In a pathetic and desperate attempt to combat the indulgent brain damage I have inflicted upon myself over the years I have, sadly, resorted to purchasing cognitive enhancement pills.
I've heard nothing but great reviews about these pills and I can't deny that I am excited to embark on whatever brain-titillating experience awaits me. To cut a long story short,
Alpha Brain is designed to help with:
- Creativity and Writing
- Strategy and Testing
- Memory and Dreaming
(Sadly) Alpha Brain is not supposed to be some magic instant-intelligence pills or anything of the sort, rather it is intended to give the old noggin a little bit o' pep each day. I've read that the dreams are meant to be extremely lucid and I am very much looking forward to them - an enthusiasm which I strongly believe will not shared by my other half since he will be on the receiving end of my totally uninteresting descriptions of the 'crazy dream I had last night'.
Interesting! What are the ingredients? I recently purchased a tub of tyrosine for a similar purpose.
ReplyDeleteAlpha GPC (L-alphaglycerylphosphorylcholine) – 120 mg Derived originally from lecithin, Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline is a phospholipid metabolite found concentrated in neuronal membranes. Unlike less expensive forms of choline such as choline bitrartate, Alpha GPC has been shown to be well absorbed, easily crossing the blood brain barrier. Once delivered it helps support brain function and learning processes by directly increasing the synthesis and secretion of acetylcholine. Strong acetylcholine has been linked to memory, focus, mental drive, REM sleep states, and the prevention of mental degradation with advancing age.
ReplyDeleteHuperzine A – 100 mcg + Huperzia Serrata - 20mg (.5% Huperzine A) An extract from the plant commonly known as Northern Firmoss (Huperzia Serrata), Huperzine A is one of the most effective naturally derived acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Huperzine A has been tested in a variety of clinical applications and shown to have positive effects on brain function. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) is responsible for the breakdown of Acetylcholine, and so by inhibiting AchE, more acetylcholine is available to the brain. Efficacy has been shown in a range of 200-400 mcg daily, and safety demonstrated in trials up to 5 weeks and 600 mcg daily.
Vinpocetine — 5mg A semi-synthetic compound derived originally from the periwinkle plant, vinpocetine helps the body deliver oxygen to the brain by increasing circulation and blood flow. Extensively studied in Europe, clinical investigations have found it to provide several advantages for the human brain, including memory enhancement, increased cognitive performance, improved cerebral circulation and higher mental acuity and awareness.
AC-11® – 350mg AC-11® the proprietary compound licensed under agreement from Optigenex Inc, is derived from Uncaria Tomentosa, a plant indigenous to the South American rainforest. In a series of peer reviewed scientific and clinical studies conducted by third party laboratories and university medical centers, AC-11® has been shown to help the body’s natural ability to repair DNA.
Although the exact mechanisms of action are being further investigated, the scientists believe that when the body is subjected to stress affecting the integrity of the DNA, AC-11® helps activate enzymes that are instrumental in the repair processes. This goes beyond other nutritional supplement by protecting the body from damage to its fundamental building blocks: The DNA itself.
Optigenex Inc is the exclusive patent holder for AC-11®. US patent numbers: 6039949, 6238675 B1, 6361805 B2
Bacopa (20% Bacosides) — 500 mg Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb found in the marshlands of India known to enhance clear thinking and support memory function. Ayurvedic masters have touted its cognitive enhancing effects for centuries as Bacopa has been served to Raj’s and peasants alike.
ReplyDeleteClinical investigations show that it has strong antioxidant properties, and may protect mental function in certain adults, while animal models have shown unequivocally that bacopa improves learning skills. Bacosides, the active compounds in Bacopa, play a protective role in the synaptic functions of the nerves in the hippocampus, the seat of memory. Inside the hippocampus nerve impulses are transmitted across the synapses and bacopa is believed to help the body prevent the degeneration that impairs memory and cognition.
Pterostilbene — 250 mcg One of the hottest extracts in the field of nootropics, pterostilbene is quickly surpassing its cousin resveratrol in popularity. A natural antioxidant abundant in blueberries, anecdotal evidence suggests that this particular antioxidant is effective in eliminating free radicals that contribute to ‘mental fog’. Combined with the other antioxidants in the formula, this adds further well rounded protection and health benefits to Alpha Brain™.
Mucuna Pruriens (50% l-Dopa) — 200mg Mucuna pruriens, commonly known as velvet bean or cowhage is another Ayurvedic herb with a long history of traditional use for benefitting the brain. As science later discovered, mucuna is one of the few plants to contain high quantities of l-Dopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. L-dopa crosses the blood brain barrier and converts into dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement. Mucuna pruriens also has antioxidant properties and is currently being studied in conjunction with the prevention/treatment of many brain conditions.
GABA — 300mg GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, discovered in 1950, is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Symptoms of unbalanced excitation in the brain includes restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. By inhibiting excessive excitability GABA is able to help the body induce relaxation, analgesia, and even aid in sleep. In the Alpha Brain™ formula, GABA plays an important role in balancing out the brain, and ensuring that the mind stays calm even as the ‘engines’ are roaring.
Oat Straw (10:1) — 300 mg Oat straw is one of nature's most powerful anti-stress nutrients and has been prescribed for of a wide range of nervous conditions. It has also been shown to help with exhaustion related neurological pains and is commonly given as a natural alternative to help combat challenges with attention span. Our formulation is extremely powerful, in a 10:1 concentration, and assists in making Alpha Brain™ a balanced nootropic.
Vitamin B6 – 15 mg Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is one of the body’s busiest vitamins, involved in an estimated 101 chemical reactions. One of its primary tasks is to aid in the manufacturing of amino acids and neurotransmitters. Some of these neurotransmitters are serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and GABA.
(Snaked from their website)
are you still using this?
ReplyDeleteFunny you should ask because I'm just in the middle of purchasing a new batch, as well as their mood-enhancing supplement 'New Mood'. I'll write a new post with results but so far I can say that it worked for me. It's not really obvious or anything, but there's definitely some kick to my step.
ReplyDelete