TRP Drugs and Herbs for Withdrawal and PSSD
We first mentioned Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels/ Receptors in several RxISK posts about withdrawal and they feature on the RxISK Complex Withdrawal Page under Ion Channels. The table on that page gives a fascinating list of herbs and other compounds that could conceivably play a part in stabilizing people who are having withdrawal problems.
Five or more years ago, TRP channels were interesting for 2 reasons. It was clear that many herbs or foodstuffs act on them including herbs and things like Epsom salts, which have been traditional treatments for symptoms like burning feet – common in SSRI dependence and withdrawal.
Another reason was that it seemed like the damage from SSRIs – both PSSD and Dependence and Withdrawal – did not lie in Serotonin Receptors. Was there something that the Serotonin system connects to?
There is. Long before there was any link between serotonin and depression, it was known that antidepressants and lithium and anticonvulsants acted on Ion Channels – especially Sodium channels. These channels control the electrical currents that transmitters like serotonin modulate – they are more basic than serotonin.
In the 1990s and increasingly since there has been interest in a set of what came to be called Transient Receptor Potential channels linked to ion channels.
When devising his serotonin system stabilizing cocktail, as outlined in a recent SSRI Withdrawal post, J began investigating both Ion and TRP Channels. As he says, he/we need a lot more people to chase these as well – both the ones above and those below.
Some of the currently known inhibitors, agonists, antagonists, activators and other compounds currently acting on TRP channels are listed below. This is all new stuff – almost no doctor you meet will know the difference between an agonist and an activator or between an antagonist and an inhibitor.
Don’t be deterred by this. And don’t be worried if chasing compounds on the list below is not for you. It is for Engineers like J. But what RxISK has made clear, is that chasing leads like this is also for women like Heather Roberts and Anne-Marie Kelly who have proven again and again that motivation is worth more than Expertise.
Women motivated to help children or others you know have every chance of unearthing a promising lead by chasing up what can be found about some of the compounds listed below
The list begins simple and fascinating and no work is needed – we start with some well known TRPA agonists but then move on to the compounds we need your help with.
There is no need to start from the top, you might skip to Capsaicin below which is all about pain and numbness or some other compound on the list that jumps off the page at you.
Please leave anything you find in comments below. We will have no other comments on this post other than information about some of these compounds – anything from snippets to detailed leads.
TRPA1 Agonists
- Vanilla
- Dai Dai Orange Peel
- Durian Fruit
- Wasabi
- Piperidines
- Onions
- Cinnamon cassia or zeylancium
- Mustard Oil
- Yellow Mustard
- Brussels Sprouts
- Nasturtium Seeds
- Capparis Spinosa
- Clove Oil
- Gingerol
- Allicin (in Garlic)
- Carvacol
TRP Inhibitors
EIPA (L593754) is a TRPP3 channel inhibitor with an IC50 of 10.5 μM. EIPA also inhibits Na+/H+-exchanger (NHE) and macropinocytosis
AC1903 is a specific and selective inhibitor of TRPC5 and has podocyte-protective properties. AC1903 does no effects on TRPC4 or TRPC6 currents and shows no off-target effects in kinase profiling assays. AC1903 suppresses severe proteinuria and prevents podocyte loss in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) rat model.
Amiloride hydrochloride (MK-870 hydrochloride) is an inhibitor of both epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and urokinase-type plasminogen activeator receptor (uTPA). Amiloride hydrochloride is a blocker of polycystin-2 (PC2; TRPP2) channel.
HC-030031 is a potent and selective TRPA1 inhibitor, which antagonizes AITC- and formalin-evoked calcium influx with IC50s of 6.2±0.2 and 5.3±0.2 μM, respectively.
SKF-96365 hydrochloride is a non-selective TRP Channel blocker.
Pico145 (HC-608) is a remarkable inhibitor of TRPC1/4/5 channels, inhibits (−)-englerin A-activated TRPC4/TRPC5 channels, with IC50s of 0.349 and 1.3 nM in cells, and shows no effect on TRPC3, TRPC6, TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPA1, TRPM2, TRPM8.
Pyr3 is a selective inhibitor of transient receptor potential canonical channel 3 (TRPC3), with an IC50 of 700 nM for TRPC3-mediated Ca2+ influx.
SAR7334
SAR7334 is a potent and specific TRPC6 inhibitor, inhibiting TRPC6 currents with IC50 of 7.9 nM.
N-(p-amylcinnamoyl) Anthranilic Acid
N-(p-amylcinnamoyl) Anthranilic Acid (ACA) is a broad spectrum Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor and TRP channel blocker. N-(p-amylcinnamoyl) Anthranilic Acid (ACA) is also an effective reversible inhibitor of calcium-activated chloride channels, has potential to treat arrhythmia.
SAR7334 hydrochloride is a potent and specific TRPC6 inhibitor, inhibiting TRPC6 currents with IC50 of 7.9 nM.
BCTC
BCTC is a potent and specific inhibitor of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) in prostate cancer (PCa) DU145 cells.
Caffeic acid
Caffeic acid is an inhibitor of both TRPV1 ion channel and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO).
Mifamurtide
Mifamurtide (MTP-PE; CGP19835) is a drug against osteosarcoma.
Pyr10 is a pyrazole derivative and a selective TRP cation 3 (TRPC3) inhibitor. Pyr10 inhibits Ca2+ influx in carbachol-stimulated TRPC3-transfected HEK293 cells with an IC50 of 0.72 μM (IC50 of 13.08 μM for store operated Ca2+ entry in BRL-2H3 cells). Pyr10 has the ability to distinguish between receptor-operated TRPC3 and native stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)/Orai1 channels.
EIPA hydrochloride
EIPA hydrochloride (L593754 hydrochloride) is a TRPP3 channel inhibitor with an IC50 of 10.5 μM. EIPA hydrochloride also inhibits Na+/H+- exchanger (NHE) and macropinocytosis.
GSK2798745 is a first-in-class, highly potent, selective, orally active transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) ion channel blocker with IC50s of 1.8 and 1.6 nM for hTRPV4 and rTRPV4, respectively. GSK2798745 is used in research for the treatment of pulmonary edema associated with congestive heart failure.
Amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate
Amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate (MK-870 hydrochloride dihydrate) is an inhibitor of both epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uTPA). Amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate is a blocker of polycystin-2 (PC2; TRPP2) channel.
ML204hydrochloride
ML204 hydrochloride is a novel, potent, selective TRPC4 channel inhibitor with IC50 of 0.96 uM.
Resolvin D2 is a metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with anti-inflammatory, anti-infective activities. Resolvin D2 is a potent regulator of leukocytes and controls microbial sepsis. Resolvin D2 is a remarkably potent inhibitor of TRPV1 (IC50 = 0.1 nM) and TRPA1 (IC50 = 2 nM) in primary sensory neurons
Chembridge-5861528
Chembridge-5861528 is a TRPA1 channel blocker that antagonizes AITC- and 4-HNE-evoked calcium influx (IC50 values are 14.3 and 18.7μM respectively)
Pyr6
Pyr6 is a selective inhibitor of TRPC3 with IC50 of 0.49 uM(Ca2+ influx inhibition in thapsigargin depleted native RBL-2H3 cells).
