Phenibut® is ProVanax's "top" ingredient and truly is a wonder compound that's been around and CLINICALLY USED for almost HALF A CENTURY! If you want scientific details and additional information, click here ... but let's just start off with all the positives this compound can do for the body AND mind!

Phenibut® is a NATURAL derivative of the brain neurotransmitter (increases mental capacity) amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - but with a slight alteration in its chemical make-up making it MUCH MORE POWERFUL, but with zero negative effects. Below are the chemical structures:

Phenibut® was developed in Russia, and there it has been used clinically since the 1960's to treat a variety of ailments including but not limited to depression, anxiety, physical weakness, anorexia & weight loss, sleep disorders, psychosis and sexual dysfunction.

It is pharmacologically classified as a mood elevator (due to its ability to increase dopamine levels), cognitive enhancer (nootropic), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety treatment), muscle and mental relaxant (similar to Xanax or Valium) and sexual "desire" enhancer (by increasing dopamine receptor sensitivity). Please note that GABA is a natural occurring amino acid in the human body and a healthy active brain. As we age and under stressful situations, this amino acid decreases significantly and Phenibut helps adjust it back to normal healthy levels.

As an added benefit and MAJOR bonus, it also REDUCES CORITSOL levels in the body and hence, helps with MENTAL STRESS and physical fatigue!

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and is the final step in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, an important chemical that’s responsible for many of the brain impulses involving satisfaction and well being. 5-HTP is created through the hydroxylating of Tryptophan.

The body produces its own supply of 5-HTP from tryptophan, an amino acid found in high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products. Any healthy diet should include tryptophan-rich sources such as these. In addition, 5-HTP is available as a supplement; this form of the compound is extracted from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. Europeans have been taking 5-HTP for decades to treat insomnia and depression.

How It Works

L-tryptophan

5-HTP

Serotonin

The diagram illustrates, simply, that 5-HTP is a more immediate precursor to serotonin than tryptophan is. This means 5-HTP is more directly linked to the production of serotonin than is tryptophan.

So How Effective Is 5-HTP?

Numerous clinical trials have studied the efficacy of 5-HTP for treating depression. One compared 5-HTP to the antidepressant drug fluvoxamine and found 5-HTP to be equally effective.¹ Researchers used the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and a self-assessment scale to gauge the effectiveness of the two medications. Both scales revealed a gradual reduction in depressive symptoms through time with both medications. Perhaps the most convincing evidence, however, comes from scientists who examined research from around the world on the use of 5-HTP in treating depression. One such researcher, writing in Neuropsychobiology, sums up the findings this way: "Of the 17 reviewed studies, 15 confirm that 5-HTP has true antidepressant properties."²

Other Benefits ...

Researchers looking for other applications for 5-HTP found positive results in fibromyalgia treatment,⁶ weight loss in obese individuals⁷ and a reduction in occurrence of migraine headaches.⁸ Because so many conditions may be affected by serotonin function, it is not surprising to see such a wide range of therapeutic possibilities for 5-HTP.

Cautions & Warnings:

It appears that 5-HTP may be one of the most helpful natural substances to be discovered in recent years. But, our own research has shown that higher dosages (especially when used by itself) only ends up causing an individual to be tired and "life-less". We have used a specific dose, to work in synergy with the other natural herbs and ingredients in ProVanax^®, to allow one to feel relaxed, less anxiety and depression, WITHOUT feeling numb, tired and sedated!

St. John's Wort is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat depression. Its use for mild to moderate depression has been supported by clinical studies in recent years.

Over 35+ MILLION Use It In Germany ...

In Germany, where it is covered by health insurance as a prescription drug, some 35+ million people take 5-HTP (hypericum) for depression. A meta-analysis and review of 23 randomized clinical trials involving 1757 people with mild or moderately severe depressive disorders showed that St. John's Wort was 2.67 times superior to a placebo in relieving depressive symptoms and was as effective as standard antidepressant drugs.

Side effects occurred in 9.8% of patients on St. John's Wort, compared with 62.8% of those taking standard antidepressant drugs. The conclusion of the researchers was that St. John's Wort is more effective than a placebo for treatment of mild to moderately severe depressive disorders (Linde et al. 1996).

