FORMULATION AND METHOD TO INDUCE A DEEP STATE OF RELAXATION

Abstract

A relaxation formulation structured to induce a deep state of relaxation in a person comprises amounts of tryptophan, melatonin, vitamin B3, and vitamin B6. Another relaxation formulation also includes an amount of tyrosine, and yet another formulation includes an amount of vitamin B12. At least one embodiment of a relaxation formula comprises a physiologically effective amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (“GABA”). A delivery system is provided to facilitate administration of the relaxation formulation to a person. The delivery system may include an edible high carbohydrate matrix, such as a chocolate brownie. Alternatively, the delivery system may comprise an inert vaporizable compound to allow the components of the relaxation formulation to be inhaled directly into the lungs of a person. Other delivery systems include an aqueous sublingual spray and a beverage.

Claims

1. A relaxation formulation dissolved into an inert vaporizable compound to be inhaled directly into a person's lungs and induce a deep state of relaxation in the person, said relaxation formulation comprising: an amount of L-tryptophan of about 1 to 5 milligrams per milliliter, an amount of melatonin of about 1 to 5 milligrams per milliliter, an amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid of about 1 to 5 milligrams per milliliter, and wherein said amount of melatonin relative to said amount of L-tryptophan is in a ratio of about 1:1.

2. The formulation as recited in claim 1 wherein said amount of L-tryptophan is about 1 milligram per milliliter.

3. The formulation as recited in claim 1 wherein said amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid relative to said amount of L-tryptophan is in a ratio of about 1:1.

4. The formulation as recited in claim 3 wherein said amount of L-tryptophan is about 1 milligram per milliliter.

5. A method for inducing a deep state of relaxation in a person comprising the step of: administering a relaxation formulation to the person by dissolving the relaxation formation into an inert vaporizable compound and vaporizing the inert vaporizable compound via exposure to a heat source for inhalation directly into the lungs of the person, wherein the relaxation formulation comprises a predetermined amount of each of tryptophan, melatonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, and wherein the amount of melatonin relative to the amount of L-tryptophan is in a ratio of about 1:1.

6. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein the heat source comprises an electronic cigarette.

7. The method as recited in claim 6 wherein the predetermined amount of L-tryptophan is about 1 milligram per milliliter.

8. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid relative to the amount of L-tryptophan is in a ratio of about 1:1.

9. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein the amount of L-tryptophan is about 1 milligram per milliliter.

10. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein the heat source comprises an electronic cigarette.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present invention is directed to a formulation specifically developed to induce a deep state of relaxation upon administration of an appropriate dosage of the same to a person. More in particular, the formulation of the present invention will induce a deep state of relaxation in a person upon administering at least a portion of a unit dosage of the formulation as described in further detailed below. In at least one embodiment, the relaxation formulation of the present invention is administered to a person by way of a delivery system comprising a carbohydrate based food product including, but in no manner limited to, a chocolate brownie. Another embodiment includes a delivery system for the present relaxation formulation in the form of a drink or beverage. The relaxation formulation of the present invention may also be provided in the form of a spray, such as, an aqueous sublingual spray which a person may administer directly under his or her tongue In at least one further embodiment, the present inventive relaxation formulation is structured to be administered to a person in a vaporized form to be inhaled directly into the lungs of the person.

[0021] As noted above, the present relaxation formulation includes an amount of L-tryptophan in conjunction with one or more additional components specifically selected for beneficial synergistic affects on the metabolism of L-tryptophan in a person's body. In at least one embodiment, a unit dosage of the present relaxation formulation comprises an amount of L-tryptophan of approximately 1,000 milligrams (“mg”). In one further embodiment, a unit dosage of the present relaxation formulation includes an amount of L-tryptophan of about 2,000 mg. Of course, it is within the scope and intent of the present invention for a unit dosage of the relaxation formulation to comprise an amount of L-tryptophan in a range of from about 250 mg up to about 3,000 mg.

