Run Gum Calm Lavender by Run

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Serving Size 1 Gum Tablet(s)

Ingredients	Amount Per Serving
Calories	0 Calorie(s)
Total Carbohydrates	1 Gram(s)
Sugar Alcohols	1 Gram(s)
Proprietary Calm & Anxiety Blend	100 mg
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)
Glycine
L-Glutamine
L-Tyrosine
Ashwagandha root extract (root)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
L-Theanine
Velvet Bean Extract (15% L-Dopa)

Other Ingredients

Sorbitol, Gum base, Mannitol, Xylitol, Glyceryl Esters, Raspberry flavor, Lemon flavor, Lavender Flavor, Silicon Dioxide (Alt. Name: SiO2), Sucralose, Beet Juice

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Effectiveness view details

Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Run Gum Calm Lavender. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

Depression. Oral 5-HTP seems to improve symptoms of depression. Details: A meta-analysis of preliminary clinical research shows that taking 5-HTP for up to 8 weeks might improve symptoms of depression in some patients. The pooled remission rate across 13 studies was 65%, and the pooled effect size across 7 studies assessing the change in depressive symptom scores from baseline was large (102854). In most studies, the dose of 5-HTP administered ranged from 150-800 mg daily, although doses as high as 3 grams daily have been used (903,30000,30125,30138,102854). Some research has compared 5-HTP to conventional antidepressants. In one clinical trial of adults experiencing a first episode of depression, taking 5-HTP orally, titrated up to a daily dose of 400 mg, decreased depression symptoms similarly to fluoxetine titrated up to 40 mg daily (30112). Limited research also suggests that taking 5-HTP 300-800 mg daily seems to work similarly to fluvoxamine 50 mg (2203) or imipramine 150 mg daily (30125). Adding 5-HTP 300 mg orally daily to clomipramine 50 mg daily for 28 days has also been shown to reduce depressive symptoms when compared with clomipramine alone (6245).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

Down syndrome. Oral 5-HTP does not seem to improve muscle tone or cognitive skills in patients with this condition. Details: Although early reports suggested that 5-HTP might improve muscle tone and activity levels in infants with Down syndrome (88172), other research has shown no benefit. One small clinical study suggests that taking 5-HTP 0.5-5 mg/kg daily orally from early infancy until 3-4 years of age does not improve muscle tone or developmental ability scores in children with Down syndrome when compared with a control group (88173). Also, a prospective, double-blind study shows that taking 5-HTP 1-2 mg/kg daily orally, alone or with pyridoxine 5-10 mg/kg daily orally, beginning at birth and continuing until 3 years of age, does not improve muscle tone or development of cognitive, social, or language skills when compared with placebo (30153).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

Alcohol use disorder. Oral 5-HTP has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a food supplement containing 5-HTP 5 mg, phenylalanine 300 mg, and glutamine 150 mg daily for 40 days during alcohol detoxification therapy reduces withdrawal symptoms when compared with alcohol detoxification therapy alone (30100). However, taking a combination of 5-HTP 25-100 mg with carbidopa 25 mg four times daily for one year does not seem to improve alcohol abstinence rates when compared with placebo (30007). The effect of 5-HTP alone is unclear.
Alzheimer disease. Although there has been interest in using oral 5-HTP for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 5-HTP for this condition.
Anxiety. It is unclear if oral 5-HTP is beneficial in patients with anxiety disorders. Details: A small clinical study in people with anxiety disorders shows that taking 5-HTP 25-150 mg daily with carbidopa 150 mg daily for 8 weeks reduces anxiety when compared with baseline, but not when compared with clomipramine 25-150 mg daily (30124).
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there is interest in using oral 5-HTP for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 5-HTP for this condition.
Cerebellar ataxia. It is unclear if oral 5-HTP reduces cerebellar ataxia symptoms. Details: One small clinical trial in people with cerebellar ataxia of various etiologies shows taking 5-HTP orally 10 mg/kg daily for 4 months improve quantitative ataxia scores when compared with placebo. Further improvement was noted in subjects continuing treatment for another 8 months (916). However, in a subsequent trial in this population, taking 5-HTP orally 1 gram daily for 10 months did not improve symptom scores when compared with placebo (30164). Also, a small clinical study in people with Friedreich's ataxia shows that taking 5-HTP 200-300 mg daily for 1 month, then 600-900 mg daily for 5 months (depending on body weight), does not improve symptoms when compared with placebo (30165).
Fibromyalgia. Small clinical studies suggest that oral 5-HTP may improve symptoms of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. Details: Small clinical studies in people with primary fibromyalgia syndrome suggest that taking 5-HTP 100 mg orally three times daily for 30-90 days might improve pain, tenderness, sleep, anxiety, fatigue, and morning stiffness when compared with baseline or placebo (913,10286).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is unclear if oral 5-HTP is beneficial for IBD. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with stable IBD and fatigue shows that taking a specific 5-HTP (Levotonine, Panpharma) 100 mg orally twice daily for 8 weeks does not improve fatigue scores when compared with placebo. However, the validity of this study is limited by high patient drop-out (111311).
Menopausal symptoms. It is unclear if oral 5-HTP is beneficial for symptoms of menopause. Details: A small clinical study in postmenopausal patients shows that taking 5-HTP orally 50 mg three times daily for 4 weeks does not reduce hot flash frequency when compared with placebo (30061).
Migraine headache. It is unclear if oral 5-HTP reduces frequency of migraines. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking 5-HTP 600 mg daily decreases migraine attack frequency similarly to methysergide 3 mg daily (30129). However, other small clinical studies show that taking 5-HTP 400 mg daily does not reduce the frequency or severity of migraine attacks when compared with placebo (30130,30184). Also, in children 6-12 years of age, one very small clinical study shows that taking 5-HTP 5 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses for 12 weeks does not reduce the frequency or severity of migraine attacks when compared with placebo (30128).
Obesity. It is unclear if oral 5-HTP is beneficial in for weight loss. Details: Some very small clinical studies show that taking 5-HTP orally, 300 mg three times daily 30 minutes before meals for 2-12 weeks, improves early satiety and decreases daily caloric intake in females with obesity when compared with placebo (914,30018). 5-HTP was also associated with a mean weight loss of 1.7 kg over 6 weeks when caloric intake was not restricted, and a mean weight loss of 3.3 kg over 6 weeks when caloric intake was restricted to about 1200 calories daily (914,30114). In moderately overweight adults with type 2 diabetes, taking 5-HTP 250 mg three times daily 30 minutes before meals for 2 weeks reduces caloric intake by about 22% and decreases body weight by about 2 kg when compared to baseline (30175).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is unclear if oral 5-HTP is beneficial in patients with OCD. Details: A small clinical study in patients with moderate to severe OCD shows that adding 5-HTP 200 mg orally daily to fluoxetine, titrated up to 60 mg daily, for 12 weeks reduces symptom severity when compared with placebo and fluoxetine. A complete response, defined as greater than or equal to 35% improvement in overall Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score, was seen in 54% of those taking 5-HTP at week 12, compared with only 12% of those taking placebo (104250). These results were not observed until week 12, which indicates that a longer treatment period may be needed to see the full effects of the intervention.
Opioid withdrawal. Oral 5-HTP has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in Chinese males undergoing detoxification for heroin addiction shows that taking 5-HTP 200 mg orally daily for 6 days, in combination with tyrosine, phosphatidylcholine, and L-glutamine, might reduce insomnia and withdrawal symptoms and improve mood when compared with a control group (88178).
Panic disorder. It is unclear if intravenous 5-HTP is beneficial for reducing anxiety in panic disorder. Details: A small clinical trial in females with panic disorders shows that receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of 5-HTP, 60 mg over 30 minutes after premedication with carbidopa 100 mg orally, does not appear to reduce anxiety when compared with control (30093).
Parkinson disease. It is unclear if oral 5-HTP is beneficial for improving Parkinson disease symptoms. Details: Two preliminary clinical trials show that taking 5-HTP 50 mg daily for 1 month seems to improve levodopa-induced dyskinesia and symptoms of depression, but not motor functioning or apathy, when compared with placebo in patients with Parkinson disease (102853,104251). Both studies used a crossover design to correct for the small sample size, but may still have been inadequately powered to detect small changes in these outcomes. However, in another study, taking larger doses of 5-HTP, 275-1500 mg orally daily along with carbidopa 150-1000 mg daily for up to 38 days, worsened rigidity, bradykinesia, and functional disability (30140). Other research has evaluated 5-HTP in patients with Parkinson disease and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). A small crossover study in these patients shows taking oral 5-HTP 50 mg daily for 4 weeks does not improve the percentage of REM sleep without atonia or the frequency of RBD events when compared with baseline or placebo. Patients taking 5-HTP report modest improvements in part II (motor function; e.g. swallowing, walking, and dressing) of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), but not other parts of the UPDRS, when compared with placebo (107793). This study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although there is interest in using oral 5-HTP for PMS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 5-HTP for this condition.
Seizures. Although there is interest in using oral 5-HTP for seizures, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 5-HTP for this condition.
Tension headache. It is unclear if oral 5-HTP reduces tension headache severity. Details: A small clinical study in adults with a history of chronic tension headaches suggests that taking 5-HTP 100 mg three times daily for 8 weeks does not reduce pain intensity or the number of days with headache when compared with placebo (2204).
Tinnitus. Oral 5-HTP has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Research has evaluated a specific capsule formulation (Tinnitan Duo; Laboratorios Salvat) containing 5-HTP, ginkgo extract, magnesium, melatonin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and zinc at undeclared doses. A small clinical trial in patients with subjective tinnitus shows taking this product as one capsule twice daily for 3 months improves Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) total score and THI emotional subscale score at 3 months when compared with baseline. Patients also report improvement in tinnitus-related distress (107792). The validity of this study is limited by the lack of randomization and placebo-control; additionally, it is unclear if any effects are due to 5-HTP, other ingredients, or the combination. More evidence is needed to rate 5-HTP for these uses.

(Read more about 5-HTP)

ASHWAGANDHA (Ashwagandha root extract)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

Anxiety. Small clinical studies suggest that oral ashwagandha might reduce anxiety. Details: One small clinical study in postal workers reporting moderate or severe anxiety shows that taking ashwagandha root (Swiss Herbals) 300 mg twice daily for 12 weeks, in combination with standard psychotherapy interventions, including dietary counseling, deep breathing exercise instruction, and a multivitamin, reduces anxiety scores when compared with standard psychotherapy interventions and placebo (19271). Additionally, two small clinical studies in adults with mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or stress show that taking a specific ashwagandha root extract standardized to contain 2.5% withanolides (Shagandha, Sabinsa Corp.) 500 mg with piperine 5 mg daily for 60-90 days reduces anxiety symptoms and perceived stress and improves sleep and quality of life when compared with placebo (113608,113609). However, another clinical study in young adults shows that taking a specific ashwagandha root and leaf extract (NooGandha, Specnova LLC) 225 mg or 400 mg daily for 30 days does not improve anxiety, stress, and depression scores when compared with placebo (107370).
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Oral ashwagandha may modestly improve symptoms of anxiety in patients with GAD. Details: Clinical practice guidelines from the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) provisionally recommend ashwagandha root extract at doses of 300-600 mg, standardized to 5% withanolides, daily as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in patients with GAD. This recommendation is based on a review of three preliminary clinical trials with consistent results (110318). Two of these studies are described below. A small clinical trial in patients with GAD who are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) shows that taking ashwagandha 1 gram daily for 6 weeks reduces symptoms of anxiety by 48%, compared with a 27% reduction in patients taking placebo. Furthermore, by the end of treatment, 72% of patients taking ashwagandha were determined to have mild symptoms of GAD, compared with only 32% of those taking placebo (102687). Another preliminary clinical trial in patients aged 16 years and older with GAD shows that taking ashwagandha root powder granules 4 grams three times daily for 60 days moderately improves anxious mood in 58% of patients, compared with no moderate improvement in the placebo group. Mild improvement occurred in 82% of patients in the placebo group and 40% of patients in the ashwagandha group (90654).
Insomnia. Oral ashwagandha may modestly improve sleep in patients with insomnia or non-restorative sleep. Details: A small meta-analysis in patients with insomnia and healthy patients shows that taking a specific ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66, Ixoreal Biomed) 250-600 mg daily or a specific root and leaf extract (Shoden, Arjuna Natural) 120 mg daily for 6-12 weeks modestly improves overall sleep, as well as sleep quality, sleep latency, total sleep time, wake time after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency, when compared with placebo. Effects were more pronounced in those with insomnia, with doses of at least 600 mg daily, and with treatment durations of at least 8 weeks (106784). These findings may be limited by heterogeneity of the included studies. In patients with non-restorative sleep, clinical research shows that taking a specific ashwagandha extract (Shoden, Arjuna Natural Private Ltd) 125 mg daily for 6 weeks increases sleep quality by 72%, compared with an improvement of 29% in patients taking placebo. Small to moderate improvements also occurred in total sleep time, sleep latency, and number of times awake (103476).
Stress. Oral ashwagandha seems to help reduce stress and may also reduce stress-related weight gain. Details: A meta-analysis of seven small clinical studies in healthy adults, patients with chronic stress, or patients with psychiatric conditions shows that taking ashwagandha 240-1000 mg daily for 8-12 weeks improves stress when compared with placebo (109587). Clinical studies, some of which are included in the meta-analysis mentioned above, evaluating adults with chronic stress show that taking specific ashwagandha root extracts 240 mg daily (Shoden, Arjuna Natural Ltd.), 300 mg twice daily (KSM-66, Ixoreal Biomed), or 500 mg daily (Shagandha, Sabinsa Corp.) with piperine 5 mg for 60 days, or a specific slow-release capsule containing ashwagandha root extract (Prolanza) 300 mg daily for 90 days reduces perceived stress and cortisol levels when compared with baseline and placebo (90652,95617,101816,102682,107371,113608). Additionally, a small clinical study in adults with stress and a related comorbidity, such as anxiety or depression, shows that taking ashwagandha root and leaf extract (Sensoril, Kerry Group) 125-500 mg orally daily for 8 weeks improves stress scores in a dose-dependent manner when compared with placebo (114112). In contrast, a moderate-sized study in adults with overweight or mild obesity with moderate-to-high levels of stress and fatigue shows that taking ashwagandha root extract (Witholytin, Verdure Sciences Inc) 200 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduces stress when compared to baseline, but not when compared with placebo (113611).In healthy college students, clinical research also shows that taking ashwagandha root extract 350 mg twice daily for 30 days improves qualitative perceptions of stress management, but not stress scores, when compared with placebo (109589,109590). Other clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha root extract 500 mg twice daily may prevent stress-related weight gain when compared with placebo (95617).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