Amiloride
Amiloride (MK-870) is an inhibitor of both epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uTPA). Amiloride is a blocker of polycystin-2 (PC2; TRPP2) channel
GFB-8438
GFB-8438 is a potent and subtype selective TRPC5 inhibitor, with IC50s of 0.18 and 0.29 μM of hTRPC5 and hTRPC4, respectively. GFB-8438 shows excellent selectivity against TRPC6, other TRP family members, NaV 1.5, as well as limited activity against the hERG channel. GFB-8438 protects mouse podocytes from injury induced by protamine sulfate.
AP-18
AP-18 is a potent and selective TRPA1 inhibitor. AP18 blocks activation of TRPA1 by 50 μM Cinnamaldehyde with an IC50 of 3.1 μM and 4.5 μM for human and mouse TRPA1, respectively. AP18 reverses complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in mice. AP-18 attenuated 30 μM AITC-induced Yo-Pro uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 10.3 μM.
Phenamil methanesulfonate, an analog of Amiloride (HY-B0285), is a more potent and less reversible epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) blocker with an IC50 of 400 nM. Phenamil methanesulfonate is also a competive inhibitor of TRPP3 and inhibits TRPP3-mediated Ca2+ transport with an IC50 of 140 nM in a Ca2+ uptake assay. Phenamil methanesulfonate is an intriguing small molecule to promote bone repair by strongly activating BMP signaling pathway. Phenamil methanesulfonate is used for the research of cystic fibrosis lung disease.
TRPC6-IN-1 is a Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 6 Channel (TRPC6) inhibitor, with an EC50
of 4.66 μM.
Piromelatine (Neu-P11) is a melatonin MT1/MT2 receptor agonist, serotonin 5-HT1A/5-HT1D agonist, and serotonin 5-HT2B antagonist. Piromelatine (Neu-P11) possesses sleep promoting, analgesic, anti-neurodegenerative, anxiolytic and antidepressant potentials. Piromelatine (Neu-P11) also possesses pain-related P2X3, TRPV1, and Nav1.7 channel-inhibition capacities.
CBA is a potent and selective inhibitor of the cation channel TRPM4, with an IC50 of 1.5 μM. CBA can be used for the research of cardiac diseases and prostate cancer.
TRP Agonists
Capsaicin ((E)-Capsaicin) is a mixture of Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin. Capsaici is a TRPV1 agonist with an EC50 of 0.29 μM in HEK293 cells.
ASP7663 is an orally active and selective TRPA1 agonist. ASP7663 exerts both anti-constipation and anti-abdominal pain actions.
MK6-83 is a new candidate agonist of TRPML1 with an improved efficacy and potency. MK6-83 has the potential for Mucolipidosis type IV study.
Probenecid is a potent and selective agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) channels. Probenecid also inhibits pannexin 1 channels.
GSK1016790A is a potent and selective transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel agonist. GSK1016790A can elicit Ca2+ influx and elevate intracellular Ca2+ in HEK cells.
Icilin(AG 3-5) is a synthetic super-agonist of TRPM8 ion channel.
PF-4840154 is a potent, selective agonist of the rat and human TrpA1 channel with EC50s of 97 and 23 nM, respectively. PF-4840154 elicits TrpA1-mediated nocifensive behaviour in mouse.
WS-12 is an agonist of TRPM8 with an EC50 of 39 nM.
Camphor ((±)-Camphor) is a topical anti-infective and anti-pruritic and internally as a stimulant and carminative. However, Camphor is poisonous when ingested. Antiviral, antitussive, and anticancer activities. Camphor is a TRPV3 agonist.
Hydroxy-α-sanshool is an alkylamide isolated from pepper, acts as TRPA1 covalent and TRPV1 non-covalent agonist, with EC50s of 69 and 1.1 µM, respectively.
Imperatorin is an effective of NO synthesis inhibitor (IC50=9.2 μmol), which also is a BChE inhibitor (IC50=31.4 μmol). Imperatorin is a weak agonist of TRPV1 with EC50 of 12.6±3.2 μM.
Nonivamide is a <b<trpv1< b=””>agonist, which exhibits 4d-EC50 value of 5.1 mg/L in static toxicity tests.</b<trpv1<>
JT010 is a potent agonist of TRPA1 with an EC50 of 0.65 nM.
GSK1702934A is a selective TRPC3 agonist. GSK1702934A modulates cardiac contractility and f arrhythmogenesis by activation of TRPC3.
(Z)-Capsaicin is the cis isomer of capsaicin, acts as an orally active TRPV1 agonist, and is used in the research of neuropathic pain.
D-3263 hydrochloride is an enteric-coated, orally bioavailable (transient receptor potential melastatin member 8) TRPM8 agonist.
Podocarpic acid is a natural product, which has the best all-round positive effect and acts as a novel TRPA1 activator.
TRPM8 antagonist WS-3 is an agonist of TRPM8 with an EC50 of 3.7 μM.
Dihydrocapsaicin is a natural capsaicin, acts as a selective TRPV1 agonist, and also increases p-Akt levels. Dihydrocapsaicin enhances the hypothermia-induced neuroprotection.
RN-1747 is a selective transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) agonist, with EC50 values are 0.77 μM, 4.0 μM and 4.1 μM for hTRPV4, mTRPV4 and rTRPV4 respectively. RN-1747 also antagonizes TRPM8, with an IC50 of 4 μM.
MDR-652 is a highly specific and efficacious transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ligand with agonist activity. The Kis are 11.4 and 23.8 nM for hTRPV1 and rTRPV1, respectively. The EC50s are 5.05 and 93 nM for hTRPV1 and rTRPV1, respectively. Potent topical analgesic activity.
TRP Antagonists
Capsazepine is a synthetic analogue of the sensory neurone excitotoxin, and an antagonist of TRPV1 receptor with an IC50 of 562 nM.
HC-067047 is a potent and selective TRPV4 antagonist and reversibly inhibits currents through the human, rat, and mouse TRPV4 orthologs with IC50 values of 48 nM, 133 nM, and 17 nM, respectively.
AMG9810 is a selective and competitive vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) antagonist with IC50 values of 24.5 and 85.6 nM for human and rat TRPV1, repectively.
GSK2193874 is an orally active, potent, and selective TRPV4 antagonist with IC50s of 2 nM and 40 nM for rTRPV4 and hTRPV4.
HC-070 is an antagonist of TRPC4/TRPC5, with IC50s of 9.3 nM and 46 nM for hTRPC5 and hTRPC4 in cells, respectively.
AMG 517 is a potent and selective vanilloid receptor-1 (TRPV1) antagonist with an IC50 of 0.5 nM.
BI-749327 is a potent, high selectivity and orally bioavailable TRPC6 antagonist, with IC50s of 13 nM, 19 nM and 15 nM for mouse, human and guinea pig TRPC6, respectively. BI-749327 is 85-fold more selective for mouse TRPC6 than TRPC3 and 42-fold versus TRPC7.
