nootropics Flashcards
nootropics
used to enhance memory or other cognitive function
what are the claims for a substance to be considered a nootropic?
- 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
piracetam is a ….. of which receptor?
positive allosteric modulator of the glutamate AMPA receptor that is colocalized with cholinergic receptors
which herbs are considered nootropics (natural nootropics)? (6)
- ginkgo - Ginkgo biloba
- ginseng - panax ginseng
- bacopa - bacopa monnieri
- firmoss - huperzia serrata
- indian coleus - coleus foskolii
- lion’s mane - hericium erinaceus
how do nootropics work?
- brain energy (enhance metabolic activity off mitochondria)
- brain chemicals (supplied precursor of synthesis of neurotransmitters)
- cerebral blood flow (promotes nitric oxide activation and relaxation of blood vessels)
- brain waves (some nootropics can raise alpha brain waves)
- neuroprotection (increasing the brain’s antioxidant capacity)
- brain regeneration (maintaining brain cell membrane flexibility and plasticity)
scientific name of ginkgo
ginkgo biloba
part used of ginkgo
leaves and roots
bioactive compound of ginkgo
ginkgolides (terpene)
ginkgo mechanism of action (4)
- cholinergic: increase uptake and release of Ach
- monoamine: increase uptake of serotonin + reverses age-related decline in alpha 2 adrenergic receptors
- GABA: increases glutamic acid decarboxylase activity
- vascular: nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation
how is ginkgo cholinergic
increases uptake and release of Acetylcholine a
mechanism of action of ginkgo on Monoamine
- increases uptake of serotonin
- inhibits MAO
- reverses age-related decline in alpha 2 adrenergic receptors
…… memory tasks increase uptake of Ach
short-term memory
what does long-term memory reference memory tasks cause?
cause an acute increase followed by a long-lasting decrease and inhibition (acetylcholine?)
what are the two groups of adrenergic receptors?
alpha and beta => sympathetic receptors
which neurotransmitters activate alpha and beta adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic system?
norepinephrine and epinephrine
scientific name of ginseng
panax ginseng
part used of ginseng
root
bioactive compound of ginseng
ginsengosides (alkaloid)
mechanism of action of ginseng (5)
- cholinergic: increases uptake and release of Ach
- monoamines: enhanced epithelial synthesis
- nitric oxide
- neurotrophic: increase nerve growth factor (NGF)
- inhibits calcium channels/flux
how is ginseng cholinergic?
increased Ach release and nicotinic binding
how is ginseng neurotrophic?
increase nerve growth factor (NGF) expression
scientific name of bacopa
bacopa monnieri
what parts of bacopa are used?
leaves and stem
bioactive compound of bacopa
bacosides (triterpenoid saponin)
mechanism of action of bacopa? (4)
- antioxidant/neuroprotection
- cerebral blood flow and vasodilation (release Nitric oxide from endothelium and promotes vasodilation and increased blood flow)
- neurotransmitter potentiation (rise in serotonin)
- reduces ADHD
scientific name of firmoss
Huperzia serrata
what part of firmoss is used
clubmoss
bioactive compound of firmoss
Huperzine A (sesquiterpene alkaloid)
what does huperzine A inhibit
acetycholinesterase inhibitor
huperzine A is an …. antagonist . what does it entail?
NMDA receptor antagonist
helps prevent neurons form cell death from excitotoxicity
scientific name of Indian coleus
coleus foskolii
part used of Indian coleus
roots
bioactive compound of Indian coleus
forskolin (diterpene)
activity of forskolin: what does it increase? through which mechanism
intracellular levels of cAMP through adenylate cyclase activation
what does forskolin inhibit?
inhibits acetylcholinesterase (increased acetylcholine levels)
artichoke extract contains ….
luteolin
what is luteolin?
a powerful phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE4 - degrades cAMP) which in turn increased long-term potentiation (LTP)
what is the process of long-term potentiation?
production of proteins needed for neuron and synapse growth by cAMP
scientific name of lion’s mane
hericium erinaceus
part used of lion’s mane
fruit body
bioactive compound of lion’s mane
hericenone/erinacine (diterpenoids)
what does hericenones and erinacines isolated from the cultured mycelia of lion’s mane enhance?
enhances nerve growth factors (NGF) in vitro, essential in the maintenance, survival and regeneration of neurons
eugeroics
are a class of drugs that promote wakefulness and alertness
neurotrophic
relating to the growth of nervous tissue