Aging. A small clinical study suggests that oral ashwagandha may modestly improve well-being, sleep, and alertness in elderly patients. Details: A small clinical trial in individuals aged 65-80 years shows that taking ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66, Ixoreal Biomed) 600 mg daily for 12 weeks improves overall well-being, sleep quality, and mental alertness by small to moderate amounts when compared with placebo (102684).
Androgenic alopecia. It is unclear if topical ashwagandha is beneficial for androgenic alopecia. Details: A small clinical study in adults with mild to moderate hair loss, including androgenic alopecia, shows that applying ashwagandha root extract serum (KSM-66, Ixoreal Biomed) 1-2 drops to the scalp daily for 75 days reduces hair shedding and increases hair density, growth, and thickness when compared with placebo (113613).
Antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects. It is unclear if ashwagandha is beneficial for attenuating the metabolic side effects of antipsychotic agents. Details: One preliminary clinical trial shows that taking a specific ashwagandha extract (Cap Strelaxin, M/s Pharmanza Herbal Pvt. Ltd.) 400 mg three times daily for one month reduces serum triglycerides by 12% and fasting blood glucose by 15% when compared with baseline levels. Patients were taking atypical antipsychotics and had modestly elevated triglycerides and fasting blood glucose levels at baseline (90649). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Athletic performance. It is unclear if ashwagandha is beneficial for improving athletic performance. Details: A meta-analysis of four small clinical trials shows that taking ashwagandha increases aerobic capacity in athletes and non-athletes based on the measurement of maximum oxygen consumption. Effective doses ranged from 500-1000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks (102683). Another meta-analysis shows that taking ashwagandha in doses of 120-1250 mg daily, as a single dose or divided twice daily, for up to 6 months seems to improve muscle strength, speed, time to exhaustion, recovery time, and cardiorespiratory fitness in athletes and non-athletes (105824). However, the validity of this analysis is reduced by the lack of a control group, the varied training levels of the subjects, and the wide range of outcomes assessed. More research is needed to determine whether taking ashwagandha can improve athletic performance.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Oral ashwagandha has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: In a preliminary clinical trial, children with ADHD were given a combination herbal extract formula (Nurture & Clarity), containing ashwagandha, white peony root, gotu kola, blue-green algae, bacopa, and sage, 3 mL three times daily for 4 months. Measures of attention, cognition, and impulse control improved significantly in children receiving ashwagandha when compared with placebo (19272). The dose of ashwagandha in the combination product was not reported, and the effect of ashwagandha alone in ADHD is unclear.
Back pain. Although there has been interest in using oral or topical ashwagandha for back pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Bipolar disorder. It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial for improving cognitive function in adults with bipolar disorder. Details: Clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha extract (Sensoril, Natreon, Inc.) 250 mg daily for 1 week and then 250 mg twice daily for 7 weeks, improves some, but not all, measures of cognition by a small-to-moderate amount when compared with placebo (90653).
Bronchitis. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Cerebellar ataxia. It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial for improving balance in patients with cerebellar ataxia. Details: A small, open-label study evaluating ashwagandha 500 mg three times daily in combination with Ayurvedic therapy for one month showed improvement in balance indices in subjects with cerebellar ataxia when compared with baseline (19273). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group. Additionally, it is unclear if this effect is due to ashwagandha, other ingredients, or the combination.
Chemotherapy-related fatigue. Evidence is limited to one small clinical study in patients with breast cancer. Details: In preliminary clinical research in patients with breast cancer, taking ashwagandha powdered root extract 2 grams (Himalaya Drug Co) three times daily through six cycles of chemotherapy decreases chemotherapy-related fatigue when compared with no treatment. Fatigue scores were 16% to 52% higher in the control group when compared to the ashwagandha group (90651).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial in patients with COPD. Details: A small clinical study in patients with stable COPD shows that taking ashwagandha root extract 250 mg twice daily for 12 weeks, along with conventional therapy, improves measures of lung function and exercise tolerance, but not quality of life, when compared with conventional therapy alone (109588).
Cognitive function. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for cognitive function, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Constipation. Oral ashwagandha has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A very small clinical study in adults with constipation shows that taking a combination product containing ashwagandha root and ambrette fruit extracts 300 mg or 500 mg daily for 14 days improves bowel movement frequency and abdominal, rectal, and stool symptoms when compared with placebo (112114). Additionally, a moderate-sized clinical study in adults with functional constipation shows that using the same combination of ashwagandha and ambrette 300 mg or 500 mg daily for 60 days moderately improves constipation symptom scores and bowel movement scores when compared with placebo (114115). It is unclear if these effects are due to ashwagandha, ambrette, or the combination.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Oral ashwagandha has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 shows that taking a specific combination product, (Artovid-20, Bioved Pharmaceuticals) containing ashwagandha, ginger, turmeric, and Boswellia, 1,776 mg orally twice daily for 14 days shortens the duration of symptoms by 0.9 days when compared with placebo. Taking the combination product also modestly reduced the severity ratings of some symptoms, such as sore throat and cough, however, these improvements are unlikely to be clinically relevant (109899). Another small clinical study in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 shows that taking ashwagandha 500 mg and ginger 1000 mg twice daily for 15 days reduces time to recovery by around 6 days and increases the rate of clinical cure 14-fold and 2.6-fold at days 5 and 7, respectively, when compared with a control. However, taking this combination does not appear to improve the proportion of patients with a negative COVID-19 test, viral clearance, serum antibodies, chest findings, or disease progression when compared with control (112094). The validity of these findings is limited by a lack of blinding, and the study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups. Other clinical research in adults hospitalized with mild to moderate COVID-19 shows that taking a specific combination product (Coroprotect) containing ashwagandha, pomegranate, turmeric, bacopa, licorice, and other ingredients, twice daily for 10 days improved cough, breathlessness, and fatigue symptoms when compared with placebo (114114). It is unclear if any effects are due to ashwagandha, other ingredients, or the combination.
Depression. It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial for depression. Details: A small clinical study in adults with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or stress shows that taking a specific ashwagandha root extract standardized to contain 2.5% withanolides (Shagandha, Sabinsa) 500 mg with piperine 5 mg daily for 90 days reduces the severity of depressive symptoms, improves sleep and quality of life, and increases serum serotonin levels when compared with placebo (113609).
Diabetes. It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial for type 2 diabetes. Details: In patients with type 2 diabetes, preliminary clinical research shows that ashwagandha 3 grams daily for 30 days decreases blood glucose to a degree similar to oral hypoglycemic drugs (19274). However, this study did not compare ashwagandha directly to a group taking oral hypoglycemic drugs.
Fatigue. It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial for fatigue. Details: A moderate-sized clinical study in adults with overweight or obesity and moderate-to-high levels of fatigue and stress shows that taking ashwagandha root extract (Witholytin, Verdure Sciences Inc.) 200 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduces self-reported fatigue when compared with placebo (113611).
Fibromyalgia. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for fibromyalgia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Hiccups. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for hiccups, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Hypercholesterolemia. It is unclear if ashwagandha is beneficial for hypercholesterolemia. Details: A very small clinical study in subjects with hypercholesterolemia shows that ashwagandha 3 grams daily for 30 days decreases serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels when compared with baseline (19274). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
Hypothyroidism. It is unclear if ashwagandha is beneficial for hypothyroidism. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism shows that taking a specific ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66, Ixoreal Biomed) 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks increases triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 42% and 20%, respectively, and reduces serum TSH levels by 17% from baseline. These changes are significant when compared with placebo (97292). However, the effects of ashwagandha on thyroid hormone levels in patients with overt hypothyroidism, or in patients taking prescription thyroid hormones, is unknown.
Infertility. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for infertility in females, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Male infertility. It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial for male infertility. Details: Preliminary clinical research in males with infertility shows that taking ashwagandha root powder for approximately 3 months modestly improves hormone levels, as well as sperm count and motility, when compared with baseline (19275,90650). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group. One study used a specific ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Ixoreal Biomed) 225 mg three times daily; another study provided doses of 5 grams daily (19275,90650).
Menopausal symptoms. Oral ashwagandha may be beneficial for menopausal symptoms. Details: A small clinical study in healthy adults in perimenopause shows that taking a specific ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66, Ixoreal Biomed) 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks improves menopausal symptom severity by 24%, compared with 11% in those receiving placebo. Quality of life and hot flashes also were improved in those taking ashwagandha (106785).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is unclear if ashwagandha is beneficial for OCD. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha root extract 120 mg after meals for 6 weeks, in conjunction with prescribed selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), might reduce OCD symptom severity when compared with prescribed SSRIs alone. The dose was initiated at 30 mg daily and increased by 30 mg every 4 days. Although OCD scores were significantly reduced when compared with placebo, it should be noted that scores were already significantly lower in the placebo group at baseline (95618).
Osteoarthritis. Oral ashwagandha has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: In patients with osteoarthritis, taking a specific combination supplement, containing ashwagandha 450 mg, Ayurvedic zinc complex 50 mg, guggul 100 mg, and turmeric 50 mg (Articulin-F) two capsules three times daily for 3 months reduces symptoms of pain and swelling when compared with placebo. However, there were no radiological improvements (19276). It is unclear if this effect is due to ashwagandha, other ingredients, or the combination.
Parkinson disease. Oral ashwagandha has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: In patients with Parkinson disease, a small clinical study shows that taking a product containing ashwagandha 14.5 grams, cowhage 4.5 grams, Hyoscyamus reticulantus 0.75 grams, and Sida cordifolia 14.5 grams in lukewarm milk twice daily for 56 days improves symptoms like tremor, stiffness, and cramps when compared with baseline. The therapy followed 28 days of cleansing or eliminative therapy using Ayurvedic remedies (6899). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group. Also, it is unclear if these effects are due to ashwagandha, other ingredients, or the combination. Cowhage contains levodopa, which may contribute to any benefit seen with this combination product.
Psychological well-being. It is unclear if oral ashwagandha is beneficial for improving psychological well-being in college students. Details: A small clinical study in healthy college students shows that taking ashwagandha root extract 350 mg twice daily for 30 days improves perceptions of well-being, including improvements in energy, mental clarity, food cravings, and sleep quality, when compared with placebo. Qualitative analysis also suggests these students had improvements in stress management, but stress scores were not reduced when compared with placebo (109589,109590).
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unclear if ashwagandha is beneficial for improving symptoms of RA. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha powder 5 grams twice daily for 3 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of sidh makardhwaj (a mixture of gold, mercury, and sulfur) 100 mg with honey daily, modestly improves symptoms in about 50% of males and 60% of females with RA when compared with baseline (95620). The lack of a control group limits the validity of this finding. Additionally, the effect of ashwagandha powder alone is unclear.
Sexual dysfunction. Small clinical studies suggest that oral ashwagandha root extract may help improve sexual arousal and sexual desire in some females and males with sexual dysfunction. Details: Two, small clinical studies in adult females with sexual dysfunction show that taking ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66, Ixoreal Biomed) 300 mg twice daily with food for 8 weeks in conjunction with or without counseling increases the number of successful sexual encounters and improves orgasms, satisfaction, lubrication, and arousal when compared with placebo or counseling alone (95619,110492). Also, a small clinical study in adult males with low sexual desire shows that taking the same ashwagandha root extract 300 mg twice daily after meals for 8 weeks improves subjective sexual functioning scores, including measures of sexual arousal, sexual desire, sexual behavior, and orgasm, when compared with placebo (109586).
Smoking cessation. Oral ashwagandha has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A moderate-sized clinical study in adults with a history of smoking 5 or more cigarettes daily for at least 3 years shows that taking a specific combination product containing ashwagandha 100 mg, Indian gooseberry, tribulus, bacopa, Albizia lebbeck, licorice, clove, ginger, cowhage, holy basil, and turmeric (Smotect, Smotect India) daily for 3 months reduces the number of cigarettes smoked daily and levels of alveolar carbon monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin but does not improve lung capacity when compared with placebo (112115). It is unclear if these effects are due to ashwagandha, other ingredients, or the combination.
Tuberculosis. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for tuberculosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Vitiligo. Although there has been interest in using oral ashwagandha for vitiligo, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition.
Wrinkled skin. It is unclear if topical ashwagandha is beneficial in individuals with wrinkled skin. Details: A small clinical study in healthy adults with photoaged skin shows that applying ashwagandha root extract 8% lotion daily for 60 days improves physician-rated scores for skin wrinkles, hydration, brightness, tone, and pigmentation and improves other measures of skin elasticity and hydration when compared with placebo. However, changes in melanin content did not differ between treatment groups (111538).
Wound healing. Although there has been interest in using topical ashwagandha for healing of skin ulcers and skin sores, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ashwagandha for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate ashwagandha for these uses.

