Abstract
M.Tech.
Stress is a normal physiological response to stressful stimuli. If, however, one is exposed to stress for long periods of time it can be harmful to one’s body. There is a lack of research on the treatment of stress both pharmaceutically and naturally. Many undesirable side-effects are associated with the current pharmaceutical treatment of stress. AdrenoState® is a nutritional supplement indicated for people who live a stressful lifestyle.
The aim of the study was to determine whether Adrenostate® would have an effect on salivary cortisol and perceived levels of stress in men.
Thirty eight male participants, who scored in the eligible range in the screening questionnaire and who fitted the criteria, completed the study. The study was a double blind placebo controlled study. The participants were placed into either group A or B, with equal distribution of age and levels of physical exercise. The study revealed that Group A was the placebo group and B the experimental group. The study was conducted over six weeks. Salivary cortisol, perceived stress levels, blood pressure and heart rate were measured and obtained at the first consultation (0 weeks), second consultation (3 weeks) and final consultation (6 weeks). The salivary cortisol
was measured by means of an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).