Product Image

Extra-Strength ibuActin PM

Solaray
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(176 ratings)
Turmeric 50 mg
Ginger
Eleuthero 100 mg
Papain 75 mg
Bromelain 200 mg
GABA 30 mg
Melatonin 3 mg
Product Image
Score 70.0

This multi-ingredient formula targets sleep, stress, and mild inflammation, offering convenience for users seeking a combined nighttime solution. While it includes many beneficial herbs and enzymes, the dosages of key anti-inflammatory components like turmeric and ginger, and the relaxation aid GABA, are lower than optimal for 'extra-strength' efficacy.

Quantity: 90 VegCap(s)Servings size: 3 VegCap(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Joint Health
Digestive Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Metabolism Boost

Score 70.0

This multi-ingredient formula targets sleep, stress, and mild inflammation, offering convenience for users seeking a combined nighttime solution. While it includes many beneficial herbs and enzymes, the dosages of key anti-inflammatory components like turmeric and ginger, and the relaxation aid GABA, are lower than optimal for 'extra-strength' efficacy.

Analysis

Solaray Extra-Strength ibuActin PM is formulated to provide comprehensive support by combining ingredients traditionally used for sleep, stress relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. The 'PM' aspect is well-supported by melatonin, L-theanine, GABA, lemon balm, passionflower, and hops, aiming to promote relaxation and sleep. The 'ibuActin' aspect incorporates turmeric, ginger, white willow bark, and proteolytic enzymes like bromelain and papain, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, indirectly aiding in discomfort that might interfere with sleep. However, a critical assessment reveals that while the ingredient list is extensive, the concentrations of some key compounds, particularly turmeric extract and GABA, are significantly lower than what is typically considered therapeutically effective or found in single-ingredient specialized supplements. For instance, the 50mg of turmeric extract is far below the common 500-1500mg doses of curcuminoids used in studies, and the 30mg of GABA is very minimal for a noticeable effect. The product's diverse ingredient profile offers a convenient all-in-one solution for general nighttime well-being, but it may not deliver the 'extra-strength' impact implied by its name for specific inflammatory conditions, and some listed goals like 'Metabolism Boost' or 'Energy' are not supported by a 'PM' formula.

Pros
  • Combines multiple benefits (sleep, relaxation, anti-inflammatory) in a single supplement, offering convenience.
  • Includes a broad spectrum of traditional calming herbs (melatonin, L-theanine, lemon balm, passionflower, hops) to support sleep.
  • Contains proteolytic enzymes (bromelain, papain) which offer systemic anti-inflammatory benefits and aid digestion.
  • Features white willow bark, a natural source of salicin for pain relief.
Cons
  • Dosages of key anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric extract (50mg) and ginger (50mg) are low compared to clinically effective amounts for significant impact.
  • The GABA dosage (30mg) is very minimal and unlikely to produce a strong calming effect for most individuals.
  • The 'Extra-Strength' claim for anti-inflammatory support may be misleading due to suboptimal ingredient concentrations.
  • Many of the stated goals (e.g., Metabolism Boost, Energy, Testosterone Support, Productivity Boost, Anti-Aging, Mental Focus, Brain Health) are not directly supported by a 'PM' product's formulation and ingredients.
Warnings
  • White Willow contains salicin, which is chemically related to aspirin; individuals with aspirin sensitivity, bleeding disorders, or those on anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Melatonin and other calming ingredients can cause drowsiness; this product should be taken before sleep and not before driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • Due to the blend of various herbs, there is potential for interactions with other medications, especially sedatives or anti-inflammatory drugs; it's advisable to consult a doctor before use, particularly if taking prescription drugs.
$26.99($0.89 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 26.99
Amazon
$ 27.03
iHerb
$ 26.99
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 5 Calorie(s)
Total Carbohydrates 1 Gram(s)
Hops cones extract (Iso-Alpha Acids, Alpha Acids) 500 mg
Bromelain (Pineapple) 200 mg
Passionflower extract 125 mg
Lemon balm 100 mg
organic Eleuthero 100 mg
White Willow 100 mg
L-Theanine 75 mg
Papain 75 mg
Ginger 50 mg
Turmeric extract 50 mg
GABA 30 mg
Melatonin 3 mg
Adults 18–50
Categories
Melatonin 85.0
With 3mg of Melatonin, the product provides a standard and widely effective dose for supporting sleep onset and regulation of sleep cycles. This dosage is commonly recommended and utilized in many popular sleep supplements, making it a key and well-dosed component for the 'PM' aspect of the product, comparable to many effective single-ingredient melatonin products.
Bromelain 80.0
Bromelain is provided at a good dose of 200mg, offering significant proteolytic enzyme activity. Bromelain is well-regarded for its anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties, especially in relation to joint health and post-exercise recovery. This dosage is effective and competitive with the bromelain content in many combination enzyme supplements, making it a strong contributor to the product's anti-inflammatory claims.
Theanine 80.0
L-Theanine is present at 75mg, which is a moderate and often effective dose for promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness, complementing the sleep effects of melatonin. While some standalone L-Theanine supplements offer 200mg for a more pronounced calming effect, this amount is a valuable addition for stress relief and improving sleep quality within this blend, making it a competitive inclusion.
Goals
Sleep Support 75.0
The product includes effective sleep aids such as melatonin (3mg) and a good blend of calming herbs like L-Theanine (75mg), Lemon Balm (100mg), Passionflower (125mg), and Hops (1000mg). These ingredients work synergistically to promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep, aligning well with its 'PM' designation. However, the GABA content is significantly underdosed (30mg) for strong hypnotic effects, and some dedicated sleep products offer higher concentrations of key ingredients or incorporate 5-HTP for enhanced serotonin production.
Stress Relief 70.0
L-Theanine (75mg), Lemon Balm (100mg), Passionflower (125mg), and Hops (1000mg) are well-regarded for their anxiolytic and calming effects, which can contribute to stress relief. Organic Eleuthero (100mg) is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress. However, the GABA dose (30mg) is too low to be effective for significant stress reduction, preventing a higher score in this category when compared to products with more potent anxiolytic formulations.
Mood Support 68.0
The presence of L-Theanine, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Hops contributes to a sense of calmness and can indirectly support a positive mood by reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. While these ingredients are beneficial, the product isn't specifically designed as a primary mood enhancer. The very low GABA dose also limits its direct impact on mood compared to supplements specifically formulated for mood enhancement with higher doses of specific neurotransmitter precursors or adaptogens.
89 Value

