Nature’s Cortisol Formula
- Stock #3209-4 (90 capsules)
Nature’s Cortisol Formula is a dietary supplement providing herbal extracts and nutrients that have been shown to help reduce symptoms of stress, lower elevated cortisol levels, improve insulin function, balance blood sugar levels, and enhance weight-loss efforts without the use of stimulants. Each capsule of Nature’s Cortisol Formula contains:
(as calcium ascorbate) – Vitamin C is an important anti-stress antioxidant and vital nutrient for adrenal function. Vitamin C is more highly concentrated in the adrenal cortex than in any other organ, and when the adrenals are under stress, vitamin C levels are depleted. Experimental and clinical evidence suggest that supplemental vitamin C in levels significantly greater than the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) can support adrenal function and decrease high cortisol levels. Incidentally, calcium ascorbate is a non-acidic or “buffered“ form of vitamin C that also provides a highly absorbable form of calcium. Growing evidence supports a relationship between increased calcium intake and losses in body weight specific to fat mass. Furthermore, results from clinical trials indicate that calcium may play a substantial contributing role in reducing both the incidence of obesity and prevalence of insulin resistance syndrome. 12,15-23
, a trace mineral, plays an essential role in increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin and is an important element for effective weight-loss. In order to facilitate weight-loss, the body’s cells need to become more receptive to the hormone insulin, which is critical for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and stimulating thermogenesis (fat-burning). Studies show that chromium not only significantly improves insulin function, but also reduces fasting glucose (blood sugar) levels, improves glucose tolerance, and decreases total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (“good“) cholesterol. Research has shown that dietary chromium intake is suboptimal among most individuals, and these deficiencies are further exacerbated by increased chromium losses resulting from stress and the consumption of certain refined foods, including simple sugars, that enhance chromium depletion. 24-26
® is a proprietary blend of a patented extract from Magnolia officinalis bark and a patent-pending extract from Phellodendron amurense bark. Relora is formulated to help relieve mild anxiety and stress and reduce stress-related appetite without causing drowsiness. Magnolia bark contains two major bioactive ingredients, honokiol and magnolol, which have been shown to provide antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects in animal studies. Magnolol and honokiol have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of anxiety and neurosis—any of various mental or emotional disorders involving symptoms such as insecurity, anxiety, depression and irrational fears. Animal studies have also shown that magnolol can lower cortisol levels. Phellodendron bark is an important source of berberine, which has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, as well as lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. 27-35
According to unpublished preliminary human trials, Relora has been shown to improve feelings of stress and reduce stress-related symptoms in over 80% of users; improve relaxation and promote restful sleep in over 70% of users; lower morning salivary cortisol levels by 37% while significantly raising morning salivary DHEA levels in those with mild to moderate stress; and reduce the stress-related intake of high fat/high sugar foods by over 75% among individuals who reported they ate high fat/high sugar foods when under stress.12,27,36
, also known as tulsi, is used extensively in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine in Eastern and Middle Eastern countries. Holy basil has been ascribed numerous medicinal properties, including antidiabetic, hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), cardioprotective (heart-protecting) and adaptogenic actions, many of which have been substantiated by scientific research. For example, animal studies have confirmed that holy basil combats noise-induced stress. Animal research has also shown that holy basil decreases blood levels of cortisol and glucose. Furthermore, atomic absorption spectroscopy has revealed that holy basil contains marginal levels of both chromium and vanadium, trace minerals that play important roles in glucose metabolism. 12,37-41
(decaffeinated) – Green tea contains compounds known as polyphenols that function as antioxidants, combat cancer, and inhibit the oxidation of LDL (“bad“) cholesterol. Green tea also increases thermogenesis, an important calorie-burning mechanism. Results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial found that green tea extract stimulated thermogenesis and fat oxidation. Additional research has shown that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an abundant polyphenol found in green tea, reduced body weight and body fat by increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation in rats. These results suggest that green tea components such as EGCG may be responsible for green tea’s effects on body weight and body composition and thus, may be useful for treating obesity. 42-46
