Download NutriCalm for Dogs

TECHNICAL REPORT
for USE by VETERINARIANS ONLY
Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS, CVA
Rx Vitamins for Pets Formulator and Chief Medical Officer
NutriCalm for Dogs
FORMULA SUMMARY:
NutriCalm for Dogs (which is delivered in a capsule format) is a combination of amino
acids and herbs designed to natural calm and relax without sedation. NutriCalm
for Dogs features L-Theanine, a non-protein-forming amino acid, naturally
occurring in green tea, which is known for its calming properties. NutriCalm for
Dogs also contains pharmaceutical-grade, l-tryptophan, in addition to several
botanicals that calm and reduce stress.
THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY:
Promote increased neurotransmitters involved in reducing anxiety and calming by the use
of nutraceuticals, botanicals and minerals, in a easy-to-administer encapsulated
formulation
USES:
As a dietary supplement to aid in the management of anxious pets
 Travel
 Kennel stays
 Vet visits
 Grooming
 Multiple pet households with behavior “issues”
 Pets with mild anxiety disorders
 Separation anxiety
 Neurogenic diarrhea
 Neurogenic dermatitis
INGREDIENTS: (per capsule)
l-Tryptophan (pharmaceutical grade)
l-Theanine (Suntheanine brand)
Ashwagandha extract (Withania somnifera)
Catnip extract (Nepeta cataria)
Valerian root extract (Valeriana officinalis)
Calcium (as aspartate)
Magnesium (as aspartate)
150 mg
25 mg
50 mg
50 mg
50 mg
30 mg
30 mg
INGREDIENT RATIONALE:
L-Tryptophan is the most complex of the amino acids, and is a precursor to the
production of the B vitamin, niacin and the neurotransmitter
serotonin.(Mahan 1996) Tryptophan, and its metabolite, 5hydroxytrypotophan have been measured to increase serotonin levels in the
brain. (Blundell 1991)
Animals placed on a tryptophan-free diet, which results in reduced serotonin
levels, have greater aggressive tendencies, especially during competitive
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social interactions such as feeding. (Mehlman 1995) In a human study,
investigators measured 5-HIAA (a serotonin metabolite) levels in 26
patients who were “self-mutilators”. They all exhibited serum serotonin
deficiency, in addition to demonstrating severe character pathologies:
Greater aggressiveness, anti-social, chronic anger, greater impulsivity and
physical symptoms of anxiety. (Simeon 1992)
Poldinger describes a serotonin deficiency syndrome, which includes depression,
anxiety, aggression, sleep disturbances, obsessive-compulsive traits, and
other behavioral abnormalities. (Poldinger 1991)
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in ordinary tea leaves from Camellia
sinensis. It is also found in other species of Camellia and in the edible
boletus mushroom Xerocomus badius. L-theanine can promote mental and
physical relaxation; it decreases stress and anxiety. At the same time as it
relaxes, it does not sedate. Theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier
which is why it has psychoactive properties.(Yokogoshi 1998) Theanine is
a modification of the amino acid glutamine, with an ethyl group added
onto its termination.
Theanine has been found to increase levels of GABA, serotonin and dopamine,
and to have an affinity for NMDA receptors. (Nathan 2006) Theanine
promotes alpha wave production in the brain. (Gomez-Ramirez 2007 )
Studies indicate that theanine increases the level of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric
acid), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. As such,
GABA balances excessive excitatory neuronal activity, thus reducing
restlessness and insomnia. GABA deficiency is associated with anxiety
and panic attacks in humans. Theanine also appears to increase levels of
dopamine which accounts for its influence on reducing hypertension as
well as its influence on concentration and confidence.
