Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from a variety of herbs. It is often used for its anti-diabetic effects, which seems to be competence in potency to many of today’s popular pharmaceuticals.

Overview of Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid compound and ammonium salt that is found in various plants in the berberis genus. Berberine has a distinct bright yellow color and was widely used in traditional practices as a dye for many textiles. Berberine has an extensive history in Ayurveda, being used for promoting immune system function. Plants like Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) and Chinese goldthread (Coptis Chinensis) are natural sources of Berberine. They have been used in Traditional Chinese practices and Ayurvedic practices.

Berberine actually has low bio-availability when consumed orally. This is why some people pair coconut oil with Berberine. Coconut oil contains sodium caprate, a fatty acid that increases the effectiveness and absorption rate of Berberine. When taken as a nootropic, Berberine carries various potential benefits to cognitive function and physical health.

Berberine Benefits

  • Support optimal cellular function
  • Help promote metabolic function
  • Help support balanced inflammation levels
  • Help promote feelings of well being
  • Help support cognitive function

Berberine Mechanism of Action

Berberine may benefit both physical health and mental faculties. Early studies suggest that Berberine may inhibit telomerase, a protein associated with the life cycle and proliferation of cells. Yet recent Berberine research leads toward AMPK modulation as one of Berberine’s primary mechanisms of action.

AMPK, also known as Adenosine monophosphate kinase, is an enzyme that helps support cellular energy and regulates cellular nutrients within cells. AMPK activation increases the uptake and breakdown of glucose through glycolysis. What also makes Berberine so interesting is that it also slows down glucose production through gluconeogenesis while also lowering insulin secretions coming from pancreatic beta-cells.

This ultimately means that insulin sensitivity increases. Some research finds that enhanced insulin sensitivity may promote optimal body composition and may help support exercise performance. Interestingly enough, insulin plays a vital role in the brain, as well.

Studies have shown that increased insulin sensitivity may help promote cognitive function.

Although elevated insulin sensitivity may be a more indirect effect on cognition, research finds that Berberine benefits to cognition might also be directly attributed to Berberine’s ability to activate sigma-1 receptors. Activation at these receptors raises BDNF levels and helps optimize NMDA activity.

Research on BDNF activity found that decreased levels of BDNF may lead to low mood and diminished cognitive function, thus supporting evidence that Berberine may help promote overall cognitive function and positive attitude. What makes Berberine’s effects even more interesting is that BDNF and NMDA activity are also highly correlated to memory creation.

Further research has also found that Berberine may promote acetylcholine levels by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. By blocking acetylcholinesterase, Berberine may help improve higher acetylcholine levels in the brain.

This, combined with AMPK modulation and sigma-1 receptor activation, makes Berberine an excellent option for those looking for a well rounded and all-natural nootropic!

AMPK activation also speeds up the breakdown of fatty acids through fatty acid oxidation. As an added bonus, AMPK activation has dual effects.
It may also decrease fat acid production by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis.

Berberine AMPK activation suggests that there may be Berberine benefits on weight loss. However, research finds that taking a Berberine supplement alone will not promote significant weight loss than pairing a Berberine supplement with a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Berberine Dosage

As a dietary supplement, take 380mg (capsules) twice per day, preferably 20 minutes before a meal.

Note: this page is pending review. If you’d like to help finalizing the research, please click here.

Noopept

Noopept improves cognition & memory. It is structurally similar, but far more potent than Piracetam. Research found it increases levels of BDNF, which play a role in neuroplasticity & learning. It’s been shown to improve learning & memory, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

Read More
Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane mushroom is an edible nootropic mushroom native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its health benefits, and more recently it has gained popularity as a nootropic supplement. Studies suggest it has several benefits, including improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, and promoting nerve growth and regeneration.

Read More
Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or roseroot, is a herb that grows in the mountains of Europe and Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance physical and mental performance. Studies suggest that rhodiola rosea has nootropic effects, as it helps to improve cognitive function and brain health.

Read More
Sulbutiamine

Sulbutiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a nootropic thought to improve memory and cognitive function, improves concentration and focus, reduces fatigue, increases ,ental energy, and supports mood and emotional well-being. It does that by increasing the brain’s uptake of glucose, the primary source of energy for cells. Studies suggest that it may be useful in treating conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, although more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Read More
Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali is a supplement made from the roots of the Tongkat Ali plant. The roots are used to make an herbal supplement that is claimed to improve male sexual function and fertility.

Read More
Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide

Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide (also known as Fonturacetam) is a derivative of the performance-enhancing nootropic Phenylpiracetam. It has been gaining a lot of popularity since Phenylpiracetam was discontinued. It’s a smart drug widely used to improve memory, stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), and improve overall cognition. Introduction Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide is an effective cognitive

Read More
MDMA

MDMA, or ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug that induces feelings of euphoria, intimacy, and heightened sensations. It can also lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as dehydration. Ecstasy is often used in social situations, such as parties or clubs, and is sometimes used to facilitate sexual activity.

Read More
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, an amino acid that is often taken as a dietary supplement. It is sometimes used to help treat respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and asthma, and has also been shown to be helpful in treating liver disease. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine is thought to work by helping to remove toxins from the

Read More
CDP-choline

CDP-cholin, or Citicoline, is a safe, potent, and extremely well-tolerated nootropic. It enhances memory and protects the brain serving as a neuroprotectant. In combination with other supplements, it works as a powerful potentiator, especially racetams. Overview Citicoline, also known as cytidine diphosphate-choline or cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine is an intermediate in the generation of phosphatidylcholine from

Read More
Taurine

What is Taurine? Taurine is an organic compound that is widely distributed in animal tissues. It is a principal constituent of bile and can also be found in the large intestine, which aids in fat absorption. Taurine is also in the bloodstream and plays a role in osmoregulation (water balance) and detoxification. It

Read More
Fladrafinil (CRL-40-941)

Fladrafinil is a recently introduced wakefulness-promoting agent structurally similar to, as well as the prodrug, Modafinil.  According to Wikipedia, a prodrug is a “compound that, after intake, is converted within the body…..prodrugs are often designed to improve bioavailability…this reduces adverse or unintended effects.” This means, in simplified language, that our bodies convert Fladrafinil into

Read More
Magnesium Glycinate

Overview Magnesium is a vital mineral used in many biological processes. It is an essential for neuroplasticity and ATP generation, both crucial for learning, memory, and cognitive function. Magnesium deficiency affects many people in our modern world today. It is found in green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, poultry, steak,

Read More