Allergy Research Group®

 Zen (Hypoallergenic)

Zen (Hypoallergenic) contains GABA, which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and is active at 20% of CNS synapses. As an inhibitory mediator in the brain, GABA, via its neuronal A receptor, inhibits neurons by causing an influx of chloride ions. The anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and sedative effects of the benzodiazepines, e.g. Librium and Valium, rely upon the facilitation of this chloride influx initiated by GABA. There is evidence that anxiety and panic disorders are associated with excessive neuronal activity consequent to a decrease in GABA's function as an inhibitory mediator. The adverse psychological signs associated with premenstrual syndrome may be due to a dysregulated sensitivity of GABA receptors. *

GABA also stimulates human growth hormone (HGH) secretion. Studies with oral administration of sodium valproate (an enhancer of endogenous GABA activity) and the muscle relaxant Baclofen (an agonist of the GABA B receptor) demonstrate their ability to stimulate increased HGH levels.

Zen (Hypoallergenic) also contains Theanine (glutamic acid gammaethylamide), an amino acid derivative found naturally in tea (Camellia sinensis) which is also recognized as having calming properties. Human studies have demonstrated that dietary theanine supplementation increases alpha wave activity, fostering a state of alert relaxation. Animal studies have also shown that administration of theanine regulates brain serotonin concentration by affecting either serotonin synthesis or degradation in the brain. It has been hypothesized that serotonin facilitates general and conditioned anxiety at the level of medial temporal lobe structures. Although the calming effect of this tea component may seem contradictory to the stimulatory properties of tea's caffeine content, research suggests that theanine exerts an antagonistic effect on caffeine's stimulatory action. *

Zen - 200 mg - Hypoallergenic - 60 Capsules

Zen in a Bottle:  The Anti-Stress Effects of L-Theanine

Just when we thought all the benefits of green tea had been revealed, along comes L-theanine. While there are numerous studies demonstrating the health benefits of tea, most people drink it for its flavor and relaxing effects. But that relaxing effect isn't just from the tea-drinking experience - it's also biochemical. Found almost exclusively in tea leaves - especially green tea (Camellia sinensis), L-theanine has been found to have a deeply relaxing effect via several neurological mechanisms without sedation. *

L-theanine constitutes between one and two percent of the dry weight of tea leaves. It is the predominant amino acid component in tea, and exists only in the free (non-protein) form. Japanese researchers discovered the presence of L-theanine in tea leaves in 1949. Its chemical structure was then determined to be gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid. The amount of L-theanine found in tea depends on the environment in which the tea is grown - such as climate, rainfall and sunlight. Because it requires very large amounts of tea in order to obtain a small amount of L-theanine, in 1990, Japanese food scientists developed an enzymatic process for making a compound that is chemically identical to the L-theanine found in tea. Favorable toxicology studies followed, and L-theanine became available in supplement form. *

Oriental cultures have used tea for its therapeutic benefits for centuries. It is estimated that a heavy tea drinker (6-8 cups per day) will consume approximately 200-400 mg of L-theanine per day. Based on clinical studies, it has been established that L-theanine is effective in single doses ranging from 50 to 200 mg.  Research with human volunteers has demonstrated that L-theanine creates its relaxing effect in approximately 30 to 40 minutes after ingestion. The mechanism behind this effect is two-fold:  L-theanine directly stimulates production of alpha brain waves, which creates a deep state of relaxation while maintaining mental alertness, and it appears to play a role in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, better known as GABA. GABA blocks the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, and is well known for its relaxing effects.  In a study done in 1999 at the University of Shizuoka, Japan, several other unique properties of L-theanine were found. The research demonstrated that in addition to facilitating relaxation, L-theanine may benefit blood pressure regulation, learning performance, mental clarity, concentration, and immunity. *

Although the calming effect of L-theanine may seem contradictory to the stimulatory effects of tea's caffeine content, research suggests that L-theanine exerts an antagonistic effect on caffeine's stimulatory action. *

The main difference between L-theanine and anti-stress herbs such as valerian root, skullcap, passion flower, etc., is that it does not cause drowsiness. This could be very helpful for patients who want a calming effect without feeling sedated. In addition, unlike most amino acids, L-theanine can be taken with or without food and may be taken at any time. The material is also very pure and is not subject to fluctuations in efficacy as are herbs. There appears to be no side effects associated with its use. *

Animal studies have also shown that administration of L-theanine reduces brain serotonin concentration by either reducing serotonin synthesis or degradation in the brain. It has been hypothesized that serotonin facilitates general and conditioned anxiety at the level of medial temporal lobe structures. *

During a volunteer study, test subjects ranging from ages 18 to 22 were divided into two groups: high anxiety & low anxiety using the Manifest Anxiety Scale. Over a two-month period, each volunteer was given a test solution of water containing either 50 mg or 200 mg of L-theanine. Test subjects' brain waves were then measured for 60 minutes after administration. Alpha wave activity was observed in test subjects within approximately 40 minutes of administration. In a separate study, it was observed that the intensity of alpha waves was determined to be dose dependent and detectable within thirty minutes of administration. The perceived relaxation effect was consistent with the detection of alpha waves. *

References available on request.

Allergy Research Group®

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*Hypoallergenic Defined:  According to Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary "hypoallergenic" is defined as:  "Diminished potential for causing an allergic reaction."   Allergy Research Group® defines hypoallergenic as "Free of all common allergens", specifically, wheat, corn, soy, gluten, yeast, dairy, and eggs. Many very sensitive individuals who reach to supplements in general, are able to tolerate Allergy Research Group® product.  Since our inception in 1979, we have been using only the purest, and whenever possible, the lowest allergy potential natural ingredients.  And while many of the nutrients in our formulas are synthesized from natural substances (plant sources), which as a whole may contain antigens, the synthesizing process removes the molecules of the desired nutrient from the original substance, and in the processing a great percentage of the antigens and allergens are left behind. The final material then has extremely low allergy potential.  This is not to say that no one will react to any of our hypoallergenic formulas, as some extremely sensitive people may.  However, the potential for an allergic reaction is low, and the feedback from many of our extremely allergic and sensitive customers is that Allergy Research Group® supplements are the only products they are able to tolerate.  (For further information about Allergy Research Group, click on their information link above)

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