A-967079 is a selective TRPA1 receptor antagonist with IC50s of 67 nM and 289 nM at human and rat TRPA1 receptors, respectively, and has good penetration into the CNS.
RN-1734 is selective antagonist of the TRPV4 channel, completely antagonizes 4αPDD-mediated activation of TRPV4 with comparable, low micromolar IC50s for all three species (hTRPV4: 2.3 μM, mTRPV4: 5.9 μM, rTRPV4: 3.2 μM). RN-1734 clearly decreases the production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) without altering the number of olig2-positive cells.
Asivatrep (PAC-14028) is a potent and selective transient receptor potential vanilloid type I (TRPV1) antagonist.
AM-0902 is a potent, selective transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) antagonist with IC50s of 71 and 131 nM for rTRPA1 and hTRPA1, respectively.
RQ-00203078 is a highly selective, potent and orally available TRPM8 antagonist (IC50 values are 5.3 and 8.3 nM for rat and human channels respectively), exhibits >350-fold selectivity for TRPM8 over TRPV4, TRPV1 and TRPA1.
SB-366791 is a potent , competitive and selective vanilloid receptor (VR1/TRPV1) antagonist with IC50 of 5.7±1.2 nM target: VR1/TRPV1 IC 50: 5.7±1.2 nM [1] SB-366791 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the response to capsaicin with an apparent pKb of 7.74±0.08.
ML204 is a novel potent antagonist that selectively modulates native TRPC4/C5 ion channels.
GSK205 is a potent, selective TRPV4 antagonist with an IC50 of 4.19 μM for inhibiting TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ influx.
Mavatrep is an orally bioavailable TRPV1 antagonist (Ki=6.5 nM), exhibits minimal effect on the enzymatic activity (IC50 > 25 μM) of CYP isoforms 3A4, 1A2, and 2D6.
(E)-Cardamonin ((E)-Cardamomin) is a novel antagonist of hTRPA1 cation channel with an IC50 of 454 nM.
SB-705498 is a potent, selective and orally bioavailable transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor antagonist with a pIC50 of 7.1.
JNJ-17203212 is a novel and selective TRPV1 antagonist, with IC50 of 65 nM and 102 nM for human TRPV1 and rat TRPV1.
AMG 333 is a potent and highly selective TRPM8 antagonist with an IC50 of 13 nM.
TRPM8 antagonist 2 is a potent and selective TRPM8 antagonist, with an IC50 of 0.2 nM, used in the research of neuropathic pain syndromes.
ABT-239 is a novel, highly efficacious, non-imidazole class of H3R antagonist and a transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) antagonist.
A-1165442 is a potent, competitive and orally available TRPV1 antagonist with an IC50 of 9 nM for human TRPV1.
TC-I 2014 (compound 5) is a potent and orally active Benzimidazole-containing transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) antagonist, with IC50 values of 0.8 nM, 3.0 nM and 4.4 nM for canine, human and rat channels respectively. TC-I 2014 exhibits antiallodynic properties in pain models.
L-R4W2 TFA is a potent antagonist of vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1, TRPV1), with an IC50 of 0.1 μM. L-R4W2 TFA may act as a potent analgesic.
L-R4W2 is a potent antagonist of vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1, TRPV1), with an IC50 of 0.1 μM. L-R4W2 may act as a potent analgesic.
α-Spinasterol, isolated from Spinacia oleracea, has antibacterial activity. α-Spinasterol is a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist, has anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant and antinociceptive effects. α-Spinasterol inhibits COX-1 andCOX-2 activities with IC50 values of 16.17 μM and 7.76 μM, respectively.
TRPV antagonist 1 is a transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) antagonist, with an IC50 of < 250 nM.
TRP Activators
Diphenyleneiodonium chloride is a NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor and also functions as a TRPA1 activator with an EC50 of 1 to 3 μM. Diphenyleneiodonium chloride selectively inhibits intracellular reactive oxygen species.
2-Aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB) is a cell-permeable inhibitor of IP3R. 2-Aminoethyl diphenylborinate also inhibits the store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channel and activates some TRP channels (V1, V2 and V3).
(-)-Menthol is a key component of peppermint oil that binds and activates transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel, to increase [Ca2+]i. Antitumor activity.
8-Gingerol, found in the rhizomes of ginger (Z. officinale) with oral bioavailability, activates TRPV1, with an EC50 of 5.0 µM. 8-Gingerol inhibits COX-2, and inhibits the growth of H. pylori in vitro.
Hyperforin dicyclohexylammonium salt
Hyperforin dicyclohexylammonium salt (Hyperforin DCHA) is a transient receptor canonical 6 (TRPC6) channels activator. Hyperforin dicyclohexylammonium salt modulates Ca2+ levels by activating Ca2+-conducting non-selective canonical TRPC6 channels. Hyperforin dicyclohexylammonium salt shows antidepressant effect.
SN 2 is a potent activator of TRPML3 ion channel with an EC50 of 1.8 μM. SN 2 also acts as a potent inhibitor of Dengue virus 2 (DENV2) and Zika virus (ZIKV).
Beta-Eudesmol is a natural oxygenated sesquiterpene, activates hTRPA1, with an EC50 of 32.5 μM. Beta-Eudesmol increases appetite through TRPA1.
Linopirdine (DuP 996) is an orally active, selective M-type K+ current (IM; Kv7; KCNQ Channels) inhibitor with an IC50 of 2.4 μM. Linopirdine is a TRPV1 agonist. Linopirdine, a putative cognition enhancing drug, increases acetylcholine release in rat brain tissue.
1,4-Cineole is a widely distributed, natural, oxygenated monoterpene. 1,4-Cineole, present in eucalyptus oil, activates both human TRPM8 and human TRPA1.
Optovin is a reversible photoactive TRPA1 activator; stimulates human TRPA1 channels in vitro and enables repeated photoactivation of motor behaviors in wild-type zebrafish (EC50 = 2 μM).
Adenosine 5′-diphosphoribose sodium
Adenosine 5′-diphosphoribose sodium (ADP ribose sodium) is a nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD+) metabolite. Adenosine 5′-diphosphoribose sodium is the most potent and primary intracellular Ca2+-permeable cation TRPM2 channel activator. Adenosine 5′-diphosphoribose sodium also can enhance autophagy.
AM12 inhibits Lanthanide-evoked TRPC5 activity with an IC50 of 0.28 μM.
Bisandrographolide C is an unusual dimer of ent-labdane diterpenoid isolated and identified from Andrographis paniculata. Bisandrographolide C activates TRPV1 and TRPV3 channels with Kd values of 289 and 341 μM respectively, and protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-reoxygenation injury.
Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) is a potent second messenger for calcium mobilization that is synthesized from NAD+ by a ADP-ribosyl cyclase. Cyclic ADP-ribose increases cytosolic calcium mainly by Ryanodine receptor-mediated release from endoplasmic reticulum and also by extracellular influx through the opening of TRPM2 channels.
