Brain supplements. smart drugs

[peregrine]

I have not seen anything posted on this except for what i wrote about acetyl-L carnitine.
Do any of you have any experience or views on supplements to enhance ones thinking and learning ability? memory?
i have seen gingko mentioned and acetyl_L carnitine, but such occasions were rare.

this was from smart drugs website


Acetyl L-Carnitine

ALC facilitates both the release and synthesis of Acetylcholine.

ALC's ability to increase the synthesis of Acetylcholine occurs as a result of it donating its Acetyl group towards the production of Acetylcholine. to order

ALC increases the Brain's levels of Choline Acetylase (which in turn facilities the production of Acetylcholine).

ALC enhances the release of Dopamine from Dopaminergic Neurons and improves the binding of Dopamine to Dopamine Receptors.

ALC improves the reaction times of persons afflicted with Cerebral Insufficiency.

ALC (2-4 grams per day) improves walking distance without Pain in persons afflicted with Intermittent Claudication.

ALC prevents the age-related impairment of Eyesight (by protecting the Neurons of the Optic Nerve and the Occipital Cortex of the Brain.

ALC enhances the ability of Macro****es to function as ****ocytes.

ALC given prior to exercise increased the maximum running speed of animals.

ALC enhances the function of Cytochrome Oxidase (an essential enzyme of the Electron Transport System (ETS).

ALC improves the Energy metabolism of Neurons (by enhancing the transport of Medium-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids and Short-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids across the Cell Membranes of Neurons into the Mitochondria).

ALC inhibits the damage caused by Hypoxia.
ALC transports Lipids into the Mitochondria of Cells.

ALC improves Memory in persons afflicted with Age Associated Memory Impairment.

ALC improves Mental Function where Alcohol induced cognitive Impairment exists.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine inhibits the deterioration in Mental Function associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease [persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease exhibited significantly less deterioration in Mental Function following the administration of supplemental ALC for 12 months. This finding was verified by using nuclear magnetic resonance on the subjects].

ALC increases Alertness in persons afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease - 2,500-3,000 mg per day for 3 months].
ALC inhibits the toxicity of Amyloid-Beta Protein (ABP) to Neurons.

ALC improves Attention Span in persons afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.

ALC improves Short Term Memory in persons afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.

High concentrations of ALC are naturally present in various regions of the Brain.
ALC reverses the age-related decline that occurs in Cholinergic Receptors (i.e. the Receptors that receive Acetylcholine).

ALC improves (eye to hand) Coordination [supplemental ALC @ 1.5 grams per day for 30 days improved eye to hand coordination in healthy, sedentary subjects by a factor of 300-400%].

ALC improves the Interhemispheric Flow of Information across the Corpus Callosum of the Brain.

ALC retards the decline in the number of Dopamine Receptors that occurs in tandem with the Aging Process and (more rapidly) with the onset of Parkinson's Disease.

ALC enhances the release of Dopamine from Dopaminergic Neurons and improves the binding of Dopamine to Dopamine Receptors.

ALC can prevent the destruction of Dopamine Receptors by MPTP (a neurotoxin capable of causing Parkinson's Disease via Dopaminergic Receptor death.

ALC improves Attention Span and Memory in persons afflicted with Down’s Syndrome.

ALC retards the inevitable decline in the number of Glucocorticoid Receptors that occurs in tandem with the Aging Process.

ALC enhances the recovery of persons afflicted with Hemiplegia (Paralysis of one side of the body) and improves their Mood and Attention Span.

ALC retards the age-related deterioration of the Hippocampus [research - rats].

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) improves Learning ability [women aged 22 - 27 were supplemented with ALC for 30 days. Complex video game tests before and after supplementation concluded that supplemental ALC caused large increases in speed of Learning, speed of reaction and reduction in errors].

ALC improves both Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory.

ALC improves Mood [ALC improves Mood in 53% of healthy subjects].

