Elevated stress levels can compromise the immune system, leading to increased irritability, loss of interest, and nervousness. It can also disrupt sleep patterns, resulting in racing thoughts that prevent restful sleep. This, in turn, can strain relationships, reduce productivity, and trigger anger issues. Furthermore, stress can contribute to weight gain through unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating and impair concentration due to a heightened state of vigilance.
The long-term implications of chronic stress are significant, impacting both physical and mental health. Reducing stress levels is essential for promoting overall well-being, supporting healthy living, and encouraging healthy aging.
Serenity was created to support our bodies response to stressful situations and is fast-acting so it can be depended on whenever you need it most. Serenity features a combination of the latest clinically validated ingredients that are exclusively combined at therapeutic doses. Serenity from Healthgevity is a top natural option for enhancing stress resilience and supporting overall mental and physical well-being.
Featured Benefits:
• Supports a healthy stress response
• Promotes an overall sense of calmness
•Helps support relaxation and reduction of nervousness
• Helps maintain healthy cortisol levels during everyday stress
• Maintains healthy neurotransmitter release (Specifically, GABA)
• Promotes both healthy REM & Non-REM sleep cycles
DHH-B (Dihydrohonokiol-B) from Magnolia Bark
Magnolia bark plays a central role in traditional Chinese medical formulas as a natural anxiolytic. Honokiol extracted from the bark has been studied independently to investigate its mechanisms of action on the central nervous system and has been shown to interact with neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.
A natural variant of honokiol exists with a much better profile, selectivity, and strength of the Honokiol. It is called DHH-B (or dihydrohonokiol-B) and is 20x the strength as the natural Magnolia Bark (Honokiol). DHH-B is a promising compound known for its therapeutic properties, particularly in stress relief, relaxation, and supporting healthy sleep patterns. DHH-B enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability. By increasing GABA activity, DHH-B can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety levels.
Additionally, DHH-B interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system by activating cannabinoid receptors. This interaction can enhance mood, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation, providing a comprehensive approach to emotional and physical well-being. DHH-B has also been shown to lower adrenaline levels, helping to mitigate the physiological effects of chronic and severe stress.
The compound's antioxidant properties further contribute to its neuroprotective and anti-aging effects. DHH-B effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species and enhances the body's endogenous antioxidant defenses, thereby supporting neurological health and protecting against oxidative stress. It also modulates the immune response by influencing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Holixer™ Holy Basil Extract
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Tulsi, has a long history of use in traditional Indian and Asian medical systems. Unlike common culinary basil, Holy Basil is highly revered for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and other traditional practices. Recent research has corroborated the herb's traditional uses, highlighting its potential to support a healthy stress response, enhance sleep quality, and offer anxiolytic and adaptogenic benefits.
Serenity features a specialized form of Holy Basil called Holixer™ which is a patented and extensively researched preparation standardized to contain at least 5% Ocimum Bioactive Complex, a unique blend of bioactive compounds including Rabdosin, Rosmarinic acid, Luteolin-7-o-beta-glucuronide, Ociglycoside I, and Apigenin-7-o-beta-glucuronide.
These bioactive components are thought to contribute to Holy Basil's therapeutic effects. For instance, Rosmarinic acid and Apigenin-7-o-beta-glucuronide have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help mitigate the physiological impact of stress. Luteolin-7-o-beta-glucuronide and Ociglycoside I are known for their potential neuroprotective effects, which could play a role in improving cognitive function and mood stability under stress. Rabdosin, another key component, may aid in balancing the body's stress hormones, thus supporting a more resilient stress response.
In clinical studies, Holixer™ Holy Basil has been observed to promote better sleep by modulating the stress response and reducing the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This, in turn, helps to lower cortisol levels, which are often elevated in individuals experiencing chronic stress. Lower cortisol levels are associated with improved sleep quality and reduced feelings of anxiety.
Natural GABA probiotic L. plantarum 815 (LP815™)
GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a crucial role in modulating neuronal excitability and maintaining balance in brain signaling. GABA's primary mechanism of action involves reducing the excitability of neurons, thereby aiding in mood stabilization, stress regulation, and sleep quality. Insufficient GABA levels can result in various health issues, including heightened stress, mood disturbances, poor sleep quality, and impaired cognitive function.