[0022] As noted above, in order to induce a deep state of relaxation in a person, at least a portion of a unit dosage of the present inventive relaxation formulation would be administered to a person. More in particular, although disclosed herein in terms of a “unit dosage” for ease of description, the actual amount of the present relaxation formulation required to induce a deep state of relaxation may vary considerably from person to person. As such, at least initially, a person may choose to consume only a fraction of a “unit dosage”, for example, one-half, one-third, or even as little as one-quarter of a “unit dosage”, in order to evaluate the effects on himself or herself. Additional portions may then be consumed in ten to fifteen minute intervals, until such time as the person has achieved a desired level of relaxation. Of course, subsequently, once a person knows his or her optimal dosage, he or she may consume that full amount at one time, which may still comprise only a portion of a “unit dosage”, a full “unit dosage”, or, perhaps, more than a single “unit dosage”.

[0023] In addition to L-tryptophan, as noted above, in at least one embodiment the relaxation formulation of the present invention also comprises an amount of tyrosine, a precursor in the formation of dopamine and noradrenaline in the body. In at least one embodiment, the relaxation formulation of the present invention comprises tyrosine in an amount equal to about 10:1 L-tryptophan to tyrosine. More in particular, a unit dosage of at least one embodiment of the present relaxation formulation comprises about 1,000 mg of L-tryptophan and about 100 mg of tyrosine. Tyrosine has been included in the present inventive formulation as it is believed that the body will naturally tend to convert more L-tryptophan to serotonin in the brain when the levels of dopamine and/or noradrenaline are increased in the person's blood system. As such, administering an amount of tyrosine in a ratio of about 10:1 L-tryptophan to tyrosine will result in the production and release of additional dopamine and/or noradrenaline into the person's bloodstream, thereby causing the body to convert L-tryptophan to serotonin in the brain in attempts to offset the increased levels of dopamine and/or noradrenaline in the person's system.

[0024] Of course, the present relaxation formulation need not include tyrosine. More in particular, in at least one embodiment, a unit dosage of the present relaxation formulation comprises an amount of L-tryptophan of about 2,000 mg, without any tyrosine. In such an embodiment, the elevated amount of L-tryptophan in the unit dosage is believed sufficient to trigger the body's conversion of L-tryptophan tryptophan to produce sufficient amounts of serotonin in the brain in order to induce a deep state of relaxation in the person.

[0025] In addition to L-tryptophan and tyrosine, at least one embodiment of the inventive formulation in the present invention also includes an amount of melatonin. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland from serotonin, and as such, it is incorporated into the inventive relaxation formulation of the present invention to reduce activity in the pineal gland, thereby minimizing the metabolism of serotonin within the person's body. Further, as noted above, melatonin is believed to reduce the levels of cortisol in a person's bloodstream, thereby reducing the production of TP in the liver which, as also noted above, can metabolize L-tryptophan in the body before it is transported across the BBB. A result of the addition of melatonin to the present inventive formulation is believed to be an increased production of serotonin in the brain, and thus, an increased amount of serotonin available to induce a deep state of relaxation, which is the intended effect of the present formulation. In at least one embodiment, a unit dosage of the present inventive relaxation formulation comprises an amount of melatonin in the range of about 1 mg to about 10 mg. In at least one further embodiment, a unit dosage of the present formulation comprises an amount of melatonin of about 3 mg.

[0026] In addition to the aforementioned components, namely, L-tryptophan, tyrosine, and melatonin, the present inventive relaxation formulation includes amounts of one or more “B” vitamins including, but not limited to, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and/or vitamin B12.

[0027] As previously noted, the body, and more specifically, the liver, metabolizes tryptophan by way of TP conversion in order to produce vitamin B3, in persons who are deficient in this essential compound. Thus, the incorporation of an amount of vitamin B3 in the present inventive formulation is believed to inhibit the metabolism of tryptophan in the liver by way of TP conversion, thus increasing the availability of tryptophan in the person's blood stream for transport across the BBB, for ultimate conversion into serotonin in the brain. In at least one embodiment, the present inventive formulation comprises vitamin B3 in an amount ranging from about 3 mg to about 36 mg. In one further embodiment, a unit dosage of the present inventive formulation comprises an amount of vitamin B3 in an amount of 12 mg.

