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What is M.O.O.D and how do I Stabilize my Emotions

Writer: Healthy FoxHealthy Fox
Feb 49 min read

Updated: Feb 8

“A lot of people struggle with anxiety and depression. It’s daily, it’s constant and people wait till it’s so bad that they have a mental breakdown or have to take medication just to function. We combined 2 powerful herbs in M.O.O.D that have not only clinical research but historical use for stabilizing people's outlook. Clients will say it “felt like a switch was turned on” light comes back into their life. A specialized extract of Saffron along with a unique south african plant called Sceletium have been trialed alongside antidepressants with amazing outcomes both alone and together.” Dr. Michelle





M.O.O.D is a blend of vitamins and herbs formulated to elevate mood state, decrease anxiety and stress, relieve tension, and help to promote an optimistic outlook.* The mechanisms through which these effects occur include selective serotonin reuptake inhibition as well as dopamine uptake inhibition. Designed for once-a-day dosing, this product allows for easy patient compliance, as it will fit into the supplement regimens of individuals with demanding schedules and hectic lives, as well as those who prefer to limit the number of pills they take.

The ingredients in M.O.O.D work synergistically to support a calm and positive mental outlook, without the unpleasant side-effects of pharmaceutical antidepressant medications. Also, unlike prescription antidepressants, this product is not habit-forming and will not induce dependency or withdrawal symptoms.*


Features


Saffron Extract (as Saffr’Activ®)


Saffron is an all-natural extract derived from the red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower (from which the culinary spice, saffron, is derived). It is standardized to contain 2% of the active crocins and has been shown to have specific antidepressant action—a property that has led to the use of saffron as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic and traditional Persian medicine.1 Research also supports its ability to decrease anxiety and enhance sleep quality. Saffron extract has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in mouse models of impaired memory, as well as to reduce depressive symptoms in mice.2 A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of adults who met the DSM-IV criteria for major depression showed that oral supplementation with saffron extract was more effective than placebo at improving scores on the commonly used Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), with significant differences noted as early as two weeks after supplementation was initiated.3


Several human clinical trials support the potent antidepressant effect of crocins. In a double-blind, randomized trial that compared the effects of saffron extract to the commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine in adults with mild to moderate depression, saffron extract demonstrated similar efficacy to fluoxetine in significantly improving HAM-D scores, with fewer unpleasant side-effects.4 Similar results were found in a double-blind trial that pitted saffron extract against the tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine. Saffron extract induced fewer side-effects in most categories that were recorded, although not all differences reached statistical significance.5


Sceletium Extract (as Zembrin®)


The sceletium extract used in M.O.O.D is a patented form of the South African plant Sceletium tortuosum. This plant has been used by indigenous peoples for centuries for relaxation, stress reduction, calming thirst and hunger signals prior to long hunting trips, and soothing infants from colic and teething.6,7 Modern research has proven its benefits in enhancing positive mood and cognitive function, reducing stress, and inducing calm without sedative effects. It accomplishes this via dual inhibitory mechanisms. First, it acts as an SSRI.8 Sceletium binds to serotonin transporters, thereby inhibiting reuptake of serotonin from the synapse of serotonergic neurons, resulting in an increased serotonin concentration in the synaptic cleft. This is the same mechanism of action as prescription SSRIs.


Sceletium’s second mechanism of action is as an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4).8 PDE-4 is an enzyme that hydrolyzes cyclic AMP (cAMP) and is highly expressed in brain regions involved in memory, anxiety, and depression, including the amygdala, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus.9,10 Animal models suggest PDE-4 inhibitors can reverse depression, improve cognition, and alleviate anxiety.11 A small, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study showed that oral supplementation with sceletium resulted in significant attenuation of the threat circuitry of the human brain, which may have positive implications for reducing anxiety.7 PDE-4 inhibitors may have positive effects on cognitive function and overall neurological health by enhancing the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and facilitating acceleration of re-myelination of damaged cells in the central nervous system.12 Moreover, it has been suggested that SSRIs and PDE-4 inhibitors work synergistically, because use of SSRIs may upregulate PDE-4 activity, subsequently reducing sensitivity to SSRIs over the long term. Therefore, a product capable of both actions may be more effective and have broader therapeutic utility than either intervention on its own.7,13


Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and Folate (Quatrefolic® [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate)


Individuals with low mood and poor cognitive function are frequently deficient in these two B vitamins.14,15 The elderly are particularly at risk for folate and B12 deficiencies. In fact, researchers believe B12 deficiency—even subclinical deficiency, with levels still in the “normal” range—may be one of the major risk factors for brain atrophy and cognitive decline in this population. Prioritization of B12 repletion is recommended when working with patients with neurological conditions and cognitive decline/impairment, due in part to the key role of B12 in the synthesis and maintenance of healthy myelin.16,17 Oral supplementation with folic acid and B12 may improve cognitive function in older adults with depressive symptoms.18


While older adults typically have high risk for deficiencies of these nutrients, younger individuals are not immune. A Japanese study determined that low folate status is causally linked to depressive symptoms in women of reproductive age, and there was a reduced incidence of depression among women exceeding the RDA for folate.19 Similar findings were revealed among adolescents, in whom folate intake was inversely associated with depressive symptoms.20 Folate and B12 are key players in methylation and one-carbon metabolism, such as in the formation of positive mood-supporting S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). The MTHFR C677T polymorphism, which is associated with depression (likely due to impaired methylation), may respond to supplementation with B12 and folate.14 Moreover, B12 repletion has been shown to enhance the efficacy of antidepressant medication in patients with depression and low normal B12 levels. In a trial that compared antidepressant use to antidepressants with additional B12 injections, 100% of the subjects in the B12 study arm showed at least a 20% improvement in HAM-D scores, compared to 69% of the control arm with the antidepressant alone.21 It is well established that folate supplementation has similar effects in enhancing the efficacy of antidepressant agents. Individuals who do not respond to antidepressant medication, or who develop resistance to treatment over time, may benefit from folate repletion.22-24 Notably, synthetic folic acid may not have the same effects as natural forms of folate with regard to ameliorating depression and cognitive impairment.25

M.O.O.D is carefully formulated to employ the total synergism of these ingredients by combining vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) and methyltetrahydrofolate with the antidepressant effects of saffron and sceletium.




Key Features of M.O.O.D™

  • Mood Enhancement: Combines Saffron and Sceletium extracts to promote serotonin levels and regulate emotional balance.*

  • Stress Reduction: Addresses anxiety through dual mechanisms, including SSRI action and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibition.*

  • Cognitive Support: Contains vitamin B12 and folate for optimal brain health and improved cognitive function.*

  • Natural Ingredients: Offers a non-habit-forming solution without the side effects of prescription antidepressants.*

  • Convenient Dosing: Designed for once-a-day use to fit into busy schedules seamlessly.*



Why Choose M.O.O.D™?

  • Clinically Supported Ingredients: Includes standardized Saffr’Activ® saffron extract and Zembrin® Sceletium for maximum efficacy.*

  • Synergistic Formula: Combines herbal adaptogens with key vitamins to address mood and cognitive health holistically.*

  • Superior Bioavailability: Features bioactive forms of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and folate (Quatrefolic® [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate).*

  • Safe and Reliable: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from artificial additives or allergens.*



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