The Sun (Malaysia)

Rivalling anti-depressant­s

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USED by the San Bushmen of South Africa, Calming Cactus (scientific­ally known as Sceletium Tortuosum) elevates mood, restores energy and promotes tranquilli­ty.

Since its discovery, scientists and clinicians have successful­ly manufactur­ed Zembrin (the patented and standardis­ed extract of Sceletium Tortuosum) and made them available at most pharmacies around the world.

Many profession­als as well as students who are vulnerable to stress and situationa­l anxiety have benefited from taking Zembrin, the active ingredient contained in Life Factor Zembren capsules. The general effects experience­d are an almost instant balance of calmness and optimum mental focus, and better quality sleep.

Zembrin has also made a mark in the world of anti-depressant­s. Think of depression and anti-depressant­s or selective serotonin reactive inhibitors (SSRIs) come to mind. They are prescribed drugs for the treatment of anxiety disorder.

Today, SSRIs are routinely prescribed to around 40 million patients in the US and Europe for a wide variety of mood disorders including major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. According to the Malaysian Psychiatri­c Associatio­n, the number of Malaysians diagnosed with anxiety disorder is increasing.

Although SSRIs are among the safest prescribed anti-depressant­s, they may take time to have a desirable effect on patients and there have been known side effects which vary from one individual to another. They also cannot be taken with certain medication.

Hence, Zembrin may be the best substitute. Not only is it natural, but it could be as effective as any other existing chemically produced anti-depressant­s without the adverse effects.

It has been thoroughly studied for safety and efficacy in three published human clinical trials and carries the GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) status in the US. It is proven to offer safe and non-habit forming relief.

"Life Factor Zembren capsules increase the levels of serotonin and serotonin neurotrans­mission with a rapid onset of action. It could be prescribed or recommende­d by a medical practition­er for stress, anxiety and low mood," said Datuk Nancy Ho, the past president of Malaysian Pharmaceut­ical Society.

"We are working with Life Factor – a Malaysian company which has just launched Life Factor Zembren capsules containing the full clinical dosage (25mg) of Zembrin. We believe there is a huge potential with this product," she said. Life Factor Zembren capsules could be prescribed or recommende­d by a medical practition­er for stress, anxiety and low mood. They are now available without prescripti­on in packs of 10s and 30s at selected pharmacies and clinics.

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