ALC inhibits (and possibly reverses) the degeneration of Myelin Sheaths that occurs in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process [scientific research - hyperglycemic mice treated with ALC for 16 weeks exhibited improved nerve conduction velocity and exhibited thicker Myelin Sheaths and larger myelinated Nerve Fibers].

ALC retards the inevitable decline in the number of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Receptors that occurs in tandem with the Aging Process.

ALC stimulates and maintains the growth of new Neurons within the Brain (both independently of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and as a result of preserving NGF) and helps to prevent the death of existing Neurons [ALC inhibits Neuron death in the Striatal Cortex, Prefrontal Cortex and the Occipital Cortex of the Brain].

ALC inhibits the degeneration of Neurons that is implicit in Neuropathy.

ALC rejuvenates and increases the number of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors (NMDA Receptors) in the Brain [even a single dose of ALC increases the number of functional NMDA Receptors]:

ALC protects the NMDA Receptors in the Brain from the natural decline that occurs in tandem with the Aging Process [research - animals].

ALC is presently being researched as a treatment for Parkinson's Disease.

ALC inhibits the loss of Vision, degeneration of Neurons and damage to the Retina associated with Retinopathy (including Diabetic Retinopathy).

ALC improves the quality of Sleep and reduces the quantity of Sleep required.

ALC improves the function of (reduces the over-excitability of) Motor Nerves in persons afflicted with Spasticity.

ALC improves Spatial Memory (an aspect of Short Term Memory that involves remembering one’s position in space).

ALC inhibits the excessive release of Cortisol in response to Stress and inhibits the depletion of Luteinising Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) and Testosterone that occurs as a result of excessive Stress.

ALC improves Verbal Fluency.

ALC enhances the function of Cytochrome Oxidase (also called Complex IV) - an essential enzyme of the Electron Transport System.

ALC normalizes Beta-Endorphin levels.
ALC reduces Stress-induced Cortisol release [research - animals].

ALC prevents the depletion of Luteinising Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) caused by exposure to excessive Stress.

ALC retards the decline in the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) that occurs in tandem with the Aging Process.

ALC increases plasma Testosterone levels (via its influence on Acetylcholine neurotransmission in the Striatal Cortex of the Brain) and prevents the depletion of Testosterone caused by exposure to excessive Stress [research - rats].

References

De Falco, F. A., et al. Effect of the chronic treatment with L-acetylcarnitine in Down’s syndrome. Clin Ther. 144:123-127, 1994.

Bowman, B. Acetyl-carnitine and Alzheimer’s disease. Nutr Rev. 50:142-144, 1992.

Bruno, G., et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer disease: a short-term study on CSF neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord (USA). 9(3):128-131, 1995.

Calvani, M., et al. Action of acetyl L-carnitine in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (USA). 663:483-486, 1993.

Carta, A., et al. Acetyl L-carnitine: a drug able to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s Disease? Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (USA. 640:228-232, 1991.

Guarnaschelli, C., et al. Pathological brain ageing: evaluation of the efficacy of a pharmacological aid. Drugs under Experimental and Clinical Research. 14(11):715-718, 1988.

Passeri, M., et al. Acetyl L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research. 10(1-2):75-79, 1990.

Pettegrew, J. W., et al. Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol Aging. 16:1-4, 1995.

Rai, G., et al. Double-blind, placebo controlled study of acetyl-L-carnitine in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 11(10):638-647, 1989.

Sano, M., et al. Double-blind parallel design pilot study of acetyl levocarnitine in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Arch Neurol. 49:1137-1141, 1992.

Sinforiani, E., et al. Neuropsychological changes in demented patients treated with acetyl-L-carnitine. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research. 10(1-2):69-74, 1990.

