Understand your concerns, but one thing I'll NEVER do is "window dress"/under-dose ingredients. Curcumin for example is effective for pain relief at a mere 200mg (1). In this study of patients with osteoarthritis, just 200 mg of curcumin resulted in the researchers commenting:
(1) The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15 (8): 891–7. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0186
"The results showed that the curcumin treated group had a statistically significant reduction in all primary clinical end-points. These results were complimented by the evaluation of a series of inflammatory markers, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR])... while no significant variation was observed in the placebo group".
TranQuilogen gives you a 170% stronger, safe dosage compared to the above study, plus combines it with no less than three other natural anti-inflammatory agents. At 3 caps/day, you're looking at over a full gram of it. Using the suggested 5 days on/2off or 3 weeks on/1 week off dosing protocol I suggest - a bottle will last you a full month, at max dose.
With respect to Rhodiola, much of it found on the market is inferior given it's of Chinese (or Bulgarian) origin . We use the #1 supplier of RR in the world - sourced from Siberia where the plant contains the most actives (Rosavins and Salrosides/Tyrosol).(2,3,4) This is THE #1 Rhodiola Extract with an outstanding reputation for results.
(2) Panossian, A., Wikman, G. (2010). "Rosenroot (Roseroot): Traditional Use, Chemical Composition, Pharmacology, and Clinical Efficacy". Phytomedicine 17 (5-6): 481–493.doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002
(3) Mao Y, Li Y, Yao N (Nov 2007). "Simultaneous determination of salidroside and tyrosol in extracts of Rhodiola L. by microwave assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography". J Pharm Biomed Anal 45 (3): 510–5. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2007.05.031. PMID 17628386.
(4) Panossian A, Nikoyan N, Ohanyan N, et al. (Jan 2008). "Comparative study of Rhodiola preparations on behavioral despair of rats". Phytomedicine 15 (1–2): 84–91doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2007.10.003. PMID 18054474.
I'd also ask you consider the ingredient interplay as I've arranged. For example, We know RR elevates serotonin levels in the brain (FWIW, Dopamine too). One study noted that the decreased levels of serotonin found in depressed rat hippocampus' was normalized with rhodiola ingestion (1.5-6g/kg of rhodiola with 4% salidroside), with 1.5g/kg actually being most effective (serotonin increasing 20% higher than non stressed controls). Now consider the fact 5-HTP is a well known precursor to serotonin. The combination of the two is far more effective than either taken alone.
We also know Picamilon is the pinnacle of agents optimizing blood flow to the brain, much moreso than the category staple - Vinpocetine. What this amounts to is getting more of the actives in Tranquilogen where we want them, and optimizes levels of target neurotransmitters far better than any ingredient individually. Best evidence I can give you is Synthagen, which uses the same multi-faceted/layered approach to arrive at a "failsafe" formula.
The natural source Astaxanthin we use is dosed at 4-5x's that found in competing formulas, and the CurcuClear Curcumin is a concentrated full spectrum version. When paired with bioperine in a precise ratio, studies support up to a 2,000% increase in uptake and utilization in humans. More on that below.
BOTTOM LINE: I'm most interested in your feedback on how the combined effects of the 6 ingredients in "TQ" compare, vs. much higher amounts of the individual actives. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...
Hope that helps..