Xýlo™ Biomedical & TCM Details

Xylo™ is comprised of herbs that affect the nervous system and cognition with anti-anxiety, anti-depressive, cognitive enhancing (nootropic) and neuro-protective functions.

Passionflower, skullcap, gingko, gotu kola, lion’s mane, Gastrodia, and Yuan Zhi have exhibited anti-anxiety effects in various studies. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) One clinical trial of participants with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) showed that passionflower extract was as effective (and with less side effects) as oxazepam (30 mg/day) in reducing symptoms of anxiety. (1) Other human studies examining passionflower’s effects on pre-operative anxiety reported significant benefits in comparison to placebo and pharmaceuticals (6). Passionflower has also exhibited sedating properties in animal studies (7). Another random controlled trial of ginkgo in those with GAD and adjustment disorder with anxious mood, resulted in significant decreases in the HAMA (Hamilton anxiety rating) scale. (1)

Gastrodia, gotu kola, lion’s mane, Shi Chang Pu and Yuan Zhi also have reported anti-depressant effects. (2, 3, 4, 5) In a clinical trial of Gastrodia, 58 patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) were divided into two groups. Both received mirtazapine (15–30 mg/d) for 4 weeks, and one group also used Gastrodia as an additional therapy. Symptoms of depression improved significantly in the group that was also given Gastrodia (4).

Many herbs, including Gastrodia, gotu kola, lion’s mane, and Yuan Zhi have both anti-anxiety and anti-depressant functions (2, 4, 5, 8). Lion’s mane and Shi Chang Pu have been shown to modulate neurotransmitter levels which may explain the bivalent functions observed (8, 9). A clinical study using lion’s mane supplementation in women with both anxiety and depression resulted in an improvement in symptoms after 4 weeks of use. (8)

Neuroinflammation, along with nerve cell damage and death, play important roles in the recovery from acute injuries of the nervous system, and neurodegeneration in diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Gastrodia, gotu kola, lion’s mane, brahmi, Shi Chang Pu, and Yuan Zhi have exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective properties in many studies. (2, 4, 8, 9, 10) Gotu kola and brahmi are Ayurvedic herbs renown for revitalizing the brain and nerves. Brahmi has displayed nervous system detoxification effects (the removal of heavy metals and other toxins). (10) Gotu kola and Dan Shen has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier without toxic effects. (10, 11). Gotu kola, lion’s mane, Shi Chang Pu and Yuan Zhi have exhibited nerve regenerative properties. (5, 9, 11, 12) Studies of lion’s mane in cells, animals and clinical tests have shown, through several mechanisms, growth enhancement and improved survival of neurons. (8) Taken together, these studies suggest that Brain & Mood may be beneficial to reduce the impact of degenerative brain diseases, and improve healing of nerve/brain injuries. (8)

Lion’s mane and other herbs have exhibited cognitive enhancement (nootropic) properties and the ability to reduce cognitive decline in clinical trials. (3, 8). Clinical evidence shows that brahmi can improve verbal learning, information processing, and memory, even in older adults (10). It has also displayed benefits in children with ADHD symptoms (10). Clinical studies of ginkgo have shown improved recall and speed of information and executive processing. (13) Gotu kola can improve working memory and mood in healthy elderly adults (13). Yuan Zhi and Chinese date also have cognitive enhancing properties. (5, 14)


From a Traditional Chinese Medicine view: 

Skullcap Leaf (Scutellaria lateriflora)is cold, enters the LU, ST, GB, and LI channels, clears Heat and dries Damp, drains Fire and detoxifies, cools the Blood and stops bleeding, clears Heat, calms the fetus, and calms ascending Liver Yang.

Xi Fan Lian (Passion flower,Passiflora incarnate) is not included in the Chinese materia medica, but has been described as cool, enters HT and LIV channels; calms the Shen, tonifies Yin.

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, Fructus schisandrae)is warm, enters the HT, KI and LU channels and all five Zang organs;  tonifies Qi, astringes Lung Qi leakage and stops coughing, tonifies Kidney and binds Essence, astringes sweat and generates fluids, quiets the Spirit, and calms and contains Heart Qi.

Xie Cao (Valerian Root, Valeriana officinalis)is warm and enters the LIV and HT channels, induces tranquilization, stops bleeding and alleviates pain.

Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum)is slightly warm, enters the HT, LIV, LU, channels; tonifies Heart Qi, nourishes Heart Blood and calms the Spirit, tonifies Lung Qi, transforms phlegm to stop cough and wheezing, tonifies Qi and nourishes Blood.