Englerin A is a potent and selective activator of TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels, with EC50s of 11.2 and 7.6 nM, respectively. Englerin A can induce renal carcinoma cells death by elevated Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ cell overload.
Pulegone, the major chemical constituent of Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi essential oil which is an aromatic herb with a mint-oregano flavor, is one of avian repellents. The molecular target for the repellent action of Pulegone in avian species is nociceptive TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). Pulegone stimulates both TRPM8 and TRPA1 channel in chicken sensory neurons and suppresses the former but not the latter at high concentrations.
Umbellulone is an active constituent of the leaves of Umbellularia californica. Umbellulone stimulates the TRPA1 channel in a subset of peptidergic, nociceptive neurons, activating the trigeminovascular system via this mechanism.
Methyl syringate, a chemical marker of asphodel monofloral honey, is an efficient phenolic mediator for bacterial and fungal laccases. Methyl syringate is a TRPA1 agonist.
Modulators
Rosiglitazone (BRL 49653) is a selective, orally active PPARγ agonist with EC50s of 30 nM, 100 nM and 60 nM for PPARγ1, PPARγ2, and PPARγ, respectively. Rosiglitazone binds to PPARγ with a Kd of approximately 40 nM. Rosiglitazone is also an activator of TRPC5 (EC50=~30 μM) and an inhibitor of TRPM3
Rosiglitazone maleate (BRL 49653C) is a potent and selective activator of PPARγ, with EC50s of 30 nM, 100 nM and 60 nM for PPARγ1, PPARγ2, and PPARγ, respectively, and a Kd of appr 40 nM for PPARγ; Rosiglitazone maleate is also an modulator of TRP channels, inhibits TRP melastatin 2 (TRPM2), TRPM3 and activates TRP canonical 5 (TRPC5).
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The Chelsea Physic garden has a wealth of information and maybe able to help with these specific questions. The Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden and contains a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful and medicinal plants that have changed the world. Form for enquiries on website and phone no.
020 7352 5646
enquiries@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
I have consulted a herbalist for another condition than the ones you want and found them trust worthy If a registered herbalist is in the area may be worth asking for discusion. I realise you want first hand knowledge but just throwing this in.
Which ones are the: Protagonists and which one are the antagonists?
Whatever I was going through, going back twenty years ago, had impacted,
my good health and well -being.
I would never be the same again!
Deodorants, hair dyes, shampoos/conditioner, soap, washing detergents, water from the tap, foods with additives/preservatives, coke, alcohol, vitamins, bread, milk, any medicines that were prescribed to me; etc…………. were my worst enemies. I was a toxic time bomb, waiting to explode!
I had become so chemically sensitive and it was attacking my nervous, endocrine, circulatory, immune, digestive, reproductive, muscular and lymphatic system.
My body was being attacked by a barrage of chemicals (meds) and all my systems were being attacked.
Everything in my body was inflamed and I had to fight the enemies within.
It was life or death and I had to do everything in my power to fight the tsunami of war within.
No one could help me! :'(
I had to learn very quickly what I had to do to survive.
I have got a library of books that have given me power to understand my body and what I had to do to get out of the trenches I was so hopelessly, stuck in.
The book that saved my life was:
Food that fight pain – Neal Barnard, M.D.
I have mentioned this book, on numerous occasions especially, here on RXISK, in the hope that it may benefit someone else.
This book is my bible and I have tried to help many people regain better health by changing poor dietary habits.
Herbs are great. Natural is best! You have to regulate the amount you ingest because they come with undesirable side effects. It is all trial and error and when you listen to your body and what works best for you, the wonders/benefits come to you in abundance.
As for the residual health issues: getting back to the basics, I have gone off linear and gone back to my unsavoury ways. To help my body, I have to go back to the basics and learn how to treat my body with the dignity and respect it deserves.
Our body is made up of roughly 60% water. Please drink unadulterated water, as it has many benefits for our health.
It is not an easy balance to achieve.
It takes persistence, commitment, perseverance and dedication to reach a state of inner balance.
It is not a one size fits all.
The long list of compounds, mentioned in this blog, some do indeed carry their weight.
Ginger, turmeric, curcumin, boswellia, essential oils, infra-red heat therapy, reflexology, acupressure, electromagnetic pulse therapy, gentle massage, vibrational therapy, are just to name are few. These highly recommended modalities of healing, assist immensely in bringing the inflammation down. Remember, we have tiny nerve fibres which are the width of a hair strand in our bodies and if they are not handled with care, the pain receptors can get highly aggravated and it thus becomes a vicious cycle which is hard to un-do.
Notes from “Ionic Channels as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review.” (2020) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.01120/full
dysfunctions of the Kv7 channels are associated with human diseases, including […] erectile dysfunction.
…in the regulation of vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle tone, and that the KCNQ genes (Kv7.1, 7.4 and 7.5) are the most expressed subtypes in these muscles, opening a new field of possibilities for pharmacological targeting for the various pathophysiological disorders of the underlying vascular smooth muscle.
non-selective blocking of Kv7.1-7.5 channels by linopirdine and XE991, promote membrane depolarization and concomitant vasoconstriction, leading to an increase in calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) and consequently inhibit vascular relaxing responses in humans , which may produce spontaneous contractions in some vessels . It has been shown in penile physiology that blocking these channels also impairs arterial relaxation produced by the atrial natriuretic peptide and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), decreasing the cellular concentration of cGMP, essential for the penile erection process .
However, Kv7 activators (retigabine, ML213 and S-1), hyperpolarize the membrane potential and cause relaxation of pre-contracted vessels, decreasing the Ca2+ influx by CaV, resulting in the relaxation of human and rodent arteries . In addition, genes for KCNQ3-5 had been detected in penile arteries, veins and corpus cavernosum, while KCNQ1 was found only in the corpus cavernosum of rats. The activators Kv7.2-7.5, ML213, and BMS204352, relaxed pre-contracted penile arteries and corpus cavernosum, regardless of nitric oxide synthase or hyperpolarization derived from the endothelium. In contrast, the relaxation promoted by sildenafil and sodium nitroprusside had been reduced by blocking these channels with linopirdine in the penile arteries and the corpus cavernosum .
Therefore, suggesting that Kv7 channels play an important functional role in all smooth muscle systems, specifically in erectile function, confirming the potential of these channels as new therapeutic targets for erectile dysfunction.
Transient Receptor Potential Channels (TRP)
TRP channels are a superfamily of ion channels, mostly non-selective for mono and divalent cations, expressed in almost all cell types, in both excitable and non-excitable tissues and participating in various physiological functions such as nociception and muscle contraction .
In mammals, the TRP superfamily is divided into six subfamilies based on their homology sequences and named according to first described member of each subfamily: ankyrin (TRPA), canonical (TRPC), melastatin (TRPM), mucolipine (TRPML), polycystin (TRPP), and vanilloid (TRPV) (Caterina, 2014; Samanta et al., 2018).
involvement between ED and dysfunctions in TRP channels.
increased expression of TRPC4 in smooth corpus cavernosum muscle cells of diabetic rats and demonstrated that after TRPC4DN gene transfer, erectile function of diabetic animals was restored .