GABA Probiotic is formulated to provide a sustained release of GABA, offering continuous calming and stress support throughout the day and night. Unlike traditional GABA supplements, which often lead to a rapid but short-lived increase in GABA levels, GABA Probiotic ensures a more stable and prolonged delivery of this neurotransmitter. This is achieved through the use of a proprietary strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lp815™, which has been specifically selected for its ability to produce GABA over an extended period.
The choice of Lp815™ is backed by advanced computational modeling and high-throughput screening, allowing for the identification of a strain that outperforms other industry-leading strains in sustained GABA production. The strain's unique capability lies in its robust GABA synthesis in the gastrointestinal tract, leveraging the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut microbiota and the brain. By producing GABA locally in the gut, Lp815™ may influence central nervous system function and mood regulation, providing a dual pathway for enhancing GABA levels.
This sustained production is particularly beneficial compared to traditional GABA supplements, which often require multiple doses throughout the day due to their transient effects. The prolonged release profile of GABA Probiotic reduces the need for frequent redosing, thereby offering a more convenient and consistent option for patients seeking to manage stress and support mood stability.
Saffron Extract (as affron®)
We also included affron® Saffron Extract, which is a highly acclaimed and extensively researched form of saffron, recognized for its rapid and comprehensive effects on both brain and body health. This premium extract has been shown to work within approximately one hour, delivering significant benefits such as reduced oxidative stress, balanced neurotransmitter levels, enhanced neuroplasticity, and improvements in memory and sexual function.
Clinical evidence supports affron® as the most studied saffron extract with eight human clinical studies, demonstrating its ability to improve mood in healthy adults experiencing occasional stress and anxiety. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants who consumed 28 mg/day of affron® for four weeks experienced a 41% improvement in mood, along with a significant reduction in occasional stress, frustration, and tension compared to the placebo group
L-Theanine (as L-TeaActive®)
Theanine is an amino acid that is not commonly found in the human diet, as it is not one of the essential or nonessential amino acids. L-theanine is often called a “nondietary amino acid.” Because of its structure, theanine is known to reach the brain quickly following oral consumption. L-theanine is present in various food sources but is found mainly in both green and black teas.
Theanine is found to be relaxing, but not sedating agent, and has been found to help process stress and to improve attention. It has also been found to aid in sleep quality.
L-Theanine: A Natural Supplement for Anxiety?
Studies show that increasing intake of theanine can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heartbeat and increased secretion of immunoglobulin A in saliva. Its effects are somewhat similar to those of a sedative, but L-theanine is far from this prescription drug. It is actually considered to be an effective anxiolytic, which helps to prevent the brain from producing an anxious response to stressful situations.
How Does L-Theanine for Anxiety Work?
L-theanine is processed in the brain through the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is similar to a gateway that prevents blood borne substances from crossing over into the brain; it is a form of protection for one of the body’s most important organs. While this barrier is beneficial, it does have its downsides; most notably, it prevents many medications from reaching their target area. Research shows that 98% of small molecule neurotherapies, and 100 percent of large molecule neurotherapies can’t pass through the blood-brain barrier, rendering many types of common treatments for anxiety almost useless.
L-theanine is different. It uses the leucine-preferring transport system to hitch a ride across the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to target the brain directly. Essentially, theanine is better able to get to where it needs to be efficiently.
Once past the blood-brain barrier, L-theanine enacts a variety of neurophysiological and pharmacological effects. It has been found to up-regulate inhibitory neurotransmitters, and blocks the binding of L-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors in the brain. It has also been found to potentially modulate serotonin and dopamine in select areas of the brain. L-theanine’s inhibition of cortical neuron excitation can have anti-stress effects.
The three main mechanisms of how L-theanine works in the brain:
-
Dampens the effects of excitatory brain chemicals
○ L-theanine is reported to target a number of glutamate receptors, including N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl- 4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and kainite receptors, although at a much lower affinity compared to glutamate
-
Increases levels of calming and mood-elevating brain chemicals
○ L-theanine also stimulates the production of the calming brain chemicals like γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin and dopamine adding to its calming and relaxing effects without sleepiness or impaired motor function
-
Increases alpha brain waves
○ This increase in alpha wave activity is thought to contribute to L-theanine’s relaxing yet alert effects.
