COMPONENTS OF THE CAMBRIDGE PROTOCOL
“TRANSFORMATION” PHASE
The Cambridge Protocol Formulas – T-1, T-2, T-3 and T-4
The African medicinal plants utilized in our Formulas have been investigated for their potential medicinal properties. Several alkaloids and bioactive compounds have been separated and subjected to detailed structural analysis. Research in the pharmacognosy of our African medicinal plants have also involved assays of bio-activity, identification of potential modes of action, and target sites for active phytomedicinal compounds.
Formula T-1
As a result of research into the African medicinal plants used in the Protocol, surprising and unexpected properties of have been discovered. The combination of Pachylobus barteri bioactive compounds and Voacangalactone alkaloids have been found to be useful as a non-addictive analgesic agent in a treatment for drug dependency or abuse. In particular, it has been discovered that Voacangalactone binds to two classes of opioid receptors in the brain that have been associated with pain relief, the ҡ (kappa) and µ (mu) receptors. The κ-opioid receptor is one of five related receptors that bind opium-like compounds in the brain and are responsible for mediating the effects of these compounds. These effects include altering the perception of pain, consciousness, motor control, and mood. κ-Opioid receptors are widely distributed in the brain (hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, and claustrum), spinal cord (substantia gelatinosa), and in pain neurons.
The μ-opioid receptors are a class of opioid receptors with high affinity for enkephalins and beta-endorphin but low affinity for dynorphins. They are also referred to as μ opioid peptide receptors. The prototypical μ receptor agonist is the opium alkaloid morphine; μ (mu) refers to morphine. In case of the µ-type receptors, it appears that Voacangalactone and its intermediate metabolites act as a full opiate agonist, effectively blocking the receptors and preventing the body from responding to opiates and endorphins.
In addition, Formula T-1 elevates brain serotonin levels by blocking synaptic reuptake. It is believed that such levels (as well as ligand interactions at the µ and ҡ opiate receptors) play a role in the anxiety and drug cravings experienced by individuals during withdrawal. The proprietary blend of Pachylobus barteri bioactive compounds and Voacangalactone alkaloids in Formula T-1 inhibits the binding of the cocaine congener RTI-55 to the 5-HT transporter. This potent blend is active at both µ- and ҡ-opioid receptors and acts as a full agonist at the µ-opioid receptor with a level of intrinsic activity comparable to full agonists DAMGO and morphine.
Formula T-2
Griffonia simplicifolia, a West Africa shrub has been shown to raise serotonin levels. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the main bioactive component of Griffonia is an amino acid precursor as well as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the important brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin plays an important role in the body, specially, as a neurotransmitter to transport signals between neurons in the nervous system.
Serotonin levels are affected by alcohol and drugs use. When alcohol, cannabinoids or opioids are taken into the body, serotonin levels in the brain are elevated. This elevation in serotonin plays a role in the motivation to continue taking drugs. Studies show that when serotonin receptor cells were removed or when the receptors themselves were blocked, drug intake increases in laboratory models. Additional research showed that the opposite was also true. If you increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, drug intake decreases. The conclusion from these studies was that serotonin produced an inhibitory effect on drug intake. By increasing the serotonergic component, you make the drugs less attractive.
Mucuna pruriens also known velvet bean contains the amino acid L-Dopa (L-dihydroxyphenylalanine), which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that transmit messages from one brain cell (neuron) to another. Dopamine is a simple organic chemical in the catecholamine and phenethylamine families that plays a number of important roles in the brains and bodies of animals. Its name derives from its chemical structure: it is an amine that is formed by removing a carboxyl group from a molecule of L-DOPA. Dopamine is the chemical most involved in the reward/pleasure circuit and so is linked with addiction. The initial pleasure produced from drug use occurs because the drug targets the brain’s reward/pleasure circuit by flooding the system with dopamine.
When some drugs like cocaine are taken, they can release two to ten times the amount of dopamine; the resultant effects on the brain’s pleasure circuit dwarfs those produced by natural rewards such as food and even sex. This fact alone motivates people to take drugs again and again. As drug use continues the brain adjusts to the overwhelming surge in dopamine by producing less dopamine or by reducing the number of dopamine receptors. This process causes low dopamine function, high cravings when drug use stops and reduced ability to perceive pleasure.
The potent blend of Griffonia simplicifolia & Mucuna pruriens bioactive compounds in Formula T-2 help raise and stabilize serotonin levels naturally. As the levels are stabilized, the symptoms of withdrawal are reduced, leading to relief from insomnia, anxiety, and headaches. As dopamine levels and brain receptors return to normal, symptoms of withdrawal cravings are reduced.