Use of BKCa, SK3, and KV7 channels activators and/or transient receptor potential (TRP) and Calcium-activated Chloride channels (CaCC) blockers, induce reduction of cytoplasmic concentration of Ca2+, [Ca2+]c, culminating in relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle cell and penile erection.
This topical cream to be applied to the genitals promises to increase sensitivity and to do so through the action of its natural compounds on the Ion channels. https://sensumplus.com/about-sensum/
The main ingredient of Sensum+ (cinnamon oil) works by activating the Transient Receptor Potential A1 (TRPA-1) channels. TRPA1 channels are activated by cinnamon oil.
I have seen that it is also for sale on AMZ.
One thing I need to know right away is what we mean by “Chase.” Like Mary, I know very little about the science of ion channels. But it’s clear there are dozens of different ones, and quite a few different ions (sodium, potassium, calcium) that go through them, both ways, making a variety of things happen. And one thing I do know is many of them have major effects on the heart.
Therefore, I will take “Chase” to mean “Read, and think, and ask around about this stuff.” Not “Take this stuff and see what happens.” Whether you have a scientific bent, or an adventurous bent, or both, or neither. Am I right?
My second thought is that lots of these substances are used in medicine already for various purposes. That should help us tremendously. What conditions do they treat, and how? Do those conditions have anything in common with SSRI withdrawal symptoms? And what are the known “side effects”?
A few items jumped out at me right away: Rosiglitazone. Epsom Salts. Anti-convulsants. Rosiglitazone is a diabetes drug marketed as Avandia by GSK, which has been pulled off the market in Europe because of the risks of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure and death associated with it. It is scary stuff. At the same time a lot is known about its workings, and millions of people have taken it. Aside from all those cardiac effects, what would it do to your blood sugar? And would that be a bad thing, or a good thing? Etc.
Epsom Salts are basically magnesium sulfate. My grandma used to soak her feet in hot water with Epsom Salts. Other people take them orally for constipation. Magnesium is something you need, but too much can lead to confusion, lethargy, nausea, an irregular heartbeat and other bad stuff. Take way too much and it can kill you. And how much you need, how long it stays in your body — all very individual. I will happily try soaking my feet in it, but hesitate to swallow any.
Anticonvulsants are the #1 go-to treatment over here for “neuropathies” — numbness, burning, tingling or shooting pain attributed to the peripheral nerves. Pregabalin and gabapentin especially. I’ve met a few people for whom they seemed to work–and many for whom they caused awful mental and physical symptoms, not to mention dependence and withdrawal. I never mention my neuropathic symptoms to doctors anymore, because they always offer Lyrica (pregabalin) and I do not want to start that shit. If it does help in some cases, what is the mechanism? And why is it a negative experience for so many?
One final question: Most of these drugs (like Lyrica or calcium-channel blockers for hypertension) seem to be prescribed long-term. Is that the only logical way to use them? Or is there good reason to think a short-term course of treatment could actually make a long-term change (like undo the damage caused by SSRI’s)?
Some are most likely thinking why would I have reacted to milk or bread?
Anything that had preservatives/additives/numbers/E numbers in foods, all were detrimental to my compromised health.
Coke- I should have said all soft drinks, were toxic for me.
Milk, containing lactose, upset my gastro intestinal tract, severely.
We all take what we eat for granted however, when I was full of meds, I was so sensitive to a lot of things.
I was grateful that I was able to understand/appreciate what these meds were doing to my good health.
I honestly believe that if I did not do the intensive research, I would of become another sad statistic of over prescribed medicines, which were prescribed to me within a short period of time and all given to me closely together. The last prescribed medicine was the one that nearly cost me my life.
It is horrifying to comprehend how many innocent people die as a result of prescribed medication, overprescribing and mis prescribing.
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2016-09-27/the-danger-in-taking-prescribed-medications
https://www.citizen.org/article/misprescribing-and-overprescribing-of-drugs/
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/prescribing/overdose-death-maps.html
Both Johanna and Carla’s comments point out so clearly that we are such complicated creatures! It is so hard to find a definite pattern related to us as “humans” – surely a little easier if we concentrated on us as “individuals” which, I feel, is the message of this post. We’ve always known that what suits one does not necessarily suit another – that lesson applies to whole of life and needs to apply also to medicines. All of us, who comment here, know very well that reactions to different drugs/ prescribed medicines vary from person to person. Getting many “professionals” to accept this, as we also know to our cost, can be incredibly hard work. “Yes”, they’ll say, “there are risks to all medicines and possible side effects” and then they close that conversation down with “but the benefits far outweigh the risks”. I feel that that quote would only be worthy of note if all “humans” reacted in mostly the same way in all conditions – in a combination of ‘lifestyle choices’ with added medications, that scenario becomes irrelevant.
Even without the addition of medications, our reactions to a variety of conditions/ substances can vary. Even within a lifetime we can react differently to substances. I spent years not able to be comfortable wherever there were plastic bags or rubber bands – I would develop a deep wheeze and cough plus incredibly itchy face and hands even without touching the items. That has now more or less disappeared – except if I happen to go through severely mentally stressful times, when it then returns. Thankfully, now with Shane being so much better, the stresses have disappeared. This points to there being some changes within me – certainly not a change in the plastic or elastic. I am asthmatic, the symptoms of which appeared during three years spent teaching outside Wrexham, very close to Monsanto’s factory. Can I blame the outpouring of fumes etc. from there? I don’t know but I do know that I didn’t wheeze or have allergic reactions prior to those years.
Johanna’s comment on Magnesium reminded me of a teacher who had been feeling ‘under the weather’, went to his doctor and was told to make his way to the local hospital that same day. He went home to gather his necessary goods for a possible hospital stay, collapsed in the bathroom and died. It was found that his magnesium levels had been dangerously low and that was the cause of death.
All of this indicates the difficulties involved in trying to put together steps that may steer us towards a possible cure for PSSD etc. I guess.
Of one thing I am sure, that cure will not be found without all who are suffering having the confidence to search and research and pushing the boundaries of media etc. that would rather that the whole issue were swept under a carpet out of sight of the general public.
Thank you for your reply, Mary.
We are indeed, complex creatures.
I believe that if anyone had the same meds I was prescribed, the reaction/outcome, would have been indeed, worse if not fatal.
I was a survivor however, I do believe that some many poor souls would not have had the strength to fight for their life, given the circumstances.
We have to always be mindful of flawed medicines as it has always been and is once again the topic du jour of my concerns.
Sadly, if one is dealt a flawed batch, dire implications can happen to anyone.
We say what we need to say and if no one understands/appreciates what I am trying to put forward, then this is where it becomes an issue.
Some people who have experienced unforgiving effects, understand well what I am trying to say.
In many cases, one med will fix up one problem only to create another health issue, in return. So the vicious cycle begins………….!
When I hear:
”However, the benefits far outweigh the risks”. This statement makes me cringe.
You are so correct Mary, when you inform us, that some practitioners are quick to state their case.
Well, once our good health has been ruined by the medicine’s that are ‘prescribed to heal’, that statement becomes negligible.
