Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea) is a flowering biennial plant grown in high latitude and altitude regions of the world. It has been a part of traditional medicine systems in parts of Europe, Asia and Russia for centuries.  More recently R. rosea has received attention from the scientific community for its potential therapeutic capacity as an adaptogen. Adaptogen are natural herbal products which are non-toxic in normal doses, produce a non-specific response and have a normalizing physiologic influence due to their particular chemical components. Also rhodiola is ergogenic, it helps increase energy. Rhodiola rosea  has been effective in the prevention of nicotine dependence and for the reduction of abstinence suffering effects following nicotine cessation (1,2). Rhodiola rosea significantly increases serotonin levels providing a beneficial effect of on those suffering by nicotine withdrawal symptoms (3). Rhodiola rosea may also help to counter the effects of weight gain associated with quitting smoking. Not only does it reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol (high cortisol levels result in an increase in belly fat) it also helps to burn existing fat. Rhodiola does this by mobilizing fatty acids from adipose tissue and activating adipose lipase, an enzyme needed to burn stored fat (4). Rhodiola rosea can be used as a therapeutic approach in the treatment of smoking cessation.
The genus Passiflora are mostly found in warm and tropical regions. Passiflora contains several compounds including alkaloids, phenols, glycosyl flavonoids and cyanogenic compounds. Preparations of passion flower have been used in traditional and herbal medicines to treat anxiety, insomnia and seizures. Passion fruit extract antagonizes the expression of nicotine locomotor sensitization therefore reducing the craving of nicotine (5). A benzoflavone moiety (BZF) in Passiflora has recently been reported for many of the biological effects including reducing the severity of nicotine withdrawal effects (6).
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Crude extract of valerian root may have sedative and anxiolytic effects. Valerian extract stimulates nerve cells to release a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down nerve cell activity. Valerian extract blocks an enzyme that destroys GABA, which means that more GABA is available for a longer amount of time (7,8).
St John wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herb which contains many pharmacologically active ingredients like naphthodianthrones, phloroglucinols derivatives and flavonoids. St. John's wort (SJW) is used clinically primarily as an antidepressant for mild to moderate depression. In relation to its possible role in smoking cessation, its main mechanisms that attenuate nicotine withdrawal signs are related to inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (9-11).
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is a medical and aromatic plant and is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Melissa officinalis is used for its anxiolytic, hypnotic, sedative, and spasmolytic effects by people practicing traditional medicine. Clinicians often prescribe lemon-balm as a mild mood elevator and calming herb for patients who have anxiety (12,13).
American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has long been an important herb in North American traditional medicine systems and western materia medica for anxiety and related disorders. A clinical study assessing effects of S. lateriflora indicated it has anxiolytic actions with minimal loss of energy or cognition (14,15). Skullcap can ease tension and symptoms of withdrawal.
Originally made from the Smilax ornata plant, the root of the Sarsaparilla plant is the part used in herbal medicine. Sarsaparilla contains a variety of plant steroids and saponins (16), with many actions being attributed to them. It also contains flavonoids, documented to have liver-protective qualities.
Red clover (Trifolium pretense), is a rich source of phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens may accelerate the conversion of nicotine into cotinine, thus increasing nicotine degradation activity (NDA, 17,18). Red clover may also activate opiate receptors decreasing the need for nicotine (19).
Licorice or liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Licorice root contains triterpenoid saponins, mostly glycyrrhizin, a mixture of potassium and calcium salts of glycyrrhizic, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice enhances adrenal function because glycyrrhizin has a chemical structure similar to that of corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Smoking puts stress on the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which can have adverse effects on the heart, blood vessels and blood sugar levels. The flavor of licorice is due to the presence of an aromatic compound called anethole, which is also found in fennel and anise. Tobacco manufacturers reportedly use licorice at different stages of manufacturing to add flavor to the tobacco and to sweeten the smoke. The use of Licorice may reduce the urge to smoke and increases the metabolism rate for nicotine (20).
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Rates of free radical formation are increased in smokers. Oxidative stress has been described as a key factor in diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer and inflammation. Water soluble cinnamon compounds have a potent antioxidant activity (21).
Ginger, the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale, may act as an anti-inflammatory agent by inactivating NFκB through the suppression of the pro-inflammatory TNF-α. Numerous active  ingredients are present in ginger including terpenes and oleoresin which called ginger oil. The major identified components from terpene are sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds which are gingerol and shogaol. Ginger and its constituents show antioxidant activity and prevent the damage of macromolecules, caused by the free radicals/oxidative stress (22,23).
Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, is being promoted as a healthy and nutritive phytomedicinal in Chinese medicine. Cigarette smoke contains many heavy metals. Smoking related diseases can be attributed to the inhalation of many different toxins, including heavy metals, which have a host of detrimental health effects. Â Cigarette smoke contains high levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb, 24). It is suggested that the root of this herb is particularly effective and invaluable in eliminating heavy metals from our body (25).
Fennel is a well known medicinal and aromatic plant widely used as carminative, digestive, lactogogue and diuretic. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of numerous valuable compounds in Fennel, such as volatile compounds, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is mildly diuretic, so it will help detoxify your body (29).
Cayenne Capsaicin, the active ingredient in this cayenne. Smoking excites the brain and elevates the mood in a very similar way to when you eat spicy foods. When you ingest cayenne pepper it produces endorphins in your body that quickly gives you that exciting feeling (30). This is important when trying to quit smoking as incorporating cayenne pepper can help prevent smokers from relapsing. Cayenne pepper can help reduce appetite which is a main concern of smokers who tend to gain weight. Cayenne pepper is a natural detoxification agent, this can help when trying to detox the body from nicotine thus repressing cravings. Cayenne pepper contains a good dose of Vitamin C and E important antioxidants.
Black pepper’s major active principle, piperine, has been shown to have many beneficial health attributes. Black pepper oil may help reduce cravings for cigarettes and symptoms of anxiety in smokers deprived from smoking. A clinical study found that black pepper can suppress smoking withdrawal symptoms, including cravings for cigarettes. In addition, negative effects and symptoms of anxiety were alleviated by black pepper (31). Black pepper (Piper nigrum) and piperine has been shown to have bio-transformative effects including detoxification and enhanced absorption (32). This is why you see piperine as an ingredient in your supplements.
Tryptophan (L-Trp) is a large neutral amino acid with antidepressant properties because it increases the level of serotonin (35). This serotonin enhancing action might relieve the negative effect of cigarette withdrawal. In turn helps you relax and improves sleep. L-Tryptophan helps individuals who need to stop smoking. L-tryptophan will help you handle some basic side effects of nicotine withdrawal (36). It could decrease sugar cravings, which may arise as another reaction of stopping smoking.
Tyrosine (L-Tyr) is a conditionally essential amino acid that is made from another amino acid called phenylalanine. L-Tyrosine is the precursor of the catecholamines. Tyrosine triggers the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine (37, 38), the alertness chemicals, and those help to stimulate focused brain thought and improved concentration. It may replace some of the dopamine lost during nicotine withdrawal (39, 40). All of this will help with any feelings of depression that may arise during the transition and withdrawal process.
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