Toxicity studies in rats have shown that extremely high doses of theanine over
extended periods of time produced no adverse effects. (Borzelleca 2006)
Valerian root extract (Valeriana officinalis) is a safe herb with a long history of
use as a remedy to promote sleep and to reduce restlessness. It has no
known interactions with other drugs, nor have adverse side-effects been
reported following its usage. There are no known contraindications for its
use. (Blumenthal 1998) In a case report published in Veterinary and
Human Toxicology, 1995, noted that an overdosage of valerian given at 20
times the recommended allowance produced no signs of toxicity. (Willey
1995)
Studies have demonstrated that the psychoactive phytochemicals in valerian root,
valeric acid and valepotriates are capable of binding to the same receptors
in the brain as diazepam and other benzodiazepine drugs. (Mennini 1993)
The side-effects normally associated with the use of these drugs, however,
have not been reported with the use of valerian root. (Leathwood 1985)
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Valerian root extracts can inhibit GABA, as well as reduce its rate of re-uptake at
the synaptic cleft, which may explain its usefulness in treating anxiety and
depression. Valerian extracts contain GABA, but it is currently unknown
whether GABA can cross the blood-brain barrier. (Cavadas 1995) (Duke,
1998) (Santos 1994) (Morazzoni 1995) Rudolph Weiss, MD, in his classic
text: Herbal Medicine (1960), reports that valerian has an effect on cats
similar to that of catnip. (Guzman 1998)
Ashwaganda extract (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that has a long
history of use within the Ayurvedic tradition. Other names for
Ashwaganda include: “Indian ginseng” and “Winter Cherry.” It contains
the steroidal lactones, withanone and withanine; as well as withanolides
and glycowithanolides. Ashwaganda has a beneficial effect on both the
immune system and the central nervous system, similar to that of ginseng,
which is also an adaptogen. Adaptogens help to promote homeostasis
during periods of stress, as a result of their normalizing effect on the
adrenal glands. Medically, Ashwaganda is used as a general health tonic
and restorative agent for individuals with exhaustion and debility, or for
those who are undergoing stress. (Silver 1998, 2007)
Catnip extract (Nepeta cataria) has the properties of being an antidiarrheal,
antispasmotic, diaphoretic and febrifugal agent. Its effects upon the
central nervous system have also been published. It is known to have both
sedative and calmative properties, and possesses a very low toxicity.
(Tyler 1994) (Duke 1998)
Magnesium aspartate is a kreb’s cycle chelate, and therefore, a more biologically
available form of elemental magnesium. The brain, heart, liver and kidney
are the tissues with the highest concentration of magnesium. Signs and
symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include fatigue, mental confusion,
irritability, weakness, problems with nerve conduction and muscle
contraction, muscle cramps, inappetance, insomnia and predisposition to
stress. (Murray 1996)
Calcium aspartate is a kreb’s cycle chelate, being a more biologically available
form of elemental calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the
body. It affects transport functions of cell membranes, with the added
effect of stabilizing cell membranes. It also influences the transmission of
ions across the membranes of cellular organelles, the release of
neurotransmitters at synaptic junctions, the function of protein hormones
and the release or activation of intracellular and extracellular enzymes.
Calcium is required in nerve transmission and regulation of the heart beat.
A balance among calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium ions
maintains muscle tone and controls nerve irritability. (Czajka-Narins
1996)
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS:
NutriCalm for Dogs was designed to help enhance serotonin-dependent behavior
in dogs. Animals with a range of behavior issues, such as thunderphobia,
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hyperactivity, nervousness, fear of travel, fear of vet’s office, psychogenic
dermatitis, hair pulling, excessive licking and psychogenic diarrhea will
benefit from the use of this formula. This formula has found itself to be
very useful as an adjunct to behavior modification therapy.
NutriCalm for Dogs can also be very helpful with short-term anxiety
situations such as travel by car or plane, trips to the vets, the groomers, and
other social situations where the animal’s anxiety can pose a problem.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGES:
Label:
“1 capsule for each 25-50 pounds of body weight twice daily or as needed.”
(Dosages may be divided into twice daily administrations. Higher dosages (2-3
times the recommended maintenance dose) produce more immediate sedative
effects, lower dosages provide long term anxiety maintenance therapy)
A NOTE on DOSING:
Nutricalm for Dogs has biphasic effects, dependent upon its dosing schedule.
1. It can be used only on an “as-needed” basis for that occasional calming effect.
a. Vet and groomer visits, traveling, company visiting your home
2. It can be given twice or thrice daily (based on individual effect) for longer term
behavior issues such as multi-pet conflict within a household, separation anxiety,
timidity, thunderphobia.
