Irregular cortisol output has long been known to negatively impact a wide array of health measures including sleep, cognition, metabolic function, and immunity. In an ideal state, cortisol is released upon waking and levels gradually decline throughout the day before bottoming out during rest and sleep cycles. Modern lifestyles and external stressors do not always allow for this healthy cortisol curve. In certain cases, cortisol production is excessive or untimely with greater output levels in the evening.

Cortico-Calm Matrix contains Relora® a patented blend of two herbal extracts, Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense, with clinical research and decades of practical application to support its use for managing cortisol levels. Clinical trials have shown that Relora® can subjectively reduce stress, improve sleep quality, reduce cortisol levels, decrease cravings for high-sugar foods, and maintain weight in stress-eaters. One trial found that just 2 weeks of supplementation in mild to moderately stressed individuals led to a 37% decrease in salivary cortisol levels and a significant increase in salivary DHEA. These effects appear to be due to the active ingredients magnolol and honokiol binding to GABA receptors.

Another powerful plant used to support healthy cortisol levels and stress-related concerns is Withania somnifera, more commonly known as ashwagandha.

Cortico-Calm Matrix includes a patented extract known as Sensoril® ashwagandha with a dozen clinical trials to support multiple aspects of human health and the stress response. Specifically, it has been shown to increase energy, reduce cortisol levels, suppress food cravings, improve cognition, improve athletic performance, and reduce exercise recovery time. Individuals taking Sensoril® find subjective improvements in stress management by reporting less irritability, improved concentration, and reduced fatigue. Sensoril® also has evidence to show that it can reduce inflammation, as per high-sensitivity C-reactive protein measurements, and reduce joint pain in those with knee discomfort. It is standardized to 3 bioactive ingredients, withanolide glycosides, withaferin A, and oligosaccharides, to ensure consistent quality and results. Both of these patented herbal extracts have been combined with supportive nutrients in Cortico-Calm Matrix to optimize the cortisol response and calm the nervous system.

One of these important nutrients is phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine is one of the major phospholipids found in the brain and is involved in cell-to-cell communication within the central nervous system. Studies have found that it can help to regulate multiple neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, with more than a dozen studies finding significant improvements in areas of cognition such as learning, memory, concentration, and recall. Phosphatidylcholine has also been found to lower cortisol in cases of excess physical exercise and has demonstrated an extremely high safety profile.

Finally, Cortico-Calm Matrix includes added gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), magnesium, and myo-inositol to act synergistically on an elevated stress response. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the human brain and it is responsible for calming the mind and balancing neurotransmission under excitatory conditions. Studies indicate that GABA supplementation can improve relaxation and concentration during times of stress, reduce sleep latency and increase time spent in deep sleep. Similarly, magnesium is necessary for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function, but also needed to create cellular energy in the mitochondria and as a cofactor to build DNA, RNA, and many proteins. Magnesium is delivered in its highly stable and bioavailable bis-glycinate form. Inositol, like phosphatidylserine, is a key component of the cellular membrane. Inositol is key in regulating communication and signaling between cells by increasing the sensitivity of cell receptors. It has been demonstrated to increase receptor sensitivity for serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, insulin and thyroid hormones. Collectively, the mechanisms of these 3 supportive nutrients all indicate a reduced and more balanced stress response.