(Read more about ASHWAGANDHA)

COWHAGE (Velvet Bean Extract)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

Anxiety. Although there has been interest in using oral cowhage for anxiety, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cowhage for this purpose.
Erythema. Although there has been interest in using topical cowhage for erythema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cowhage for this purpose.
Hyperprolactinemia. Although there has been interest in using oral cowhage for hyperprolactinemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cowhage for this purpose.
Myalgia. Although there has been interest in using topical cowhage for myalgia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cowhage for this purpose.
Parkinson disease. It is unclear if oral cowhage is beneficial in patients with Parkinson disease. Details: Very small clinical studies in patients with Parkinson disease suggest that taking a specific cowhage seed extract standardized to 3.3% levodopa (Zandopa, formerly HP-200; Zandu Pharmaceuticals), or other cowhage products that contain levodopa 75-400 mg orally once daily for up to 12 weeks modestly improves Parkinson disease scores when compared with baseline (7020,7203). Two very small clinical trials enrolling a total of 26 patients with Parkinson disease suggests that taking a single dose of cowhage powder, providing levodopa 1000-2000 mg or 12.5-17.5 mg/kg, is similarly effective after 90 minutes when compared with prescription levodopa 200 mg or 3.5 mg/kg as a single dose, with or without carbidopa and benserazide (12232,97266). It is unclear how these products would compare if they provided similar amounts of levodopa, or if they were taken for an extended duration.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although there has been interest in using topical cowhage for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cowhage for this purpose.
Sexual desire. Although there has been interest in using oral cowhage to increase sexual desire, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cowhage for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate cowhage for these uses.

(Read more about COWHAGE)

GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) (GABA)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

Anxiety. Although there has been interest in using oral GABA for anxiety, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this condition.
Athletic performance. Although there has been interest in using sublingual GABA for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this purpose.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there has been interest in using oral GABA for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this condition.
Cerebral palsy. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for cerebral palsy in children. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children with cerebral palsy shows that taking a specific product containing GABA (Gammalon) one to four tablets daily (depending on age) for 2 months, in addition to standard therapy for cerebral palsy, improves mental development, learning, vocabulary, physical function, motor strength and activity, and motor hyperactivity in a greater percentage of children when compared with standard therapy alone (19362). These findings are limited by poor study design.
Chronic bronchitis. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for chronic bronchitis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with chronic bronchitis shows that taking a specific GABA product (Aminalon) 1.5-3 grams daily for 18-20 days, along with conventional treatment for acute exacerbations of bronchitis, increases the duration of subsequent remission by about 3 months when compared with conventional treatment alone (19361).
Cushing syndrome. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for Cushing syndrome. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific GABA product (Aminalon) 1-3 grams daily for one month decreases plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) 60 minutes after administration, as well as cortisol and ACTH levels up to 2 days after GABA discontinuation, when compared with baseline (19363). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
Depression. Although there has been interest in using oral GABA for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this condition.
Epilepsy. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for epilepsy. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination of GABA 2.5-3 grams and phosphatidylserine 500 mg daily for 3-8 months reduces seizure frequency when compared with placebo in patients with absence seizures, but not in those with focal aware or focal impaired awareness seizures (19364). Other preliminary clinical research suggests that taking GABA 3 grams with phosphatidylserine 600-1200 mg daily for 2 days does not affect the seizure photosensitivity range in people with photoconvulsive responses (5113).
Hypertension. Preliminary clinical research suggests that oral GABA may modestly reduce blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with hypertension shows that drinking 100 mL of fermented milk containing GABA 10-12 mg daily at breakfast for 12 weeks reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 17 mmHg and 7 mmHg, respectively, when compared with baseline. Compared with patients treated with a placebo milk, these reductions were significant. However, it is unclear if the placebo milk also differed from the fermented milk in other ways (19367). Other preliminary clinical research in patients with borderline hypertension shows that taking a chlorella supplement containing GABA 20 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduces systolic blood pressure when compared with placebo (19368). However, these findings are limited by poor study design.
Insomnia. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for insomnia. Details: Two small clinical studies in adults with insomnia show that taking fermented rice germ extract, standardized to provide GABA 75 mg or 300 mg, one hour before bedtime for 4 weeks modestly decreases sleep latency when compared with placebo, but does not improve sleep efficacy or reduce episodes of waking after sleep onset (110134,110135). As these doses were evaluated in separate studies, no direct comparison between GABA 75 mg and 300 mg has been conducted.
Meningitis. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for meningitis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children aged 7 months to 16 years with meningitis shows that taking a specific GABA product (Aminalon) 0.5-1.5 grams daily, starting within 2-4 weeks of illness and continuing for one month thereafter, decreases the incidence of residual disease manifestations and prevents the development of cerebrospinal syndrome when compared with control (19369). However, this study was conducted prior to the development of current treatment guidelines for meningitis; it is unclear if GABA is beneficial when used in conjunction with current standard care.
Menopausal symptoms. Although there has been interest in using oral GABA for menopausal symptoms, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this purpose.
Motion sickness. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for motion sickness. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific GABA product (Aminalon) 0.5 grams as a single dose 40-50 minutes before induced motion sickness or three times daily for 4 days significantly delays onset of motion sickness when compared with placebo. GABA also decreases the occurrence of motion sickness symptoms including chills, cold sweats, and pallor when compared with placebo (19370).
Obesity. Although there has been interest in using oral and sublingual GABA for weight loss, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this purpose.
Pain (acute). Although there has been interest in using oral and sublingual GABA for acute pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this purpose.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although there has been interest in using oral GABA for PTSD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this condition.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although there has been interest in using oral GABA for PMS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this condition.
Psychological well-being. Although there has been interest in using oral and sublingual GABA to improve well-being, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GABA for this purpose.
Stress. It is unclear if oral GABA is beneficial for stress. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a single dose of GABA 100-200 mg by mouth 10-70 minutes prior to completing a mentally stressful task does not appear to reduce subjective measure of stress when compared with placebo (90568). However, it does attenuate alpha wave reduction and reduces beta wave upsurge on the EEG during testing when compared with placebo (19373,90568). More evidence is needed to rate GABA for these uses.

GLUTAMINE (L-Glutamine)

EFFECTIVE

Sickle cell disease. A specific oral glutamine powder (Endari, Emmaus Medical, Inc) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce acute complications of sickle cell disease. Details: Clinical research in adults and children 5 years of age and older shows that taking glutamine 5-15 grams (0.3 grams/kg body weight) orally twice daily for 48 weeks, either with or without hydroxyurea, delays the median time to first crisis by 30 days, and reduces the incidence of acute chest syndrome by 15%, number of hospitalizations by 33%, and the number of hospitalized days by 40%, when compared with placebo (96519,99414).

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

Burns. Oral glutamine seems to improve healing in patients with severe burns and may also reduce the risk for burn wound infections; however, it is unclear if glutamine improves hospitalization length or mortality. Details: Some clinical research shows that administering enteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine 0.35-0.5 grams/kg daily for 12-14 days, beginning within 24-48 hours of hospitalization for severe burn injury (excluding inhalation injury), decreases the length of hospital stay by 6-9 days and may shorten wound healing when compared to control enteral nutrition (52307,52337). A clinical study in adults with moderate to severe burns (including inhalation injury) shows that administering enteral nutrition supplemented with intravenous alanyl glutamine 0.5 grams/kg daily, beginning within 24 hours of burn injury and continued for 14 days, may improve burn-induced organ damage, particularly intestinal mucosal injury, but does not improve mortality or length of hospitalization, when compared with standard nutritional support (108027). Another study in the same population shows that administering enteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine 4.3 grams every 4 hours, beginning within 24 hours of burn injury, decreases the risk of mortality by 83% and the risk of Pseudomonas wound infections; however, it does not decrease the duration of hospitalization (52311). A meta-analysis of these trials and one additional trial shows that administering glutamine enterally reduces the risk of Gram-negative bacterial wound infections by 73% and reduces the risk of mortality by 87% when compared to a control group. However, there was no difference in length of stay or overall wound infection rate (97363). Results were based on a small number of patients within each outcome evaluation. Intravenous glutamine has also been evaluated. One small clinical study shows that intravenous glutamine 0.57 grams/kg daily decreases the incidence of Gram-negative bacteremia by 35% when compared with control in patients with severe burns. However, it does not appear to decrease the incidence of Gram-positive bacteremia, the need to use antibiotics, or risk of mortality (52272).
Critical illness (trauma). Oral and intravenous glutamine seem to reduce infectious complications in critically ill adults. However, glutamine does not seem to reduce mortality in this population. Details: Some studies show that glutamine reduces the risk of infectious complications in critically ill, multiple-trauma, or postoperative adult patients (5449,5450,7309,7731,8184,52288,52359). However, other studies show no benefit (52308,52360,97362). Meta-analyses of these and other clinical trials suggest that glutamine supplementation reduces the risk of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients by 15% to 18% and the risk of nosocomial infections in surgical patients by 30% to 41%. This benefit was seen only with parenteral glutamine; enteral glutamine does not appear to reduce the risk for nosocomial infection (91355,91358). The role of glutamine for reducing mortality in critically ill adults is conflicting. Some clinical trials suggest that glutamine-enriched enteral and parenteral nutrition reduces mortality in critically ill patients (52283,52289,52408). However, other studies show no benefit (52288,52308,52354,52359,97362). Meta-analyses of results from these and other clinical trials show that, overall, taking glutamine does not reduce the risk of mortality in critically ill patients (91355,91358). However, the dose and dosage form may affect outcomes. One meta-analysis shows that glutamine does not affect the risk of mortality when administered at doses up to 0.5 grams/kg daily, although doses greater than 0.5 grams/kg daily may INCREASE mortality by 18% (91355). Another meta-analysis shows that glutamine decreases short-term mortality in critically ill patients by 25% when administered parenterally, but not enterally (91358). Neither parenteral nor enteral glutamine appears to decrease the risk of long-term mortality in critically ill patients (91358). Research evaluating glutamine in critically ill children is limited. One clinical study in children ages 1-17 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) shows that enteral administration of glutamine along with zinc, selenium, and intravenous metoclopramide does not reduce nosocomial infections when compared with whey supplementation (86095).
HIV/AIDS-related wasting. Oral glutamine seems to attenuate weight loss related to HIV/AIDS. Details: Very small clinical studies show that taking glutamine orally seems to enhance intestinal absorption of nutrients, decrease intestinal permeability, and increase weight gain in adults with HIV/AIDS when compared with placebo. Doses of 40 grams daily seem to produce the greatest effect (2337,2702). Lower doses of 14 grams daily might also be effective when used in combination with arginine and hydroxymethylbutyrate (a leucine metabolite) (7310).
Postoperative recovery. Oral or intravenous glutamine seems to reduce the duration of hospitalization and improve postoperative nutritional status in adults. However, it does not seem to reduce postoperative mortality. Details: Although some conflicting evidence exists (52316), most clinical research shows that receiving free glutamine or glutamine-containing dipeptide intravenously decreases the duration of hospitalization after surgery, particularly after major abdominal surgery (2363,5448,7300,7732,52275,52341). A meta-analysis of this research and other studies shows that IV supplementation with glutamine-containing dipeptides reduces the length of hospital stay by 3 days when compared with no supplementation (96507). Other meta-analyses of clinical research also show that glutamine supplementation, as free glutamine or glutamine-containing dipeptides, reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections by 30% in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients and by 41% in elective surgical patients (91355,91358). In cancer patients undergoing abdominal surgery, glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition seems to improve nutritional status and gastrointestinal function (100943). Glutamine-containing dipeptides also appear to help to preserve intestinal integrity (7299,7300,7732,52306). One small study has evaluated oral glutamine 10 grams, in combination with arginine 4.5 grams, in patients undergoing surgery for enterocutaneous fistulas. This study shows that taking this combination daily for 7 days prior to surgery reduces recurrence of fistulas by 35%, and also reduces postoperative infections (103837). Although glutamine seems to decrease length of stay and reduce infection rate, it does not appear to reduce the risk of mortality in either surgical ICU or elective surgical patients (91355,91358,96509,103834), including those receiving major abdominal surgery (5448,52316,91355,96507). Additionally, most research shows that glutamine supplementation does not reduce the incidence of infectious complications following abdominal surgery (52306,52316,52341,5448,7300,96507). The effects of glutamine on reducing infection rate might be related to patient population, modes of nutrition, or dose of glutamine. Taking a combination of glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.2 grams (Abound, Abbott) orally daily for 3 days before and 7 days after abdominal surgery does not reduce the incidence of wound infections or other complications (99413). Most of the research evaluating glutamine in surgical patients has been conducted in adults. Information in children is limited. Existing clinical research shows that glutamine-fortified parenteral nutrition does not improve intestinal permeability, nitrogen balance, duration of hospitalization, incidence of infectious complications, or risk of mortality in newborns and infants undergoing digestive-tract surgery (52338,96508).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