Worked Better & With LESS Side-Effects

Most of the studies have examined the benefits of St. John's Wort in people with mild to moderate depression. However, Vorbach et al. (1997) compared 600 mg three times a day, a dosage double the usual prescribed dosage, with 50 mg three times a day of imipramine in patients with severe depression. St. John's Wort proved to be equivalent in efficacy, but with far fewer adverse effects (25.6%, compared to 81.4% for imipramine) (Vorbach et al. 1997).

Better & Safer Than PROZAC!

One criticism of the St. John's Wort research was that, although the herb had compared favorably to drugs such as imipramine, amitriptyline, and maprotiline, it had yet to be compared to the more commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac. Three studies in patients with mild to moderate depression have changed that.

In the first study, Harrer et al. (1999) found 800 mg a day of St. John's Wort extract to be as effective in elderly German patients as Prozac.

In the second study by Schrader (2000), a rather low daily dose of St. John's Wort (500 mg a day) was equivalent to 20 mg a day of fluoxetine (Prozac). Significantly, more of the 240 volunteers responded to St. John's Wort than Prozac (60% versus 40%) and the herb produced significantly fewer side effects (8% of St. John's Wort patients versus 23% of Prozac patients).

In a 2000 study, the same low dose (500 mg a day) proved as effective as 75 mg twice a day of imipramine, but with far fewer side effects (Woelk 2000).

As Beneficial As ZOLOFT!

A third study by Brenner et al. (2000) judged St. John's Wort extract (600 mg for 1week, then 900 mg for 6 weeks) as beneficial as sertraline (Zoloft, 50 mg for 1 week, then 75 mg for 6 weeks).

Even Works For
Menopause, PMS and S.A.D.

Health practitioners have also found St. John's Wort helpful in treating low mood associated with menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) Grube et al. (1999) gave menopausal women 300 mg three times daily of St. John's Wort for 12 weeks.

Surprisingly, both the psychological and physical symptoms of menopause improved substantially. So did sexual well-being. Kasper (1997) found that St. John's Wort decreased the low mood associated with seasonal affective disorder on par with results the same researcher had found earlier for fluoxetine (Prozac).

Make Sure It's "Hyperforin", NOT "Hypericin"
And at 5% Extract, NOT 0.5% ...

Another point of question is that the St. John's Wort extracts used in studies were standardized to an ingredient called hypericin. The process of standardization is for quality assurance. It is a guarantee that a specified amount of an ingredient (presumably the medicinally active ingredient) is present in the herbal extract. The PDR for Herbal Medicine, a respected herbal reference, states that hyperforin and not hypericin may be the primary active ingredient for treating depression.

In one study, patients received either placebo, a St. John's Wort extract standardized to 0.5% hyperforin, or a St. John's Wort extract standardized to 5% hyperforin. Only patients who received the extract of 5% hyperforin showed significant improvement of depressive symptoms (Laakman et al.). It is possible that in the JAMA study, the subjects receiving the St. John's Wort extract may have significantly improved if the extract had been standardized to hyperforin.

Kava kava, an herb revered for centuries by South Pacific islanders, is used extensively in Europe as a safe, effective natural tranquilizer. Several European countries have approved kava preparations as a medical treatment for anxiety, insomnia and restlessness based on the results of detailed scientific investigations and favorable clinical studies.

Results Are Felt Within ONE Week

In Germany, researchers conducted a double-blind study of 58 patients suffering from common anxiety syndrome. Half of the patients received a placebo. The other half took 100 mg of kava extract three times a day for four weeks. The researchers then administered several tests to assess patients' anxiety levels. After one week, patients who took kava demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, compared with patients who took the placebo. What's more, the kava patients continued to improve throughout the 28-day study.

German researchers also have found that kava induces deep muscle relaxation, modulates emotions and promotes sleep as effectively as synthetic tranquilizers-but without causing side effects.

As Effective As Drugs - But NON Addictive

Based upon the results of several double-blind studies in people with mild to moderate anxiety, kava appears to be AS EFFECTIVE as standard drugs - yet it is believed to be considerably safer and non addictive.

The result of these double-blind studies demonstrated that the individuals taking the kava extract experience a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, including the feelings of nervousness, heart palpitations, chest pains, headaches, dizziness and gastric irritations.

