Tranquility Base

Occasional stress and anxiety are natural functions of life, but when balanced with appropriate amounts of relaxation, meditation, and exercise, occasional stress can be taken in stride and can actually support health and well-being. Sometimes, however, the scale tips too far; we may not get that daily relaxation time, and we can find a bit more of an imbalance than we’re used to. Tranquility Base is designed for times like these to help provide mental and physical relaxation, while decreasing occasional stress and anxiety. Only the best researched herbs have been included. This unique formula can be used by men and women of all ABO blood types.

Tranquility Base comprises four synergistic ingredients.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid).  GABA in the central nervous system, is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is synthesized in the brain by the decarboxylation of glutamate. (1,2) GABA exerts anticonvulsant, sedative, and anxiolytic effects at the cellular level. (1,2)

L-Theanine.  L-Theanine is the major amino acid found in green tea and appears to be a relaxant that increases alpha-waves, producing mental and physical relaxation while decreasing stress and anxiety, without inducing drowsiness. (3-5) Theanine has historically been used for its relaxing and anti-anxiety effects. It’s thought that theanine might work for anxiety by increasing levels of GABA and serotonin. (6)

Lemon balm (from Melissa officinalis).  The applicable part of Lemon balm is the leaf and leaf oil. Lemon balm seems to have sedative, antioxidant, and antiviral effects. (7-10) Lemon balm contains citronella, neral, and geranial monoterpenoid aldehydes, flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds (including rosmarinic acid) and monoterpene  glycosides. These substances may contribute to the behavioral effects of lemon balm dried leaf and essential oil. (8) Some research suggests lemon balm might have acetylcholine receptor activity with both nicotinic and muscarinic binding properties. (8) Clinical research suggests that lemon balm induces a calming effect and reduces alertness. (8)

Chamomile Leaf Standardized Extract (from Matricaria recutita, Standardized to 1.2% Apigenin).  The active constituents of Chamomile include quercetin, apigenin, and coumarins, and the essential oils matricin, chamazulene, alpha bisaboloid and bisaboloid oxides. (11) Although the constituent(s) responsible for the sedative activity of German chamomile are unclear, some preliminary research suggests that apigenin can bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA receptors are the primary receptor sites of benzodiazepines in the central nervous system. However, other research suggests that apigenin doesn’t affect GABA receptors and that other constituents of German chamomile are responsible for the sedative activity. (12,13)

• Diminishes symptoms of PMS
• Improves learning performance
• Heightens mental acuity – neurotransmitter
• Promotes concentration
• Acts antagonistically against the paralysis induced by caffeine
• Supports the immune system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA
• Increases brain dopamine levels among other positive benefits with no known downside

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2. Bloom FE, Kupfer DJ. Psychopharmacology: The Fourth Generation of Progress. New York, NY: Raven Press, Ltd., 1995.
3. Kakuda T, Yanase H, Utsunomiya K, et al. Protective effect of gamma-glutamylethylamide (theanine) on ischemic delayed neuronal death in gerbils. Neurosci Lett 2000;289:189-92
4. Sadzuka Y, Sugiyama T, Sonobe T. Efficacies of tea components on doxorubicin induced antitumor activity and reversal of multidrug resistance. Toxicol Lett 2000;114:155-62.
5. Mason R. 200 mg of Zen; L-theanine boosts alpha waves, promotes alert relaxation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2001,April; 7:91-95
6. Lu K, Gray MA, Oliver C, et al. The acute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp 2004;19:457–65
7. Wolbling RH, Leonhardt K. Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:25-31.
8. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002;72:953-64.
9. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, et al. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003;74:863-6.
10. Koytchev R, Alken RG, Dundarov S. Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis. Phytomedicine 1999;6:225-30
11. Hormann HP, Korting HC. Evidence for the efficacy and safety of topical herbal drugs in dermatology: part I: anti-inflammato- ry agents. Phytomedicine 1994;1:161-71.
12. Viola H, Wasowski C, Levi de Stein M, et al. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects. Planta Med 1995;61:213-6.
13. Avallone R, Zanoli P, Puia G, et al. Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Bio- chem Pharmacol 2000;59:1387-94.