Spagnoli, A. U., et al. Long-term acetyl-l-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology. 41(11):1726-1732, 1991

[peregrine]

Vinpocetine is a periwinkle plant extract that improves mental functioning.
Vinpocetine dilates the arteries of the brain but does not dilate other blood vessels.
Vinpocetine improves the brain's utilization of glucose.
Vinpocetine accelerates the rate of learning in animal studies by up to 40%.
Vinpocetine increases the length of time that short-term memory is retained.
Vinpocetine improves vision and eyesight disorders.
Vinpocetine improves impaired hearing and improves inner-ear problems.
Vinpocetine improves Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and Vertigo (dizziness).
Vinpocetine can prevent stroke and mitigate damage in the aftermath of stroke.
Vinpocetine increases Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within the brain's neurons

Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata) is an ingredient found in Chinese Moss that enhances mental functioning by prolonging the life of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. This is the same mechanism of action by which the prescription drug Aricept works.

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a modified form of choline that is found in sardines.
DMAE is able to cross the Blood-Brain Barrier and increase brain acetylcholine levels.
DMAE improves memory and learning and increases Intelligence, especially in children.
DMAE alleviates behavioral problems and hyperactivity in Attention Deficit Disorder (AD
DMAE increases attention span and improves learning ability in those with ADD.
DMAE improves creativity and verbal fluency by enhancing interhemispheric communication between the two lobes of the brain.
DMAE improves the behavior and mental function of children with Down's Syndrome.
DMAE removes lipofuscin (age pigment or so-called “liver spots”) from the skin and brain.

Galantamine is extracted from the snowdrop plant (a type of daffodil) and is used as an Alzheimer's treatment in Europe under the trade name Reminyl. In addition to its use for Alzheimer’s, people use Galantamine as an aid to improve their memory and learning ability.
1) Galantamine (as does Huperzine A) inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine (which is necessary for learning and memory).
2). Galantamine stimulates brain nicotinic receptors and reduces the build up of amyloid plaque (deposits containing dead neurons) in the brain. Interestingly, people using galantamine are reporting a loss of body weight, probably due to the stimulation of nicotinic receptors.

Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China that has been used medicinally for centuries.
Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and oxygen supply to the brain.
Ginkgo biloba improves alertness by increasing the brain's alpha wave rhythms,
Ginkgo biloba accelerates the healing of damaged motor nerves.
Ginkgo biloba improves the transmission of nerve impulses through the nervous system.

Pyritinol has been used in Europe since 1961 for various cognitive conditions such as dementia, head injury, stroke aftermath, coma, and cerebral circulatory disorders.
Pyritinol has shown to help Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and is used by people of all ages to improve memory, concentration, and to enhance information processing.

Idebenone increases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain and has been used used to treat Alzheimer's disease and to lessen damage from strokes.

Rhodiola rosea is a Siberian herb that is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves work performance and benefits the following conditions: headaches, insomnia, hypertension, altitude sickness, and male sexual dysfunction. Rhodiola rosea's effects are attributed to its ability to optimize brain serotonin and dopamine levels and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.

Bacopin (Bacopa monniera) is an ancient Ayurvedic medicinal herb. Research has shown that bacopa may improve spatial memory, increase learning speed, protect the brain from free-radical damage, diminish attention-deficit problems, and slow age-related cognitive decline.

[FierceFists]

bump post your experiences if any, I'm curious

[peregrine]

personally i would like every advantage especially in the competitive world of today. students or businessmen, or even athletes could benefit. being able to think clearer and faster than the competition could be a distinct advantage that means the difference between food on the table or a spot in the welfare line, an A+ or C, 1st place or sloppy seconds.

acteyl-L carnitine has been proven in numerous studies to enhace learning ability, cerebral function, and memory. there are other drugs or supplements that are also effective. DMAE and idebenone have been used to aid alhzheimers patients. etc. etc.

[larky]

you may be interested in the Life Extension Foundation website. though their main goal is human immortality and ending the aging process, they also study intelligence, memory and fitness. they also sell lots of stuff, check this out:

http://www.lef.org/newshop/items/item33026.html

[wojo]

how can u even have a discussion without mentioning piracetam.. www.piracetam.com
i used it stacked with alcar and vin and loved it gonna use it next week again when i start school

[seanconnery]

I take it none of these are prescription drugs?

