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NUTR 512 > nootropics > Flashcards

nootropics Flashcards

1
Q

nootropics

A

used to enhance memory or other cognitive function

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2
Q

what are the claims for a substance to be considered a nootropic?

A
  • enhance memory and ability to learn
  • help 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
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3
Q

piracetam is a ….. of which receptor?

A

positive allosteric modulator of the glutamate AMPA receptor that is colocalized with cholinergic receptors

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4
Q

which herbs are considered nootropics (natural nootropics)? (6)

A
  • ginkgo - Ginkgo biloba
  • ginseng - panax ginseng
  • bacopa - bacopa monnieri
  • firmoss - huperzia serrata
  • indian coleus - coleus foskolii
  • lion’s mane - hericium erinaceus
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5
Q

how do nootropics work?

A
  1. brain energy (enhance metabolic activity off mitochondria)
  2. brain chemicals (supplied precursor of synthesis of neurotransmitters)
  3. cerebral blood flow (promotes nitric oxide activation and relaxation of blood vessels)
  4. brain waves (some nootropics can raise alpha brain waves)
  5. neuroprotection (increasing the brain’s antioxidant capacity)
  6. brain regeneration (maintaining brain cell membrane flexibility and plasticity)
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6
Q

scientific name of ginkgo

A

ginkgo biloba

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7
Q

part used of ginkgo

A

leaves and roots

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8
Q

bioactive compound of ginkgo

A

ginkgolides (terpene)

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9
Q

ginkgo mechanism of action (4)

A
  1. cholinergic: increase uptake and release of Ach
  2. monoamine: increase uptake of serotonin + reverses age-related decline in alpha 2 adrenergic receptors
  3. GABA: increases glutamic acid decarboxylase activity
  4. vascular: nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation
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10
Q

how is ginkgo cholinergic

A

increases uptake and release of Acetylcholine a

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11
Q

mechanism of action of ginkgo on Monoamine

A
  • increases uptake of serotonin
  • inhibits MAO
  • reverses age-related decline in alpha 2 adrenergic receptors
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12
Q

…… memory tasks increase uptake of Ach

A

short-term memory

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13
Q

what does long-term memory reference memory tasks cause?

A

cause an acute increase followed by a long-lasting decrease and inhibition (acetylcholine?)

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14
Q

what are the two groups of adrenergic receptors?

A

alpha and beta => sympathetic receptors

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15
Q

which neurotransmitters activate alpha and beta adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic system?

A

norepinephrine and epinephrine

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16
Q

scientific name of ginseng

A

panax ginseng

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17
Q

part used of ginseng

A

root

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18
Q

bioactive compound of ginseng

A

ginsengosides (alkaloid)

19
Q

mechanism of action of ginseng (5)

A
  1. cholinergic: increases uptake and release of Ach
  2. monoamines: enhanced epithelial synthesis
  3. nitric oxide
  4. neurotrophic: increase nerve growth factor (NGF)
  5. inhibits calcium channels/flux
20
Q

how is ginseng cholinergic?

A

increased Ach release and nicotinic binding

21
Q

how is ginseng neurotrophic?

A

increase nerve growth factor (NGF) expression

22
Q

scientific name of bacopa

A

bacopa monnieri

23
Q

what parts of bacopa are used?

A

leaves and stem

24
Q

bioactive compound of bacopa

A

bacosides (triterpenoid saponin)

25
Q

mechanism of action of bacopa? (4)

A
  1. antioxidant/neuroprotection
  2. cerebral blood flow and vasodilation (release Nitric oxide from endothelium and promotes vasodilation and increased blood flow)
  3. neurotransmitter potentiation (rise in serotonin)
  4. reduces ADHD
26
Q

scientific name of firmoss

A

Huperzia serrata

27
Q

what part of firmoss is used

A

clubmoss

28
Q

bioactive compound of firmoss

A

Huperzine A (sesquiterpene alkaloid)

29
Q

what does huperzine A inhibit

A

acetycholinesterase inhibitor

30
Q

huperzine A is an …. antagonist . what does it entail?

A

NMDA receptor antagonist

helps prevent neurons form cell death from excitotoxicity

31
Q

scientific name of Indian coleus

A

coleus foskolii

32
Q

part used of Indian coleus

A

roots

33
Q

bioactive compound of Indian coleus

A

forskolin (diterpene)

34
Q

activity of forskolin: what does it increase? through which mechanism

A

intracellular levels of cAMP through adenylate cyclase activation

35
Q

what does forskolin inhibit?

A

inhibits acetylcholinesterase (increased acetylcholine levels)

36
Q

artichoke extract contains ….

A

luteolin

37
Q

what is luteolin?

A

a powerful phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE4 - degrades cAMP) which in turn increased long-term potentiation (LTP)

38
Q

what is the process of long-term potentiation?

A

production of proteins needed for neuron and synapse growth by cAMP

39
Q

scientific name of lion’s mane

A

hericium erinaceus

40
Q

part used of lion’s mane

A

fruit body

41
Q

bioactive compound of lion’s mane

A

hericenone/erinacine (diterpenoids)

42
Q

what does hericenones and erinacines isolated from the cultured mycelia of lion’s mane enhance?

A

enhances nerve growth factors (NGF) in vitro, essential in the maintenance, survival and regeneration of neurons

43
Q

eugeroics

A

are a class of drugs that promote wakefulness and alertness

44
Q

neurotrophic

A

relating to the growth of nervous tissue

NUTR 512 (11 decks)

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