– Banaba leaves have been used throughout India, Southeast Asia and the Phillipines as a folk remedy for diabetes and hyperglycemia (abnormally high glucose levels). Researchers have found that banaba leaves contain the active ingredient corosolic acid, an antidiabetic agent that has been shown to exert insulin-like properties in animal studies. Corosolic acid appears to stimulate the uptake of glucose by the cells, thus resulting in a reduction in blood glucose levels. Animal studies using Type II diabetic (NIDDM) mice showed that the group fed a diet containing corosolic acid exhibited almost complete suppression of the increases in plasma glucose levels that were observed in the control group. In addition, serum insulin levels, urinary glucose excretion and plasma total cholesterol levels were also reduced in the corosolic acid group. Preliminary human studies with Type II diabetics have demonstrated an average decrease in blood glucose of up to 32%. In addition, a study of obese Type II diabetic mice showed that corosolic acid also appears to promote weight loss.47-51
(Suntheanine®), a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid found in tea leaves, has demonstrated wide-ranging physiological activity, including lowering blood pressure, inducing relaxation and reducing stress. Theanine has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, causing significant increases in brain concentrations of the neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit nerve impulses), serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is involved in mood, sleep and appetite, while dopamine plays an important role in brain activity and the functioning of the central nervous system. Theanine has also been shown to stimulate the brain’s production of alpha waves, which indicates an awake and alert, yet relaxed state. In addition, animal research suggests that theanine may help reduce weight and abdominal fat stores, as well as lower serum triglycerides. 52-57
, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands,exerts a beneficial effect on the stress response by way of its antagonistic action to that of cortisol. During periods of stress and anxiety, DHEA levels decline, while cortisol levels increase. Such stress-induced hormonal alterations appear to contribute to a variety of psychiatric conditions, such as major depression, as well as chronic disease states, including diabetes and insulin resistance. Fortunately, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that a low cortisol to DHEAS (the metabolized form of DHEA) ratio provides a buffering effect on the stress response, as DHEAS opposes the action of cortisol. A recent placebo-controlled study confirmed that DHEA supplementation decreases plasma cortisol levels in healthy older men and women. In addition, both in-vitro and in-vivo experiments have found that DHEA exerts a stimulatory effect on the immune system, as well as anti-diabetes, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-obesity and anti-osteoporosis actions. Clinical trials also suggest that DHEA supplementation may improve mood and feelings of well-being and decrease fatigue or exhaustion. Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 56 elderly men and women found that, compared to placebo, DHEA supplementation significantly decreased areas of visceral (abdominal) fat and also significantly increased insulin sensitivity. 12,36,58-67
– Recent studies reveal a promising application for the trace mineral vanadium in the management of diabetes. Vanadium has shown therapeutic potential for its ability to mimic the effects of insulin, enhance insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol. Its effectiveness in the treatment of diabetes has also been confirmed in clinical trials with both insulin-dependent diabetics (Type 1) and non-insulin-dependent diabetics (Type 2). A study of Type 2 diabetics showed vanadium produced significant improvements in just 6 weeks, decreasing fasting plasma glucose levels just over 20%, as well as reducing plasma total cholesterol nearly 10% and LDL cholesterol by 8.5%.68-71
1Dallman, M.F., et. al. “Minireview: glucocorticoids–food intake, abdominal obesity, and wealthy nations in 2004.“ Endocrinology; 2004, 145(6):2633-8.
2Gluck, M.E., et. al. “Cortisol stress response is positively correlated with central obesity in obese women with binge eating disorder (BED) before and after cognitive-behavioral treatment.“ Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences; 2004, 1032:202-207.
3Bjorntorp, P., et. al. [“Consolatory eating” is not a myth. Stress-induced increased cortisol levels result in leptin-resistant obesity]. Lakartidningen; 2001, 98(48):5458-5461.
4Roth, J., et. al. “The obesity pandemic: where have we been and where are we going?“ Obesity Research; 2004, 12 Suppl 2:88S-101S.
5South MA, J. “Stress and Cortisol: The Plague of the 21st Century.“ Vitamin Research Products. . Accessed September August 2005.
6Drapeau, V., et. al. “Is visceral obesity a physiological adaptation to stress?“ Panminerva Medica; 2003, 45(3):189-195.
7Brown, E.S., et. al. “Association of depression with medical illness: does cortisol play a role?“ Biological Psychiatry; 2004, 55(1):1-9.
8Bjorntorp, P. “Do stress reactions cause abdominal obesity and comorbidities?“ Obesity Reviews; 2001, 2(2):73-86.
9Epel, E.E., et. al. “Stress-induced cortisol, mood, and fat distribution in men.“ Obesity Research; 1999, 7(1):9-15.
10Epel, E., et. al. “Stress may add bite to appetite in women: a laboratory study of stress-induced cortisol and eating behavior.“ Psychoneuroendocrinology; 2001, 26(1):37-49.
11—.”Are stress eaters at risk for the metabolic syndrome?“ Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences; 2004, 1032:208-210.
