- Patented Zembrin® extract
- Natural antidepressant
- Reduces anxiety
- Increases serotonin levels in the brain
- May improve reaction time
- Supports neuronal energy metabolism
- Stabilizes mood and emotions
- Improves memory
- Increases the efficiency of information processing
- Effective dose in just one capsule
Doctor's Best Calm is a dietary supplement containing 25 mg of the patented Zembrin® extract from the Sceletium tortuosum plant per capsule. It is a natural remedy that improves mood and reduces mental tension, with an increase in cognitive function.
Sceletium Tortuosum (Kanna) - an African plant, traditionally used for its psychoactive properties. It became popular as a remedy used prior to stressful events, such as hunting, in which it was beneficial to feel less stress and tension, allowing one to better focus on stalking and tracking game. Traditionally it was taken by chewing and swallowing with saliva, but nowadays encapsulated extracts are most commonly used. It has been known for hundreds of years, and now its actions are confirmed by numerous scientific studies, so the plant is gaining popularity again.
Serotonin - the molecule of happiness
When we talk about serotonin, we think of pleasure. This neurotransmitter is responsible for feeling fulfilled in life, experiencing blissful joy and peace. Its deficiency is found in mental disorders such as depression or anxiety and social phobia. No wonder, then, that everyone strives for high levels of it.
One of the alkaloids contained in Sceletium tortuosum - mesembrin - has an affinity for the serotonin transporter SERT. Blocking this transporter results in less efficient uptake of unused serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron, so that it reaches a higher concentration at the synapse and its effects are felt more strongly, as more abundant serotonin molecules activate postsynaptic receptors. The most widely used antidepressants of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group work by a similar mechanism, but here we are dealing with an all-natural alternative.
Mood stabilization
In stressful moments, we suffer from anxiety, which can disrupt some of our body functions - our hands begin to tremble and our thoughts run wild, reducing our ability to focus on our chosen element. In such moments, the activity of an area in the brain that we call the amygdala increases. This is one of the centers where emotions are processed.
As reported by scientists, Sceletium tortuosum inhibits the activity of the amygdala at given moments, so that anxiety is not so annoying and the mood becomes more stable. As a result, we have better control over our bodies in stressful situations, and our reaction time and ability to concentrate improve.
Procognitive component
Kanna is also known for its selective phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibition, so it raises cAMP levels in cells, just as artichoke extract or the pharmaceutical rolipram does. Raising cAMP in neurons in practice contributes to increased cognition, improved long-term memory, reduced inflammation and neuroprotection. Based on this mechanism, we get an improvement in brain function in a way that is safe, and even serves health, unlike stimulants, which are often abused.
The procognitive properties of this extract have been successfully tested by administering it before approaching various tests. Better performance on tests is also due to the reduction of anxiety and sedation, as it is easier to focus on the task at hand when one is not hindered by fear and stress.
An herb with complex effects
The two main mechanisms, serotonin reuptake inhibition and PDE-4 inhibition, complement each other, canceling out their potential downsides and potentiating the positive effects. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors can cause overexpression of PDE-4, so inhibition of this enzyme is highly recommended. Thus, we can get a purely serotonin-induced improvement in well-being, without the frequently occurring lassitude and impaired concentration that hinders normal functioning.
On the other hand, PDE-4 blockade alone can lead to feelings of nausea, which in turn is abolished by interaction with the serotonin transporter. Thus, the final result is a unique combination of mood boosting with cognitive enhancement without combining several agents, through only one plant extract.
In conclusion, Doctor's Best Calm with Zembrin® is especially recommended for people struggling with stress and anxiety, but who do not want to reach for pharmacological drugs and do not want to let cognitive abilities decline, which accompanies many psychoactive drugs. It is a good way to temporarily reduce somatic symptoms in various types of stressful situations.