[0028] In addition, it has been noted that tryptophan degrades in the bodies of persons who have deficient levels of vitamin B6 in their system. Furthermore, it has been observed that vitamin B6 aids in the conversion of 5-HTP, an intermediate in the metabolism of tryptophan to serotonin in the brain. As such, the present inventive formulation includes a synergistic amount of vitamin B6 in order to, first, increase the amount of tryptophan available for transport across the BBB, and, second, to facilitate the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin in the person's brain. In at least one embodiment, the present inventive formulation comprises vitamin B3 in an amount ranging from about 5 mg to about 75 mg. In one further embodiment, a unit dosage of the present inventive relaxation formulation includes an amount of vitamin B6 in an amount of about 25 mg.

[0029] In one further embodiment, the inventive formulation of the present invention also comprises an amount of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is added to the inventive formulation in view of its known calming properties. A unit dosage of the inventive formulation of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, comprises an amount of vitamin B12 in a range of about 1 microgram (“μgm”) to about 10 micrograms. In at least one further embodiment, a unit dosage of the present relaxation formulation comprises an amount of vitamin B12 in an amount of about 3 micrograms.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the relaxation formulation of the present invention comprises a physiologically effective amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (“GABA”). More in particular, in addition to one or more of the aforementioned components, a relaxation formulation in accordance with the present invention may comprise GABA in the range of between about 1 to 5 milligrams/milliliter (“mg/ml”), depending on the delivery system employed for the relaxation formula. As previously noted, research has indicated that GABA helps reduce mental and physical stress, and can enhance the feeling of relaxation in a user.

[0031] The present invention further envisions a number of delivery systems for the inventive relaxation formulation disclosed and described above. In at least one embodiment, the delivery system comprises an edible product to be ingested by a person. In yet one other embodiment, the delivery system comprises a pleasant tasting edible product for ingestion by a person, and in one further embodiment, the pleasant tasting edible food product comprises a high carbohydrate matrix. The provision of a high carbohydrate matrix delivery system will trigger insulin production in a person following ingestion. As noted above, insulin serves to clear the person's bloodstream of the amino acids which compete with tryptophan for transport across the blood brain barrier, thereby synergistically enhancing the amount of tryptophan transported across the BBB and converted to serotonin in the person's brain, thus, inducing a deep state of relaxation in the person.

[0032] One example of a pleasant tasting edible food product having a high carbohydrate content is a chocolate brownie. Of course, it is well within the scope and intent of the present invention for the delivery system to encompass any of a number of pleasant tasting baked goods including cookies, donuts, pastries, etc. Further, a high carbohydrate content food spread, such as peanut butter, hazelnut spread, etc., could be employed as a delivery system within the scope and intent of the present invention. Further, a high carbohydrate liquid may also be employed as a delivery system, such as a milkshake, malt etc. Once again, it is well within the scope and intent of the present invention for any of as number other high carbohydrate food matrices to be employed as a delivery system in accordance with the present invention.

[0033] As one further example, in at least one embodiment, a unit dosage of the present inventive formulation comprises an amount of L-tryptophan of about 1,000 mg, tyrosine in an amount of about 100 mg, about 3 mg of melatonin, about 12 mg of vitamin B3, about 25 mg of vitamin B6, and about 3 μgm of vitamin B12, wherein each of the foregoing components is admixed into a chocolate brownie delivery system having a net weight of approximately 2 ounces, or 57 grams.

[0034] Yet another embodiment comprises an additional amount of L-tryptophan without any tyrosine. Specifically, a unit dosage of the present relaxation formulation in at least one embodiment comprises L-tryptophan in an amount of about 2,000 mg, about 3 mg of melatonin, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 12 mg, about 25 mg of vitamin B6, and about 3 μgm of vitamin B12, each of these components being admixed into a chocolate brownie having a net weight of approximately 2 ounces, or 57 grams.