Athletic performance. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve athletic performance. Details: Small studies in trained athletes or healthy adults show that taking glutamine orally does not seem to enhance performance or immune response during intense acute or prolonged exercise when compared with placebo (2341,2342,5455,5456).
Crohn disease. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve symptoms of this condition. Details: Small clinical studies in adults and children with Crohn disease show that taking glutamine 7 grams three times daily or following a glutamine-enriched diet for 4 weeks does not seem to improve intestinal permeability or disease activity, and might even worsen disease activity, when compared with placebo or a low-glutamine diet (2338,6256).
Cystinuria. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve cystinuria. Details: According to case reports, taking glutamine orally does not seem to reduce the excretion of cysteine in the urine in patients with homozygous cystinuria (2339).
Low birth weight. Oral glutamine does not seem to reduce adverse consequences of low birth weight in infants. Details: Most clinical studies show that glutamine supplementation does not improve the time to full enteral feeding, infant growth rate, or length of hospital stay in low birth weight infants (52305,52312,52325,52342,52362,52410). One follow-up study also shows that neonatal glutamine supplementation is not associated with improvements in cognitive function, motor skills, or behavior outcomes by school age when corrected for neonatal infection rate (52342,97365).
Muscular dystrophy. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Details: Clinical studies show that taking glutamine 0.5-0.6 grams/kg orally does not significantly improve muscle strength or whole body protein degradation in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when compared with placebo or a nonspecific amino acid mixture (46657,52363).
Prematurity. Oral glutamine does not seem to reduce morbidity or mortality associated with prematurity. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical trials in preterm infants, including infants with low to very low birth weight, shows that use of enteral or parenteral glutamine does not reduce the risk of mortality or morbidities, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, when compared with control. However, limited evidence from a sub-group analysis suggests that enteral glutamine might modestly reduce the risk of invasive infection when compared with control (105015). These findings are limited by the selection bias and heterogeneity of the included trials.
Radiation-induced diarrhea. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve diarrhea due to radiation therapy. Details: One meta-analysis of five randomized, controlled trials shows that taking oral glutamine during radiotherapy for pelvic cancers does not prevent or reduce the severity of diarrhea when compared with placebo (97367).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

Antiretroviral-associated diarrhea. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves diarrhea caused by antiretroviral agents. Details: A small crossover clinical study in HIV patients shows that oral glutamine 30 grams daily for 10 days seems to reduce the severity of nelfinavir-associated diarrhea when compared with placebo (52313).
Alcohol use disorder. Although there is interest in using oral glutamine for alcohol use disorder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glutamine for this condition.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there is interest in using oral glutamine for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glutamine for this condition.
Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves diarrhea caused by chemotherapy. Details: Although preliminary clinical studies show that glutamine might reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (7235,7285), a meta-analysis of this research and others shows no difference in the severity of diarrhea (7233,7295,96516). Despite results showing a significant 1-day reduction in the duration of diarrhea, this might not be considered clinically significant (96516).
Chemotherapy-induced lymphocytopenia. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces lymphocytopenia caused by chemotherapy. Details: One small clinical study in patients with esophageal cancer receiving chemo-radiotherapy shows that taking glutamine 30 grams daily for 28 days seems to prevent a reduction in lymphocytes when compared with placebo (2705). However, another small clinical trial in patients with leukemia or lymphoma receiving intensive chemotherapy shows that adding glutamine 26 grams to total parenteral nutrition (TPN), in place of other amino acids, does not affect duration of neutropenia when compared with receiving an isonitrogenous standard TPN (7295).
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is unclear if oral glutamine is beneficial in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Details: A very small, nonblinded, non-randomized evaluation of otherwise healthy patients over 50 years of age who were hospitalized with mild COVID-19 pneumonia shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily orally with meals is associated with a 1-day decrease in hospital stay (from 10 days to 9) when compared with patients not taking glutamine. In the latter group, 4 patients required transfer to the ICU, compared with no patients in the glutamine group (103839). A similar, non-randomized evaluation of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia shows that adding the same dose of glutamine to other therapies for 5 days is associated with a 3-day decrease in hospital stay (from 14 days to 11) when compared with patients not taking glutamine. At the end of treatment, 0% of patients in the glutamine group required ICU services, compared with 54% of patients who did not receive glutamine. This study also shows that taking glutamine may increase appetite (108035). The validity of these findings is limited by short duration of treatment and use of non-standardized treatments.
Cystic fibrosis. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves growth and development in children with cystic fibrosis. Details: A small clinical study in undernourished or stunted children with cystic fibrosis shows that taking glutamine 0.7 grams/kg daily orally for 4 weeks with or without recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) does not promote protein gain when compared with rhGH alone (52321).
Diabetic foot ulcers. Oral glutamine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific nutritional supplement drink containing glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.5 grams (Abound, Abbott) twice daily for 16 weeks does not improve total wound closure or reduce the time to complete healing when compared with a control drink in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (96637). It is unclear if this effect is due to glutamine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Diarrhea. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves diarrhea in children and infants. Details: One preliminary clinical study in 6-24 month-old otherwise healthy children with acute diarrhea shows that taking capsules prepared with a specific glutamine powder (Power Glutamine, Champion Nutrition) 0.3 grams/kg daily for 7 days reduces the duration of diarrhea by about one day when compared with placebo (52323). However, other clinical research in male infants 1-12 months old with acute diarrhea and dehydration shows that adding glutamine 90 mmol/L along with the standard World Health Organization oral rehydration salts (ORS) does not decrease the duration of diarrhea, stool output, or the volume of oral rehydration solution required to achieve and maintain hydration when compared with standard ORS alone (7298).
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). It is unclear whether oral glutamine or glutamine added to parenteral nutrition improves morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing HSCT. Some research has suggested that intravenous glutamine may actually worsen outcomes. Details: Some research suggests that patients receiving glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) after HSCT primarily to treat hematologic malignancies have a diminished incidence of clinical infections, lower rates of microbial colonization, and decreased length of hospital stay when compared to control (2366,52381). However, not all patients seem to benefit. Some research shows that oral glutamine or PN with glutamine does not reduce the risk of mortality or infections in patients with hematologic malignancies and/or solid tumors (5451,52385). Also, a small clinical study in patients undergoing HSCT shows that PN with glutamine dipeptide may increase the duration of hospital stay (52292). Furthermore, one small study has found that receiving PN with glutamine was associated with lower disease-free survival and event-free survival over 3 years when compared with standard PN in patients receiving HSCT for hematologic malignancies (52355).
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There is limited evidence on the oral use of glutamine in patients with IBS. Details: A clinical trial in adults with IBS (diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, mixed, or alternating bowel habits) shows that following a low FODMAP diet supplemented with oral glutamine 15 grams three times daily for 6 weeks improves IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) scores, with 88% of patients in the glutamine group reporting a 45% improvement in severity scores, compared with 60% of patients following the low FODMAP diet alone (108037). The validity of this finding is limited by short duration of treatment and lack of follow-up. Preliminary clinical research in patients with postinfectious, diarrhea-predominant IBS shows that taking glutamine 5 grams three times daily for 8 weeks leads to a nearly 14-fold greater likelihood of symptom improvement, defined as a reduction of 50 points or more on the IBS-SSS, and decreases stool frequency by 2.45 stools daily when compared with placebo. Taking glutamine also seems to reduce abdominal pain ratings by 55% and improve quality of life scores by 53% when compared to baseline in these patients (100944). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
Lung cancer. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. Details: One small clinical study in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily for 12 months along with palliative chemoradiotherapy prevents weight loss, which is an important predictor of survival, but does not increase the likelihood of progression-free survival when compared with palliative chemoradiotherapy alone (100942). It is unclear if this study was adequately powered to detect a difference in survival between groups.
Malnutrition. It is unclear if oral alanyl-glutamine improves height and weight in children at risk for malnutrition. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children aged 2 months to 5 years from a low-income area of Brazil and at risk for malnutrition, shows that taking 3-12 grams of alanyl-glutamine orally daily for 10 days improves gut integrity and is associated with a modest, short-term increase in weight when compared with a glycine placebo (103838).
Exercise-induced muscle damage. It is unclear if oral glutamine is beneficial for exercise-induced muscle damage. Details: A very small clinical crossover trial in professional athletes undergoing rigorous training shows that taking oral glutamine 6 grams daily for 20 days reduces serum levels of creatine kinase and myoglobin when compared with placebo (108031). The validity of these findings is limited due to the small size and short duration of treatment.
Obesity. It is unclear if oral glutamine is beneficial for weight loss. Details: A preliminary clinical study in 36 overweight or obese adults shows that taking glutamine 30 grams daily for 2 weeks reduces waist circumference by 1.8 cm, but does not improve body weight, body mass index, or glycemic indices, when compared to baseline. None of these outcomes were improved over baseline in an alanine control group (100941). Given the small study size and short duration of therapy, the long-term effects of glutamine on anthropometric measures is unclear.
Opioid withdrawal. Oral glutamine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in Chinese patients undergoing detoxification from heroin shows that taking a combination of tyrosine, lecithin, 5-HTP, and glutamine 50 mg/kg orally daily for 6 days might reduce mood-related withdrawal symptoms when compared with placebo (88178). It is unclear if this effect is due to glutamine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Oral mucositis. There is contradictory evidence about the effects of glutamine in patients with, or at risk of developing, oral mucositis from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Details: Small clinical studies suggest that taking glutamine orally or swishing and swallowing a glutamine solution can decrease the incidence, severity, and duration of oral mucositis in some patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) (2336,2368,2704,5029). Additionally, three meta-analyses of highly heterogeneous clinical trials in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy suggests that glutamine reduces the incidence of severe (grade ≥3) oral mucositis when compared with control (105014,108028,108036). These analyses are limited for several reasons, including reporting bias, lack of sensitivity analysis, and population heterogeneity. Some small clinical studies included in these meta-analyses suggest that supplementation with glutamine may reduce the need for feeding tubes and opioid analgesics (108028,108036). However, not all research has been positive. Some small clinical studies in patients receiving chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil for cancer or HSCT suggest that oral or intravenous glutamine does not reduce the incidence of oral mucositis when compared with control (2365,5451,5462,7296,52349,52350). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 5 clinical trials in patients with head or neck cancers shows that oral glutamine does not reduce the overall incidence or the incidence of moderate to severe radiation-induced oral mucositis when compared with control (103836). The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and the International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) cautiously recommends the use of oral glutamine to prevent oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy. However, due to some evidence suggesting that intravenous glutamine may actually worsen outcomes in HSCT patients, the MASCC/ISOO recommends against its use for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, with or without total body irradiation, for HSCT (105004).
Paclitaxel-induced myalgia and arthralgia. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk for myalgias and arthralgias due to paclitaxel. Details: One small clinical study shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily for 5 days, starting on the day of chemotherapy and repeated over 2 cycles of chemotherapy, does not reduce the rate or severity of paclitaxel-induced myalgias or arthralgias when compared with placebo (52331).
Pancreatitis. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis. Details: Two meta-analyses of the available clinical research in patients with pancreatitis show that enteral or parenteral supplementation with glutamine increases albumin, decreases C-reactive protein, and might reduce mortality, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, hospital length of stay, and infections. Results are difficult to interpret due to the significant heterogeneity of the included trials and limited generalizability of the results (96513,103835).
Peptic ulcers. Although there is interest in using oral glutamine for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glutamine for this condition.
Postoperative infection. It is unclear if oral or intravenous glutamine is beneficial for the prevention of postoperative infection in patients with colorectal cancer who are recovering from surgery. Details: A meta-analysis of nonblinded clinical research in adults with colorectal or colon cancer who recently underwent radical surgery shows that daily supplementation with glutamine 0.3-1 grams/kg, administered either orally or parenterally, improves the rate of surgical site infections and anastomotic leakage when compared with control (108033). These findings are limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies and unclear reporting.
Postoperative recovery. It is unclear if oral or intravenous glutamine is beneficial in patients with colorectal cancer who are recovering from surgery. Details: A meta-analysis of nonblinded clinical research in adults with colorectal or colon cancer who recently underwent radical surgery shows that taking either oral or parenteral glutamine 0.3-1 grams/kg daily may reduce the length of hospital stay when compared with control (108033). These findings are limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies and unclear reporting.
Pressure ulcers. Oral glutamine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A very small clinical study in patients with stages II-IV pressure ulcers shows that taking a specific nutritional supplement drink containing glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.5 grams per packet (Abound, Abbott Nutrition) as two packets twice daily by mouth for 2 weeks has no effect on wound area or healing scores by the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) measurement when compared with standard nutritional care (96506).
Radiation dermatitis. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk of developing dermatitis from radiation therapy. Details: One small clinical study in patients with head and neck cancers receiving cisplatin shows that taking a specific supplement containing glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.5 grams (Abound, Abbott) orally twice daily, starting on day 1 of radiation and continuing until 1 week after radiation therapy, does not reduce the incidence of severe radiation-induced dermatitis when compared with no supplementation (96639). However, another small clinical study in patients with breast cancer who have had both chemotherapy and surgery shows that taking oral glutamine 5 grams three times daily, starting 1 week before radiation and continuing until 1 week after radiation, is associated with a reduction in grade 1 and grade 2 radiation dermatitis when compared with placebo (97366).
Radiation-induced esophagitis. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk of developing esophagitis from radiation therapy. Details: A small clinical study in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily for 12 months along with a palliative dose of chemoradiotherapy (total 30 Gy) results in a 7% incidence of symptomatic (grade 2 or higher) radiation-induced esophagitis, compared with a 53% incidence with palliative chemoradiotherapy alone. The glutamine group also had a 5.8-day delay in the onset of esophagitis (100942). However, a lower dose of glutamine in patients receiving higher doses of radiotherapy might not be beneficial. A small clinical study in patients with advanced thoracic malignancies shows that taking glutamine 4 grams mixed in water twice daily for 4 weeks along with radiotherapy (total dose of at least 45 Gy) to the esophagus, with or without chemotherapy, does not slow the onset of radiation-induced esophagitis or reduce its severity when compared with a glycine placebo (105011).
Short bowel syndrome. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves symptoms of short bowel syndrome. Details: Although small clinical studies suggest that glutamine plus growth hormone can decrease dependence on parenteral nutrition in some patients (2334,2361,2362,2703), it has not shown benefit for improving intestinal absorption of energy in all studies (8185). Additionally, glutamine alone doesn't appear to be beneficial (7730).
Traumatic Brain injury (TBI). It is unclear if intravenous glutamine is beneficial in patients hospitalized with severe TBI. Details: A clinical trial in patients hospitalized for a severe TBI shows that adherence to a hypocaloric, low-protein diet supplemented with daily intravenous glutamine 0.3 g/kg for 7 days does not improve 28-day mortality when compared with standard nutritional support alone. However, it may reduce the length of ventilator use, hospitalization, and duration of intensive care unit stay (108034).
Vincristine-induced neuropathy. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk of developing neuropathy from treatment with vincristine in children. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children ages 1-21 years receiving vincristine for various cancer types shows that taking glutamine 6 grams/m2 twice daily orally for 21 days reduces sensory neuropathy when compared with placebo. There was a significant improvement in self-reported, but not parent-reported, quality of life scores as measured by the PedsQL scale. However, there was no effect on motor neuropathy with the use of glutamine (96517).
Wound healing. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves wound healing. Details: Preliminary clinical research in trauma patients with wound healing disorders shows that taking glutamine 20 grams orally daily in combination with ascorbic acid 500 mg, vitamin E 166 mg, beta-carotene 3.2 mg, selenium 100 mcg, and zinc 6.6 mg (Glutamine Plus, Fresenius Kabi) for 14 days reduces the time to wound closure by 29 days when compared with placebo. However, there is no difference in length of stay (97364). More evidence is needed to rate glutamine for these uses.