There is a massive difference between accidental harm and uninformed harm.
Once I had improved my diet, the health issues I was grappling with, became less of a hurdle.
If we have health issues that are induced by meds, sadly this is also problematic.
It is always there however, one has to be mindful of what ‘triggers’ the health maladies and only the one who understands ‘thy body’ appreciates what works well for them.
I never had the health issues before I was prescribed a toxic array of meds.
It is what it is! My body is in my hands now for it may be ruined in the hands of those who have no understanding of the dilemmas one has to deal/cope with.
The only remedy, all of us on RXISK are honoured to have, is the power of knowing that we are educators of a topic that quite frankly, is dismissed by many in the know-how!
All I was doing for a time was say typing ‘TRPA1 agonist’ into Google and then looking through papers like this one which talk about newly identified agonist compounds. There are alot of such papers to be discovered on Google Scholar. I don’t go through the papers fine detail although I quite like the graphs and tables of clearly presented data as those appeal to me as an Engineer.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68013-2
If I go through looking at lots of papers using this simple searching method eventually Google Scholar shuts me down and calls me a robot. I don’t think I’m a robot but that is what happens. If lots of people did searching like this the latest ion channel TRP and non TRP agonists could be collected. Newly discovered ion channel agonists might be helpful in discovering cures for PSSD and protracted withdrawal conditions. There is only one of me if lots of others adopted the same schema we would logically discover new compounds sooner.
This young lady owns a channel on which she provides very good information about supplements that can be helpful in mitigating protracted withdrawal symptoms.
https://youtu.be/7jEg3TyN34M
It has more useful information than you find on Channel 9 anyway.
https://youtu.be/tWkmYraB3Rs
Here is another recent paper which pops up when you type ‘TRPV1 agonists’ into Google. These recent papers are talking about newly discovered agonist compounds. This is what I think chasing ion channel agonists means.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.01040/full
I think it is alot of fun digging up these ion channel agonist papers and finding out about new compounds, those new compounds can be added to the current lists.
‘TRPM8 agonists’ led to this recent paper.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720301213
‘TRPC6 agonists’ threw up this one. I think you should get the idea now.
https://elifesciences.org/articles/53311
Piezo1 and Piezo2 agonists’ delivered me to this paper. I can feel myself becoming more ragged than usual as I took my 25mg last Sertraline tablet on Friday 20th November. I’ll see how much of this I can cope with before I feed myself a bit of the liquid Fluoxetine. I’ll probably try 2.5mg morning and evening to see if I can stabilise at a half dose equivalence. The Sertraline should be almost complely out of my system now I’ll see how long I can hang on in there before I will be compelled to take 2.5mg of Fluoxetine. Fun and games this isn’t, this is hard work even with my regular supplements.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12501-1
Things definitely got a bit more swirly than I have become accustomed to just recently today. I thought a brisk walk was in order although I must have appeared like a man possessed to other people or Sonic the Hedgehog after that time when he took amphetamines. The liquid Fluoxetine was still in the Boots Chemist so I walked there with quite an enthusiastic spring in my step, I was incredibly motivated. It’s a very peculiar thing when others don’t share the same level of urgency as you do isn’t it ? I felt like the physical embodiment of Sonic but he is a bit mapped character living in a computer simulation I’m just a fella having a withdrawal reaction. I’ll put up with it for a bit longer and try to intervene with 2.5mg of Fluoxetine on myself before I reach the ‘needs to be strapped to a gurney’ stage with any luck.
Stay tuned for further updates on my latest adventure.
I fed 5mg or 1.25ml of the Fluoxetine liquid into my system, it appears to have put the brakes on what happened earlier although I’m still quite frazzled. I managed to avoid resorting to drinking Brandy I’ll keep that one for the New Year as I anticipate the swirlyness might come back again around that time. I’ll continue with my supplement regime and split the Fluoxetine dose to be 2 5mg or 0.625ml in the morning and evening. I’ll see how things go finger crossed.
It seems a bit unreasonable to expect people to cope with this sort of there must be a better way of doing things than this. I chatted to a woman in the queue at the Chemist who was talking about how her Grandson had been diagnosed with ADHD. I was telling her not to let a GP prescribe the child Ritalin and that I would be inclined to go with a herbal supplement like ‘Child Calm’ there are quite a few like that which you can acquire from Holland and Barrett or Amazon. Those herbal combinations help to ameliorate an issue like that without being dangerously addictive.
Justin, I admire all that you are sharing with us here. You seem to have unearthed such a lot of information, added to which you are coping with withdrawal. I sincerely hope that you are successful now without the need for too much of the liquid Fluoxetine – and will leave the brandy alone until you are well away from the Fluoxetine and the effects of withdrawal from Sertraline!
I do my best with what I have Mary. I like my peace and quiet, reading.and thiinking about.solving problems, there is nothing else to do. I try to take a logical and rational approach to everything. Withdrawals can make.life seem a bit unreasonable, it’s like having the rug pulled out from beneath your feet, I became very closed off from everything and wanted a.quiet life with no alarms and no surprises. I went through a period where I could only socialise if I had quite a bit to drink to escape from the chemical straightjacket that seemed to lock me up inside my own head all the time. Miraculously since adopting my supplement regime the unreasonable craving I developed for alcohol vanished which is good, also the Feverfew sorted the headaches. Nobody wants to have their day blighted by a constant barrage of freaky symtoms all the time going about daily business in a withdrawal state is very hard work and exhausting.
I think the trick is to extract some simple clarity from all the information that is where the data is good. Clarity is everything we need here..
These videos about how your phone works are interesting.
https://youtu.be/5f2xOxRGKqk
https://youtu.be/NKfW8ijmRQ4
There is a research area scientists are busy working on at the moment to do with what they call Ionotronics. The idea is basically to mimic the way ion channels work by transporting lots of different types of ions across ion channel gates that open and close as opposed to Electronics which uses on/off transistors and electron transport. They actually are able to create artificial ion channels so one day electronics might go out of fashion and everything might be Iontronics.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aisy.201900073
I never get bored anyway, I keep myself occupied. I’m putting a list of the tools and components together I would need to create a prototyoe compact pen sized biothesiometer such a device could be put into production and easily mailed out to the PSSD crowd in a jiffy bag with some potential therapeutics and a set of instructions. I get a bit distracted reading papers but I’ve got the plan for the biothesiometer mostly in my head, I need to finish the list. For instance the tool known as the Analogue Discovery 2 is very good and reasonably priced at £400 it does everything so I would like that.
https://youtu.be/TgQVBfNdJ2o
A very compact simple biothesiometer could be easily created without making it too complicated. It would just use a micro to drive a voltage controlled amplifier that drives an electromagnetic rod in coil type vibration element for skin application. It could be made very portable and powered by a LiPo battery. A small biothesiometer device would enable lots of PSSD people to try out therapeutics and assess any improvement in receptor function and report information back to RxISK as to what therapeutics work. This seems like a logical direction to take to investigate cures.