[peregrine]

Originally posted by wojo
how can u even have a discussion without mentioning piracetam.. www.piracetam.com
i used it stacked with alcar and vin and loved it gonna use it next week again when i start school

what has your experience with these nootropic supplements been? have you noticed a significantly measurable difference or could it be placebo? the studies back the drugs but what have you seen?

[dito]

I like grape seed extract.

[Deoudes59]

never supplemented before but im interested in what everyone says

wojo -- how much does that cost you? and can you really really tell the difference?

[wojo]

major diff.. i take 9 800mg pills (3 caps 3x a day=9 total) a day for the first 3 days as and then lower the dose to 800 3 x a day...a bottle of 240 caps costs me 65 bucks ats sherwyns.com. def not placebo i ran it for a few weeks (i forget exacty how many weeks) more than likely 3 weeks. i def had a better feel for things while taking it..noticed time going faster and me being more into what i was doing.to the point that paople would call me twice standing right behind me.
see its tricky with this type of supplement to really explain how it "feel" because thats all i can relate to u..whereas with a bbing supp i cna say i gained x amount of weight or my body dropped x%.this stuffs expensive so i wouldnt keep taking it and buying it for pure placebo.im a artist and artist r known to work in what is called "right side of the brain" most successful artist work this way athletes call it the zone..i def felt in the zone.i dont make jack from this supp so im not pimping it just works and works enough i feel justified to buy more for the coming semester

[wojo]

Originally posted by seanconnery
I take it none of these are prescription drugs?

actually i think piracetam is prescription add drug in europe.

[wojo]

doubt alcars effects?
here ya go http://www.discover.com/oct_02/featradical.html

[Deoudes59]

hmm sounds real good. I remember when I was cutting for spring break senior year of high school, i'd wake up 5am take an ECA and run. By 8am English Class i was so focused it was unreal. That's the zone I remember. Awesome for concentration, I'd love to find another supplement that puts me there again.

[ulter]

Now imagine how nice it would be to get...


Vinpocetine
Galantamine
Huperzine A
DMAE
acetyl-l-carnitine
Acetyl-l-tyrosine
Choline
2-oxo-pyrrolidone (look this up)


...all in one capsule. You'd have the nootropic of the decade. Check it

www.neurogenex.net

[seanconnery]

That would have to be one huge mother of a capsule.

[ulter]

It is huge and there is no room for fillers. The 2 oxo is the thing that sets this above anything else being sold in America. There is 400mg of it per capsule. I have been told I can't post the trade name for it so you'll have to look it up.
The nice thing is that you will feel this product by the 2nd day and if you are short on sleep you'll feel it the 1st day. It's a good "morning after" or studing aid.

[wojo]

Originally posted by ulter
Now imagine how nice it would be to get...


Vinpocetine
Galantamine
Huperzine A
DMAE
acetyl-l-carnitine
Acetyl-l-tyrosine
Choline
2-oxo-pyrrolidone (look this up)


...all in one capsule. You'd have the nootropic of the decade. Check it

www.neurogenex.net

no listing of doses anywhere just anither propiety mix..would prefer to know what is in a pill i.e how many milligrams. so its not just enough to get it on the lable and not enough to actually do something(not bashing at all just asking)..did ur pimp alarm go off once u saw this thread? lol

[wojo]

only 400mgs that very low a dose..i take it u need 6 a day?

[ulter]

Yes 2 3 times a day is the optimum dose.
You can get the ingredient amounts by just asking for them. sales@anafit.com

The reason they are not posted anywhere is that our competitors have stolen this information in order to duplicate our products in the past year. So we don't feel the need to give them any more easy to follow road maps.

Pimp Alarm? OIC we should make this product and not tell anyone about it because you might be offended somehow. I'll take it under consideration.

[Number 5]

Originally posted by ulter

2-oxo-pyrrolidone (look this up)

www.neurogenex.net

pir? i think u'd need at least 5 grams of that a day (maybe less w/ all the other stuff), so you'd still need about 12 caps a day? kilo used to sell the 2-oxo stuff, but they pulled it, and when i asked if they would have it again in the future, they said they never would. i guess the name change trick didn't work for them, so watch out...

