Every NOVA3LABS® product is formulated with the intent of bringing truth and transparency to the supplement industry. That is why each of our products feature a label that fully transparent and discloses every ingredient. No proprietary blends = full disclosure.

Required for the conversion of cholesterol to steroid hormones

http://www.westonaprice.org/ask-the-doctor/steroid-drugshttp://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/9/4/36.abstract

The highest concentrations of vitamin C reside in the eyes, brain and adrenal glands; stress, infection and intense exercise all increase the cellular demand for vitamin C, with studies showing how blood levels of ascorbic acid fall at an increased rate during these time

http://journals.lww.com/nscajscr/abstract/1998/08000/effects_of_ascorbic_acid_on_serum_cortisol_and_the.10.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19223675
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17616774
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6668225

All B vitamins are essential in the Kreb’s cycle for conversion of fat, carbs and protein to energy. Specific to the adrenal cascade, pantothenic acid is required for the production of co-enzyme-A, which is essential for the creation of acetylcholine and pregnenolone. Thiamine is used in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Riboflavin, key in the citric acid cycle, is also a cofactor in the utilization of B6 in the creation of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4320823
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4060684
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10450194

Zinc is an essential trace element required for the activity of over 300 enzymes and is involved in most major metabolic pathways. Zinc participates not only in catalytic processes, but also in the structure and stability of some regulatory proteins, as is essential for immune support and testosterone production. Training reduces levels through metabolic use and sweat loss.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17984944
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16338007
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11475319
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9812018

DLPA is a depression fighting mixture that combines two forms of the amino acid, phenylalanine. The L-portion of phenylalanine, found in protein-rich foods, bolsters mood-elevating chemicals in the brain, specifically dopamine and nor-epinephrine, while the “D” form of phenylalanine is made synthetically in a laboratory. The mechanism of DL-phenylalanine’s supposed antidepressant activity may be accounted for by the precursor role of L-phenylalanine in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Hepatic/renal metabolism

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/335027
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2243904

One of the 22 amino acids used in the formation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also involved in the formation of thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Supplementation has shown greater efficacy to reduce perception of stress while under stress. Hepatic/renal metabolism

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2736402
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7794222
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10230711

Methionine belongs to a group of compounds called lipotropics which help the liver to process fat in the body. Once in the liver, methionine is converted into SAM(s-adenosyl methionine); SAMe is known to have a high degree of efficacy in treating various forms of depression. Methionine also converts the stronger and carcinogenic estradiol (E2) into estriol (E3) which is the “good” estrogen as compared to estradiol; imbalance is common in various form of adrenal dysfunction. Methionine supports methylation pathways, which facilitate the conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine, essential in the adrenal cascade.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20595412
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/76/5/1151S.abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18950248

A potent adaptogen that has been the focus of much research. Rhodiola provides a buffer to stress-related mental and physical fatigue.  Rhodiola contains a glycoside known as salisdroside. This component helps combat anxiety and aging, and has been investigated for use in high-altitude sickness, as it modulates EPO gene expression. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins. Studies have found that it restores normal patterns of eating and sleeping after stress, & combats mental and physical fatigue by affecting RPE (perception to STRESS). Hepatic metabolism

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19500070
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23443221
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20378318

The main component of policosanol, a lipophilic component derived from Cuban cane sugar.   While initial studies concentrated on it’s ability to affect cholesterol levels, it also has positive neurological effects specific to reaction time and Ach (acetylcholine) release.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10094851
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10754431

A vine native to northern China and Eastern Russia, commonly known as Wu Wei Zi, or “Five flavor berry”. Much of the research that ahs been done on Schisandra Chinesiswas done in Russia decades ago, hence the popularity with Eastern European athletes. Noted is the ability to both raise and lower cortisol in response to stressors.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21666550
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18515024
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10228607

Bacopa (aka Brahmi) is an Indian Ayurvedic herb noted for its use as a nootropic, or “mental focusing & memory enhancing” agent, and also acts protectively in neurodegeneration. It appears to work through enhancing synaptic transmission, and also acts as an anti-oxidant, hence the protective effects.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23788517
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24252493
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18683852
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12093601

Commonly known as Siberian Ginseng or in Chinese medicine Ci Wu Ju. Although it is not related to true ginseng (Panax ginseng), the name Siberian ginseng became popular based on potential properties similar to Panax ginseng. This adaptogenic herb has both properties of increasing work capacity and immunity. Increased work capacity is thought to be due to increased oxygen efficiency through FFA use. Immunomodulating polysaccharides or saponins isolated from Siberian ginseng stimulate macrophages, promoted antibody formation, activated complement, and increased T lymphocyte proliferation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21793317 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10641044
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11798012

Another herb traditional used in Chinese medicine; the bark contains the polyphenolic compounds honokiol and magnolol, which have been found to have neuroprotective and anxiolytic activity, the latter of which is due to the effect on GABA receptors and the attenuation of cortisol-induced stress perception.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16631734
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11408830
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23924268

Also known as Yukmijihwang-tang or Chinese foxglove; it contains vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as the active component catalpol. Regarded as a tonic herb and used in TCM for centuries, current well-controlled human data is still lacking. That said, it shows promise as a neuro-protecting agent as well as a nootropic.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18407446
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635169
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15844838
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17078935

Commonly known as Chinese Thoroughwax, it has been traditionally used to treat disorders of inflammation. One of the active components are saikosaponins; their metabolites have been shown to induce corticosterone activity, hence it use as an adrenal tonic in TCM. It also shows serotonergic and noradrenergic activity, and therefore used as an anti-depressant.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2045012
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19932727
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22450800

Also known as Red or Korean ginseng (not to be confused with Siberian). The predominant pharmacologically active constituents of Panax are ginsenosides; at least 25 of which have been identified and are present in variable amounts and ratios, depending on the particular species. One of the most studies herbal adaptogens in history, its efficacy in treating fatigue, mood, immune system and adrenal issues is second to none.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20737519
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11842896
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16355078
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16401645

Better known as Coleus Forskoli, the active component tis forskolin, which stimulates the cellular production of cAMP. When cAMP increases, a wide range of signaling properties can occur because of it. While much research has been done on upregulation of cAMP and fat loss, recent research suggests that cAMP affects the function of higher-order thinking in the prefrontal cortex through its regulation of ion channels. Much of the marketed focus has been on the ability to increase testosterone, which plays an integral role in the treatment of adrenal dysfunction.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9029414
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16129715
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1648588

Another Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha, aka Indian Ginseng, rivals that ofPanax. Ginseng in the amount of positive data available. It shows adaptogenic properties both in attenuating stress perception, altering cortisol, and increasing TTE (time to exhaustion) in trained athletes. The potentially active constituents of ashwagandha include alkaloids and steroidal lactones that together are called withanolides (particularly withaferin A), and preparations are often standardized to their percentage contents of withanolides, as with the trademarked Sensoril brand.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23326093
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22987912
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10956379