Here optical tweezers are used to create a mechanical stimulus to a neuron you can see that happening on the left. On the right you can see the neuron firing in response to the mechanical stimulus. The Piezo1 ans Piezo2 ion channels are the main mechanosensors that create this neuronal stimulus effect. I need to slow down and chill for a bit that’s enough work for today.
https://frontiersin.figshare.com/articles/Video_3_Cell_Mechanotransduction_With_Piconewton_Forces_Applied_by_Optical_Tweezers_AVI/6615836/1
Most of here are cynical about ‘professional advice..’ but if no trusted knowledgeable person is around theres still ways of double checking for interactions on google
HERBS CAN HEAL NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Most of us are aware that the brain is not an island. It is not floating in our heads by itself but instead forms connections with many functions throughout the entire body. Forming a close tribe rather than being a distant relative to various bodily processes.
The blood brain barrier is also not a Berlin Wall where nothing can reach the brain itself, there are plenty of herbs and nutrients that do in fact cross the blood brain barrier to directly influence brain health.
Neurotransmitters are the key to this whole-body communication being chemical messengers throughout your nervous system that carry, boost and balance signals between neurons aka nerve cells and other cells in the body. When you are exposed to external stress for example, your body ideally will try to send signals for calming neurotransmitters to be released to help you remain focused and on point but problems in this communication are common. Imbalance of any neurotransmitter be that too much or too little can mean that a signal or message is not received, and our body may react to traffic the same way it did historically to being chased by a dinosaur.
So how many neurotransmitters are you familiar with? Let’s take a quick look at just a few and the herbs that can support your bodies natural pathways to maintain balance of these important messengers.
Serotonin seems to be the neurotransmitter we are most familiar with as its associated with happiness, wellbeing and just generally feeling good; when in balance this can be true. However deficient and excess can cause dysregulation of mood, appetite and sleep, particularly sleep onset. Were you aware that it is also involved in learning and memory, which is why in some mood disorders the ability to retain information is inhibited. Serotonin is primarily found in the enteric nervous system located in the GI tract which is partly why we hear that gut health is so integral for good mental health. Low serotonin can also present with the symptom of constipation and high serotonin can present with tendency to runny stools. Two herbs that support production of Serotonin are Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus) and St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) useful for irritability and fatigue that comes with low mood.
GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that is commonly linked to anxiety where panic attacks form a large part of the picture, this is because Gaba prevents neurons from being overstimulated and overfiring. It also involved in regulation of muscle tone so low Gaba can translate to poor muscle tone despite specific muscle training exercises. Made in the nervous system and the pancreas, Gaba is the perfect example of why health practitioners warn against excessive sugar consumption in managing anxiety and stress. Two herbs that support GABA production are Kava (Piper methysticum) and Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) perfect for both panic attacks, emotional stress and waking throughout the night.
Dopamine is both a hormone and neurotransmitter and is involved in reward motivated behaviour giving it a strong link to addictions and addictive behaviours. Low dopamine can result in restless leg syndrome and a 3pm slump in energy. Produced in both the cells and adrenal glands, long term adrenal stress can deplete dopamine levels. Two herbs that are beneficial in balancing dopamine might be surprising as they are commonly used for other conditions and they are Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) perfect for reducing inflammation and reducing heavy metal toxicity which can affect dopamine production making us crave rewards such as sweet treats, alcohol or other addictive behaviours.
Epinephrine or adrenalin as its more commonly known is involved in the fight or flight response, which is a necessary biological response when we are in real danger but not when the external stressor is mild in its threat. This heightened response to everyday life events is common in anxiety disorders and adrenalin is considered to play a role when symptoms such as excessive sweating and palpitations are present. Made in both the adrenal glands and neurons it once again shows the link between healthy adrenal glands and the health of neurons. Two herbs that help to balance Adrenalin are Withania (Ashwaganda) and Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) are ideal tonics that keep balance and support physical stress, improve performance and debility.
With all herbs it is best to seek the professional advice of a naturopath or herbalist to ensure there are no interactions with medications and that they are the most suitable herbs for your individual biochemistry. Nature does hold many healing herbs in its medicine cabinet that can help us find the difference between surviving and thriving at times.
Your Brain on Herbs: Neurotransmitters, Nootropics, & Nature’s Pharmaceuticals for Mental Health
Rachelle Robinett September 22, 2015
Even medications edit the brain chemistry that in turn creates feelings, thoughts and behaviors we’re typically looking to modify.
Antidepressant and mood altering medications do not change negative behaviors or feelings, the effect they have on our brain chemistry is what changes them. This means that changing our brain chemistry is what changes our feelings and behaviors. The assumption that we need medications to do this is faulty thinking.
For those who can work without (or with less) medication, the safest, healthiest and longest-term method of modifying unhealthy or undesirable brain activity is via nutrition, herbs and lifestyle. “Herbalism” is fundamentally holistic. Meaning, nutrition, supplements and lifestyle are all part of a great herbal protocol. Simply drinking herbal tea or popping the all-natural pills isn’t enough; we must lay the foundation for all-around health in order for our actions to work, and stick.
A key to using herbs and foods to create healthy brain chemistry lies in knowing which specific brain chemicals need to be enhanced or reduced, and what herbs and foods, activities and attitudes will do that.
CARBOHYDRATE-RICH FOODS CAUSE OUR BODIES TO CREATE SEROTONIN! SO, WE DON’T CRAVE THE CARBS AS MUCH AS WE CRAVE SEROTONIN.
Dopamine – and its derivative, norepinephrine – are considered a single chemical. This is the energizing, “gas petal” chemical that promotes increased feelings of alertness, wakefulness, assertiveness and aggressiveness. This chemical heightens energy, speeds up thoughts and improves muscle coordination. Too much norepinephrine causes anxiety and aggression, stimulates violent behaviors, and causes schizophrenia, paranoia and psychosis.
One of the most powerful and fastest ways to alter these neurotransmitters is via your herb and food choices.
Foods rich in protein boost dopamine and norepinephrine within minutes, causing increased alertness, speeding up thoughts, and increasing assertiveness. Beans and legumes, fermented soy like tempeh and miso, and beverages like coffee (found to speed up transmitters, speed thoughts, improve reaction time and mental functioning and enhance mood after a 20 year study), black tea, green tea and milk all boost dopamine and norepinephrine. Seeds and nuts such as sunflower, pumpkin and milk thistle also boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels.
Herbs that can help raise dopamine levels include ginseng, nettles, red clover, fenugreek, dandelion and peppermint.
One of my favorite herbs for dopamine support is Mucuna Pruriens, otherwise known as “dopamine bean.” I use this along with a nootropic supplement as part of my daily morning routine, along with a little bit of herbal coffee and MCT oil and believe it’s contributed significantly to the actual erasure of my lifelong generalized anxiety and panic disorder.
Activities that enhance these “gas pedal” neurotransmitters include listening to great music, dancing (and any rush of activity), exciting sports, being active outdoors – especially in the sun – and sex.
