Cis-9,10-Octadecenoamide
Also known as oleamide. A naturally-occurring derivative of oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid) that induces sleep. Research is ongoing, but in-vitro and rodent experiments indicate it may have other functions as well. For example, it may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and anti-convulsant activities. Oleamide derivatives also inhibit the metastasis of cancer cells in-vitro.
Nelumbo nucifera
Also known as Sacred Lotus. A medicinal plant used in Asian traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The rhizomes, leaves, seeds or flowers may be used, depending on the complaint.
There is only a limited amount of research on bioactive components…for example, the seeds have antioxidant activity, while rhizome extracts may have hypoglycemic effects. Nonetheless, there is little data to justify the inclusion of lotus extracts in dietary supplements at this time.
DLPA
See D-Phenylalanine.
D-Phenylalanine
The “D” isomer of L-phenylalanine, an essential amino acid. D-phenylalanine has been used as an alternative treatment for pain relief, on the strength of its alleged ability to inhibit enkephalin breakdown. The supporting studies have been described as “weak and contradictory,” however, with negative results in humans and primates. It’s also claimed that d-phenylalanine increases brain phenethylamine concentration, but this is disputed by other research.
May be included in supplements as a part of “DLPA”, or DL-phenylalanine, which is a 50-50 mixture (i.e., a “racemic” mixture) of the 2 isomers.
L-Phenylalanine
An essential amino acid. L-Phenylalanine is also the precursor to l-tyrosine as well as phenethylamine (PEA). It may be included in certain weight loss/bodybuilding supplements for this reason, as both metabolites have mood/cognitive effects.
Phenylalanine is a product of aspartame metabolism. Various activists insist it’s (partly) responsible for the reputed (and often exaggerated) side effects of the sweetener, since it’s a “neurotoxin” when taken in isolation. This claim is based on studies of phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that affects phenylalanine metabolism. However, there is no reason to believe that small amounts of phenylalanine, taken in supplemental form, will have any adverse effects on healthy people.
