Lactium casein decapeptide (Alpha-Casozepine)
Synopsis of lactium casein decapeptide
Lactium is a bioactive milk-derived peptide obtained through the enzymatic hydrolysis of casein, the main protein in milk. Specifically, it is a decapeptide (a chain of 10 amino acids) that mimics the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, producing a mild tranquilizing or anxiolytic effect. Unlike pharmaceutical anxiolytics, Lactium is non-sedative, non-addictive, and does not impair alertness, making it appealing for natural stress and sleep support.
Lactium’s effects have been supported by several human and animal studies that show reduced cortisol levels, improved sleep quality, and decreased symptoms of anxiety under stress. It is used as a functional ingredient in dietary supplements, sleep aids, and anti-stress formulations—especially those aimed at mood support without the side effects of benzodiazepines or melatonin. It is also generally considered safe for daily use and is often promoted as a natural way to restore calm in individuals with stress-related conditions.
Historical Use:
Though Lactium itself is a modern nutraceutical developed through controlled enzymatic processes and patented by Ingredia Nutritional (France), its foundation lies in a long history of using milk for its calming properties. Milk has been traditionally associated with relaxation and sleep support in numerous cultures. For centuries, warm milk has been a folk remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and general restlessness, commonly given before bed to children and adults alike.
In Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine, milk—often prepared with herbs like ashwagandha, nutmeg, or saffron—was used as a tonic for nerves and mental fatigue. Ancient Greek physicians such as Hippocrates also recognized milk’s nourishing and balancing effects on the body and mind. Although these traditional uses did not isolate or understand the role of casein-derived peptides, they reflected an empirical awareness of milk’s soothing properties, which modern science has now attributed in part to compounds like α-casozepine.
The scientific discovery of casein’s calming effects began in the 1990s, when researchers identified bioactive peptides released during digestion that could bind to benzodiazepine receptors. Lactium was eventually developed through enzymatic digestion mimicking natural gastric processes, allowing consistent dosing and therapeutic use. It represents a convergence of ancient nutritional wisdom with modern biotechnology.
Lactium casein decapeptide is used for these health conditions
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Insomnia (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
