Discover The Anti-Depressant You Can Depend On - Not One That Keeps You Dependent
Health Science Institute - 1/1/2006

We’ve talked before about what I call the duct tape effect: Treatments that offer a quick fix without actually repairing the problem, so they don’t really provide long-term benefits. This is the problem with the majority of anti-depressants on the market: They don’t focus on correcting your body’s chemical imbalances—at least not without making you dependent on the drug.

Now, the anti-aging product hailed by HSI members for helping them look and feel younger is helping beat depression, too. Originally, this was an elusive formula available only to movie stars, world leaders, and other people wealthy enough to travel to Romania and pay for the pricey injections (people like Dick Clark, Gretta Garbo, and JFK).

But now a product based on the original formula is available to you in the U.S. in tablet form. It’s called Ultra H-3. Ultra H-3 literally rebalances the “feel good” chemicals in your brain. But it doesn’t stop there. It also instills the desire for your brain to reproduce this feeling, which encourages it to naturally produce this ratio of balanced brain chemicals. Don’t settle for a chemical crutch If you suffer from depression, you’re not alone: Over 19 million Americans have been diagnosed—particularly a large number of seniors. Starting around age 40, the level of an enzyme called monoamine oxides (MAO) increases. This increase is directly related to aging and depression because MAO breaks down the very chemicals that keep you relaxed and happy (such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine).

The best way to combat depression is to keep balanced levels of MAO. Ultra H-3 does just that. HSI Panelist Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S., points out that Ultra H-3 offers a safe, natural alternative in a market where there are plenty of “natural” band-aids or chemical crutches (whether prescription or illegal substances) that alter or enhance mood, but that do nothing to correct the underlying imbalanced brain biochemistry.

Many even have disastrous side effects. We introduced you to a similar product, called H-3 Plus, in the December 2000 issue of HSI Members Alert. H-3 Plus was based on the original Romanian formula that the rich and famous swore by for its anti-aging effects. Ultra H-3 is a new advancement with extra ingredients added to increase its absorbability. But to truly understand how and why Ultra H-3 works, you have to take a look at the research done on the original Romanian formula, Gerovital H3 (GH-3).

More than 300 clinical studies have been done on GH-3 from various resources (including the FDA), and they all corroborate its anti-depressant potential. From anesthetic to anti-depressant Like many life-changing discoveries, GH-3 came about much by accident. Dr. Ana Aslan of the National Geriatric Institute in Bucharest, Romania, had been working with a substance called procaine as a pain medication in 1949 when she noticed some unusual responses—overwhelming accounts of physical and mental improvements.

Eventually, Dr. Aslan transformed procaine so that it could break down in to its principal metabolites, known as paraaminobenzoic acid (PABA) and diethylaminoethanol (DEAE). It’s these natural ingredients that provide the rejuvenating benefits to the brain and body.

Twenty years ago, David MacFarlane, Ph.D., of the University of Southern California tested GH-3 for its ability to inhibit the build up of MAO in the body. MacFarlane’s research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society in 1973, proved that GH-3 does inhibit MAO. Another study conducted by Dr. William Zung from Duke University showed that GH-3 not only outperformed placebo, but also was superior to imipramine, a popular remedy for depression.

In the Zung study, patients receiving GH-3 showed significant improvement in their mental well-being. More recently, in a 1996 double-blind study conducted on depressive patients, the anti-depressive effect of GH-3 was tested based on psychiatric and psychological investigations. GH-3 relieved depression, social anxiety, and fatigue by 70 percent, it alleviated agitation by 60 percent, and it alleviated anxiousness and hypochondriasis by 45 percent. 100 percent bioavailable

As impressive as GH-3 is, the manufacturers of Ultra H-3 claim that their formula is even more beneficial than the original. I wondered how they could make that kind of statement with such confidence when literally hundreds of studies have been done on GH-3 and no studies have been done on Ultra H-3. Plus, I wondered how a tablet could be more effective than an injection. Apparently, since Ultra H-3 starts with the original GH-3 formula as its base, the same research studies apply to the newer version.

But not only that—Ultra H-3 is made using a process developed in the 1980s that utilizes six times more of the procaine than the original, literally making the procaine 100 percent bioavailable. By itself, procaine gets quickly destroyed in the bloodstream. The original, injectable GH-3 contained benzoic acid, a substance that was intended to protect the procaine. The problem is, it only protected 15 percent of the procaine. Not to mention that the benzoic acid provided no benefits of its own, and it was even a potential allergen.

Dr. Robert Koch, a biochemist who studied GH-3, improved upon the formula by adding different compounds that are able to protect 100 percent of the procaine in addition to providing benefits of their own. These compounds include ascorbic acid, citric acid, niacin, folic acid, biotin, potassium, and magnesium. In addition to protecting the procaine, they also accompany it into the cell to help repair cellular damage.

Plus, Ultra-H3 differs from the original GH-3 formula because it also includes a base of standardized extracts of Gingko biloba and bilberry, which increase circulation to the brain. A whole new meaning behind happy customers HSI Panelist Anne Louise Gittleman has witnessed the anti-depressant effect on many of her patients. She commented, “Many people report they are able to cope with stress better after the first two weeks and maintain a constant feeling of well-being.

Some patients have even been able to wean themselves off prescription drugs like Prozac.” Gittleman even gave it to her own mother to try. She said, “I started giving it to my mother whom I never would have described as depressed.

She is a wonderful woman but has a very high-strung, artistic personality subject to theatrical highs and lows. Within one week, I noticed a marked difference in her ability to handle stress better and maintain a consistent sense of well-being without the daily mental peaks and valleys.” Dr. Roy Speiser tested Ultra H-3 on himself before offering it to his patients. He said, “After using Ultra H-3 for approximately four months, I have noticed a remarkable improvement in my energy level, immune system, concentration and sense of well being.

There has not been any supplement in my experience that has had as positive effect as Ultra H-3.” In addition to Drs. Gittleman and Speiser, users report very promising results. “The anti-depressant effect is noticeable immediately—I would say by the fourth day.” C.F. from Miami “I have struggled with depression for most of my life, never wanting to use prescription drugs… About a month ago, I reached a deep low, following months of more frequent periods of depression. After reading about Ultra H-3, I decided that I needed to give it a try.

Within just a few days, I began to notice a very different feeling – I am clearly more balanced and optimistic, and I’ve been told I have a sparkle in my eyes and a more youthful appearance.” Jean M. Gittleman also offers that, like many subtle natural products, “most people don’t realize how naturally high they are feeling on Ultra H-3 until they run out or forget to take their daily dosages!”

If you suffer from depression—especially if you are looking to get off prescription antidepressants—Ultra H-3 may provide the relief you need naturally. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes in your medical program. Recommended dosage is one to two tablets in the morning and one to two tablets in mid-afternoon (on an empty stomach).

You could notice the effects within a few hours, but it could take up to a week. In addition to being an anti-depressant, Ultra H-3 is also highly regarded for its anti-aging effects. Listed below are just a few of them. It’s been shown to: Protect your cells from degenerative ailments like heart disease, MS, and Parkinson’s disease Improve chronic age-related conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis Wipe away wrinkles and liver spots Help regain muscle mass and mobility in your limbs Improve the luster and vitality of your hair, nails, and skin Boost your immune system

Ultra H-3, UniKey Health Systems. Ph. (800)888-4353; www.unikeyhealth.com. A bottle of 60 tablets costs US$31.95 plus shipping. HSI members qualify for a 10% discount.