That said, when choosing carbs, choose great ones! Fruit – fresh or dried and fresh vegetables, especially roots, squashes, pumpkins … Apples are noted for bringing oxygen to the brain and being rich in complex carbohydrates and B vitamins, critical nutrients for balanced serotonin levels. Cacao (100% if possible please!) contain PEA, called the molecule of love, and enzymes that prevent the breakdown of anandamide, otherwise known as the “bliss molecule.” Cacao also contains a central nervous system stimulant (theobromine) which can act like a natural antidepressant.
Some herbs that help boost serotonin levels include oatstraw, which is high in B vitamins, and the roots of angelica, burdock, dandelion, ginseng, wild yam, black cohosh, cannabis and so many more.
In addition to food and herbs, consider sunlight or a SAD lamp if you live somewhere dark (or even if you don’t). Sleep is essential for neurotransmitter balance so syncing your circadian rhythms and getting enough, on a regular schedule, is as important as medication. Perhaps even more important: Exercise.
Herbs for Brain Health
Oat straw is a restorative, nourishing nervine herb and high in B-vitamins which are important for those with generalized anxiety or an especially taxed nervous system. Oat straw is also known for soothing low mood, sadness, or grief – especially if caused by stress. (Oat seed extract is a key ingredient in our herbal gummies, HRBLS.)
Lavender is well studied as an antidepressant, tranquilizing and stress relieving herb. I refer to it as a plant for peace. (Lavender and skullcap, below, are also ingredients in HRBLS.)
Skullcap is one of nature’s finest nervine herbs – an herb used before we had pharmaceutical tranquilizers, for deep calm and sleep. Some of the active compounds in skullcap bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as benzodiazepines, giving this plant the closest natural action to Xanax that I’ve found yet.
Sage may inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, thus protecting against Alzheimer’s disease. It is also been highly regarded as a brain tonic around the world and for thousands of years.
Freshly picked lavender
Freshly picked lavender
Rosemary is another excellent herb for the brain – especially known to increase alertness, circulation, strengthen memory and acts as an all-around brain tonic. “Rosemary for remembrance!”
Ginkgo can help bring blood to the brain, improve mood and sociability, sharpen concentration and intellect, and eases tension and anxiety. This is a classic herb (tree) for bran health that’s been used to that effect for thousands of years.
Ginseng, the epitome of an adaptogenic herb, is rejuvenating, restorative, boosts energy and vitality and is tonic to the brain. Antidepressant, adaptogenic, an excellent ally for anyone under physical, emotional, mental or spiritual stress. Promotes strong nerves, sound sleep, improves memory, clear thinking and enhances concentration.
Angelica can be revitalizing, restorative and offers rich stores of B vitamins, including B12, calcium, magnesium and iron, all necessary nutrients for healthy brain and nervous system functioning.
Lemon Balm is an effective natural tranquilizer and antidepressant. It is anesthetic, pain easing and called a safeguard against senility. Lemon balm nourishes the brain.
John’s Wort is a beautiful nervine, effective against mild to moderate depression, alleviating anxiety, insomnia, and irritability and eases pain. It was used traditionally as a nerve-pain reliever before a mood support.
Jasmine Grapefruit Echinacea
Jasmine Grapefruit Echinacea
Motherwort may help stabilize emotions and serve as a natural relaxant after (or during) stressful times. I often use it during “happy hour” or prior to high-intensity teaching or speaking engagements.
B Vitamins, omega oils and essential fatty acids, nootropic supplements, intermittent fasting, psychedelics, meditation and more … ! There is much to learn and it’s worth the time and effort. In a world where neurodegenerative diseases are rampant, not only avoiding the worst but planning for the best is entirely possible with some solid bran health best-practices.
Suzanne, you are absolutely correct in stating that turmeric has many health benefits.
I was ingesting this spice when I had so much pain,swelling and pressure of my brain.
I love the fact that we are all brainstorming here on RXISK and providing beneficial information which may benefit others.
It is no good to hoard the information to ourselves.
Don’t take my word for it.
Please take the time and research facts and dig deeper if you need to better understand or appreciate a particular topic.
It is known to be the spice from the Ancient Gods.
History of turmeric has been part of our lives since 4000bc, where people used this Gods liquid gold as medicine for healing.
This spice has been part of the Indian Ayurveda for thousands of years and is known to possess numerous medicinal properties.
Turmeric contains the powerful antioxidant curcumin. Studies have shown that it has anti inflammatory effects on the brain and body.
This rich, intense, golden elixir has many benefits for our health.
1. Reduces inflammation- It is beneficial for heart diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other degenerative diseases.
2. It is an antioxidant- Remove dangerous free radicals from the body, which can damage other cells DNA.
3. Benefits the Mood and Mind- Can help with depression and assist in balancing the moods. Another amazing benefit is that it can boost serotonin and dopamine which are neurotransmitters that, when low in levels, are linked to depression.
4. Prevent Alzheimer’s- Alzheimer’s disease is a build-up of protein tangles known as Amyloid plaques. Which is induced by inflammation of brain cells.
An interesting fact to note is that studies have shown that the curcumin in turmeric can help clear plaques while it’s known to help reduce inflammation As a result, turmeric might help prevent Alzheimer’s or slow its progression.
5.Lowers risks of heart disease- A surprising factor to also note is that studies have shown that this extraordinary herb, which lowers the risk of heart disease.
Curcumin enhances the functioning of the lining of blood vessels enabling it to better regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. As a result, this helps protect your cardiovascular system.
6. Slows the progression of tumours- Curcumin is known to play an crucial part in the treatment of cancer and many studies have provided with strong evidence that curcumin can be an excellent candidate for the treatment of both cancers and tumours.
Before you ingest this spice please check with your health provider.
It has been reported that various herbs on interaction with other herbs, medications, and supplements can cause side-effects.
The neurosteroids alter during SSRI treatment and even more when stopping the treatment. This is interesting as group of PSSD patients report short remission (including apathy and in skin/seksual problems) when coming off these drugs. Many patient seem to crash accordingly when tapering doses or right after the withdrawal. Things can get even worse if starting the SSRI again. Similarities with PFS.
SSRI:s (before starting with depression) used to treat pain and premature ejaculatin. The effect comes by changing/disturbin the transient receptor potential (TRP). The neurosteroids are also the key physiological modulators of the TRP as part of the pheriferal nervous system. The prologned QT-interval due to SSRI is also due to effect on TRP. The PregS and TRPM3 and TRPM9 activation could have a direct link to loss of skin sensation and temperature also in the penis/clitoris. Cationic channel ankyrin 1 observed on epithelial cells (penis, clitoris) could be possibly linked. In a way, many of us feel like our bodies would be full of lidocaine (lidocaine mainly targeting TRP), sometimes the whole body from legs to the ears and scalp (as myself). The SSRI are known to effect the autonomic nervous system aswell acting like a brake. Many PSSD sufferers as well as withdrawal patients have problems with their autonomic nervous system aswell (no sweating, altered decreased body temperature, altered respiratory func, lower blood pressure, dysautonomia-kind of symptoms ). Also the skin alters and gets really dry and unoily as in PFS. So could getting neurosteroids levelled fix The problem with TRP:s? This should be askt from Dr. Melcangi as well.