[0035] The preparation of the aforementioned chocolate brownie delivery system is preferably conducted in a conventional rotating rack oven to ensure even heat distribution throughout the baking process. Further, the temperature to which the brownie mixture is subjected should not exceed 350° F., which is well below the flash point of the amino acids and vitamins of the present formulation, thereby preventing the formation of any pyrolysis byproducts in the delivery system. Under the aforementioned conditions, the baking time for the chocolate brownie delivery system is about 25 and 45 minutes at 350° F., and in at least one embodiment, the baking time is about 35 minutes at 350° F.

[0036] In at least one further embodiment, the delivery system comprises an uncooked chocolate brownie mix, to which a person adds water, eggs, and milk, and which the person may bake in a home oven at a temperature of no more than 350° F. for about 35 minutes. After baking, the person cuts the sheet of baked brownies into portions equal to about two (2) ounces each, wherein each portion will comprise about 1,000 mg of tryptophan, 100 mg of tyrosine, 25 mg of vitamin B3, 3mg of vitamin B6, and 3 μgm of vitamin B12.

[0037] At least one further delivery system is envisioned wherein a unit dosage of the relaxation formation as disclosed herein is admixed with an inert carrier compound which is structured to be readily vaporized upon exposure to a heat source, such as, by way of example only, the heat source of a commercially available electronic cigarette. In this embodiment, a unit dosage, or a portion thereof, of the present relaxation formulation may be administered to the person in an manner which will cause almost instantaneous results, i.e., the person will almost immediately experience a deep state of relaxation upon inhalation of an amount of the present relaxation formulation via the presently disclosed vaporized delivery system.

[0038] Yet one further delivery system for the present relaxation formulation is an aqueous sublingual spray, which a person may administer directly under his or her tongue. In at least one embodiment, an amount of glycerin may be added to an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system in order to thicken the solution to provide a smoother mouth feel. Additionally, predetermined amounts of sugar and/or L-malic acid may be added to the aqueous sublingual spray delivery system to produce an acceptable balance of sweetness to tartness. In one embodiment, the sugar is either sucrose or fructose or some combination of both, and the sugar concentration may vary from 20 to 60 milligrams per milliliter (“mg/ml”), depending in part on the amount of L-malic acid present in the formulation.

[0039] Table 1 below is illustrative of one embodiment of the present relaxation formulation in an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system. Each of the components is dissolved into an amount of water to the appropriate concentrations indicated below. Of course, it is well within the scope and intent of the present invention for additional embodiments of an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system to be employed to administer the present relaxation formulation to a person.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Component Concentration Tryptophan 5-15 mg/ml Tyrosine 1-1.5 mg/ml Melatonin 0.3-0.9 mg/ml Vitamin B3 0.5-2.0 mg/ml Vitamin B6 0.1-0.5 mg/ml L-Malic Acid 0.5-2.0 mg/ml Sodium Benzoate 0.5-1.5 mg/ml Sugar 20.0-60.0 mg/ml

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the present relaxation formulation having approximately the following concentrations of components is incorporated into an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system: tryptophan—10.125 mg/ml; tyrosine—1.0125 mg/ml; melatonin—0.61 mg/ml; vitamin B3—1.35 mg/ml; vitamin B6—0.27 mg/ml; L-malic acid—1.62 mg/ml; sodium benzoate—1.0 mg/ml; and, sugar 37.0 mg/ml.