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GLYCINE

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

Schizophrenia. Oral glycine may improve negative, but not positive, symptoms of schizophrenia when used as adjunct to therapy with typical antipsychotics in patients resistant to monotherapy. However, glycine does not seem to provide additional benefit when used with clozapine. Details: Some small clinical trials show that taking glycine 0.4-0.8 grams/kg daily in divided doses along with conventional treatment seems to reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia in patients that are resistant to monotherapy with typical antipsychotics such as thioridazine, haloperidol, and perphenazine (10250,10251,10252,98591). However, when used with the atypical antipsychotic clozapine, glycine appears to have a negligible effect on or worsen symptoms of schizophrenia (10253,11321). Additionally, glycine does not seem to improve positive symptoms of schizophrenia (10250,10251,10252,98591).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (3-PGDH) deficiency. It is unclear if oral glycine is beneficial in patients with 3-PGDH deficiency. Details: A case series describing two patients with 3-PGDH deficiency who did not respond to serine supplementation suggests that taking oral glycine 0.2 grams/kg daily along with serine might reduce seizure frequency. 3-PGDH deficiency is a rare condition in which serine is not synthesized properly (10254).
Aging. Oral glycine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A very small clinical study in adults aged 61-80 years with overweight or obesity shows that taking a specific combination product (GlyNAC), providing glycine 100 mg/kg and N-acetyl cysteine 100 mg/kg, daily for 16 weeks improves some markers associated with aging, including glutathione levels, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, genomic damage, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, when compared to baseline. Improvements in these measures were lacking in the placebo group (110624). The validity of these findings is limited by a lack of statistical comparison between groups. Also, it is unclear if these effects are due to glycine, N-acetyl cysteine, or the combination.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there has been interest in using oral glycine for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glycine for this purpose.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although there has been interest in using oral glycine for BPH, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glycine for this purpose.
Cognitive function. Small clinical studies suggest that oral glycine may modestly improve memory and cognitive function in some patients. Details: Two small clinical studies in healthy young adults and adults with psychosis risk syndrome show that taking glycine 0.2-0.4 grams/kg once or twice daily for up to 24 weeks may improve some measures of memory and cognitive performance when compared with baseline or placebo (11322,92321).
Cystic fibrosis. It is unclear if oral glycine is beneficial in patients with cystic fibrosis. Details: A small clinical trial in patients 6-23 years of age with cystic fibrosis shows that taking glycine 0.5 grams/kg daily for 8 weeks modestly improves some measures of lung function and reduces sputum and dyspnea by 15% and 23%, respectively, when compared with placebo. However, taking glycine does not improve appetite or energy (98583).
Gout. Oral glycine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One small clinical study in patients with mild hyperuricemia shows that taking a powder containing glycine 3 grams and L-tryptophan 0.2 grams nightly at bedtime for 6 weeks reduces serum uric acid levels by 0.3 mg/dL when compared with placebo. Improvements also occurred in the subgroup of patients with uric acid levels greater than 7 mg/dL, the point at which symptoms of gout can occur (99883). However, it is unclear if this combination improves gout-related pain. Also, it is not clear if these findings are due to glycine, L-tryptophan, or the combination.
Insomnia. Small clinical studies suggest that oral glycine may modestly improve sleep quality and daytime feelings of fatigue in patients with poor sleep quality or a restricted sleep duration. Details: Two very small studies in patients who have reported a subjective reduction in sleep quality show that taking glycine 3 grams one hour before bedtime for 2-4 days improves overall sleep quality and sleep efficacy when compared with placebo (92318,92320). Another very small clinical study in healthy males shows that taking glycine 3 grams 30 minutes before bedtime for 3 nights, during which time sleep duration is restricted by 25%, modestly reduces feelings of fatigue after the first night, but not after the third night, when compared with placebo (92316). The effects of glycine on sleep measures have also been evaluated in combination with other ingredients. A very small crossover study in healthy adults without documented sleep disorders shows that taking a combination product containing glycine 3000 mg, tryptophan 1000 mg, magnesium 300 mg, tart cherry powder 220 mg, and L-theanine 200 mg before bed for 3 nights reduces sleep onset latency, increases total sleep time, increases sleep efficiency, and reduces morning sleepiness when compared with placebo (111184). It is unclear if these effects are due to glycine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Isovaleric acidemia. Although there has been interest in using oral glycine for isovaleric acidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glycine for this purpose.
Metabolic syndrome. Although there has been interest in using oral glycine for metabolic syndrome, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glycine for this purpose.
Obesity. Oral glycine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A very small clinical study in adults aged 61-80 years with overweight or obesity shows that taking a specific combination product (GlyNAC), providing glycine 100 mg/kg and N-acetyl cysteine 100 mg/kg, daily for 16 weeks reduces waist circumference but does not improve body weight or body mass index (BMI) when compared to baseline. None of these outcomes were improved in individuals taking placebo (110624). The validity of these findings is limited by a lack of statistical comparison between groups. Also, it is unclear if these effects are due to glycine, N-acetyl cysteine, or the combination.
Overactive bladder. It is unclear if oral glycine is beneficial in patients with overactive bladder. Details: One very small, non-randomized, crossover trial in patients with overactive bladder shows that taking glycine 3 grams twice daily for 4 weeks reduces urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, and nighttime urinary frequency and improves quality of life scores when compared with placebo (106497). The validity of these findings is limited by a lack of randomization.
Physical performance. Oral glycine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A very small clinical study in adults aged 61-80 years with overweight or obesity shows that taking a specific combination product (GlyNAC), providing glycine 100 mg/kg and N-acetyl cysteine 100 mg/kg, daily for 16 weeks improves upper and lower extremity strength and gait speed, but not walking distance, when compared to baseline. None of these outcomes were improved in individuals taking placebo (110624). The validity of these findings is limited by a lack of statistical comparison between groups. Also, it is unclear if these effects are due to glycine, N-acetyl cysteine, or the combination.
Stroke. It is unclear if sublingual glycine is beneficial in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Details: One small clinical study in patients with acute ischemic stroke in the carotid artery territory shows that taking glycine 1-2 grams sublingually daily for 5 days, starting within 6 hours after the onset of stroke, modestly improves clinical outcomes on the Orgogozo Stroke Scale, the Scandinavian Stroke Scale, and the Barthel index when compared with placebo (11320).
Venous leg ulcers. Topical glycine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study shows that applying a cream containing glycine, L-cysteine, and DL-threonine to leg ulcers reduces pain and modestly improves healing when compared with a placebo cream (10255). It is unclear if these effects are due to glycine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Wound healing. Although there has been interest in using topical glycine for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glycine for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate glycine for these uses.

(Read more about GLYCINE)

THEANINE (L-Theanine)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

Cognitive function. Oral L-theanine may improve some aspects of cognitive function. It is unclear if using L-theanine in conjunction with caffeine can enhance the effects of either ingredient. Details: A single dose of L-theanine 100 mg seems to improve vigilant attention, reducing error rates in cognitive tests when compared with placebo (91747). However, taking L-theanine (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku) 200 mg daily for 4 weeks does not improve verbal fluency, memory, motor speed, or executive function in an adult population, although it may moderately improve verbal fluency in a subgroup of people with lower cognitive function at baseline (101986). When L-theanine is combined with caffeine, a meta-analysis and multiple individual clinical studies show that the combination improves alertness, as well as accuracy during a test that requires switching attention between different tasks, but does not improve reaction time (38116,91750,96335,96336). Some research also shows that L-theanine plus caffeine improves cognitive performance and reduces task-induced fatigue when compared with baseline and placebo. However, it is unclear if this is due to the individual ingredients or the combination (38116,96335,96336). Some research suggests that the combination is no better than either individual ingredient alone (91747,96335,96336).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

