin B-6 helps maintain normal homocysteine metabolism. Vitamin B12 also helps to avoid anemia and to maintain the immune system. Relora: Relora is a patent-pending*, standardised, proprietary blend of 2 plant extracts magnolia officinalis and phellodenron amurense. In human studies Relora was shown to be a safe, effective, rapid-acting, non-sedating supplement, which promoted relaxation, calm and a feeling of well-being. Relora has also been demonstrated to lower Cortisol levels, which often are responsible for weight gain. The plant extracts in Relora bind to several important targets associated with anxiety that are located in the central nervous system. It does not bind to the benzodiazepine receptors that would cause sedation, the way that Valium and Prozac do, yet has the relaxing qualities as the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Magnolia and Phellodendron: Magnolia officinalis is a tree native to the rain forests of China. Its bark has long been used in a variety of ways in Eastern herbal medicine, including in the control of stress and anxiety. Researchers in Japan have identified two Magnolia officinalis extracts, honokiol and magnolol, that are powerful antioxidants. Honokiol has also been found to have a relaxing effect on the central nervous system, without producing a sedating side effect. Recent research has identified specific antidepressant constituents in Magnolia officinalis. Phellodendron amurernse, the Amur corktree, grows in northeastern China and Japan. Its bark also has a history of use in Eastern medicine for, among other things, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. We use an advanced combination of magnolia and phellodendron extracts to help support normal levels of the cortisol and DHEA hormones in the body to promote the management of stress related symptoms. Magnolia and phellodendron works by binding to stress receptors in the nervous system to promote relaxation and feelings of well being while ignoring receptors associated with sedation. Suntheanine: The Award-Winning, Patented Dietary Ingredient for Stress and Well-Being. Human clinical trials have shown Suntheanine to promote an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness. Additional human clinical research suggests that Suntheanine may have applications in improving the quality of sleep, diminishing normal symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), improving learning performance, heightening mental acuity, promoting concentration, reducing negative side effects of caffeine and supporting the immune system. Suntheanine was awarded the "Food Ingredient Research Award" at the 1998 Food Ingredients Europe and "Best New Product of 2000" at Nutracon. Suntheanine is protected by over 40 U.S. and international patents for its various physiological efficacies and L-isomer specific production processes. L-Theanine: L-Theanine is an amino acid found mainly in tea plants. It is especially common in green tea leaves, and gives green tea its distinctive taste. Although green tea has been used in Japanese traditional medicine for centuries, L-Theanine was first isolated as recently as 1950. Only lately has it become possible to extract useful amounts of L-Theanine from green tea leaves without needing to waste an enormous number of leaves. L-Theanine works to block the effects of caffeine, which explains why green tea, unlike other teas, is known for its calming effect. Studies suggest that L-Theanine increases the brain's production of alpha waves, and that it has an effect on the brain similar to meditating. L-Theanine appears to help regulate production of serotonin and dopamine, which would explain its relaxing properties. It is thought that L-Theanine may help improve learning and memory abilities, and that it may assist in regulating blood pressure. It also has been associated with reducing the size of tumors. L-5 Hydroxytryptophan (Griffonia simplicifolia): Griffonia simplicifolia is an intermediate in the natural conversion of the essential amino acid, tryptophan, to serotonin. Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP increases the amount and availability of serotonin produced by the body. Increased brain serotonin levels may produce positive effects on emotional well-being, appetite regulation, melatonin production and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Source Naturals 5-HTP is naturally derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. References: Bell, I. et al. Complex vitamin patterns in geriatric and young adult inpatients with major depression. J Am Geriatr Soc, 39:252-7, 1991. Benton, D., Haller, J. and Fordy, J., Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood. Neuropsychobiology, 32(2):98-105, 1995. Bottiglieri, T., Courtwright, K.H., and Summers, J.W., Folate, vitamin B12 and neuropsychiatric disorders, Nutr Rev, 1996 Dec;54(12):2099-101. Bottiglieri, T., Laundry M., Crellin R., Toone, B.K., Carney, M.W. and Reynolds, E.H., Homocystein, folate, methylation, and monoamine metabolism in depression, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 2000 Aug;69(2): 228-32. Brenner A., The effects of megadoses of selected B complex vitamins on children with hyperkinesis: Controlled studies with long-term follow-up. J Learn Disabil, 15(5):258-64, 1982. Carney, M.W., Ravindran, A., Rinsler, M.G. et al. Thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine deficiency in psychiatric inpatients. Br J Psychiatry, 141:271-2, 1982. Doll, H., Brown, S., Thurston, A. and Vessey, M., Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and the premenstrual syndrome: A randomized crossover trial. J R Coll Gen Pract, 39:364-8, 1989. Gallant, M.P., Bowering, J., Short, S.H., et al. Pyridoxine and magnesium status in women with premenstrual syndrome. Nutr Res, 7:243-52, 1987. Hallert, C., Astrom, J. and Walan, A., Reversal of psychopathology in adult coeliac disease with the aid of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Scand J Gastroenterol, 18(2):299-304, 1983. Heseker H., Kubler W., Pudel V. and Westenhoffer J., Psychological disorders as early symptoms of a mild-moderate vitamin deficiency. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 669:352-7, 1992. Hoes M.J. et al. Hyperventilation syndrome, treatment with L-tryptophan and pyridoxine; Predictive value of xanthurenic acid excretion. J Orthomol Psychiatry, 10(1):7-15, 1981. Juneja L.R., Chu D-C., Okubo T., et al. L-theanine a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends Food Sci Tech 1999; 10:199-204. Kakuda T., Nozawa A., Unno T., et al. Inhibiting effects of theanine on caffeine stimulation evaluated by EEG in the rat. Biosci Biotechno Biochem 2000; 64:287-293. Kleijnen, J. and Knipschild, P., Niacin and vitamin B6 in mental functioning: a review of controlled trials in humans. Biol Psychiatry, 29(9):931-41, 1991. Kleijnen, J., Ter Riet, G. and Knipschild, P., Vitamin B6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome ? a review. Br J Obstet Gynaecol, 97(9):847-52, 1990. Mason R. 200 mg of Zen; L-theanine boosts alpha waves, promotes alert relaxation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2001,April; 7:91-95. Moller, S.E. et al. Tryptophan availability in endogenous depression ? relation to efficacy of L-tryptophan treatment. Adv Biol Psychiatry, 10:30-46, 1983. Nakazawa, T., Yasuda, T. and Ohsawa, K., Metabolites of orally administered Magnolia officialis extracts in rats and man and its antidepressant-like effect in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2003 Nov;55(11):1583-91. Parry, G.J., Sensory neuropathy with low-dose pyridoxine. Neurology, 35:1466:8, 1985. Russ, C.S. et al. Vitamin B6 status of depressed and obsessive-compulsive patients. Nutr Rep Int, 27(4):867-73, 1983. Sandyk, R. and Pardeshi, R., Pyridoxine improves drug-induced parkinsonism and psychosis in a schizophrenic patients. J Neurosci, 53(3-4):225-32, 1990. Stewart, T.W., Harrison, W., Quitkin, F. et al. Low B6 levels in depressed outpatients. Biol Psychiatry, 19(4):613-16, 1984. Vutyavanich, T., Wongtrangan, S. and Ruangsri, R.A., Pyridoxine for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1995; 173:881-4. Wald, D.S., Bishop L., Wald, N.J., Law, M., Hennessy, E., Weir, D., McPartlin J. and Scott, J., Randomized trial of folic acid supplementation and serum homocysteine levels, Arch Intern Med, 2001 Mar 12;161(5): 695-700. Yokozawa T., Dong E., Influence of green tea and its three major components upon low- density lipoprotein oxidation. Exp Toxicol Pathol 1997; 49(5):329-335.

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