The word "quantum" has fast become part of conversation in
modern times. Strictly speaking, the word quantum refers to the smallest
physically realizable unit of something[i].
In the plant world this amounts to the conversion of tiny photons of light from
the sun's energy into glucose through the process of photosynthesis. With the
popularization of quantum physics though films like "What the Bleep Do We Know",
quantum physics has not only become synonymous with the study of the sub-atomic
world, but a movement for personal realization and change within individuals.
It is in this spirit that we look at the molecules and compounds that plants
create, and their remarkable effects on our mind and body. In our first quantum
plants edition, we look at compounds found specifically in African plants that
support the human brain and enhance our state of mind.
The human brain is a fine tuned electrical and chemical
masterpiece, it utilizes glucose for energy, amino acids as building blocks and
a range of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters
to set thousands of electrical messages off each second (each traveling at
about 100 meters per second![ii]).
Unfortunately our brain can for one reason or another become depleted of some
of these chemical messengers; stress, malnutrition or even toxins can result in
neurotransmitter deficiencies, creating symptoms such as depression, poor
concentration or fatigue. Thankfully , the plant kingdom comes to our aid,
producing a range of compounds referred to as "Nootropics" substances that
increase the functioning of the mind by increasing the vital building blocks
required to make more neurotransmitters or by stimulating the flow of more
neurotransmitters.
GABA (The Chill-out Neurotransmitter )
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
for those who speak Dr. Seuss, or GABA for the rest of us, is used by plants for
metabolic and developmental processes[iii] and even as part of the defense mechanism
against insects.[iv] The human body
uses GABA for development of the nervous system and functions as an inhibiting
agent; in other words GABA is the "chill
out" neurotransmitter, it helps us to relax and counters anxiety. Any one
who has had a glass or three of wine after a long day would have felt the
effects of GABA.
GABA is found in two notable South African medicinal plants;
Sutherlandia frutescens and Withania somnifera. Sutherlandia frutescens functions as a superb adaptogen and
contains GABA within its leaves[v].
It is used in a number of Immune boosting products and can be taken as a bitter
tasting tea. Another adaptogenic herb that contains compounds that create GABA �
like effects is Withania somnifera.
Known in India
as �ashwaganda�[vi],
Withania is used as a general tonic and immune booster; its calming effects can
be attributed to compounds found within the roots of the plant[vii].
Serotonin (The
happy/sad neurotransmitter)
Serotonin is a critical neurotransmitter affecting as many
as 500 000 target neurons[viii] (for those of us who avoid complex anatomical
speak, neurons are the millions of wires that the nervous systems uses to
send messages throughout the body). The general lack of serotonin in modern
society is apparent, with millions of people suffering from depression, anxiety
and mood swings. While there is evidence of serotonin being present in plants[ix],
the plants that increase serotonin circulation in humans do not necessarily contain
serotonin. Instead they carry compounds that allow us create more serotonin
within the brain.
Griffonia
simplicifolia is a shrub that can be found in western and central Africa. Griffonia's hard coin-like seeds contain an amino
acid called 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Normally the body utilizes an amino
acid called tryptophan as raw material for the manufacture of serotonin, but
5-HTP will do much the same job, providing more material to make more
serotonin. 5-HTP has also been used to assist people suffering from sleep
difficulties. Another way to increase the availability of serotonin is by
limiting the reuptake or re-absorption of it by the brain. Sceletium tortuosum is a succulent that manufactures an alkaloid (a
plant compound that contains nitrogen) called mesembine and is said to function as a natural serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI). There is also evidence to suggest that Sceletium increases levels
of dopamine and noradrenalin, two neurotransmitters that sit in the
�adrenaline� family of neurotransmitters. This could explain why there is
anecdotal evidence of Sceletium being used successfully by children that
exhibit symptoms of the dreaded Attention Deficit Disorder.
So far we have explored four nootropic plants that create
the availability of four different neurotransmitters (a trifling amount
considering South Africa
alone contains 25 000 plant species). There are many more plants that supply
many more neurotransmitters affecting critical functioning such as memory and
concentration. There is little doubt that in years to come these plants will
provide valuable molecular resources to assist man to evolve in an ever
challenging environment.
Click here to purchase a quality Sutherlandia based product
Click here to purchase a quality Sceletium based product
Click here to purchase a product containing Sceletium & Griffonia
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