NOT Associated With
Depressed Mental Function!

Two additional studies have shown that unlike benzodiazepines (diazepam [Valium], triazolam [Halcion], alprazolam [Xanax], etc.), alcohol and other drugs - kava extract is NOT associated with depressed mental function or impairment in driving or the operation of heavy equipment when used at recommended dosages.

Passion Flower, whose genus name is passiflora, is a naturally grown medicinal herb, approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness.

It is also used as a sedative in nervous disorders (including gastrointestinal complaints of nervous origin), difficulties in sleeping, and anxiety or restlessness. Passion Flower reduces spasms and depresses the central nervous system.

Anti-Anxiety Usage

Passion flower has a tranquilizing effect, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. In studies conducted since the 1930's, its mode of action has been found to be different than that of most sedative drugs (sleeping pills), thus making it a non-addictive herb to promote relaxation.

Insomnia Usage

The sedative effect of Passion flower has made it popular for treating a variety of ailments, including nervousness and insomnia. Research had indicated that passion flower has a complex activity on the central nervous system (CNS), which is responsible for its overall tranquilizing effects. Also, it apparently has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles within the body, including the digestive system, promoting digestion.

But for sleeping purposes, a much higher dosage is required. In ProVanax, we use a lower dose, but a much higher quality extract in which you will receive all of the "anti-anxiety" benefits, but WITHOUT the sedation!

Valerian is a perennial plant native to North America and Europe. The root is the portion of the plant used for medicinal effects. Historically, valerian's primary use was as a sedative for the relief of insomnia, anxiety, mental stress and conditions associated with pain. Several recent clinical studies have substantiated this historical use.

Almost Like Valium
- But WITHOUT the Side Effects

Valerian appears to work by binding to or enhancing the effects of the same brain receptors as diazepam (Valium) and other benzodiazepine drugs (such as Xanax). However, Valerian appears to be MUCH BETTER tolerated, as side-effects such as impaired mental function, morning "hangover," and dependency, which are such a problem with benzodiazepines, have NOT been reported with valerian.

Traditional herbalists have used valerian as an anxiolytic, frequently in combination with other herbal preparations such as passion flower and St. John's wort (both ingredients found in ProVanax^®).

Works Synergistically With
- Kava, St. John's Wort & Passion Flower

In a recent preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,¹⁶ 36 patients with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder were treated with placebo, diazepam in a dosage of 2.5 mg three times daily, or valerian extract in a dosage of 50 mg three times daily (80 percent dihydrovaltrate, 15 percent valtrate, and 5 percent acevaltrate; BYK-Gulden, Lomberg, Germany) for four weeks. Dosage was regulated at one week if an interviewing psychiatrist deemed an increase or decrease necessary.

Although the study was limited by a small number of patients in each group, relatively low dosages of the active agents, and a short duration of treatment, the authors found a significant reduction in the psychic factor of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) with diazepam and valerian.

Another RCT¹⁷ compared 120 mg of kava (LI 150), 600 mg of valerian (LI 156), and placebo taken daily for seven days in relieving physiologic measures of stress induced under laboratory conditions in 54 healthy volunteers. Valerian and kava, but not placebo, significantly decreased systolic blood pressure responsivity, heart rate reaction, and self-reported stress. (note: "LI 156" is an identification number referring to the specific herb and the manufacturer; in this case, Lichtwer Pharma UK, Ltd.)

Inositol is an unofficial member of the B vitamin group that functions as a primary component of cell membranes. Although inositol has not been shown to be essential in the human diet, supplementation has shown to exert some very beneficial effects in cases of depression, panic attacks and even diabetes.

Low Inositol = Depression

Inositol is required for the proper action of several brain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and acetylcholine. It is currently thought that a reduction of brain inositol levels may induce depression, as inositol levels in the cerebrospinal fluid have been shown to be low in patients with depression.

In double-blind studies, inositol has demonstrated therapeutic results (i.e. reduction in score of the Hamilton Depression Scale - HDS) similar to those of tricyclic antidepressant drugs - but WITHOUT the side effects.

Panic Attacks Gone ...

Because of the effect of inositol on depression, a double-blind study was designed to test inositol's effectiveness in panic disorders. The frequency and severity of panic attacks declined significantly more after inositol, than after placebo administration.