Top 3 Levo-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) Benefits

Levo-Tetrahydropalmatine (L­-THP) is the active compound found in the Corydalis Yanhusuo herb, endemic to China. There are numerous L-THP benefits that people are talking about today. In China, L-THP is marketed and sold as an anti-stress and pain-relieving compound and is sometimes called Yan Hu Suo. Benefits of L-THP (tetrahydropalmatine) include promotion of healthy sleep as well as calming and relaxing effects. Additionally, L-THP may be able to help reduce sensations of pain, without acting as a euphoric agent. L-THP also has powerful benefits on the circulatory system and acts as an anti-inflammatory compound to promote good health.

1.    L-THP Benefits: Calming and Anti-Stress

L-THP is used primarily for its ability to help reduce feelings of stress, to improve mood status, and sometimes for its ability to reduce sensations of pain. In China, L-THP is used for reducing symptoms of pain and as a muscle-relaxant and is sold under the name Rotundine. [1] L-THP has inhibitory effects on dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the brain.[2] It also has mild inhibitory effects on the serotonin and adrenergic receptors and may have a positive effect on GABA-A transmission.[3] What this means is that L-THP is a suitable supplement for improving mood, and helping to promote healthy sleep, without the potential for developing a habit or dependency. L-THP does not cause the euphoria that is often associated with anti-stress compounds, giving it far less potential for abuse. In fact, some research has even pointed to L-THP’s potential for future use in the development of compounds to assist with people battling addiction. [4]  

2.    Helps Promote Good Health

[caption id=""attachment_2806"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] Along with anti-inflammatory supplements, a healthy diet and lifestyle promote well-being and longevity![/caption] L-THP is also a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, meaning that it may help to promote good health. Keeping your body free from inflammation is one of the most important features of a healthy lifestyle. Although there is no ‘magic-bullet’ to destroy inflammation, using anti-inflammatory supplements in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle may help to promote better health, longevity, and well-being. [5] Furthermore, some studies have suggested that L-THP may help to promote a healthy mental state. Several clinical trials have examined the potential for L-THP’s development as an antipsychotic agent and to help restore a normal balance of chemicals in the brain.[6]  

3.    Supports a Healthy Circulatory System

One of L-THP’s most important benefits is its ability to help support a healthy circulatory system. The molecule interacts with receptors in your body in a number of ways to promote healthy blood-flow and to help regulate blood pressure. [caption id=""attachment_2805"" align=""alignright"" width=""278""] L-THP may help to promote a healthy circulatory system.[/caption] Firstly, L-THP acts as a potent calcium-channel blocker, preventing calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel linings, thereby helping to promote and regulate healthy blood pressure. [7] PubChem, the open chemistry database, lists L-THP as a calcium channel blocker as well as an anti-arrhythmic agent. [8] Calcium channel blockers are used to reduce blood pressure, relieve chest pain, and to promote a regular heartbeat/to prevent arrhythmia. [9] All of these benefits are important in maintaining a healthy circulatory system.   Secondly, animal studies have indicated that L-THP works as a powerful cardio-protective supplement, helping to prevent damage to the heart under a variety of stresses. [10] In animal models, supplementation with L-THP significantly reduced myocardial infarction size and improved cardiac function after 8 weeks of administration. [11] There is still room for research into whether these benefits are applicable to human hearts, but this preliminary data looks promising.  

Conclusion

[caption id=""attachment_2804"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] L-Tetrahydropalmatine from LiftMode is >98% pure. CLICK the photo to find out more![/caption] In summary, the top benefits of Levo-Tetrahydropalmatine can be divided into three groups – namely, its effects on the mental state, its anti-inflammatory effects, and its ability to help promote a healthy circulatory system. L-THP is also said to help regulate the pain response and may be used to help support a calm and healthy mental state/headspace. LiftMode L-THP is considered safe at the recommended serving size of 30-60 mg, no more than twice per day. This product is sold with a measuring scoop and in a re-sealable container.          

References:

[1] Rotundine: ab143130, AbCam.com, available online from  http://www.abcam.com/rotundine-ab143130.html [Accessed 15 February 2018] [2] Hu JY, Jin GZ. Supraspinal D2 receptor involved in antinociception induced by l-tetrahydropalmatine. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1999 Aug;20(8):715-9. [3] Figueroa-Guzman Y, Mueller C, Vranjkovic O, et al. Oral administration of levo-tetrahydropalmatine attenuates reinstatement of extinguished cocaine seeking by cocaine, stress or drug-associated cues in rats. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2011;116(1-3):72-79. [4] Jia Bei W, John R. M. L-Tetrahydropalmatine: A Potential New Medication for the Treatment of Cocaine Addiction. Future medicinal chemistry. 2012;4(2):10.4155/fmc.11.166. [5] Treatment of Schizophrenia With L-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP): a Novel Dopamine Antagonist With Anti-inflammatory and Antiprotozoal Activity. Clinical Trial at the University of Maryland, Stanley Medical Research Institute. 2017. Available online from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02118610 [6] Wang SM, Han C, Lee SJ, Jun TY, Patkar AA, Masand PS, Pae CU. Investigational dopamine antagonists for the treatment of schizophrenia. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2017 Jun;26(6):687-698 [7] Huang K, et al. Blocking L-calcium current by l-tetrahydropalmatine in single ventricular myocyte of guinea pigs. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1999 Oct;20(10):907-11. [8] Tetrahydropalmatine. CID 72301. PubChem, Open Chemistry Database, US National Library of Medicine, available online from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/tetrahydropalmatine [9] Calcium channel blockers. MayoClinic (2017). Available online from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/calcium-channel-blockers/art-20047605 [10] Han Y, et al. l-Tetrahydropalmatine, an active component of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e38627 [11] Wu L, Ling H, Li L, Jiang L, He M. Beneficial effects of the extract from Corydalis yanhusuo in rats with heart failure following myocardial infarction. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007 May;59(5):695-701.