Mood Blend SP-39 may provide several benefits, as explained by supplier Solaray. This herbal mix is intended for use during times of mental and emotional stress to elevate mood, well-being and confidence. It may calm your nerves, relieve anxiety and help you to sleep. Mood Blend SP-39 contains a proprietary blend of St. John's wort, velvet bean, griffonia, gotu kola and eleuthero root. The Physicians' Desktop Reference recommends consulting with your health-care practitioner before taking herbal remedies to discuss possible interactions with medications or other supplements you're taking, or whether these herbs may not be advisable for certain health conditions.
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum, more commonly known as St. John's wort, is included in Solaray Mood Blend. This herb is used for increasing memory and concentration, and relieving symptoms of anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual syndrome and mild to moderate depression, as noted by Physicians' Desktop Reference.
Velvet Bean
Mucuna pruriens, or velvet bean, has a role in Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional health system of India. A primary modern use is treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Velvet bean contains L-dopa, an amino acid that forms naturally in the liver and is converted to dopamine in the brain, as explained by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. An increase in dopamine produces feelings of pleasure and well-being. For Parkinson's patients, L-dopa not only helps with depression, but also improves symptoms of rigidity and slowness.
Griffonia
The body makes a chemical called 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, from the essential amino acid tryptophan. An essential amino acid is not produced by the body and must be obtained through food or supplements. After the body converts tryptophan into 5-HTP, it further converts 5-HTP into the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin helps to regulate mood and behavior, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Supplements of 5-HTP are available, derived from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia, an herb included in Solaray Mood Blend SP-39. This component of Mood Blend may have a positive effect on anxiety, mood and sleep.
Eleuthero
Another ingredient in Mood SP-39 is Eleutherococcus seticosus, or eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng. Components of eleuthero may stimulate the immune system and help the body to cope with stress, according to the UMMC. People have used this herb traditionally to prevent colds and flu and to increase energy.
Gotu Kola
The final ingredient in the Solaray Mood Blend SP-39 proprietary blend is Centella asiatica, better known as gotu kola. This herb may increase mental functioning while also helping you relax, as explained by the Physicians' Desktop Reference.