-5

[wojo]

Originally posted by ulter
[B

Pimp Alarm? OIC we should make this product and not tell anyone about it because you might be offended somehow. I'll take it under consideration. [/B]

settle down beavis i was joking..all in fun

number 5 sann has a product with pir in and have for awhile now. where r u getting the 5 gram dose at? i have done very well at 2400mgs a day after a initial l "loading" of 8 grams a day..though 5 grams wouldnt hurt as pir is remarkedly safe

[ulter]

wojo, I get attacked here daily so I'm sorry if I am a little gun shy.

5, you couldn't possibly need that much 2-oxo unless you have advanced brain deterioration. I have used 2400 many times over the last few years and that's plenty. Besides the other ingredients add a lot to it.

I don't know what product sann has with 2-oxo. I didn't see it on their website. Kilo get's ripped off a lot on the materials they buy. They may have dumped it because the supplier they had was selling them junk. We carried 3 Kilo products and all 3 tested below the label and were trashed. I don't think they do it on purpose, I just think they are too trusting of suppliers and don't test their stuff. I am a firm believer in independent lab tests as anyone who has seen my posts about Glucorell R can tell you.

[wojo]

its in sann's neuroflow unless they removed it recently

[Sir Foxx]

All studies show that the effective dose for Pir is 2400mg to 4800mg.

[wojo]

can u post some studies foxx? i have read that pir has a short life in the body and that s why need frequent dosages

[Sir Foxx]

Dimond and Bowers(1976)
Found that after two weeks, a group of students who received piracetam(4.8gm/day) had significant improvement in memory and verbal material compared to a control group


Giurgea(1977)
The above study was confirmed in a similar study of seventeen young, healthy volunteers with the administration of 3.2gm/day of piracetam for 5 days.

Mindus(1976)
Studied eighteen middle-aged subjects who were essentially in good health, but complained of some memory loss. The authors reported that piracetam produced significant improvement in mental performance after 4 weeks of doses of 4.8gm/day

I was wrong on the doses before, there are 3 dosage levels that have been used in human trials:

1.6gm/day
2.4gm/day
4.8gm/day

Add choline to the mix to increase effectiveness.

[wojo]

good post

[ulter]

was wrong on the doses before, there are 3 dosage levels that have been used in human trials:

1.6gm/day
2.4gm/day
4.8gm/day

Add choline to the mix to increase effectiveness.

When you add choline to 2.4gr a day of Piracetim and then you add Vinpocetine Galantamine Huperzine A DMAE acetyl-l-carnitine Acetyl-l-tyrosine you get the best nootropic formula anywhere.

If you don't want to take my word for it, we are giving out free sample packs of Neurogenex. So if you want one just email sales@anafit.com.
You should feel the difference the first day even though the 2-oxo is better felt in the 3rd week. If you're out too late or just don't get enough sleep, you just take a couple of these and you won't believe how well you think and feel. Try it.

[Number 5]

Originally posted by ulter
5, you couldn't possibly need that much 2-oxo unless you have advanced brain deterioration. I have used 2400 many times over the last few years and that's plenty. Besides the other ingredients add a lot to it.

I don't know what product sann has with 2-oxo. I didn't see it on their website. Kilo get's ripped off a lot on the materials they buy. They may have dumped it because the supplier they had was selling them junk.

i've tried 2.4 g of piracetam alone and it did little for me. 4.8 g is often recommended and that definately worked in my case (or about 5 grams). now that was kilo's piracetam, so if it was underdosed, then less might do, especially when combined with all the other stuff.

did you test kilo's stuff? do you have reason to believe it might be significantly underdosed? if so, what would the rest of the stuff be? reason i ask is b/c i still have some left, so i'd like to know what i'm putting in my body.

-5

p.s. i sincerely hope i don't have advanced brain deteriration, though i sometimes wonder what all that heavy college drinking did to me...