12LaValle RPh, J.B. “Stress: The Hidden Factor For Weight Gain.“ Nutrition Science News; April 2001.
13Kumar, N. “The relationship between physical & mental health : co-occurring mental & physical disorders.“ The Indian Journal of Medical Research; 2004, 120(5):434-436.
14Burke, H.M., et. al. “Depression and cortisol responses to psychological stress: a meta-analysis.“ Psychoneuroendocrinology; 2005, 30(9):846-856.
15Ronzio PhD, R.A. “Nutritional support for adrenal function.” American Journal of Natural Medicine; 1998, 5(5):12-17.
16Kelly ND, G.S. “Nutritional and Botanical Interventions to Assist with the Adaptation to Stress.” Alternative Medicine Review; 1999, 4(4):249-265.
17Ghen DO, M.J. & Moore MD, C.B. “Implications of Adrenal Insufficiency.” International Journal of Integrative Medicine; 2000, 2(6):30-35.
18Higdon PhD, J. “The Bioavailability of Different Forms of Vitamin C.“ The Linus Pauling Institut, September 2003. . Accessed October 2005.
19Cai, J., et. al. “Calcium bioavailability and kinetics of calcium ascorbate and calcium acetate in rats.“ Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood); 2004, 229(1):40-45.
20Tsugawa, N., et. al. “Intestinal absorption of calcium from calcium ascorbate in rats.“ Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism; 1999, 17(1):30-36.
21Zemel, M.B., et. al. “Calcium and dairy acceleration of weight and fat loss during energy restriction in obese adults.“ Obesity Research; 2004, 12(4):582-590.
22Teegarden, D. “Calcium intake and reduction in weight or fat mass.“ Journal of Nutrition; 2003, 133(1):249S-251S.
23Schrager, S. “Dietary calcium intake and obesity.“ The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice; 2005, 18(3):205-210.
24Murray ND, M. & Pizzorno ND, J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd Ed. Rocklin, CA: Prima, 1998.
25Broadhurst PhD, C.L. “Treating Type II Diabetes Nutritionally.” Nutrition Science News; July 1998.
26—. “Chromium metabolism and its role in disease processes in man.” Clinical Physiology and Biochemistry; 1986, 4(1):31-41.
27“Relora.“ Next Pharmaceuticals. . Accessed September 2005.
28Nakazawa, T, et. al. “Metabolites of orally administered Magnolia officinalis extract in rats and man and its antidepressant-like effects in mice.“ The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; 2003, 55(11):1583-1591.
29Kuribara, H., et. al. “The anxiolytic effect of two oriental herbal drugs in Japan attributed to honokiol from magnolia bark.“ The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; 2000, 52(11):1425-1429.
30Li, J.M., et. al. “Behavioral and biochemical studies on chronic mild stress models in rats treated with a Chinese traditional prescription Banxia-houpu decoction.“ Life Sciences; 2003, 74:55-73
31Sufka, K.J., et. al. “Anxiolytic properties of botanical extracts in the chick social separation-stress procedure.“ Psychopharmacology; 2001, 153(2):219-224.
32Hou, Y.C., et. al. “Honokiol and magnolol increased hippocampal acetylcholine release in freely-moving rats.“ American Journal of Chinese Medicine; 2000, 28(3-4):379-384.
33Horigome, H., et. al. “Magnolol from Magnolia officinalis inhibits 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase without increases of corticosterone and thymocyte apoptosis in mice.“ Planta Medica; 2001, 67(1):33-37.
34Dharmananda PhD, S. “New Uses of Berberine.“ Institute for Traditional Medicine, April 2005. . Accessed October 2005.
35Li, C.Y., et. al. “A rapid and simple determination of protoberberine alkaloids in cortex phellodendri by (1)H NMR and its application for quality control of commercial traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.“ Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis; 2005, Jul 29. [Epub ahead of print]
36Nick, G.L. “Stress-related eating and metabolic syndrome: an important cause of obesity among women.“ Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, December 2002. . Accessed October 2005.
37Ravindran, R., et. al. “Noise-stress-induced brain neurotransmitter changes and the effect of Ocimum sanctum (Linn) treatment in albino rats.“ Journal of Pharmacological Sciences; 2005, 98(4):354-360.
38Prakash, P. & Gupta, N. “Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review.“ Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology; 2005, 49(2):125-131.
39Sembulingam, K., et al. “Effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn on the changes in central cholinergic system induced by acute noise stress.“ Journal of Ethnopharmacology; 2005, 96(3):477-482.