Power to Sleep PM

Irwin Naturals
4.3
★★★★★
(2630 ratings)
This alternative provides a comprehensive multi-ingredient sleep and stress blend, including well-dosed components like GABA, Passionflower, Lemon Balm, and Valerian, offering a similar multi-benefit profile to the original at a slightly better price point.
91 Value

L-Theanine 200 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(13349 ratings)
This product delivers a high, effective dose of L-Theanine for relaxation and mood support at a very low cost per serving, representing excellent value for this specific benefit.
90 Value

Eleuthero 500 mg

NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(2501 ratings)
Offering a substantially higher dose of the adaptogen Eleuthero for stress and energy support, this alternative comes at an exceptionally low price per serving, providing great value for this component found in the original product.
95 Performance

Ortho Sleep

AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
4.1
★★★★★
(129 ratings)
Specifically formulated for sleep, this alternative features higher doses of L-Theanine, GABA, and Lemon Balm, along with Valerian and 5-HTP, offering a more robust and potentially more effective blend for comprehensive sleep support.
92 Performance

Turmeric & Bromelain

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(4038 ratings)
This product provides significantly higher and more effective doses of standardized Turmeric extract (curcuminoids) and Bromelain, making it a superior choice for targeting anti-inflammatory and joint health benefits.
93 Performance

BCQ

Vital Nutrients
4.5
★★★★★
(749 ratings)
This is a powerful anti-inflammatory blend with high doses of Curcumin, Bromelain, and Boswellia, offering a much more comprehensive and potent approach to joint and inflammation support compared to the original.
85 Budget

Melatonin 3 mg

Nature Made
4.7
★★★★★
(18331 ratings)
This alternative offers a standard dose of Melatonin, a key ingredient for sleep in the original product, at a significantly lower cost per serving, making it a much more economical choice for sleep support.
88 Budget

Ginger & Turmeric Full Spectrum

Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(1381 ratings)
This product provides higher doses of Turmeric and Ginger, directly addressing the anti-inflammatory and joint health goals of the original product, while being significantly more cost-effective per serving.
87 Budget

GABA 500 mg

Swanson
4.6
★★★★★
(1623 ratings)
Offering a much higher dose of GABA compared to the original, this alternative is substantially cheaper per serving, providing a more potent and economical option for stress relief and mood support.
89 Value

Power to Sleep PM

Irwin Naturals
4.3
★★★★★
(2630 ratings)
This alternative provides a comprehensive multi-ingredient sleep and stress blend, including well-dosed components like GABA, Passionflower, Lemon Balm, and Valerian, offering a similar multi-benefit profile to the original at a slightly better price point.
91 Value

L-Theanine 200 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(13349 ratings)
This product delivers a high, effective dose of L-Theanine for relaxation and mood support at a very low cost per serving, representing excellent value for this specific benefit.
90 Value

Eleuthero 500 mg

NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(2501 ratings)
Offering a substantially higher dose of the adaptogen Eleuthero for stress and energy support, this alternative comes at an exceptionally low price per serving, providing great value for this component found in the original product.
95 Performance

Ortho Sleep

AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
4.1
★★★★★
(129 ratings)
Specifically formulated for sleep, this alternative features higher doses of L-Theanine, GABA, and Lemon Balm, along with Valerian and 5-HTP, offering a more robust and potentially more effective blend for comprehensive sleep support.
92 Performance

Turmeric & Bromelain

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(4038 ratings)
This product provides significantly higher and more effective doses of standardized Turmeric extract (curcuminoids) and Bromelain, making it a superior choice for targeting anti-inflammatory and joint health benefits.
93 Performance

BCQ

Vital Nutrients
4.5
★★★★★
(749 ratings)
This is a powerful anti-inflammatory blend with high doses of Curcumin, Bromelain, and Boswellia, offering a much more comprehensive and potent approach to joint and inflammation support compared to the original.