Mood Enhancers
A New Generation of Cold Water Dispersible and Soluble Ingredients
A mood enhancer is a substance, activity, or treatment that can positively influence an individual’s mood, emotions, or mental state. Mood enhancers can work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. They may also work by reducing stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. Common mood enhancers include exercise, meditation, certain foods, supplements, and medications.
LEO-HB® Ingredients for Mood Enhancement
Anandamide LEO-HB®
Berberine LEO-HB®
Caryophyllene LEO-HB®
O.E.A. LEO-HB®
P.E.A. LEO-HB®
Anandamide, also known as the “bliss molecule,” is an endocannabinoid neurotransmitter in the brain that binds to cannabinoid receptors and can produce a range of effects on mood, pain, appetite, and other bodily functions. Some research suggests that anandamide may have potential as a mood enhancer, as it can help stimulate the release of other feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in regulating mood and emotions. Additionally, anandamide may help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress by activating certain brain pathways and receptors.*
Berberine appears to work by modulating various neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. In a study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2018 berberine supplementation was associated with significant improvements in depression symptoms, as well as anxiety and overall emotional well-being. Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2019 examined the effects of berberine supplementation on cognitive function and emotional well-being in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The results showed that berberine supplementation was associated with significant improvements in emotional well-being, including reduced levels of anxiety and depression.*
Caryophyllene appears to help with mood enhancement by modulating the endocannabinoid system in the brain. Specifically, it is a selective agonist of the CB2 receptor, which is found mainly in immune cells and is involved in modulating inflammation and pain. However, CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, where they play a role in regulating mood and emotions. A study on mice published in 2014 found that caryophyllene had antidepressant-like effects. The researchers observed that caryophyllene was able to increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the mice, which are known to be involved in regulating mood. Another study on mice published in 2017 found that caryophyllene had anxiolytic effects which means that it helped to reduce anxiety. The researchers suggested that this effect may be due to caryophyllene’s ability to activate the CB2 receptor and reduce neuroinflammation in the brain.*
Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) works as an endocannabinoid-like compound. OEA has been shown to enhance mood by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) in the brain, which is a receptor involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and inflammation. Activation of PPAR-α by OEA has been found to increase the production and release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with positive mood and emotions. In addition, OEA has been found to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, which may also contribute to its mood-enhancing properties.*
PEA acts on the endocannabinoid system and other signaling pathways involved in mood regulation, such as the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. Some studies suggest that PEA may have antidepressant-like effects, possibly by modulating the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, which are involved in mood regulation.*
PEA may also have neuroprotective effects, which could help to prevent or mitigate the effects of chronic stress and inflammation on the brain.*