Benefits
Mood Balance Biotect™ was designed to combine the benefits of three of the most effective supplements for natural mood management: saffron, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Clinical trials on saffron, 5-HTP and SAMe suggest they promote a healthy, positive mood. When combined in one supplement, the benefits are enhanced due to their complementary, but different modes of action.
Bottle contains 120 capsules (60-day supply)
Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication, consult with your healthcare practitioner.
- Supports a healthy, positive mood
- Saffron provides unique antioxidants: crocins and safranal
- 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin
- SAMe is involved in producing neurotransmitters in the brain
- Vegan; does not contain gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs
- Manufactured by a GMP certified and FDA-regulated facility
Key Ingredients
Saffron
The culinary spice saffron, which consists of dried stigmas of the saffron flower, contains a type of carotenoids called crocins and another distinctive antioxidant called safranal, both of which likely contribute to its mood-boosting effects. Seven trials on saffron have reported efficacy in improving mood scores; most studies used a dose of 30 mg/day. Saffron is thought to promote brain health and mood through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and also by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter whose proper function and transmission is important for feelings of wellbeing and healthy mood.
5-HTP
The amino acid tryptophan is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, and 5-HTP aims to provide raw material to produce serotonin. A meta-analysis on 5-HTP published in 2002 reported that 5-HTP is more effective than placebo at improving mood. However, the authors noted that only two studies had met the quality criteria to be included in the analysis. Since then, another clinical trial reported improvements in mood in response to 5-HTP.
SAMe
SAMe is a substance naturally found in the body and in foods, formed from the amino acid methionine. In the brain, SAMe is important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Several trials have reported that supplementation with SAMe improved mood scores. Note that people with bipolar disorder should not take SAMe. If you are immunocompromised, consult your physician before taking SAMe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade of saffron is used in Mood Balance Biotect™?
We use Sargol saffron, which is considered the highest quality.
Is Mood Balance Biotect™ gluten-free? Allergen-free?
Mood Balance Biotect™ does not contain soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, or sesame. Mood Balance Biotect is not manufactured in an allergen-free or gluten-free facility. Our manufacturing facility has an allergen control program in place designed to properly handle, store and use materials in production to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination, in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
What research went into this product?
Below are the studies that informed the development of this product:
1. Shafiee M, Arekhi S, Omranzadeh A, Sahebkar A. Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action. J Affect Disord 2018, 227:330-337.
2. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol 2014, 29:517-527.
3. Hausenblas HA, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Integr Med 2013, 11:377-383.
4. Khazdair MR, Boskabady MH, Hosseini M, et al. The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review. Avicenna J Phytomed 2015, 5:376-391.
5. Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002:CD003198.
6. Jangid P, Malik P, Singh P, et al. Comparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode. Asian J Psychiatr 2013, 6:29-34.
7. Galizia I, Oldani L, Macritchie K, et al. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) for depression in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016, 10:CD011286.
8. Dwyer AV, Whitten DL, Hawrelak JA. Herbal medicines, other than St. John's Wort, in the treatment of depression: a systematic review. Altern Med Rev 2011, 16:40-49.
9. Mischoulon D, Fava M. Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: a review of the evidence. Am J Clin Nutr 2002, 76:1158S-1161S.
10. Williams AL, Girard C, Jui D, et al. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) as treatment for depression: a systematic review. Clin Invest Med 2005, 28:132-139.
11. Nahas R, Sheikh O. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Canadian Family Physician 2011, 57:659-663.