CITATIONS:
Blumenthal, M., Ed. (1998). The Complete German Commission E Monographs:
Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Austin, Texas, American Botanical Council.
Blundell, J. (1991). “Pharmacological approaches to appetite suppression.” Trends
Pharmacol 12: 147-157.
Borzelleca J, Peters D, Hall W (2006). "A 13-week dietary toxicity and toxicokinetic
study with L-theanine in rats". Food Chem Toxicol 44 (7): 1158-66. PMID 16759779.
Cavadas C, Araujo I, Cotrim MD, et al.: In vitro study on the interaction of Valeriana
officianalis L. extracts and their amino acids on GABAA receptor in rat brain.
Arzneimittel-Forschung Drug Research 45: 753-755, 1995.
Czajka-Narins, D. M. (1996). Minerals. Krause's Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. L. K.
Mahan and S. Escott-Stump. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company: 124-125.
Duke, J. A., J. duCellier, et al. (1998). Western Herbal Medicine: Traditional Materia
Medica. Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine. A. S. Schoen and S. G.
Wynn. St. Louis, MO, Mosby, Inc.: 307.
Gomez-Ramirez M. (2007) "The Deployment of Intersensory Selective Attention: A
High-density Electrical Mapping Study of the Effects of Theanine". Clin Neuropharmacol
30 (1): 25-38. PMID 17272967.
Guzman, E. d. (1998). Western Herbal Medicine: Clinical Applications. Complementary
and Alternative Veterinary Medicine. M. S. A and S. G. Wynn. St. Louis, Mosby: 358.
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Leathwood, P. D. and F. Chauffard (1985). “Aqueous extract of valerian (Valeriana
officinalis L.) reduces latency to fall asleep in man.” Planta Medica 54: 144-148.
Mahan, L. K. and S. Escott-Stump, Eds. (1996). Proteins. Food, Nutrition, and Diet
Therapy. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company.
Mehlman, P., J. Higley, et al. (1995). “Correlation of CSF 5-HIAA concentrations with
sociality and the timing of emigration in free-ranging primates.” Am J. Psychiatry 152:
907-913.
Mennini, T. and e. al. (1993). “In vitro study on the interaction of extracts and pure
compounds from Valeriana officinalis roots with GABA, benzodiazepine and barbiturate
receptors in rat brain.” Fitoterapia 54: 291-300.
Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E: Valeriana officinalis: traditional use and recent evaluation
of activity. Fitoterapia 66:99-112, 1995.
Murray, M. T. (1996). Magnesium. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima
Publishing: 159-175.
Nathan P, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C (2006). "The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(Nethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent". J Herb
Pharmacother 6 (2): 21-30. PMID 17182482
Poldinger, W., B. Calanchini, et al. (1991). “A functional-dimensional approach to
depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in comparison of 5hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine.” Psychopathology 24: 53-81.
Santos MS, Ferreira F, Cunha AP, Carvalho AP, Macedo T. An aqueous extract of
valerian influences the transport of GABA in synaptosomes. Planta Medica 60: 278-279,
1994.
Silver, R. J. (1998). Ayurvedic Veterinary Medicine. Complementary and Alternative
Veterinary Medicine. A. S. Schoen and S. G. Wynn. St. Louis, MO, Mosby, Inc.: 459460.
Silver, R. J. (2007). Ayurvedic Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Herbal Medicine S. G.
Wynn and B.J. Fougere. St. Louis, MO, Mosby, Inc.: page 81.
Simeon, D., B. Stanley, et al. (1992). “Self-mutilation in personality disorders:
Psychological and biological correlates.” Am J. Psychiatry 149: 221-226.
Tyler, V. E. (1994). Herbs of Choice--The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New
York, Pharmaceutical Products Press.
Willey, L. B. (1995). “Valerian Overdose: A Case Report.” Veterinary and Human
Toxicology 37(No. 4): 364-365.
Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M, Mochizuki M, Terashima T (1998). "Effect of theanine, rglutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious
rats". Neurochem Res 23 (5): 667-73.
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