N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the acetylated precursor of both the amino acid L-cysteine and reduced glutathione (GSH).
Historically it has been used as a mucolytic agent in chronic respiratory illnesses as well as an antidote for liver toxicity due to drug (paracetamol) overdose.
More recently, studies of NAC have shown it to be a powerful antioxidant and a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of pathological gambling, drug addiction, cancer, heart disease, HIV infection, heavy metal toxicity, and other diseases characterized by free radical, oxidant damage.
NAC has also been shown to be of some value in treating Sjorgen's syndrome, influenza, hepatitis C, and myoclonus epilepsy.
Viridian's NAC+ helps support the conditions as described above and in addition has been formulated specifically to target the area of willpower, cravings, addiction, dependency, compulsive behaviour and to provide nutritional and botanical support to support an integrated approach. 
This formula also supports the fundamental aspects of liver detoxification and glycaemic control.

NAC and ADDICTION - NACs effectiveness is primarily attributed to its ability to stimulate glutathione (GSH) synthesis, enhance glutathione-S-transferase activity, promote liver detoxification by inhibiting xenobiotic biotransformation, and as a powerful free radical scavenger.  Preclinical studies have suggested that levels of glutamate within the nucleus accumbens mediate reward-seeking behaviour (Kalivas and Volkow 2005; McFarland et al. 2003). The nucleus accumbens is a collection of neurons within the forebrain. It is thought to play an important role in reward, laughter, pleasure, addiction and fear.  Restoring extracellular glutamate concentration in the nucleus accumbens seems to block reinstitution of compulsive behaviours and decrease cravings. Studies examining cocaine addiction demonstrate that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) seems to increase extracellular levels of glutamate, stimulate inhibitory glutamate receptors, and thereby reduce synaptic release of glutamate.  Research from 2007 reveals further evidence that NAC influences the glutamate receptors - this was shown in an interesting study on NAC's effects on pathological gambling (Grant, 2007).  Results from this study reveal that NAC supplementation (1200-1500mg per day) resulted in a significant reduction in gambling cravings and that the efficacy of NAC lends support to the hypothesis that pharmacological manipulation of the glutamate system might target core symptoms of reward-seeking addictive behaviours.

L-GLUTAMINE - Glutamine is one of the three amino acids involved in glutathione synthesis. Glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant and hepatic detoxifier, is comprised of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine.  Initial studies have shown that glutamine supplementation reduces alcohol intake, a finding that has been confirmed in double-blind human research.  Glutamine crosses the blood /brain barrier readily and is converted into Glutamic acid in the brain.  As a key neurotransmitter it helps increase mental function, alertness, and exerts a mild anti-depressant effect.
 
CINNAMON - research reveals that cinnamon may improve glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity.  Along with chromium, cinnamon may help provide glycaemic control, stabilise mood and reduce the potential for cravings and need for ‘stimulants.'

CHROMIUM - chromium has been found to be effective in cases of both hyper and hypoglycaemia.  Chromium works closely with insulin in facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.  Without chromium, insulin's action is blocked and blood sugar levels are elevated.  Chromium supplementation has been shown to reduce carbohydrate cravings and may provide mood stabilising benefits for those with depression (Doherty JC, 2005).

NOTE: Contraindicated in individuals with active peptic ulcer. Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.