: Cyclic-AMP:

Hormones are the first messengers to cells. Melatonin is the only hormone that directly signals every cell in the body. Other hormones affect select cells by activating adenylate cyclase, an enzyme, that converts precursors into a second messenger within the cell. There are several second messengers, but the most abundant one is the cyclic nucleotide adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP or cAMP).

This pathway triggers cascading activity in every body system, so cAMP's intracellular effects are system-wide. Increasing intra-cellular levels of cyclic AMP affects thyroid, reproductive and immune function, lipolysis of fats, muscle cell contraction and relaxation, cell secretion and permeability, and many other aspects of health.

Botanical-Medicine:

Coleus (Coleus forskohlii) is one of the world's most researched plants. Most of the research focuses on forskolin, the most active compound. Forskolin activates the enzyme adenylate cylclase that forms cyclic AMP inside cells, increasing cAMP levels 6 to 400-fold. The plant has a long history of use in its native India for cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, and nervous system function, including treatment of glaucoma. Coleus is said to increase cellular memory.

Chinese Skullcap root (Scutellaria baicalensis) possesses antioxidant activity while stimulating cyclic AMP.

Bupleurum root (Bupleurum chinense), a native of China, is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis, enlarged liver or spleen, chemical liver damage, liver stasis or liver congestion, depression, and irregular menstruation. Bupleurum root contains saikosaponins that help maintain liver health and support immune function. Bupleurum reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin production. Bupleurum root also increases cAMP.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) stimulates the formation of cyclic AMP and helps regulate inflammatory responses to stress via regulatory effects on prostaglandin, leukotriene, and thromboxane production.

Jujube dates support the liver, nervous system and respiratory tract. Jujube is invigorating and nutritive while stimulating cAMP.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) inhibits prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis while increasing cyclic AMP. Gingerols and diarylhepatanoids have been identified as active anti-prostaglandin compounds. Another constituent, (6)-shogaol, may act as an analgesic by inhibiting the release of the immunoreactive substance P. Ginger root is known in the Ayurvedic tradition as vishwabhesaj, meaning universal medicine.

A cAMP enhancing formula after Cell Well Liquid Phyto-Caps
for Optimum Intra-Cellular Communication (Gaia):

Common name	Botanical name: Genus, species	Portion
Coleus root	Coleus, forskohlii	11 parts
Chinese Skullcap	Scutellaria, baicalensis	9 parts
Bupleurum root	Bupleurum, chinense	7 parts
Feverfew	Tanacetum, parthenium	6 parts
Jujube date seed	Zizyphus, jujuba	3 parts
Licorice root*	Glycyrrhiza, glabra; Glycyrrhiza, uralensis	2 parts
Ginger rhizome, supercritical extract	Zingiber, officinalis	1 part

*Licorice root is used in many TCM formulas for harmonizing the other herbs. Licorice has soothing and antispasmodic properties, providing support for endocrine system and soothing the mucosa of the respiratory system.