IB Synergy By Designs for Health Overview & Drug Interactions

L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body, produced primarily in skeletal muscle and then released into circulation. It serves vital roles in various tissues, including the immune system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and liver, where it supports essential functions such as maintaining intestinal integrity, immune response, and amino acid balance. Although traditionally classified as a non-essential amino acid, during periods of severe stress, glutamine becomes conditionally essential due to the body's increased demand. It acts as a critical nitrogen and carbon transporter between organs, and while the intestinal mucosa can synthesize glutamine, this production is insufficient during times of significant physiological stress. Dietary supplements generally contain L-glutamine as it is the biologically active form of the amino acid.

Perilla frutescens, an annual plant native to Asia, is valued for its diverse applications in cooking, manufacturing, and traditional medicine. Its leaves, stem, and seeds are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for their rich content of flavones like apigenin, luteolin, shishonin, and vicenin-2, as well as beneficial compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and policosanol. These components are purported to contribute to a range of health benefits, including potential anti-allergy properties that may alleviate symptoms like atopic dermatitis and airway inflammation, possibly by reducing inflammatory mediators and mast cell activity. Its anti-inflammatory effects, which may involve inhibiting cytokine production and modulating immune cell activity, align with its traditional uses for allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, perilla is said to exhibit antimicrobial effects, with its seed extract, oil, and essential oil showing potential activity against bacteria and fungi. Laboratory research suggests potential nephroprotective effects, indicating that perilla may inhibit the proliferation of mesangial cells in kidney disorders.

5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a naturally-occurring amino acid and a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is used as a dietary supplement to improve mood and help with anxiety, sleep disorders, and other conditions. It is also sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat migraines and fibromyalgia. The 5-HTP found in supplements is most often obtained from the seeds of the tropical shrub Griffonia simplicifolia