Age-related cognitive decline. It is unclear if oral L-theanine, taken continuously or as a single dose, improves cognition in older adults. Details: A small clinical study in healthy, Japanese adults aged 50-69 years shows that taking a specific product (Suntheanine; Taiyo International.) containing L-theanine 101 mg daily after breakfast for 12 weeks does not improve mini-mental state exam (MMSE) scores when compared with placebo. However, a single-dose analysis from this study shows that administration of L-theanine 101 mg may improve the quality of working memory and reaction times during a cognitive function test when compared with placebo (108553). Patients were permitted to consume polyphenol-rich beverages during the study period; however, consumption was not documented, limiting the validity of this finding.
Alzheimer disease. Although there is interest in using oral theanine for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of theanine for this condition.
Anxiety. It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial in patients with anxiety. Results of clinical research are conflicting. Details: A preliminary clinical study shows that taking a single dose of a specific L-theanine product (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku) 200 mg does not reduce experimentally-induced anticipatory anxiety when compared with placebo (12188). However, another preliminary clinical study in healthy adults with stress-related anxiety shows that taking L-theanine 200 mg daily for 4 weeks reduces anxiety scale scores and sleep disturbance when compared with placebo (101986).
Attention. It is unclear if oral theanine improves attention. Details: A small clinical study in healthy males shows that taking a single dose of L-theanine 200 mg improves selective attention similar to a single dose of caffeine 160 mg (96337). However, other small clinical studies in adults show that taking L-theanine 100-400 mg does not improve most measures of attention, especially sustained attention or attention in executive control tasks, but doses of 100-200 mg may improve performance in simple attentional tasks when compared with placebo (96338,111396). Some of these studies suggest that taking L-theanine with caffeine appears to provide more benefit than either individual ingredient alone (96337,96338).
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Oral L-theanine seems to improve some aspects of ADHD, including cognition and sleep. Details: Some preliminary clinical research in children with ADHD shows that taking a one-time dose of L-theanine 2.5 mg/kg increases cognition scores, but does not improve results on sustained attention or inhibitory control tests, when compared with placebo. Taking L-theanine with caffeine 2 mg/kg also increases cognition scores and improves performance on a sustained attention test, but does not improve inhibitory control, when compared with placebo (104141). Other preliminary clinical research in males aged 8-12 years with ADHD shows that taking a specific L-theanine product (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku) 200 mg orally twice daily for 6 weeks increases the percent of time spent in restful sleep by about 5% and decreases the number of bouts of nocturnal activity by about 6 when compared with placebo (91744).
Cancer. Although there is interest in using oral theanine for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of theanine for this condition.
Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Oral L-theanine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with colon cancer shows that taking L-cystine 700 mg and L-theanine 280 mg (Ajinomoto Co. Inc.) orally once daily, starting one week before chemotherapy with TS-1 (Taiho Pharmaceutical) and continuing for 28 days, increases the rate of therapy completion by 49%, reduces the incidence of diarrhea by 37%, reduces appetite loss by 33%, and improves the reported tolerability of chemotherapy when compared with chemotherapy alone (96334). However, this combination does not appear to be beneficial in patients with gastric cancer, or in those with colorectal cancer receiving 4 courses of capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy. (96334,101985).
Cognitive impairment. Oral L-theanine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One very small clinical study in adults with mild cognitive impairment shows that taking a product containing L-theanine 120 mg and green tea extract 720 mg (LGNC-07, LG Household & Health Care, Ltd) orally twice daily after meals for 16 weeks modestly improves memory and attention when compared with baseline. However, taking this product does not appear to improve memory and attention when patients with self-reported memory problems, but without mild cognitive impairment, are also considered (96339).
Depression. It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial in patients with depression. Details: A small clinical study shows that taking a specific L-theanine product (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd.) 250 mg at bedtime for 8 weeks reduces symptoms and improves sleep quality when compared to baseline in individuals with mild major depressive disorder (MDD) (96331). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group. Another small clinical study in adults with MDD shows that taking L-theanine 200 mg daily with sertraline for 6 weeks reduces depression symptoms and increases remission rates but does not improve treatment response rates when compared with sertraline and placebo (112278). The validity of these effects is limited by the small sample size and short study duration. Additionally, it is unclear if the reduction in depressive symptoms is clinically significant.
Erythema. Oral L-theanine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in healthy females with self-perceived skin sensitivity shows that taking a specific supplement containing L-theanine, ashwagandha, and saffron (InnerCalm, Arbonne) daily for 8 weeks reduces facial pigmentation when compared to baseline (111399). The validity of this finding is limited by a lack of a placebo group. It is unclear if these effects are due to L-theanine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial for reducing anxiety in people with GAD. Details: One small clinical study in adults with GAD shows that taking L-theanine 225 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, then 450 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, in conjunction with prescribed antidepressants, does not reduce anxiety scores when compared with antidepressants and placebo (104976).
Hypertension. Although there is interest in using oral theanine for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of theanine for this condition.
Influenza. Oral L-theanine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination of green tea catechins (THEA-FLAN 90S, Ito-en Co.) 378 mg, standardized to contain epigallocatechin gallate 270 mg and L-theanine (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku) 210 mg daily for 5 months reduces the risk of developing clinically diagnosed influenza when compared with placebo. However, the combination does not seem to prevent laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (54021).
Insomnia. It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial for insomnia. Details: A very small clinical study in young healthy adults with sleep quality worsened by caffeine intake shows that taking L-theanine 50 mg (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd) once 10 minutes before bedtime suppresses caffeine-induced elevations in wake after sleep onset time but does not improve parameters of sleep quality including sleep onset latency, sleep time, or number of times waking after sleep onset when compared with placebo (112275). L-theanine has also been studied in combination with other ingredients. A small clinical study in adults with insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns shows that a specific product (RLX2; LiveLife Biosciences AG) containing L-theanine 50 mg and a specific casein peptide, alpha-s1-casein tryptic hydrolysate, 150 mg, taken one hour before bedtime for 4 weeks, increases sleep duration by 45 minutes and improves habitual sleep efficiency and daytime dysfunction when compared with baseline (108556). Another very small clinical study in healthy adults shows that taking a combination product containing tryptophan, glycine, magnesium, tart cherry powder, and L-theanine 2 hours before bedtime decreases sleep onset latency and increases total sleep duration, leading to better sleep efficiency and reduced morning sleepiness, when compared with placebo (111184). Another combination product containing L-theanine, ashwagandha, and saffron (InnerCalm, Arbonne), taken daily for 8 weeks, seems to improve sleep quality when compared to baseline (111399). However, the validity of this finding is limited by a lack of a control group. It is unclear if the effects described above are due to L-theanine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial for OCD. Details: A small clinical study in adults with OCD shows that taking L-theanine 100 mg twice daily for 10 weeks with fluvoxamine reduces OCD symptoms, particularly obsessive symptoms, and increases the proportion of patients with a complete response to treatment but does not improve compulsive symptoms, partial response rates, or remission rates when compared with placebo and fluvoxamine (112276).
Postoperative recovery. Oral theanine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study of adults with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy shows that taking theanine 280 mg and cystine 700 mg daily, staring 4 days before surgery and continued for 13 days after surgery, does not improve measures of physical activity but does improve exercise tolerance and some measures of quality of life when compared with placebo (111400). It is unclear if these findings are due to theanine, cystine, or the combination.
Schizophrenia. It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial in patients with schizophrenia; the available evidence is limited and conflicting. Details: One small preliminary clinical study in adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder shows that taking L-theanine (Biosynergy) 200 mg orally twice daily for 8 weeks along with antipsychotic medications improves positive symptoms, anxiety, and general psychopathology symptoms, such as poor impulse control and disorientation, when compared with placebo. However, theanine does not improve general disease severity, negative symptoms, depression, cognitive function, extrapyramidal side effects, or quality of life (96341). In contrast, two small clinical studies show that taking L-theanine 400 mg (Suntheanine, BioSynergy Health Alternatives) with antipsychotics and with or without pregnenolone 50 mg daily for 8 weeks reduces negative symptoms, general psychopathology symptoms, and anxiety when compared with placebo in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. However, there were no improvements in positive schizophrenia symptoms, extrapyramidal side effects, or symptoms of depression (97923,112277). The inconsistency of results might be due to the small study sizes and the subjectivity of the outcomes measured.
Stress. It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial in patients with stress. Details: One very small clinical study shows that taking L-theanine 200 mg prior to a stress-inducing exam reduces tension-anxiety and may prevent blood pressure increases caused by psychological stress when compared with placebo (91746). Other preliminary clinical research in pharmacy students shows that taking theanine 200 mg twice daily for one week prior, and then for the first 10 days of a pharmacy practice period, decreases subjective stress scores when compared with placebo (91745). Another small clinical study in healthy young adults shows that drinking a beverage containing L-theanine 200 mg alone or combined with L-arginine 50 mg after a psychological stressor reduces stress, as measured by salivary alpha-amylase activity, when compared with placebo. The combination of L-arginine and L-theanine did not differ from L-theanine alone, suggesting that the combination does not act synergistically to reduce markers of stress (110393). However, not all research has been positive. A small clinical study shows that taking a specific L-theanine product (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku) 200 mg induces subjective feelings of tranquility in relaxed people, but not those with experimentally-induced anticipatory anxiety, when compared with placebo (12188). Also, a small, clinical crossover study in healthy, moderately stressed adults shows that taking a single dose of a specific product (Alphawave; Ethical Naturals) containing L-theanine 200 mg prior to a stress-inducing exam does not improve anxiety at any time point when compared with placebo (108554). Due to the single-dose nature of this study, the effects of continued administration of this product are unclear. L-theanine has also been evaluated in combination with other ingredients. A small clinical study in adults with stress shows that taking a specific combination product (Mg-Teadiola, Sanofi-Aventis Group), containing green tea extract 125 mg (providing 50 mg L-theanine), magnesium 150 mg, vitamin B6 0.2 mg, vitamin B9 0.1 mg, vitamin B12 1.25 mcg, and rhodiola 222 mg, orally once daily for 28 days modestly improves stress and anxiety scores when compared with placebo. Improvements in stress scores, but not anxiety scores, appear to persist at 28 days after treatment completion (108672). It is unclear if any effects are due to L-theanine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Tourette syndrome. It is unclear if oral L-theanine is beneficial in children with Tourette syndrome. Details: A small, nonblinded clinical study in children aged 4-17 years with untreated Tourette syndrome or with chronic tic disorder and associated symptoms of anxiety shows that taking a liquid nutritional supplement providing L-theanine 200 mg and vitamin B6 2.8 mg daily for 2 months improves scores on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, but does not reduce anxiety, when compared with patients receiving psychoeducation (108555). This study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups. More evidence is needed to rate theanine for these uses.

(Read more about THEANINE)

TYROSINE (L-Tyrosine)

EFFECTIVE

Phenylketonuria (PKU). Oral tyrosine as a component of medical foods is recommended in people with PKU, a disorder in which phenylalanine cannot be endogenously metabolized into tyrosine. Details: Tyrosine is used as a component of medical foods for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) (7212,7213,7232). Current guidelines recommend that people with PKU maintain a diet low in phenylalanine and incorporate tyrosine as a component of medical foods to maintain normal blood levels of tyrosine (95108). Supplementation with additional tyrosine is recommended only for patients with consistently low blood levels of tyrosine despite using tyrosine-containing medical foods (95108). Routine supplementation with free tyrosine is not recommended for most patients because it can produce wide variations in tyrosine plasma concentrations and side effects (7212,95108). Tyrosine intake does not improve neuropsychological measures in patients with PKU (81503,91471,95108).

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

Cognitive function. Oral tyrosine might improve cognitive function, particularly in patients exposed to stressors such as excessive cold, noise, or sleep deprivation. Details: Most research suggests that taking tyrosine orally improves cognitive function, particularly under stressful conditions. Small clinical studies in healthy adults show that taking tyrosine 100-300 mg/kg in the setting of exposure to stressors such as excessive cold, noise, or sleep deprivation improves cognitive performance measures, such as executive function and short-term memory, when compared with placebo (7215,81472,81476,81484,81501). Other small clinical studies in healthy patients show that taking tyrosine 2 grams may improve response time without detracting from performance and could improve some measures of cognitive response to conflict when compared with placebo (101082,111248). Some of these small studies may be inadequately powered to detect an effect on some cognitive function tests. Tyrosine has also been evaluated in combination with other ingredients for this purpose. A small clinical study in healthy adults with fatigue shows that taking tyrosine, serine, alanine, glutamate, and aspartate daily for 4 weeks improves measures of cognitive function including attention, spatial cognition, orientation, motivation, and time management when compared with placebo (111249). It is unclear if these effects are due to tyrosine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Memory. Taking tyrosine orally seems to improve memory in patients exposed to stressors such as cold or those having to complete multiple tasks at once. Details: Small clinical studies in healthy adults show that taking tyrosine 150-300 mg/kg prior to acute exposure to stress that is cold-induced, noise-induced, or induced by multi-tasking improves memory performance when compared with placebo (81469,81477,81499,81501). However, tyrosine 150 mg/kg does not seem to improve memory in less stressful situations such as performing one simple task or testing when not exposed to cold (81469,81499).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

Athletic performance. Oral tyrosine does not improve athletic performance when taken prior to exercise. Details: Clinical studies show that taking tyrosine orally prior to participating in treadmill or cycling exercises conducted at temperate temperatures or in the heat does not improve strength, endurance, or performance when compared with placebo (81471,81474,81504,91470,104403). Another very small clinical study in healthy males shows that taking a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement containing L-tyrosine, beta-alanine, L-citrulline maleate, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, L-taurine, and caffeine does not increase bench press strength endurance when compared with equivalent amounts of anhydrous caffeine (111250).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

Alcohol use disorder. Oral tyrosine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with alcohol use disorder shows that taking a combination of tyrosine 900 mg, D,L-phenylalanine 1.5 grams, L-glutamine 300 mg, and L-tryptophan 400 mg daily along with a multivitamin supplement reduces withdrawal symptoms and decreases stress when compared with placebo (81552). It is unclear if these effects are due to tyrosine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is unclear if oral tyrosine is beneficial for improving ADHD symptoms. Details: A very small clinical study shows that taking tyrosine does not improve symptoms of ADHD in children when compared with baseline (7209). Furthermore, another very small clinical trial in adults with ADHD shows that taking tyrosine daily for 8 weeks does not improve inattention when compared with baseline. Some patients might have transient symptom improvement after 2 weeks, but seem to acquire tolerance by 6 weeks (7210). The validity of these findings is limited by the small study size and lack of control groups.
Cocaine dependence. Oral tyrosine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical trial in patients with cocaine dependence shows that taking L-tyrosine 1 gram in the morning and L-tryptophan 1 gram in the evening for 14 days does not reduce drug cravings or withdrawal symptoms when compared with placebo (81480).
Dementia. Oral tyrosine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A very small clinical study in patients with severe Alzheimer disease or multi-infarct dementia shows that taking a combination of tyrosine 4 grams, 5-HTP 800 mg, and carbidopa 100 mg orally daily does not improve clinical or psychological parameters in most patients when compared with baseline (918). The validity of this finding is limited by the small study size and a lack of control group.
Depression. It is unclear if oral tyrosine is beneficial for improving major depressive disorder. Details: A small clinical study in patients with major depression shows that taking L-tyrosine 100 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks does not improve depressive symptoms when compared with placebo (7208).
Erectile dysfunction (ED). Although there is interest in using oral tyrosine for ED, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of tyrosine for this condition.
Fatigue. Oral tyrosine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in healthy adults with fatigue shows that taking tyrosine, serine, alanine, glutamate, and aspartate daily for 4 weeks does not improve subjective or objective measures of fatigue when compared with placebo (111249).
Hypertension. It is unclear if oral tyrosine is beneficial for reducing hypertension of mild severity. Details: A very small clinical study in patients with mild essential hypertension shows that taking oral tyrosine 2.5 grams three times daily with meals for 2 weeks does not affect systolic or diastolic blood pressure when compared with control (81487).
Mitochondrial myopathies. Although there is interest in using oral tyrosine for nemaline myopathy, a type of mitochondrial myopathy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of tyrosine for this condition.
Narcolepsy. It is unclear if oral tyrosine is beneficial for improving narcolepsy symptoms. Details: A small clinical study in patients with narcolepsy shows that taking capsules containing tyrosine 3 grams orally three times daily for 4 weeks might reduce feelings of tiredness or drowsiness when compared with placebo, but the overall effect is not clinically significant. Tyrosine also does not seem to improve sudden muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, night-time sleep, sleep latency, or speed and attention after waking when compared with placebo (81482).
Obesity. Oral tyrosine has only been evaluated for in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in overweight or obese patients shows that taking a supplement containing tyrosine 1.2 grams, cayenne 450 mg, green tea 1.5 grams, caffeine 150 mg, and calcium carbonate 3.89 grams daily for 8 weeks slightly reduces body fat mass by 0.9 kg when compared with placebo (81475). It is not clear if any potential benefit is due to tyrosine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Opioid withdrawal. Oral tyrosine has only been evaluated for heroin withdrawal in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in Chinese males undergoing detoxification for heroin addiction shows that taking a combination of tyrosine 50 mg/kg, 5-HTP 200 mg, phosphatidylcholine 1200 mg, and L-glutamine 50 mg/kg daily for 6 days can reduce insomnia and withdrawal symptoms and improve mood when compared with placebo (88178). It is not clear if this effect is due to tyrosine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Parkinson disease. Although there is interest in using oral tyrosine for Parkinson disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of tyrosine for this condition.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although there is interest in using oral tyrosine for PMS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of tyrosine for this condition.
Schizophrenia. It is unclear if oral tyrosine is beneficial for improving schizophrenia symptoms. Details: A very small clinical study in patients with schizophrenia shows that taking L-tyrosine 10 grams daily in four divided doses along with molindone 150 mg daily for 3 weeks does not improve symptoms of schizophrenia when compared with taking molindone alone (81554).
Sleep deprivation. It is unclear if oral tyrosine is beneficial for improving alertness in sleep deprived adults. Details: A small clinical study shows that taking tyrosine 150 mg/kg after the loss of a night's sleep seems to delay performance decline in psychomotor tests by about 3 hours when compared with placebo (7215). Another small clinical study in sleep-deprived patients shows that taking tyrosine 150 mg/kg improves memory, reasoning, and vigilance when compared with placebo at 5.5 hours after ingestion, but not at 1.5 hours. Tyrosine was less effective than taking amphetamine, phentermine, or caffeine (81472).
Stress. Although there is interest in using oral tyrosine for stress, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of tyrosine for this condition.
Wrinkled skin. Topical tyrosine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small study in patients with photodamaged skin shows that applying a topical preparation containing 10% vitamin C, acetyl tyrosine, zinc sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, and bioflavonoids (High Potency Serum, Cellex-C International Inc.) for 3 months to the face seems to improve fine and coarse wrinkling, yellowing and sallowness, roughness, and skin tone when compared with placebo (6155). It is unclear if the benefits are due to tyrosine, other ingredients, or the combination. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of tyrosine for these uses.

