Eskaloft is a comprehensive formula designed to support the production and maintenance of neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation. Eskaloft is a blend of herbs, nutrients, and amino acids to provide nutritional support for a balanced and healthy emotional expression.

St. John's Wort Extract (Flower) (Hypericum Perforatum) (.3% Hypericin, 3% Hyperforin): acts to enhance mood through its serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRI) as well as its norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. In this way Hypericum enhances the mood regulatory effects of both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmittors.
Contraindications: Hypericum is generally well tolerated with less adverse effects than conventional antidepressants. However, Hypericum is a potent inducer of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4, which may cause potentially harmful interactions with pharmaceutical drugs such as serotonin antagonists, benzodiazepines, Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's), Tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, chemotherapeutic agents, contraceptive medications, and many others.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NAT): is the bioactive form of L-Tyrosine. Tyrosine is a precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine production. Tyrosine is also integral in adrenal catecholamine production and thyroid hormone production. Many people with mood disturbances may have low catecholamine production. Contraindications: 
Tyrosine is contraindicated in those with alkaptonuria, tyrosinemia type 1 or 2, those taking MAO inhibitors, pregnant women, those with hypertension, and those with melanoma skin cancer.

DMAE (Dimethylamino Ethanol): is a precursor to choline and may increase the production of acetylcholine in the CNS. Increased acetylcholine production can improve cognitive functioning and enhance mood. Research has shown that those taking DMAE for 3 months produced significantly less theta and alpha1 brain waves. A decrease in the production of these waves has been associated with enhanced vigilance, improved mood, increased physical activity, and overall a better sense of wellbeing.

5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan (5HTP): is the immediate precursor to 5-hydroxy tryptamine (serotonin). As such, 5HTP is a useful nutritional support product for serotonin production in those patients with serotonin deficiency. Symptoms of serotonin deficiency may include: depression, anxiety, irritability, fears, phobias, negative thoughts, sleep problems, cravings for simple sugars and alcohol, binge eating, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Contraindications: 
carcinoid tumors, avoid for 2 weeks after discontinuation of MAO inhibitors, avoid during use of SSRI and tricyclic antidepressant medications.

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) & Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate): are cofactors in the production of S-adenosylmethioe (SAMe). SAMe is a well known methyl donor that is essential for proper neurological function. Elevated homocysteine levels is often a sign of vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency. Studies are now showing that patients with major depression are more likely to have elevated homocysteine, low folate, particularly red cell folate, and low vitamin B12 in the blood. Supplementation with both folate and B12 have been shown to improve treatment response. Deficiencies may lead to cognitive impairment and mood changes.

Pyridoxal 5' Phosphate (Coenzyme Vitamin B6): is involved in the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen. It is a coenzyme in the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemoglobin, neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gama-aminobutyric acid), and many other compounds. P5'-P is a coenzyme for over 100 enzymes, including the transaminases (some liver specific and decarboxylases. Along with folic acid and Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6 lowers homocysteine. Clinical research has shown its effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety in women suffering from PMS.

L-Theanine: is a non-protein amino acid found naturally in Camillia sinensis (Green tea).
L-Theanine has mood-modulating activity and modest antioxidant activity. Its effects on mood modulation may be through direct effects on GABA receptors or through effects on the metabolism and release of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. Another benefit of L-Theanine is its ability to enhance alpha wave activity of the brain. Alpha waves have a mood modulating benefit while maintaining alertness.
Adverse Reactions/Precautions: There are no known adverse reactions to L-Theanine. However, due to lack of study, it is currently recommended that pregnant and nursing mothers avoid L-Theanine.

GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid): is an inhibitory amino acid that acts directly as a neurotransmitter. GABA, like L-Theanine, has mood-modulating activity and anti-stress benefits.

Lithium: is present in the human diet in ultra-trace amounts and is found in some natural mineral waters and colloidal minerals. Fish, processed meat, milk, milk products, eggs, potatoes, and vegetables are rich sources of this mineral. It has been suggested that lithium, at low dosage levels, has a generally beneficial effect on human behavior. High prescription doses are often prescribed for its mood stabilizing effects. Contraindications: none are known for dietary levels of intake of lithium.

1. De Bock K, Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M, Hespel P.
   Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2004; 14:298-307. 
   
   
2. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 2003 Mar; 10(2-3):95-105. 
   
   
3. Szegedi A, Kohnen R, Dienel A, Kieser M. Acute treatment of moderate to severe depression with hypericum extract WS 5570(St. John's Wort):randomised controlled double blind non-inferiority trial versus paroxetine.British Medical Journal 2005 Mar; 330:503-7. 
   
   
4. Linde K, Mulrow CD. St. John's Wort for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000; 2:CD000448. 
   
   
5. Gelenberg AJ, Gibson CJ. Tyrosine for the treatment of depression. Nutr Health. 1984; 3:163-173. 
   
   
6. Neumeister A, Turner EH, Matthews JR, Postolache TT, Barnett RL, Raub M, Vetticad RG, Kasper S, Rosenthal NE. Effects of trytophan depletion vs. catecholamine depletion in patients with seasonal affective disorder in remission with light therapy. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1998 Jun; 55(6):524-30. 
   
   
7. Byerley WF, Judd LL, Reimherr FW, et al. 5-Hydroxytryptophan:a review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1987; 7:127-137. 
   
   
8. Coppen A, Bolander-Gouaille C. Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12. J Psychopharmacol. 2005 Jan; 19(1):59-65. Review. 
   
   
9. Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. I-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses.Biol Psychol. 2006 Aug 21. 
   
   
10. Dimpfel W, Wedekind W, Keplinger I. Efficacy of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) containing vitamin-mineral drug combination on EEG patterns in the presence of different emotional states. Eur J Med Res. 2003 May 30;8(5):183-91. 
    
    
11. Hvas AM, Juul S, Bech P, Nexo E. Vitamin B6 level is associated with symptoms of depression. Psychother Psychosom. 2004 Nov-Dec;73(6):340-3. 
    
    
12. Schrauzer GN, Shrestha KP. Lithium in drinking water and the incidence of crimes, suicides and arrests related to drug addictions. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1990;25:105-113. 
    
    
13. Kelly GS. Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Jun;6(3):293-302. Review. 
    
    
14. Kasper's, Dienel A. Cluster analysis of symptoms during antidepressant treatment with Hypercicum extract in mildly to moderately depressed out-patients. A meta-analysis of data from three randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Psychopharmacology (Ber.). 2002 Nov;164(3):301-8. 
    
    
15. Bottiglieri T. Folate, Vitamin B12, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Nutr Rev. 1996 Dec;54(12):382-90. Review. 
    
    
16. Neilsen FH. Ultratrace minerals. In: shills ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimor. MD; Williams and Wilkins;1999:283-303.