40Gholap, S. & Kar, A. “Hypoglycaemic effects of some plant extracts are possibly mediated through inhibition in corticosteroid concentration.“ Die Pharmazie; 2004, 59(11):876-878.
41Narendhirakannan, R.T., et. al. “Mineral content of some medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.“ Biological Trace Element Research; 2005, 103(2):109-115.
42Alschuler ND, L. “Green tea: Healing tonic.” American Journal of Natural Medicine; 1998, 5(8):28-31.
43Knight, J. “Reading the tea leaves.” Herbs For Health; 1998, 3(2):41-45.
44Dulloo, A.G., et. al. “Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 1999, 70(6):1040-1045.
45—. “Green tea and thermogenesis: interactions between catechin-polyphenols, caffeine and sympathetic activity.” International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders; 2000, 24(2):252-258.
46Kao, Y.H., et. al. “Modulation of endocrine systems and food intake by green tea epigallocatechin gallate.” Endocrinology; 2000, 141:980–987.
47“Banaba Leaf.” Supplement Watch, 2005. . Accessed October 2005.
48Murakami, C., et. al. “Screening of plant constituents for effect on glucose transport activity in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells.” Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin; 1993, 41(12):2129-2131.
49Kakuda, T., et. al. “Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice.” Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry; 1996, 60(2):204-208.
50“A Natural Approach To Lowering Blood Sugar.” Life Extension Magazine; September, 2000.
51Suzuki, Y., et. al. “Antiobesity activity of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves on female KK-Ay mice.” Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology; 1999, 45(6): 791-795.
52Desai, M.J. & Armstrong, D.W. et. al “Analysis of derivatized and underivatized theanine enantiomers by high-performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometry.“ Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry; 2004, 18(3):251-256.
53Lu, K., et. al. “The acute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans.“ Human Psychopharmacology; 2004, 19(7):457-465.
54Cooper, R., et. al. “Medicinal benefits of green tea: part I. Review of noncancer health benefits.“ Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine; 2005, 11(3):521-528.
55Yokogoshi, H., et. al. “Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats.“ Neurochemical Research; 1998, 23(5):667-673.
56Thankachen, J. “Destress with L-theanine: this amino acid may calm you in 30 minutes or less without drowsiness – Supplement Brief.“ Natural Health, October-November, 2002. Accessed October 2005.
57Zheng, G., et. al. “Anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine and theanine, in mice.“ In Vivo; 2004, 18(1):55-62.
58Boudarene, M., et. al. [Study of the stress response: role of anxiety, cortisol and DHEAs]. L\’Encephale; 2002, 28(2):139-146.
59Wolkowitz, O.M., et. al. “Stress hormone-related psychopathology: pathophysiological and treatment implications.“ The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry; 2001, 2(3):115-143.
60Michael, A., et. al. “Altered salivary dehydroepiandrosterone levels in major depression in adults.“ Biological Psychiatry; 2000, 48(10):989-995.
61Grillon, C., et. al. “Cortisol and DHEA-S are associated with startle potentiation during aversive conditioning in humans.“ Psychopharmacology; 2005, 29:1-8.
62Kroboth, P.D., et. al. “Influence of DHEA administration on 24-hour cortisol concentrations.“ Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology; 2003, 23(1):96-99.
63Nawata, H., et. al. “Mechanism of action of anti-aging DHEA-S and the replacement of DHEA-S.“ Mechanisms of Ageing and Development; 2002, 123(8):1101-1106.
64Dhatariya, K., et. al. “Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement on insulin sensitivity and lipids in hypoadrenal women.“ Diabetes; 2005, 54(3):765-769.
65Perrini, S., et. al. “Associated hormonal declines in aging: DHEAS.“ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation; 2005, 28(3 Suppl):85-93.
66Cameron, D.R. & Braunstein, G.D. “The use of dehydroepiandrosterone therapy in clinical practice.“ Treatments in Endocrinology; 2005, 4(2):95-114.
67Villareal, D.T. & Holloszy, J.O. “Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial.“ JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association; 2004, 292(18):2243-2248.
68Lininger DC, S., et al. The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd ed. Rocklin, CA: Prima Health, 1999.
69Beliaeva, N.F., et. al. “Vanadium compounds—a new class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.” Voprosy Meditsinskoi Khimii; 2000, 46(4): 344-360.
70Badmaev, V., et. al. “Vanadium: a review of its potential role in the fight against diabetes.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 1999, 5(3): 273-291.
71Cusi, K., et. al. “Vanadyl sulfate improves hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism; 2001, 86(3): 1410-1417.
