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TECHNICAL DATA
Stress Support Complex
Description
Stress Support Complex is a balanced formula specially designed to help manage the
effects of common, everyday anxiety and stress. The formula contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine, Withania somnifera root extract (Ashwagandha),
Valeriana officinalis root extract (Valerian Root) and Passiflora incarnata stem, leaf and
berry extract (Passion Flower). These natural substances work in a complementary way
to promote relaxation.
Mechanism of Action
GABA
In the central nervous system, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. It exerts calming and anxiolytic effects at the cellular level.
Orally, GABA supplements aid in the relief of common, everyday anxiety while enhancing mood and helping to improve attention and concentration. GABA also helps to
relieve common premenstrual symptoms. A number of physicians have reported beneficial effects for stress and anxiety with GABA supplementation. Some of the herbs in
Stress Support Complex act by modulating GABA.
L-Theanine
Asian cultures have often used teas for their relaxation effects. The pleasant relaxing
sensation is caused by the presence of a neurologically active amino acid, L-theanine
(gamma-ethyl-amino-L-glutamic acid). Most teas, especially green tea, have the reputation of having less caffeine than coffee; it is the L-theanine in tea that lessens the
stimulant effect of caffeine on the human nervous system. According to Mason, two
small human studies showed that within 30-40 minutes of consuming 50 or 200 mg of
L-theanine there is an increase of alpha wave activity/electrical signals produced by the
brain which are associated with sleep. The perceived relaxation effect in the subjects
coincided with the detection of alpha waves. This shows that L-theanine fosters a state
of alert relaxation. Interestingly, anxious people have fewer or smaller alpha waves.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that grows in India, Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Spain, parts of the Middle East, Africa, and the Canary Islands. It is sometimes called “Indian ginseng” probably because it is employed as an adaptogen or tonic
in Ayurvedic traditional medicine. Researchers have indicated that Ashwagandha has
an “anti-stressor” effect, suppressing stress-induced increases of dopamine receptors
in the corpus striatum of the brain. It also appears to reduce stress-induced increases
of plasma corticosterone, blood urea nitrogen, and blood lactic acid. Ashwagandha
also has anxiolytic effects, possibly by acting as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
mimetic agent.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 4 Capsules
Servings Per Container 45
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid)
L-Theanine (Suntheanine ®)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
root extract
Valerian root extract
Passion Flower aerial portion extract
500 mg *
400 mg *
200 mg *
200 mg *
100 mg *
*Daily Value not established.
Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (vegetarian capsule).
Product code
CP1660
180 capsules
Recommended Dosage
Take two capsules two times daily. For sleep take
four capsules at bedtime.
Precautions
Ashwagandha’s soothing and calming effects may
potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics. Theanine might potentiate the
activity of antihypertensive medications. Valerian
may increase the effects of alcohol, benzodiazepines, and CNS depressants. Passion flower, when
taken together with other sedatives may increase the
risk of excessive sedation and drowsiness.
Recommended Applications
• Provides support for emotional and mental stress
related to everyday anxiety
• Enhances mental acuity, concentration and
learning performance
• Promotes mental, emotional and muscle
relaxation
• Improves immune system functions during stress
Given their relative similarities in function, a study was performed which compared
Ginseng (Panax ginseng), and Ashwagandha. Using aqueous suspensions of the powdered root, each herb was tested in mice for anti-stress activity (by the swimming
endurance test). The results showed that Ashwagandha had anti-stress activity comparable to Ginseng, and each showed greater anti-stress activity than the control group.
Furthermore, since stress can weaken immune response, the fact that Ashwagandha
can improve immune function makes this herb doubly valuable. This was demonstrated in animal research where a daily dose of Ashwagandha resulted in an increase
in phagocytosis and intracellular macrophage activity.
Valerian Root Extract
Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular botanical used for its calming and relaxing properties. The German Commission E recommends valerian root one or more
times a day for “restlessness and nervous disturbance of sleep.” Numerous studies
have found that taking valerian orally seems to reduce self-reported stress in those
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Information contained in this Product Technical Sheet is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide personal medical advice.
Such advice should be obtained from a medical professional. Reproduction of any part of this work is prohibited. © 2013 Complementary Prescriptions, LLC.
www.cpmedical.net 700-3CM1660 (Rev. F)
(888) 401-0967
experiencing anxiousness. The valerenic acid components of valerian can inhibit the
breakdown of GABA, which may explain some of the relaxing properties of this herb.
Passion Flower Extract
Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is used as a calming agent, often in combination
with other herbs. The German Commission E recommends it for “nervous unrest.”
In a double-blind trial of 182 patients with adjustment disorder and anxious mood,
patients received a preparation containing six herbal extracts including passion flower
and valerian, or a placebo. Improvements were noted in patients who took the herbal
mixture compared with those who received a placebo. Likewise, another German study
has found the combination of valerian and passion flower to be useful for everyday
anxiety and nervousness.
References
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Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
Valerian monograph. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 1995-2009 Therapeutic
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Information contained in this Product Technical Sheet is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide personal medical advice.
Such advice should be obtained from a medical professional. Reproduction of any part of this work is prohibited. © 2013 Complementary Prescriptions, LLC.
www.cpmedical.net (888) 401-0967