Although each person’s neurochemistry is unique, Alpha-Theta Ultra PM™ is a somnotropic formula that incorporates key nutrients recognized to induce calming brainwave activity and promote the onset and duration of high-quality sleep for most people by supporting GABA receptor function, and healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine. Well-researched anxiolytic botanicals and nutrients include L-theanine (Suntheanine®), Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea), 5-HTP and Melatonin.
L-Theanine
Increases GABA and Dopamine Levels
L-theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide) is an amino acid found in green tea. A derivative of glutamic acid, it is one of the most important neurotransmitters. Fat-soluble, it is easily absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier resulting in increased dopamine and GABA levels in the brain, and increased production of calming brain alphawaves. L-theanine has been shown to support improved sleep quality not by sedation but through anxiolysis.
Protection Against Glutamate Toxicity
There is some evidence L-theanine offers neuroprotective benefits partly due to the antagonistic action of theanine on glutamate subtype aMPA and kainite receptors. By acting on the glutamine (Gln) transporter, it inhibits the incorporation of extracellular Gln into neurons, suppressing the conversion of glutamine to glutamate by glutaminase. This antagonistic activity plays a role in neuroprotection against glutamate toxicity.
Optimizes Stress Response
In one study where subjects were given L-theanine and a placebo and exposed to stressors to test cortisol levels, the salivary cortisol response was significantly reduced in the subjects taking L-theanine when compared to the placebo. In another study, L-theanine intake resulted in a reduction in heart rate (HR) and salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) responses to acute stress relative to the placebo due to its effect on the sympathetic nervous system. Overall, L-theanine has been shown to cause “anti-stress effects” via the inhibition of cortical neuron excitation.
Increases Alpha Waves
L-theanine has been found to significantly increase activity in the alpha frequency band, which is associated with relaxing the mind.
Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
BDNF plays a central role in neural development and cell survival and is essential to the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. In one study, L-theanine was found to increase expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus due to its antagonistic action on the NMDA receptor, one of the three glutamate receptors. Therefore, L-theanine has been positively associate with BDNF, a protein that increases neural plasticity and promotes neurogenesis (dopaminergic and serotonergic).
Improves Overall Sleep Quality
When evaluating L-theanine’s effect on sleep quality, one study looked at boys diagnosed with ADHD and found higher sleep percentage and sleep efficiency scores, compared to those in the placebo group.
Baikal Skullcap
Improves Overall Sleep Quality
Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, or Chinese skullcap, has been widely used for its health-supporting properties for thousands of years in China. Flavones such as baicalin, wogonoside and their aglycones baicalein wogonin are the major bioactive compounds extracted from the root of S. baicalensis. Baicalin reports anxiolytic effects by acting on the GABA(A) receptor site and exerts this effect through the alpha2- and alpha3-containing subtypes. In addition, the neuroprotective effects of S. baicalensis have been studied using both in vitro and in vivo models yielding positive results.
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family that has been shown to improve sleep quality. In a study of children with sleep bruxism, Lemon Balm was administered, with and without Phytolacca decandra. A significant reduction of sleep bruxism was observed using the Visual Analogic Scale, demonstrating increased calmness during sleep. In another study, Lemon Balm increased self-ratings of calmness and alertness, mitigating the effects of stress, often the source of sleeplessness. These findings are also consistent with the German Commission E recommendations regarding the approval of Melissa officinalis L. extract use for nervous insomnia.
Passionflower Passiflora caerulea
Passiflora caerulea, also known as blue passionflower, is one of the most vigorous and tender members the passionflower genus Passiflora. Native to South America, its traditional use has been as an anxiolytic. According to the American Botanical Council, the components of the fruit and flower that confer therapeutic benefits include maltol, coumarin derivatives, flavonoids (vitexin), and small amounts of essential oils.
Much of the evidence supports the anxiolytic and sedative effects of Passiflora caerulea are due to its high chrysin content. Another animal study demonstrated that the combined aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis and Passiflora caerulea reduced plasma corticosterone, the most important biomarker associated with stress.
5-Hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP
5-HTP is the intermediate metabolite in the biosynthesis of serotonin. L-theanine, tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) all are reported to promote relaxation by acting as GABA receptor agonists, thereby boosting GABA levels. In animals, 5-HTP is decarboxylated to form serotonin, which is then either acetylated to N-acetylserotonin or it is methylated to form 5-methoxytryptamin; these products are either methylated or acetylated to produce melatonin, which aids in sleep.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the tryptophan-serotonin pathway. When using 5-HTP to enhance serotonin and melatonin production, the activated form of vitamin B6 helps to catalyze the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.
Melatonin
Melatonin functions in the regulation of sleep, modulation of circadian rhythms and enhancement of immunity, while retaining its ability to reduce oxidative stress by processes that are, in part, receptor-independent. This multifunctional hormone mediates the body’s response to light availability and signals its production in times of darkness to prepare for sleep. Production of melatonin decreases with age, which contributes to sleep difficulties associated with aging.