(Read more about TYROSINE)

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Safety view details

Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Run Gum Calm Lavender. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. 5-HTP has been used safely in doses up to 400 mg daily for up to one year (913,30007,30130). Doses up to 1.2 grams daily have been used with apparent safety for up to 10 months (914,30018,30125,30164,30165). Doses of 3 grams daily have been used safely for 3 weeks (30138). There is some controversy about the safety of 5-HTP due to concerns for eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) (902,919,7067,10084,30178). There is speculation that only certain, contaminated 5-HTP products may cause this serious adverse effect (88174). So far, there is not enough evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, contaminants, or other unknown factors (919,7067,10084).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in large doses. Doses of 6-10 grams daily have been associated with severe gastrointestinal effects and hyperkinesis (30139,30183). The risk may be reduced if the dose is increased gradually.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately. Doses of 5-HTP up to 5 mg/kg daily have been used safely for up to 3 years in infants and children up to 12 years old (30128,30153,88173). There is some controversy about the safety of 5-HTP due to concerns for eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) (902,919,7067,10084,30178). There is speculation that only certain, contaminated 5-HTP products may cause this serious adverse effect (88174). So far, there is not enough evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, contaminants, or other unknown factors (919,7067,10084).

(Read more about 5-HTP)

ASHWAGANDHA (Ashwagandha root extract)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Ashwagandha has been used with apparent safety in doses of up to 1250 mg daily for up to 6 months (3710,11301,19271,90649,90652,90653,97292,101816,102682,102683) (102684,102685,102687,103476,105824,109586,109588,109589,109590). ...when used topically. Ashwagandha lotion has been used with apparent safety in concentrations up to 8% for up to 2 months (111538).

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. Ashwagandha has abortifacient effects (12).

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about ASHWAGANDHA)

COWHAGE (Velvet Bean Extract)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Powdered formulations of cowhage seed that are standardized to provide levodopa 75-400 mg daily have been used with apparent safety for up to 20 weeks (7020,7203,97266).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when the hair of the cowhage bean pod is used orally or topically. The bean pod hairs are strong irritants and can cause severe itching, burning, and inflammation (18).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about COWHAGE)

GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) (GABA)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods.

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in medicinal amounts, short-term. GABA has been used with apparent safety in doses of 75 mg to 1.5 grams daily for up to one month in small clinical studies (19361,19363,19369,110134,110135). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of GABA when used orally for longer than one month or when used sublingually or intravenously.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

GLUTAMINE (L-Glutamine)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Glutamine has been safely used in clinical research in doses up to 40 grams per day or 1 gram/kg daily (2334,2337,2338,2365,5029,5462,7233,7288,7293), (52288,52307,52308,52311,52313,52337,52349,52350,96516,97366). A specific glutamine product (Endari) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (96520). ...when used intravenously. Glutamine has been safely incorporated into parenteral nutrition in doses up to 600 mg/kg daily in clinical trials (2363,2366,5448,5452,5453,5454,5458,7293,52272,52275), (52283,52289,52304,52306,52316,52341), (52359,52360,52371,52377,52381,52284,52385,52408,96637,96507,96516).

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately. Glutamine has been shown to be safe in clinical research when used in amounts that do not exceed 0.7 grams/kg daily in children 1-18 years old (11364,46657,52321,52323,52363,86095,96517). A specific glutamine product (Endari) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for certain patients 5 years of age and older (96520). ...when used intravenously. Glutamine has been safely incorporated into parenteral nutrition in doses up to 0.4 grams/kg daily in clinical research (52338,96508). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of glutamine when used in larger amounts in children.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of glutamine when used in larger amounts as medicine during pregnancy or lactation.

(Read more about GLUTAMINE)

GLYCINE

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Glycine has been used safely at doses up to 6 grams daily for 4 weeks (106497) and doses up to 9 grams daily for 3 days (10250,10251,10252,92319). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of glycine when used topically.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about GLYCINE)

THEANINE (L-Theanine)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. L-theanine has been used safely in clinical research in doses of up to 900 mg daily for 8 weeks (12188,36439,96331,96332,96334,96341,97923,101986,104976). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of L-theanine when used long-term.

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately, short-term. A specific L-theanine product (Suntheanine, Taiyo Kagaku) 200 mg twice daily has been used safely in males aged 8-12 years for up to 6 weeks (91744).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about THEANINE)

TYROSINE (L-Tyrosine)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Tyrosine has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts, short-term. Tyrosine has been used safely in doses up to 150 mg/kg daily for up to 3 months (7210,7211,7215). ...when used topically and appropriately (6155).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of tyrosine during pregnancy and lactation when used in medicinal amounts. Some pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of tyrosine 2-10 grams orally can modestly increase levels of free tyrosine in breast milk. However, total levels are not affected, and levels remain within the range found in infant formulas. Therefore, it is not clear if the increase in free tyrosine is a concern (91467).

(Read more about TYROSINE)

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Interactions with Drugs view details

Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Run Gum Calm Lavender. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

CARBIDOPA (Lodosyn)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Combining 5-HTP and carbidopa can increase the risk of serotonergic side effects.

Details

Carbidopa is sometimes used with 5-HTP to minimize peripheral 5-HTP metabolism and boost the amount that reaches the brain. However, this combination might also increase the risk of some side effects including hypomania, restlessness, rapid speech, anxiety, insomnia, and aggressiveness (30076,30132,30158). Combining carbidopa and 5-HTP might also increase the risk of scleroderma-like skin changes due to elevated serotonin levels (1403).

CNS DEPRESSANTS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.

Details

In clinical trials, 5-HTP has been associated with drowsiness and somnolence (914,30093,30129,30130).

SEROTONERGIC DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.

Details

5-HTP can increase serotonin levels and cause serotonergic effects (901). Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders (8056). However, serotonin syndrome with 5-HTP has not yet been reported in humans (104941). Monitor patients for signs of serotonin syndrome and other serotonergic side effects if using 5-HTP with serotonergic drugs.

(Read more about 5-HTP)

ASHWAGANDHA (Ashwagandha root extract)

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = B

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Details

There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia (19274,90649,102685).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.

Details

Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (19279). Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

BENZODIAZEPINES

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.

Details

There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin) (3710). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

CNS DEPRESSANTS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.

Details

Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics (3710).

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES

Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Severity = Mild • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.

Details

In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes (111404).

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES

Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Severity = Mild • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.

Details

In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes (111404).

HEPATOTOXIC DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.

Details

Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure (102686,107372,110490,110491,111533,111535,112111,113610).

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.

Details

Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans (3710,3711,4114,11301,106786). Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide (3711,4114).

THYROID HORMONE

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Probable • Level of Evidence = B

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.

Details

Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion (19281,19282,97292). In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism (97292).

(Read more about ASHWAGANDHA)

COWHAGE (Velvet Bean Extract)

ANESTHESIA

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and anesthesia might increase the risk of arrhythmias.

Details

Cowhage contains levodopa (7020,7205,46334,46336,94723,94724). Use of levodopa with cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthesia has led to arrhythmias. Other anesthetics have not been implicated (15). Use other anesthetics in patients taking cowhage or tell patients to stop taking cowhage at least 2 weeks before surgery.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Details

Animal research shows that cowhage might have hypoglycemic effects (7221).

ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, use of cowhage might decrease the clinical effects of antipsychotic drugs.

Details

Cowhage contains levodopa (7020,7205,46334,46336,94723,94724). Use of levodopa might counteract the antidopaminergic effects of antipsychotic medications (15).

GUANETHIDINE (Ismelin)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Probable • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and guanethidine might increase the risk of hypotension.

Details

Cowhage contains levodopa (7020,7205,46334,46336,94723,94724). Use of levodopa with guanethidine might cause additive hypotension (15); avoid using.

LEVODOPA

Interaction Rating = Major Do not take this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Likely • Level of Evidence = D

Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.

Details

Cowhage contains levodopa. Some cowhage products have been standardized to contain 75-400 mg of levodopa per dose (7020,7205,46334,46336,94723,94724).

METHYLDOPA (Aldomet)

Interaction Rating = Major Do not take this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Probable • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and methyldopa might increase the risk of hypotension.

Details

Cowhage contains levodopa (7020,7205,46334,46336,94723,94724). Use of levodopa with methyldopa might cause additive hypotension. In addition, methyldopa may inhibit peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa and increase levodopa levels in the central nervous system (15); avoid using.

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIs)

Interaction Rating = Major Do not take this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Probable • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.

Details

Cowhage contains levodopa (7020,7205,46334,46336,94723,94724). Use of levodopa with non-selective MAOIs might cause hypertensive crisis. However, this interaction has not been reported with MAO-B selective inhibitors such as selegiline (15).

TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS (TCAs)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, use of TCAs might reduce the levels and clinical effects of cowhage.

Details

Cowhage contains levodopa (7020,7205,46334,46336,94723,94724). Use of TCAs might reduce the absorption of levodopa. Some case reports describe patients that developed hypertension and dyskinesia when taking both levodopa and TCAs (15).

(Read more about COWHAGE)

GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) (GABA)

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = B

Theoretically, taking GABA with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.

Details

Some clinical research shows that GABA can decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension (19367).

CNS DEPRESSANTS

Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Unlikely • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, GABA might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.

Details

Endogenous GABA has well-established relaxant effects (51152) and GABA(A) receptors have an established physiological role in sleep (51143). However, the effects of GABA supplements are unclear, as it is unknown whether exogenous GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier (51120,51153,90570). Although there have been limited reports of drowsiness or tiredness with GABA supplements (5115,19364), these effects have not been widely reported in clinical studies. Additionally, intravenous GABA 0.1-1 mg/kg has been shown to induce anxiety in a dose-dependent manner (5116).

GLUTAMINE (L-Glutamine)

ANTICONVULSANTS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.

Details

Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs (7292,7293,7294). However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

(Read more about GLUTAMINE)

GLYCINE

CLOZAPINE (Clozaril)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Mild • Occurrence = Probable • Level of Evidence = B

Theoretically, glycine might decrease the effectiveness of clozapine.

Details

One small clinical study in patients with schizophrenia shows that adding glycine to clozapine therapy worsens symptoms of schizophrenia when compared with clozapine alone (10253). The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

(Read more about GLYCINE)

THEANINE (L-Theanine)

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D

Theanine might lower blood pressure, potentiating the effects of antihypertensive drugs.

Details

Animal research shows that theanine can lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive animals (7687,77354). Theoretically, concomitant use of theanine and antihypertensive drugs might potentiate the antihypertensive activity.

CNS DEPRESSANTS

Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Unlikely • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, theanine might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.

Details

Theoretically, theanine may compete with glutamate and/or increase plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which could cause CNS depression (96334). In one clinical study, some subjects taking oral theanine reported drowsiness (96331).

(Read more about THEANINE)

TYROSINE (L-Tyrosine)

LEVODOPA

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Probable • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, tyrosine might decrease the effectiveness of levodopa.

Details

Tyrosine and levodopa compete for absorption in the proximal duodenum by the large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transport system (2719). Advise patients to separate doses of tyrosine and levodopa by at least 2 hours.

THYROID HORMONE

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Probable • Level of Evidence = D

Theoretically, tyrosine might have additive effects with thyroid hormone medications.

Details

Tyrosine is a precursor to thyroxine and might increase levels of thyroid hormones (7212).

(Read more about TYROSINE)

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Adverse Effects view details

Report an Adverse Reaction to Run Gum Calm Lavender

Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Run Gum Calm Lavender. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

General ...Orally, 5-HTP is generally well tolerated, short-term.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, anorexia, dizziness, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting. Severity appears to be dose-dependent.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Aggression, hallucinations, mania, severe gastrointestinal complaints.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, palpitations have been reported with 5-HTP (30076,30130,30167). Conversely, bradycardia has been reported in patients taking 5-HTP 0.4-2 grams daily in combination with carbidopa 100-300 mg daily (30132). In patients with schizophrenia, a combination of 5-HTP in doses up to 6 grams daily and carbidopa 150 mg daily was associated with diaphoresis and mild diastolic hypotension, especially when doses were increased at a rate faster than 200 mg per day (30183).

