Acetylcholine - is it possible to increase intelligence? Seizures are an important signal of the body about serious disorders.
N,N,N-trimethyl-2-aminoethanol acetate
Chemical properties
Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter responsible for neuromuscular transmission in the parasympathetic nervous system. It is a quaternary monoammonium compound. The substance itself is not stable, it is quickly destroyed in the body with the help of acetylcholinesterase , resulting in the formation acetic acid And choline .
The agent is synthesized in the form of white crystals or a crystalline mass, which tends to spread upon contact with air. The substance is highly soluble in alcohol and water. It cannot be boiled and stored for a long time, acetylcholine decomposes.
It is used as a drug that improves neuromuscular transmission and for pharmacological research. It is often synthesized as a salt or chloride .
This neurotransmitter plays an important role in the body, improves brain performance and memory. Therefore, it is important that there is enough acetylcholine in the foods included in the daily diet.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The cholinomimetic effect of Acetylcholine on the body occurs due to stimulation by it n- And m-cholinergic receptors . The substance slows down heart contractions, dilates peripheral blood vessels, lowers, enhances intestinal and stomach motility.
The remedy affects the secretion of the bronchial and digestive glands, the excretion of sweat and tears. Also, the substance produces a miotic effect, enhances spasm of accommodation (constriction of the pupil), lowers.
Small doses of acetylcholine stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in various parts of the brain, while large doses, on the contrary, inhibit this process. This neurotransmitter generally improves brain performance and memory. Therefore, it is important that there is enough acetylcholine in the foods included in the daily diet. With its deficiency, brain disorders develop ().
Indications for use
Previously, he was appointed as cholinomimetics . It is also possible to use the remedy for treatment for a short period, since with prolonged use it may develop.
Contraindications
Side effects
During treatment with Acetylcholine, you may develop:
- bradycardia , lowering blood pressure , ;
- nausea, visual disturbances, increased lacrimation;
- rhinorrhea , bronchospasm ;
- frequent urination.
Instructions for use (Method and dosage)
Acetylcholine is prescribed subcutaneously and intramuscularly. The average dosage for adults is 50-100 mg. If necessary, injections can be done several times in a row, up to three times.
Do not allow intravenous administration of the drug, as this can lead to a sharp decrease in blood pressure up to cardiac arrest.
Overdose
An overdose can cause a sharp decrease HELL , bradycardia cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, miosis , diarrhea and so on. To eliminate unwanted symptoms, it is recommended to administer subcutaneously or intravenously 1 ml of 0.1% solution or another as soon as possible. anticholinergic (For example,
The tool is sometimes included in some combos. preparations for topical use in eye surgery to create a persistent and long-lasting miosis .
Preparations containing (Analogues)
At the moment, acetylcholine preparations are not produced.
Acetylcholine
Choline and acetylcholine
The body uses choline to synthesize certain brain chemicals, to mobilize fat (especially when it is removed from the liver), and for the normal passage of nerve impulses, but the body can synthesize it from other dietary components in the absence of choline in the diet. Such a lack can only happen in an extreme case, since choline is present in a large number of foods. It can be found in many plant foods as free choline, in animal sources, and in soy as part of the lecithin molecule.
To understand the role of choline in the body, you need to understand how the nerves work. Simplistically, this happens like this: in order for a nerve impulse to jump from one segment of the nerve to another, the mediation of a number of substances is necessary, the most important component of which is acetylcholine and its part - choline. As soon as the impulse is about to make a "jump", acetylcholine throws up choline from the "warehouse" located near the nerve ending, and "empowers" the impulse to move from one cell to another. This action is performed repeatedly and without any participation of our consciousness. But if acetylcholine does not work, a very dangerous disease appears - dyskenesia, in which the sick person loses the ability to coordinate his movements. In severe forms of the disease, grimaces involuntarily appear on the face. Treatment can be very difficult. But there are cases when choline injections gave good results, which also help patients suffering from depression, insomnia, weakness, weight loss, and anxiety.
The state of health of such patients improves significantly, in some the painful symptoms completely disappear. Everyone gets depressed.
Major Dietary Sources of Choline are meat, cottage cheese, cheese, legumes, cabbage, beets.
Choline itself does not play any role, but it is an integral part of an extremely important brain substance (acetylcholine), and is also necessary for the synthesis of most of the lipid components of our body's cell membranes. Dietary choline (in the form of lecithin) increased the proportion of "good" high-density cholesterol and decreased the proportion of "bad" low-density cholesterol. Such a replacement could normalize blood lipid values and reduce the risk of heart disease. Choline plays a role in brain processes associated with learning and memory that deteriorate with age, possibly due to its role in the production of brain chemicals. Choline deficiency may contribute to the development of cirrhosis in alcoholics, on the other hand, a diet rich in choline may protect the liver from alcoholic destruction. With a deficiency of choline, fatty degeneration infiltrates occur, very similar to those that occur with alcoholic destruction of the liver.
Choline is an essential vitamin-like compound
intake obtained from food in sufficient quantities, and
the consequences of its deficiency are observed only in artificial
conditions. The synthesis of acetylcholine occurs mainly in
presynaptic endings with the help of the enzyme choline-
cetyltransferase. Then the mediator is transferred to empty spaces
zikuly and stored in them until the release.