[0041] In yet one further embodiment, a flavor component may be added to an aqueous sublingual delivery system comprising the present relaxation formulation such as, by way of example only, the illustrative formulations presented above in Table 1. More in particular, Table 2 below is illustrative of just a few of the possible flavor components which may be added to the present inventive relaxation formulation for administration to a person via an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Flavor Component Concentration Cherry 5.0-15.0 mg/ml Raspberry 2.0-6.0 mg/ml Apple 5.0-15.0 mg/ml Peppermint 5.0-15.0 mg/ml

[0042] Table 3 below is illustrative of an embodiment of the present relaxation formulation including GABA for use with an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system. Each of the components is dissolved into an amount of water to the appropriate concentrations indicated below. Once again, it is well within the scope and intent of the present invention for additional embodiments of an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system including GABA to be employed to administer the present relaxation formulation to a person.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Component Concentration Tryptophan 5-15 mg/ml Tyrosine 0.5-1.5 mg/ml Melatonin 0.3-0.9 mg/ml Vitamin B3 0.5-2.0 mg/ml Vitamin B6 0.1-0.5 mg/ml Gamma-aminobutyric acid 1-5 mg/ml L-Malic Acid 0.5-2.0 mg/ml Sodium Benzoate 0.5-1.5 mg/ml

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the present relaxation formulation having approximately the following concentrations of components is incorporated into an aqueous sublingual spray delivery system: tryptophan—10.125 mg/ml; tyrosine—1.0125 mg/ml; melatonin—0.61 mg/ml; vitamin B3—1.35 mg/ml; vitamin B6—0.27 mg/ml; gamma-aminobutyric acid (“GABA”)—3.33 mg/ml; L-malic acid—1.62 mg/ml; and, sodium benzoate—1.0 mg/ml. As before, a flavor component may be incorporated into the foregoing exemplary relaxation formulation such as, for example, as disclosed above in Table 2.

[0044] Table 4 discloses an embodiment of the present relaxation formulation including GABA for ingestion in a drink or beverage. Each of the components is dissolved into an amount of a beverage to the appropriate concentrations indicated below. In the illustrative embodiment presented in Table 4 below, an amount of the calorie-free artificial sweetener, acesulfame potassium, also known as Ace-K, is incorporated into the formulation, along with an amount of glycerin, in order to reduce the amount of sugar necessary to obtain a desired level of sweetness. In at least one further embodiment, sucralose and/or xylitol may be utilized to provide the desired degree of sweetness. Of course, a flavor component may be added in addition to or in lieu of one or more of the sweeteners in the exemplary relaxation formulation presented below in Table 4. Once again, it is well within the scope and intent of the present invention for additional embodiments of a drink or beverage delivery system including GABA to be employed to administer the present relaxation formulation to a person.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Component Concentration Tryptophan 1-5 grams/liter (“g/L”) Gamma-aminobutyric acid 1-5 g/L Malic Acid 0.5-2.0 g/L Sodium Benzoate 0.5-1.5 g/L Acesulfame potassium 0.500-1.000 g/L Sugar 0.500-1.000 g/L Glycerin 0.5%-2.0%, by weight

[0045] In at least one embodiment, the present relaxation formulation having approximately the following concentrations of components is incorporated into a drink or beverage: tryptophan—3.33 g/L; gamma-aminobutyric acid (“GABA”)—3.33 g/L; malic acid—1.19 g/L; sodium benzoate—1.0 g/L; acesulfame potassium—0.747 g/L; sugar—0.623 g/L; and, glycerin—1%, by weight.

[0046] Table 5 below is illustrative of one embodiment of the present relaxation formulation for use in a delivery system comprising an inert vaporizable compound, to allow the active components to be inhaled directly into a person's lungs, in the manner disclosed above. Each of the components is dissolved into an amount of an inert vaporizable compound to the concentrations indicated below. Of course, it is well within the scope and intent of the present invention for additional embodiments of a vaporizable delivery system to be employed to administer the present relaxation formulation to a person.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Component Concentration Tryptophan 1-5 mg/ml Melatonin 1-5 mg/ml Gamma-aminobutyric acid 1-5 mg/ml

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the present relaxation formulation having approximately the following concentrations of active components is incorporated into a delivery system employing an inert vaporizable compound: tryptophan—1.8 mg/ml; melatonin—1.8 mg/ml; and, gamma-aminobutyric acid—1.2 mg/ml.

[0048] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0049] Now that the invention has been described,