Dermatologic ...Orally, 5-HTP has been reported to cause urticaria, other allergic-type skin reactions, and flushing (2204,30000,30140). A scleroderma-like illness was reported in a 70-year-old man who had been taking 5-HTP 1400 mg daily and carbidopa 150 mg daily for 20 months. Elevated serotonin levels may be linked to this condition (1403).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, 5-HTP has been reported to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal or epigastric pain, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, anorexia, and taste alteration at any dose (2203,2204,30000,30112,30114,30125,30132,30139,30140)(30165,30183,104250). Severity may be dose-dependent and also related to how quickly doses are increased (30183). Some data suggests that these effects may diminish or disappear with continued use of 5-HTP (30132).

Hematologic ...Symptoms suggestive of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) have been reported in some patients using 5-HTP (902,10084,30178,88174,90927). In one case, a woman was exposed to 5-HTP, tetrahydrobiopterin, carbidopa, and levodopa while administering them to her children for 2 years (90927). Her diagnosis was not confirmed, and the validity of the tests performed on the 5-HTP product has been questioned (88174). Other cases of eosinophilia or EMS in patients taking 5-HTP have been attributed to impurities that resemble previously identified contaminants found in L-tryptophan products (902,919,7067,10084). The L-tryptophan contaminants associated with EMS were linked to a specific manufacturer's production method that is not used in the preparation of 5-HTP (88174). Although 5-HTP supplements have been associated with EMS, it seems that this adverse effect is likely due to the presence of contaminants in the 5-HTP products, not 5-HTP itself.

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, rhabdomyolysis was noted in one patient with progressive myoclonus epilepsy who was treated with 5-HTP 300 mg daily for 21 days (30162).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, 5-HTP has been reported to cause drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, and headache (30076,30112,30132).

Psychiatric ...Orally, 5-HTP has been associated with euphoria, hypomania and mania, anxiety, insomnia, and aggressiveness (30076,30132,30158,88179). In patients with schizophrenia, a combination of high-dose 5-HTP, up to 6 grams daily, and carbidopa 150 mg daily was associated with transient increases in hallucinations, delusions, marked confusion, looseness of associations, flight of ideas, and a hyperkinetic syndrome consisting of restlessness, hand wringing, pacing, and an inability to sit quietly in a chair (30183).

(Read more about 5-HTP)

ASHWAGANDHA (Ashwagandha root extract)

General ...Orally, ashwagandha seems to be well-tolerated. Topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting. However, these adverse effects do not commonly occur with typical doses.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Some case reports raise concerns about acute hepatitis, acute liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure with ashwagandha treatment.

Dermatologic ...Orally, dermatitis has been reported in three of 42 patients in a clinical trial (19276).

Endocrine ...A case report describes a 73-year-old female who had taken an ashwagandha root extract (unspecified dose) for 2 years to treat hypothyroidism which had been previously managed with levothyroxine. The patient was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after presenting with supraventricular tachycardia, chest pain, tremor, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, hair thinning, and low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Hyperthyroidism resolved after discontinuing ashwagandha (108745). Additionally, an otherwise healthy adult who was taking ashwagandha extract orally for 2 months experienced clinical and laboratory-confirmed thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis resolved 50 days after discontinuing ashwagandha, without other treatment (114111).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large doses may cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and vomiting secondary to irritation of the mucous and serous membranes (3710). When taken orally, nausea and abdominal pain (19276,110490,113609) and gastritis and flatulence (90651) have been reported.

Genitourinary ...In one case report, a 28-year-old male with a decrease in libido who was taking ashwagandha 5 grams daily over 10 days subsequently experienced burning, itching, and skin and mucous membrane discoloration of the penis, as well as an oval, dusky, eroded plaque (3 cm) with erythema on the glans penis and prepuce (32537).

Hepatic ...Orally, ashwagandha in doses of 154 mg to 20 grams daily has played a role in several case reports of cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed liver injuries. In most of these cases, other causes of liver injury were excluded, and liver failure did not occur. Symptoms included jaundice, pruritus, malaise, fatigue, lethargy, weight loss, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and distension, stool discoloration, and dark urine. Symptom onset was typically 5-180 days from first intake, although in some cases onset occurred after more than 12 months of use (102686,107372,110490,110491,111533,111535,112111,113610,114113). Laboratory findings include elevated aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, and international normalized ratio (INR) (112111,113610,114113). In most cases, liver enzymes normalized within 1-5 months after discontinuation of ashwagandha (102686,107372,110491,111535,112111,114113). However, treatment with corticosteroids, lactulose, ornithine, ursodeoxycholic acid, and plasmapheresis, among other interventions, was required in one case (111533). Rarely, use of oral ashwagandha has been reported to cause hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure requiring liver transplantation, and acute-on-chronic liver failure resulting in death (110490,113610).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, ashwagandha has been reported to cause drowsiness (110492,113609). Headache, neck pain, and blurry vision have been reported in a 47-year-old female taking ashwagandha, cannabis, and venlafaxine. Imaging over the course of multiple years and hospital admissions indicated numerous instances of intracranial hemorrhage and multifocal stenosis of intracranial arteries, likely secondary to reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) (112113). It is unclear whether the RCVS and subsequent intracranial hemorrhages were precipitated by ashwagandha, cannabis, or venlafaxine.

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COWHAGE (Velvet Bean Extract)

General ...Orally, adverse effects to cowhage seem to be rare; however, a thorough safety evaluation has not been conducted. Topically, cowhage bean pod or seed may be unsafe.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, flatulence, mucosal irritation.
Topically: Erythema, pruritus, rash.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, cowhage has been reported to cause palpitations (7021,7203)

Dermatologic ...Orally, ingestion of hairs from the bean pod or seed can result in significant mucosal irritation and should be avoided.
Topically, hairs on cowhage bean pod or seed can cause severe pruritus (6898). Symptoms include severe itching, burning, inflammation, and erythematous macular rashes (18,6898). Symptoms resolve spontaneously within several hours, but may also be relieved with antihistamines (6898). The hairs can be removed from the skin by washing, but the hairs can also be retained, and transferred to other people, in fabrics and carpets. Clothing and other materials that come in contact with cowhage hairs should also be thoroughly washed (6898).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, cowhage has been reported to cause flatulence, diarrhea, and dry mouth (7021,7203). Orally, a specific powdered cowhage seed extract (Zandopa, formerly HP-200; Zandu Pharmaceuticals) has been reported to cause nausea, abdominal distention, and vomiting in clinical research when taken in amounts of 22.5-67.5 grams divided into 2-5 doses per day (7020).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, dyskinesia has been reported in clinical research in about 3% of patients taking a specific powdered cowhage seed extract (Zandopa, formerly HP-200; Zandu Pharmaceuticals) 22. 5-67.5 grams divided into 2-5 doses daily (7020).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, cowhage has been reported to cause headaches (7021,7203). Orally, insomnia has been reported in clinical research in about 3% of patients taking a specific powdered cowhage seed extract (Zandopa, formerly HP-200; Zandu Pharmaceuticals) 22.5 grams to 67.5 grams divided into 2-5 doses daily (7020).

Psychiatric ...In a case report, cowhage caused an outbreak of acute toxic psychosis. Symptoms of psychosis included confusion, giddiness, agitation, hallucinations, and paranoid delusions. The cowhage-induced psychosis was successfully treated with intravenous chlorpromazine (7021).

Other ...Orally, cowhage has been reported to cause sweating and changes in urine color, (7021,7203). Theoretically, due to the levodopa constituent, cowhage is likely to cause the same adverse effects that have been attributed to purified, prescription levodopa. Some of these side effects include elevated liver enzymes, respiratory disturbances, urinary retention, muscle cramps, and priapism (15). However, these effects have not yet been reported for cowhage.

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GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) (GABA)

General ...Orally, GABA seems to be generally well tolerated. Sublingually, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Drowsiness, gastric upset, minor throat burning, muscle weakness, and nausea.

Cardiovascular ...Intravenously, GABA can cause dose-related increases in blood pressure and pulse (5116).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, minor throat burning has been associated with GABA in one study (5115). In another study in which GABA was administered with phosphatidylserine, one patient experienced severe gastric distress, two patients reported moderate nausea, and one reported constipation (19364). Children with cerebral palsy taking GABA experienced nausea and decreased appetite (19362).

Genitourinary ...In one study, one patient treated with oral GABA and phosphatidylserine reported transient amenorrhea (19364).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, minor adverse effects associated with GABA included muscle weakness (5115).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, GABA may cause drowsiness or tiredness (5115,19364). Four children with cerebral palsy taking GABA had convulsions, and an unspecified number experienced motor restlessness. However, causality of these adverse effects was not clear, and the dose of GABA was not specified (19362). Intravenously, GABA 50 mg has been associated with a "lack of alertness" in healthy female volunteers (51159).

Psychiatric ...Intravenously, GABA 0. 1-1.0 mg/kg has been shown to induce anxiety, dysphoria, and mood disturbances in a dose-dependent manner (5116).

Other ...In one study, patients taking GABA experienced a slight warming of the body (19370).

GLUTAMINE (L-Glutamine)

General ...Orally and intravenously, glutamine is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Belching, bloating, constipation, cough, diarrhea, flatulence, gastrointestinal pain, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Endocrine ...One case of hot flashes has been reported in a patient taking glutamine 5-15 grams orally twice daily for up to 1 year (96520).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, glutamine has been associated with belching, bloating, constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal (GI) pain. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and GI pain have been reported in clinical trials using high-dose glutamine 10-30 grams (0.3 grams/kg) in two divided doses daily to treat sickle cell disease (99414). One case of dyspepsia and one case of abdominal pain have been reported in patients taking glutamine 5-15 grams twice daily orally for up to 1 year (96520). In a small trial of healthy males, taking a single dose of about 60 grams (0.9 grams/kg of fat free body mass [FFM]) was associated with a 50% to 79% incidence of GI discomfort, nausea, and belching, compared with a 7% to 28% incidence with a lower dose of about 20 grams (0.3 gram/kg FFM). Flatulence, bloating, lower GI pain, and urge to regurgitate occurred at similar rates regardless of dose, and there were no cases of heartburn, vomiting, or diarrhea/constipation (105013). It is possible that certain GI side effects occur only after multiple doses of glutamine.

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, glutamine 30 grams daily has been associated with cases of musculoskeletal pain and non-cardiac chest pain in clinical trials for patients with sickle cell disease (99414).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, glutamine has been associated with dizziness and headache. A single case of dizziness has been reported in a patient treated with oral glutamine 0.5 grams/kg. However, the symptom resolved after reducing the dose to 0.25 grams/kg (91356). Mania and hypomania have been reported in 2 patients with bipolar disorder taking commercially purchased glutamine up to 4 grams daily (7291). Glutamine is metabolized to glutamate and ammonia, both of which might have neurological effects in people with neurological and psychiatric diseases or in people predisposed to hepatic encephalopathy (7293).

Oncologic ...There is some concern that glutamine might be used by rapidly growing tumors and possibly stimulate tumor growth. Although tumors may utilize glutamine and other amino acids, preliminary research shows that glutamine supplementation does not increase tumor growth (5469,7233,7738). In fact, there is preliminary evidence that glutamine might actually reduce tumor growth (5469).

Other ...Orally, glutamine has been associated with cough when a powdered formulation is used. It is unclear if this was due to accidental inhalation. One case of a burning sensation and one case of hypersplenism has been reported in a patient taking glutamine 5-15 grams twice daily orally for up to 1 year (96520).

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GLYCINE

General ...Orally and topically, glycine seems to be well tolerated.

Gastrointestinal ...Soft stools, nausea, vomiting, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract discomfort have occurred rarely with oral use of glycine. These symptoms resolve rapidly with discontinuation of glycine (10252,11320,92319). Dry mouth has also been reported but any association to glycine is unclear (92321).

Neurologic/CNS ...Mild sedation has occurred rarely with oral use of glycine. Symptoms resolve rapidly with discontinuation of glycine (10252,11320,92321). Irritability, insomnia, fatigue, memory impairment, headache, and sensory impairment have been reported, but any association with glycine is unclear (92321).

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THEANINE (L-Theanine)

General ...Orally, L-theanine seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Drowsiness, headaches.

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, L-theanine may cause headaches (36439). Patients have also reported drowsiness, increased duration of sleep, and increased dream activity after oral L-theanine use (96331).
A case of subtle facial tic starting within 4 days of taking L-theanine 400 mg daily has been reported for a pediatric patient. Although the tics reportedly ceased once theanine was discontinued, the child had exhibited tics in the past. Therefore, the adverse effect was not thought to be related to L-theanine (91744).

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TYROSINE (L-Tyrosine)

General ...Orally, tyrosine seems to be well tolerated. No serious adverse effects have been documented; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Fatigue, headache, heartburn, and nausea.

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, tyrosine can cause nausea and heartburn when taken at a dose of 150 mg/kg (7211). Taking tyrosine 4 grams daily in combination with 5-hydroxytryptophan 800 mg and carbidopa 100 mg can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These effects can be mitigated by lowering the dosage (918).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, larger doses of tyrosine (150 mg/kg) can cause arthralgia, but this is uncommon (7211).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, larger doses of tyrosine (150 mg/kg) can cause headache and fatigue (7211). Taking a combination of tyrosine 4 grams, 5-hydroxytryptophan 800 mg, and carbidopa 100 mg can cause drowsiness and agitation. These effects can be mitigated by lowering the dosage (918).

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