Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a well-known spice that is valued not only for its culinary applications but also for its medicinal properties. Turmeric, which is native to Southeast Asia, particularly India, has been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for...
What is tryptophan?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is involved in a variety of physiological processes, particularly those related to mental health. Tryptophan is an amino acid that the human body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through...
supplement that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly to treat mental and psychiatric disorders. This plant, named after St. John the Baptist because it typically flowers around the time of his feast day in June, is...
What is Selenium?
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that regulates a variety of bodily functions, including cognitive health, immune function, and mood. Selenium was discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius and is now known for its...
What is saffron?
Saffron, derived from the flower Crocus sativus, is one of the world's most valuable and ancient spices, recognized for its distinctive red threads and distinct aroma. Saffron has long been prized for its culinary uses and vibrant...
What is S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)?
S-Adenosylmethionine, also known as SAMe, is a naturally occurring compound found in almost all cells of the body. It is involved in many biological processes, including methylation, which is required for the production of key neurotransmitters...
What is Rhodiola rosea?
Rhodiola Rosea, also known as "golden root" or "arctic root," is a perennial herb that thrives in cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. This adaptogenic plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly...
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeast, that improve the host's health when consumed in sufficient quantities. These "good" bacteria live naturally in the human digestive system and help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is critical...
What is phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring phospholipid that is essential for cellular function, particularly in the brain. It is a fatty substance that is abundant in neural tissues and contributes to the structural integrity of cell membranes, allowing...
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that contribute significantly to overall health, particularly brain function and mental well-being. There are three types of fats: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While ALA is commonly...
What is N-acetylcysteine?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant that comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. It has received recognition for its therapeutic applications in a wide range of medical fields, including mental health. NAC was initially developed to treat...
What is methylcobalamin?
Methylcobalamin, one of Vitamin B12's biologically active forms, is essential for a variety of physiological processes, particularly brain function and neurological health. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin derived primarily from animal products such as meat, dairy,...
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced primarily by the pineal gland in the brain. Its primary function is to regulate the body's circadian rhythm, commonly known as the "internal clock." This rhythm regulates sleep-wake...
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that regulates over 300 biochemical processes in the human body, including functions critical to mental health. Magnesium, found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, is essential for nerve function, energy...
What is L-Tyrosine?
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that is essential for the synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters are necessary for mood regulation, mental alertness, and cognitive function, so L-tyrosine is an important...
What is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found primarily in tea leaves, specifically green and black tea, as well as certain types of mushrooms. It has been consumed for centuries in East Asian cultures due to its...
What is L-Carnitine?
L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that aids in energy production in the body. Although the body can produce L-carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine, supplementation may be required under certain circumstances, particularly when energy production...
What is L-Arginine?
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is important for a variety of physiological functions. It is considered semi-essential because, while the body can produce it, certain conditions or increased physiological demand may necessitate supplementation through diet...
What is kava?
Kava, scientifically known as Piper methysticum, is a tropical plant from the South Pacific Islands. For centuries, kava has been used in traditional ceremonies and as a natural remedy for its calming and mood-enhancing effects. Kava is...
What is Inositol?
Inositol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate and sugar alcohol that aids in cellular communication and neurological function. Though commonly referred to as a member of the B-vitamin family, inositol is not a vitamin because the human body...
What is holy basil (tulsi)?
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is a sacred herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is native to India and Southeast Asia. This aromatic plant, scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, is known...
What is Ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba, also known as ginkgo, is a natural supplement derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, which is one of the oldest living tree species on Earth. Ginkgo is native to China and...
What is GABA?
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, or GABA, is a neurotransmitter that inhibits activity in the brain. It controls neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. GABA, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, has since become a focus in the study of mental...
What is folate (folic acid)?
Folate, or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis, cellular repair, and red blood cell production. Folate occurs naturally in food, whereas folic acid is a synthetic form of folate...
What is DHEA?
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain that is one of the most common circulating steroids in the body. DHEA, also known as a "prohormone," acts as a precursor for...
What is curcumin?
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa), a yellow spice popular in South Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine due to its powerful anti-inflammatory,...
What is choline?
Choline is an important nutrient for brain development, liver function, and nerve signaling. It is a water-soluble compound that is neither a vitamin nor a mineral but has properties similar to B-complex vitamins. Choline occurs naturally in...
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, particularly hemp varieties. Unlike its more well-known counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the "high" associated with...
B-complex vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that are essential for overall health, with a focus on brain function and mental well-being. These vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin...
What is Bacopa Monnieri?
Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine, is a revered herb that has been used for centuries to improve cognitive function, mental clarity, and overall health. This aquatic plant, which is native to India,...