ADVERTORIAL
Enhancing stress adaptation with holy basil and nutritional cofactors
by Laura Dwyer | BHSc ( Naturopathy )
Stress : a disease of modern life
Despite the advances in science and industry , contemporary life is rife with stress . From the rapid pace induced by technology to financial , work-related , environmental , and family stressors , many individuals are left feeling overwhelmed . While completely removing stressors is not always feasible , natural health practitioners are well-positioned to provide patients with strategies to more effectively manage the diverse physical and emotional stressors they encounter .
Holixer™ : a phytochemically enhanced holy basil extract
Traditionaly , holy basil ( Ocimum tenuiflorum ) was consumed as a daily tonic , thought to protect against numerous diseases and aid in managing the stressors of daily life . 1 Holixer™ is a standardised holy basil extract developed using Bioactive Optimization Technology that has been shown to operate through two interconnected mechanisms for stress adaptation . Firstly , it inhibits and reduces the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands , and secondly , it blocks corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 , which is released in response to encountering a stressor . 2
Essential compounds for stress adaptation
Numerous compounds are also widely recognised for their role in assisting with stress adaptation ; however , magnesium and B vitamins are perhaps the most renowned . The essential roles of these nutrients in managing stress stem from their involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis and regulating diverse physiological processes . 3-9 A deficiency in either of these nutrients has been associated with heightened psychological stress and related health consequences , such as insomnia and fatigue . Glycine and taurine are additional vital compounds that impact the function of various receptors , indirectly influencing the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters . 10-12
Clinical indications Stress and anxiety In Ayurvedic medicine , holy basil is often prescribed to prevent the onset of stress and stress-related diseases . 1 In a clinical trial involving Australian adults experiencing stress , Holixer™ ( 125mg twice daily ) significantly improved perceived stress scores and lowered cortisol levels and blood pressure compared to placebo over eight weeks . 13 Research involving other holy basil extracts in humans exposed to stress has also demonstrated improvements in anxiety , depression , stress , forgetfulness , fatigue , and daytime drowsiness in adults . 14 , 15 Although data is scarce for taurine supplementation , various animal and in vivo studies suggest its intake eliminates stress-related behaviours and dampens the cortisol response to stress . 16-18 Glycine supplementation may also be advantageous for patients experiencing the consequences of anxiety , with a clinical trial demonstrating its stress-reducing benefits in patients with mixed anxiety and depressed mood . 19
Sleep dysfunction and insomnia Given the well-established bidirectional relationship between stress and sleep in the literature , utilising natural compounds that address both these factors can initiate a mutually beneficial cycle . In two human clinical trials , the administration of holy basil has been shown to provide sleep benefits in participants exposed to stress . 13 , 14 In particular , the use of Holixer™ led to a notable 48 % decrease in insomnia symptoms and a 3.4 % enhancement in sleep efficiency among stressed adults . 13 A small human trial observed that dietary taurine intake increased sleep quality in women , 20 while various human studies have shown that 3g of glycine 30 minutes to one hour before bed improves sleep efficiency and shortens sleep latency onset and slow-wave sleep . 21-23
Cognitive impairments Given stress can cause pathophysiological changes in the brain , leading to marked impairments in memory and cognition , compounds with anxiolytic properties may help reduce these consequences . Three human clinical trials have reported benefits in cognitive function , such as improvements in speed of information processing , memory and accuracy and a reduction in forgetfulness after holy basil
14 , 15 , 24
supplementation in stressed individuals . Few trials have also implied that taurine may exert beneficial effects on academic-related characteristics in college students , 25 and may improve memory in elderly patients with subjective cognitive decline , 26 and dementia . 27 After a three-week trial , glycine also significantly improved retrieval from episodic memory and sustained attention in middle-aged men . 28
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Clinical summary
Since inadequate adaptation to stress can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms , natural health practitioners are aptly positioned to offer patients effective strategies for navigating the demands of modern life . In clinical trials , holy basil , glycine , taurine , magnesium , and B vitamins have improved various health outcomes in stressed individuals , including perceived stress , sleep , daytime functioning and cognition . Beyond the nervous system , these essential compounds have also shown favourable health benefits that extend across multiple body systems , such as the cardiovascular , digestive , endocrine , immune , musculoskeletal , and reproductive systems , indicating their extensive application in clinical practice .
Full reference list available on request .
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in these advertorials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ATMS or its Directors .
118 | vol30 | no2 | JATMS