Bai Zi Ren (Arbor Vitae Seed Thuja orientalis)is neutral and enters the HT, KI, and LI channels; nourishes the Heart, calms the Spirit, moistens the Intestines, unblocks bowels and astringes Yin Deficiency sweat.

Long Yan Rou (Longan Fruit, Arillus longan)is warm and enters the HT and SP channels; tonifies and augments the Heart and Spleen, nourishes the Blood and calms the Spririt.

Hong Jing Tian (Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea)is cold, enters the HT, KI, LIV, SP and LU channels; tonifies, clears Lung heat, nourishes Lung Yin and relieves cough, and invigorates the Blood.

Xiang Fu (Nut Grass Rhizome, Cyperi rotundi)is neutral, enters the LIV, SJ and GB channels; spreads and regulates Liver Qi, regulates menstruation and alleviates pain.

Lian Zi (White Lotus Seed, Nelumbinis nuciferae)is neutral enters the HT, KI, and SP channels; tonifies the Spleen, astringes diarrhea, tonifiies Kidney, astringes Jing, nourishes the heart and calms the spirit.

Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome, Gastrodia elata)is neutral and enters the LIV channel; extinguishes Wind, calms the Liver, stops spasms and tremors, subdues rising Liver Yang, alleviates pain and disperses Wind-Damp Bi.

Da Zao (Jujube, Chinese Date, Ziziphus jujube) is warm and enters the SP and ST channels; tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, augments Qi, and nourishes Blood and calms the Spirit.

References:

  1. Sarris, J., Panossian, A., Schweitzer, I., Stough, C., Scholey, A. 2011l Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. Dec;21(12):841-60. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.04.002. 
  2. Bandopadhyay, S., Mandal, S., Ghorai, M., Jha, N.K., Kumar, M., Radha, Ghosh, A., Proćków, J., Pérez, de la Lastra, J.M., Dey, A. 2023. Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review. J Cell Mol Med. Mar;27(5):593-608. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.17635. 
  3. Friedman, M. 2015. Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds. J Agric Food Chem. Aug 19;63(32):7108-23. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914.
  4. Liu, Y., Gao, J., Peng, M., Meng, H., Ma, H., Cai, P., Si, G. (2018). A Review on Central Nervous System Effects of Gastrodin. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 24. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00024.
  5. Lacaille-Dubois, M.A., Delaude, C., Mitaine-Offer, A.C. 2020. A review on the phytopharmacological studies of the genus Polygala. J Ethnopharmacol. Mar 1;249:112417. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112417.
  6. Sarris, J. 2018. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phytother. Res. Mar 25. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/ptr.6055.
  7. Gazola, A.C., Costa, G.M., Zucolotto, S.M., Castellanos, L., Ramos, F.A., de Lima T.C.M. 2018. The sedative activity of flavonoids from Passiflora quadrangularis is mediated through the GABAergic pathway. Biomed. Pharmacother. Apr (100):388-393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.02.002.
  8. Szućko-Kociuba, I., Trzeciak-Ryczek, A., Kupnicka, P., Chlubek, D. 2023, Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus. Int J Mol Sci. Nov 3;24(21):15960. doi: 10.3390/ijms242115960.
  9. Wen, J., Yang, Y., Hao, J. 2023. Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma: A comprehensive review of its chemical composition, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity. Front Pharmacol. Mar 16;14:1090526. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1090526.
  10. Fatima, U., Roy, S., Ahmad, S., Ali, S., Elkady, W.M., Khan, I., Alsaffar, R.M., Adnan, M., Islam, A., Hassan, M.I. 2022. Pharmacological attributes of Bacopa monnieri extract: Current updates and clinical manifestation. Front Nutr. Aug 18;9:972379. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.972379.
  11. Zhang, X.Z., Qian, S.S., Zhang, Y.J., Wang, R.Q. 2016. Salvia miltiorrhiza: A source for anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs. Pharm Biol. 2016;54(1):18-24. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1027408.
  12. Lai, P.L, Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K.H., David, R.P., Kuppusamy, U.R., Abdullah, N., Malek, S.N. 2013. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 15(6):539-54. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30.
  13. Roe, A.L., Venkataraman, A. 2021. The Safety and Efficacy of Botanicals with Nootropic Effects. Curr Neuropharmacol. 19(9):1442-1467. doi: 10.2174/1570159X19666210726150432.
  14. Chen, J., Liu, X., Li, Z., et al. 2017. A Review of Dietary Ziziphus jujuba Fruit (Jujube): Developing Health Food Supplements for Brain Protection. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3019568.