Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Relora® is a proprietary blend typically containing extracts from Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense bark. Its use to support the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is based on its purported ability to help with stress reduction and modulation of cortisol levels. The PNS is responsible for "rest and digest" functions, and ingredients that help reduce stress might indirectly support parasympathetic activity by countering chronic sympathetic ("fight or flight") dominance.

Several small, peer-reviewed studies have examined the effects of Relora®. For example, a 2006 randomized, placebo-controlled trial (Altern Ther Health Med, 2006) found that Relora® supplementation reduced cortisol exposure and self-reported stress in moderately stressed subjects. Another study reported improvements in mood and lower anxiety scores (J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2013), though sample sizes were small and studies were short-term. The mechanism is proposed to be modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which may enhance PNS activity by reducing chronic stress-induced sympathetic overactivity.

However, while these findings suggest a potential benefit for stress and possibly downstream support of the parasympathetic nervous system, direct evidence for Relora® specifically enhancing PNS function is limited. Most available evidence supports its use for stress and related symptoms, not for direct modulation of the PNS. Thus, the scientific evidence for Relora® specifically supporting the parasympathetic nervous system is modest (rating: 2/5), with more robust research needed.

More about relora® (proprietary)
More about Parasympathetic Nervous System

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Products containing relora® (proprietary)

Douglas Laboratories Relora ®-Plex