L-Tryptophan- Tryptophan is an essential amino acid as well as within the group of only twenty standard amino acids that are required by the human diet. It is one of the building blocks required for protein biosynthesis. It is also viewed as a precursor to serotonin and thereby also melatonin, niacin and also auxin. Interestingly enough, lactose intolerance and fructose malabsorption have the side effect that tryptophan is only improperly absorbed in the intestines which leads to diminished levels of it in the system. Dietary sources of tryptophan are plentiful, it can be found in red meat, poultry, fish, milk, milk products, peanuts, mangoes, dates, chocolate and oats, among others. As a dietary supplement tryptophan has found applications as a safe sleeping aid and also as a calming agent.

Magnesium Stearate is coommonly used as a filling agent in the manufacture of capsules and tablets, such as vitamins, the source of this ingredient is typically bovine. However, there is an increasing number of vegetarian options in which the product specifically indicates it contains magnesium stearate from vegetable sources.

Magnolia Bark usage has been adopted from traditional Chinese medicine, where it was being used as an anti depressant. In conjunction with other ingredients, like Pinellia ternata, Poria cocos and Zingiber officinale, it has displayed effects that rival the ones of Prozac. Houpu, which is how Chinese call magnolia officinalis bark, contains polyphenolic compounds, mangolol, which is a bioactive compound with antifungal properties; and honokiol, a biphenolic compound which is known as an anxiolytic, anti-emetic, anti-depressant, antithrombotic and anti-bacterial. Honokiol in particular is a very potent anti-tumorigenic and neurotrophic compound, used to combat melanoma, leukemia, myeloma and sarcoma, as well as a multitude of cancers. It is also a known promoter of neurite outgrowth and has neuroprotective effects. There are no adverse effects known.

Melatonin, a naturally produced chemical messenger made by the pinealocytes, the cells in the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. Melatonin is involved in the circadian cycle, where it is believed that it chemically lowers the body temperature and causes drowsiness. The pineal gland produces melatonin only when it is dark, i.e. during the night. It is furthermore believed that melatonin interacts with leptin, whereby the leptin levels are lowered. Actually it was found that the interaction with insulin stimulated the leptin levels, which seems to be responsible for appetite suppression during sleep. Further investigation provided evidence that melatonin displays strong antioxidant properties. N-Acetyl-5-Methoxytryptamine, or melatonin, has been studied extensively for treatment of many diseases, including treatment of drug abuse, cancer, seasonal affective disorder and depression.

Oleamide is an amide of a fatty acid known as oleic acid. It occurs naturally in the body of animals. In animals, Oleamide induces sleep. It is present in the cerebrospinal fluid particularly when sleep deprived. It is used to treat and manage different mood disorders and sleep disorders, including depressions that are regulated by cannabinoid. It is also found to help treat and stop the progression of Adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD – a disease that affects the brain and adrenal glands. Industrially, it is used as lubricant and surfactant. Oleamide help boost memory retention and alertness. It also has hypotensive effects that helps in reducing the blood pressure.

Piperine, an extract that comes from the fruit of the black pepper plant “Piper Nigrum” and “Piper Longum,” sets the stage for the activities in the body that lead to digestion and intestinal absportion by increasing the metabolic process. It is a pungent substance that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of various diseases and is commercially available. Piperine forms monochenic needles, is slightly soluble in water and even more so in alcohol, ether, or chloroform. It significantly enhances the body’s ability to absorb nutrients into the blood stream, and supports the body’s natural thermogenic activities. It inhibits human CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which are enzymes that are important for transport of xenobiotics and metabolites. Piperin has been found to stimulate skin pigmentation when exposed to UVB light. Caution should be used by those on other medications if taking this extract because of piperin’s effects on drug metabolism.

Salvia Sclarea, also known as clary or clary sage, is basically a biennial herb. It is a herb native throughout Europe and central and east Asia. Though, it was historically found in France, Switzerland, Italy and Syria. It reaches a height of one meter at the time of maturity. It has wooly texture leaves. The flowers on this herb appear in clusters on its stem and are often of the color pink, white or pale purple. Salvia sclarea is known to have an odor that appeals to some while at the same time are very unpleasant for the others. Majority of the salvia sclarea cultivation is done for the perfume industry in England, France and southern Russia. A lot specialty stores and scent shops sell the distilled essential oil obtained from salvia sclarea.

Scutellaria ( Root )- For the treatment of damp-warm syndrome with fever, feeling of fullness in the chest, and greasy tongue coating.

Silica is silicon dioxide, a trace mineral found in bones, teeth, skin, eyes, glands and organs. It also helps keep skin elastic. Silica works with calcium to maintain bone strength.

Valerian Root is a perennial plant, which can bloom into pink and white flowers that have a scent perceived as sweetly. It can be found in Europe and some areas in Asia, recently also in North America, where it has been imported. The sedative and anxiolytic properties of the valerian roots have been known to mankind for centuries. Valerian root extracts contain many pharmacologically active substances, some which are valeric acid, GABA, isovaleramide, valerine, valerianine, actinidine, an essential oil that contains sesquiterpenes, and many more. Since that valerian has been used as a pain reliever, anti convulsant, a sedative and for migraine treatment, the primary use has been always related to the GABA receptor system. It has been recommended as a potent sleeping agent.

Ziziphus Jujuba is also known as the Indian Jujube. These fruits are applied on cuts and used for pulmonary ailments and fevers. The dried ripe fruit is also used as a mild laxative. They are a rich source of protein, calcium, thiamine, citric acid, iron and phosphorus. The dried leaves of the plant are used in poultices for liver trouble, asthma and fever. The juice of the root bark is used to alleviate gout and rheumatism. The flowers are even used to make a lotion for the eyes.