5-HTP is short for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, which is an amino acid. As a transitional component in tryptophan metabolism, 5-HTP is also a compound which in the metabolic pathway precedes the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin. As a dietary supplement, 5-HTP is suggested for use as an antidepressant, sleeping aid, but also as an appetite suppressant. Vitamin B6 helps 5-HTP decarboxylate into serotonin, with assistance of a lyase enzyme, namely the aromatic L amino acid decarboxylase. The theory is that 5-HTP, when ingested as a supplement, leads to increased serotonin production. While mainly being used as an appetite suppressant in the body building community, it also improves cognitive abilities, but also endurance and stamina. While there are some concerns in use of 5-HTP and MAO inhibitors in combination, sensitive users report only positive effects, that is why it was included in Hammer Nutrition REM Caps.

Amylase is also sometimes called a starch blocker. As the name suggests, it prevents the body from absorbing dietary starches. It is present in the saliva. This is particularly benefits diabetic patients because it helps maintain and regulate the blood glucose levels. It also helps in maintaining and losing weight. It is effective in treating obesity. The ingested carbohydrates are broken down by the digestive enzymes which are then absorbed by the body. Amylase limits the capacity of the body in absorbing carbohydrates which are later on turned into glucose, a simple sugar, that can be used by the body as energy fuel.

Cellulase

Lipase.

Magnesium is essential to all living cells and is a vital component to a healthy diet. Calcium absorption for the body largely depends on magnesium to facilitate this.

Melatonin is a hormone generated in the pineal gland of the brain. It secretes all through the day at different levels. It secretes the highest amount at night because it gets stimulated in the dark. Melatonin induces a good night’s sleep and regulates our sleeping pattern. It lowers the nighttime agitation in Alzheimer patients and improves sleep patterns in Dementia patients. Although it is marketed basically as a sleep aid, it has many other advantageous. Studies indicate that melatonin benefits the immune system and protects the heart from getting damaged due to acute exercise. It is effective for insomnia and jetlag and is not addictive. The normal dosage of melatonin for insomnia is 1-3mg before bedtime; for jetlag, it is 3 mg before bedtime for the first three nights.

Phytase is an enzyme that is commercially produced by microbial fermentation of the fungus Aspergillus niger and other such micro-organisms. Phytase can break down phytic acids or phytates. Phytates are indigestible parts that can be found in grains and oils seeds that are indigestible. It forms conflict with other digestive enzymes, proteins, and minerals making it anti-nutritional. On the other hand, Phytase helps release important nutrients, and helps release and maximize the use magnesium, calcium, other minerals, carbohydrates and proteins in the body. Phytase helps release phosphorus that is important for bone growth. Phytase also helps in reducing the risk of heavy metal poisoning caused by Dicalcium phosphate and prevents microbial pollution.

Protease.

Valerian Root is a perennial plant, which can bloom into pink and white flowers that have a scent perceived as sweetly. It can be found in Europe and some areas in Asia, recently also in North America, where it has been imported. The sedative and anxiolytic properties of the valerian roots have been known to mankind for centuries. Valerian root extracts contain many pharmacologically active substances, some which are valeric acid, GABA, isovaleramide, valerine, valerianine, actinidine, an essential oil that contains sesquiterpenes, and many more. Since that valerian has been used as a pain reliever, anti convulsant, a sedative and for migraine treatment, the primary use has been always related to the GABA receptor system. It has been recommended as a potent sleeping agent.