Lecture 5: Nootropics Flashcards
Nootropics
used to enhance memory or other cognitive function
Nootropics criteria
- Enhance memory and ability to learn
- Help the brain function under disruptive conditions such as hypoxia and electroconvulsive shock
- Protect the brain from chemical and physical assaults, such as anti-cholinergic drugs and barbiturates
- Increase the efficacy of neuronal firing control mechanisms in cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain
- Possess few or no side effects and be virtually non-toxic
How do nootropics work
- Brain energy
- Brain chemicals
- Cerebral blood flow
- Brain Waves
- Neuroprotection
- Brain regeneration
name 6 natural nootropics
- Gingko
- Ginseng
- Bacopa
- Huperzine A
- Forskolin
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Gingko - scientific name
Gingko biloba
Gingko - parts used
leaves and roots
Gingko - Bioactive compound
Ginkgolides
Gingko - mechanism of action
- Cholinergic - increases uptake and release of Ach
- Monoamine - increases uptake of serotonin, inhibits MAO, reduces beta-adrenergic binding and activity, reverses age related decline in a2 adrenergic receptors
- GABA - elevates GABA levels and increases glutamic acid decarboxylase activity
- Vascular: inhibition of platelet activation factor and activation of nitric oxide dependent vasodilation
Ginseng - scientific name
Panax ginseng
ginseng - parts used
roots
ginseng - bioactive compound
ginsengosides
Ginseng - mechanism of action
- cholinergic: increased Ach release and nicotinic binding
- monoamines: Turnover of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin is increased or decreased depending on does and duration of use
- nitric oxide: enhance epithelial synthesis in heart, lungs and kidneys
- Neurotropic: increase nerve growth factor (NGF) expression
- Ca flux: inhibits calcium channels
Bacopa - scientific name
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa - parts used
leaves and stem
Bacopa - bioactive compound
Bakosides
Bacopa - mechanism of action
- Anti-oxidant/neuroprotection
- cerebral blood flow and vasodilation
- Neurotransmitter protection
- ADHD
refer to page 31 for explanations
Firmoss - scientific name
Huperzia serrata
Firmoss - Part used
clubmoss
Firmoss - bioactive compound
Huperzine A
Huperzine A mechanism of action
it is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA antagonist that crosses the blood brain barrier
- thus, it can prevent neurons from cell death and excitotoxicity
Indian Coleus
Coleus foskolii
Indian Coleus - parts used
roots
Indian Coleus - bioactive compound
Forskolin
how is Forskolin unique amongst the other nootropics
it increases intracellular cAMP through adenylate cyclase activation
- its responsiveness increases with extracellular stimuli
activities of Forskolin
- increased intracellular cAMP through adenylate cyclase activation
- inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
- synergistic with artichoke extract in increasing cAMP levels
- anti-inflammatory effects
why do Forskolin and artichoke extract work better together
Artichoke extract contains Luteolin - a powerful phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE4)
- Excess PDE4 degrades cAMP
function of cAPM
its produces proteins needed for neuron and synapse growth, through a process called long term potentiation
Lion’s Mane - scientific name
Hericium erinaceus
Lion’s Mane - parts used
fruit body
Lion’s Mane - bioactive compound
Hericenons / Erinacine
Lion’s Mane - mechanism of action
enhances nerve growth factor (NGF) - a protein that is essential in the maintenance, survival and regeneration of neurons
Eugeroics
also known as wakefulness-promotiong agents and wakefulness-promoting drugs; are a class of during that promote wakefulness and alertness
neurotrophic
relating to the growth of nervous tissue
