Over 20 Years of Research
Our Team has spent the last 20 years researching the precursors of the original formula of Kalm & On (known as Koppla) that contained high quality herbs and adaptogens, containing marker compounds to help support our body’s natural stress response and promote a sense of calm and focus. When used in specific combinations, this unique active phytochemistry can work synergistically to enhance their individual benefits and create a more potent effect.
Now Kalm & On is the functional result, a “trade secret” formula based on the original patented product, which contains a blend of five herbs specifically chosen for their calming and mood-boosting properties.
Together, these herbs can work together to help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve focus and mental clarity.
Does Science and Research Back This Up?
Yes! Below is the Bioactivity Summary of the adaptogenic herbal ingredients in Koppla / Kalm & On.
A wealth of literature on herbal medicine, plant chemistry [phytochemicals], and the pharmacology of herbs [i.e., how they confer therapeutic benefits to the human body] indicates that more than 35 phytochemicals found in one or more of Koppla / Kalm & ON’s five adaptogenic herbal ingredients exhibit 46 different physiological effects that are believed to ease a variety of stress-induced symptoms and help to restore the body’s energy flow to more balanced and sustainable level.
Biological effects [bioactivity] reported for Koppla herbs and/or their constituent phytochemicals includes calming of the heart, dilation of blood vessels, reduction of high blood pressure, improved blood and oxygen flow, relaxation of muscles and airways, reduced inflammation of tissues, pain relief, and mild sedation.
Phytochemical similarities among Koppla herbs suggest that the reported adaptogenic ability of Koppla – Kalm & ON to relieve physical symptoms of stress and restore sustainable energy involves therapeutic synergies among its bioactive constituents.
Based on their reported chemistry, bioactivity, pharmacology, and medicinal uses,
Koppla / Kalm & ON herbs contain:
- 16 anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that can reduce tissue swelling
- 14 anti-spasmodic and/or spasmolytic phytochemicals that can ease muscle cramps
- 7 analgesic phytochemicals that can relieve pain
- 9 sedative phytochemicals that can promote relaxation
- 10 phytochemicals with cardio tonic, heart calming and/or heart nourishing effects
- 7 anti-aggregate phytochemicals that may promote blood flow
- 9 hypotensive and anti-hypertensive phytochemicals that regulate blood pressure
- 9 phytochemicals that can relax and/or dilate blood vessels, to enhance blood flow
- 3 phytochemicals that can help to ease breathing and open airways
Each of Koppla – Kalm & ON’s herbal components contains between 6 (oats) and 19 (hawthorn) different phytochemicals that exhibit one or more of the 46 reported bioactivities related to stress relief and energy restoration.
Scientific documentation of the chemistry, bioactivity, physiological pathways, therapeutic value, and medicinal uses of individual Koppla / Kalm & ON herbs and their constituent phytochemicals can be found in:
- The English translation of the German Commission E Monograph of approved herbal medicines, published by the American Botanical Council [Blumenthal, 1999, 2001.]
- Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database, USDA Agricultural Research Service [ http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/index.html ]
Detailed literature citations for reported bioactivity of specific phytochemicals, derived from these & other sources, also are available upon request from Koppla Nutrients / Kalm & ON.
Below is just some of the available research about each herb used in Kalm & On.
1. Lemon Balm (Mellissa Officinalis)
Lemon balm is a calming herb that has been traditionally used to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Research has shown that supplementation with lemon balm can improve mood and cognitive performance, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and agitation (Kennedy et al., 2006; Cases et al., 2011).
Lemon balm has been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain, which can lead to a calming effect on the nervous system and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and stress (Awad et al., 2009). Lemon balm may also have mild sedative effects, potentially through interactions with serotonin and nicotinic receptors (Kennedy et al., 2006).
Research:
Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., & Scholey, A. B. (2006). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosomatic Medicine, 68(2), 299-306. doi: 10.1097/01.psy.0000204645.82775.03
Cases, J., Ibarra, A., Feuillère, N., Roller, M., & Sukkar, S. G. (2011). Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 4(3), 211-218. doi: 10.1016/j.mnm.2011.03.005
2. Flowering Oats (Avena Sativa)
Flowering oats are a type of oat plant that contain a compound called avenanthramides, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Research has suggested that supplementation with flowering oat extract may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety (Lu et al., 2019).
Avenanthramides, the active compounds in flowering oats, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines in the body (Nie et al., 2018). These compounds may also have antioxidant effects by reducing oxidative stress and preventing cell damage (Lu et al., 2019).
Research:
Lu, L., Zhan, Y., Zhuang, X., Qi, Y., Li, X., Liu, Z., & Liu, X. (2019). Avenanthramide supplementation attenuates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairments via upregulating hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 67(50), 14007-14014. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b06036
3. Linden (Tilia)
Linden is a calming herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Research has shown that supplementation with linden flower extract can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality (Marsicano et al., 2012).
Linden has been shown to have a calming effect on the body by reducing heart rate and blood pressure, potentially through interactions with the parasympathetic nervous system (Kuzmanova et al., 2004). Linden may also have a mild sedative effect, potentially through interactions with GABA receptors in the brain (Marsicano et al., 2012).
Research:
Marsicano, L. J., Becker, A. B., & Pires, R. H. (2012). Effect of the administration of hydroalcoholic extract of Tilia sp. on anxiety and sleep quality in mice. Revista brasileira de farmacognosia, 22(3), 634-641. doi: 10.1590/S0102-695X2012005000035
4. Hawthorn Leaf and Berry (Crataegus Monogyna & Oxyacantha)
Hawthorn is a plant that has been traditionally used for cardiovascular health and has also been shown to have potential benefits for anxiety and stress reduction. Research has suggested that supplementation with hawthorn extract may reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood (Wheatley, 2004).
Hawthorn has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, potentially by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart (Dalli et al., 2019). Hawthorn may also have a mild sedative effect, potentially through interactions with GABA receptors in the brain (Wheatley, 2004).
Research:
Wheatley, D. (2004). Stress-induced insomnia treated with kava and valerian: singly and in combination. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 19(8), 545-558. doi: 10.1002/hup.611
5. Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng – Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Research has suggested that supplementation with Panax ginseng can improve mental performance, reduce fatigue, and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety (Lee et al., 2011; Reay et al., 2010).
Panax ginseng has been shown to have a stimulating effect on the body, potentially by increasing levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine (Reay et al., 2010). Ginseng may also improve blood glucose control, potentially through interactions with insulin receptors in the body (Reay et al., 2010). Additionally, Panax ginseng may improve cognitive performance by increasing cerebral blood flow and stimulating neural activity in certain brain regions (Lee et al., 2011).
Research:
Lee, N. H., Son, C. G., & Park, M. J. (2011). Cognitive-enhancing effects of Rg3-enriched Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) in healthy volunteers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 1-9. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00129
Reay, J. L., Kennedy, D. O., & Scholey, A. B. (2010). Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 24(10), 1505-1514. doi: 10.1177/0269881110379283
Trade Secret Formula
It took us two decades of research to assure we found just the right synergistic formula of these herbal extracts to get the desired effect. We are proud to offer this plant-based adaptogenic formula to help you find your daily Kalm. Feeling is believing!