Acetylcholine as a mediator works in three functions
functional blocks of the nervous system: in the neuromuscular
synapses, the peripheral part of the autonomic nervous system
we and some areas of the CNS.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in the nervous
systems that are located in the anterior horns of the gray matter
spinal cord and motor nuclei of cranial nerves.
Their axons go to the skeletal muscles and, branching
when they form neuromuscular synapses. However, one axon
can make contact with hundreds of muscle fibers,
but each muscle fiber is controlled by only one system
napsom. The size of neuromuscular synapses is dozens of times more
more than synapses in the central nervous system, and came along the axon of a motor neuron
even a single AP causes the release of a significant co-
the presence of acetylcholine (stage /, Fig. 3.24). As a result
depolarization on the postsynaptic membrane
called so great that it always triggers the AP of the muscle
cells (//), which leads to the release of Ca2+ from EPS channels
(III), motor protein activation and contraction (IV).
The peripheral link of the autonomic nervous system is
consists of two neurons: the body of the first (preganglionic) on-
goes to the central nervous system, and the axon goes to the autonomic ganglion
liu; the body of the second (postganglionic) is located in the ganglion,
and the axon innervates smooth muscle or glandular
cells of internal organs. Acetylcholine as copper
ator is produced in all preganglionic cells, and
also in the postganglionic cells of the parasympathetic part
ty of the autonomic nervous system (Fig. 3.25). Some post-
ganglionic sympathetic fibers (activating currents)
glands and causing vasodilation) also secrete
tiruyut acetylcholine.
In the CNS acetylcholine is produced by part of the neurons of the reti-
pontine nuclei and striatal interneurons of the ba-
hall ganglia and some other local zones. Consider-
the role of this mediator in the regulation of the level of wakefulness is
vaniya, as well as in memory systems, motor systems.
The effectiveness of the use of antagonists of acetylcho-
line in a number of motor disorders.
Released from the presynaptic terminal, acetylcholine
acts on postsynaptic receptors. These receptors
heterogeneous and differ in localization and a number of properties.
Two types of receptors have been distinguished (Fig. 3.26): the first, in addition to
acetylcholine, stimulated by tobacco alkaloid
nicotine (nicotinic receptors), the second type is activated
acetylcholine and fly agaric toxin muscarine (muscari-
new receptors).
Nicotinic receptors are a classic application
rum of ionotropic receptors: their ion channel is included in the
becoming a receptor and opens immediately after the addition of ace-
tilcholine. This channel is characterized by universal pro-
permeability for positively charged ions, but in
under normal conditions (when opening against the background of PP) due to no
tin receptors observed mainly incoming
Na + -TOK, causing membrane depolarization and excitation
neuron.
(synonyms: Deaner, Deanol)
Dimethylaminoethanol, further DMAE (DMAE), one of the most important life extension supplements. In one of the experiments, the drug acephene made on the basis DMAE (DMAE), extended the life of animals by 36%. There are also more impressive figures - 50%, however, without references to sources.
This is comparable to the results obtained deprenyl. Both drugs have their own advantages. For example, deprenyl gives better results and especially on males. At the same time, DMAE is a more natural substance that is present in the body and is included in some children's complexes.
Perhaps for women it is DMAE or acephene should be recognized as the N1 drug for longevity. However, DMAE has a number of other remarkable properties.
1. The body contains one of the most important substances - acetylcholine. It is a neurotransmitter or neurohormone that is responsible for the transmission and regulation of signals from one nerve cell to another, both in the brain and throughout the CNS. That is, exactly acetylcholine makes our body whole. Flaw acetylcholine worsens the regulation and functioning of the whole organism - in fact, the organism decays faster than usual.
Note that up to 75% of the population may be deficient acetylcholine. That is, for many it is not enough even to satisfy a physiological need. To prolong life acetylcholine required several times more.
From lack acetylcholine there are: lethargy, fatigue, depression, slow reaction, difficulty in thinking, poor memory, irritability, etc.
DMAE (DMAE) is converted into acetylcholine when ingested.
It is extremely important to note that in order to prolong life, we need to abandon the surplus of animal products and switch mainly to plant foods. These diets can exacerbate acetylcholine deficiency. Therefore, in terms of life extension, we should choose this strategy: a predominantly plant-based diet and the use of DMAE!
2. DMAE (DMAE) has a pronounced antioxidant effect. Protects cells from damage by their most dangerous types of free radicals. It also prevents cross-linking of molecules.
3. With age, the cells of the brain, central nervous system, heart, skin, etc. accumulate the toxic pigment lipofuscin, which poisons the cells. Under old age, each cell can be 30% clogged with lipofuscin. DMAE (DMAE) in a period of several months to 2 years removes up to half or more of this debris.
4 .DMAE (DMAE) significantly improves the properties of blood; capture and transport of oxygen to tissues. It is also shown that adding DMAE (DMAE) in canned blood increases its shelf life by 2 times.
All these effects cause a marked prolongation of life, but apart from this DMAE (DMAE):
Like all nootropics, it strongly stimulates brain function: enhances memory, concentration, cognitive abilities; improves mood, in the right dosage improves sleep, causing vivid realistic dreams;
Increases the energy status of the body, in this regard, it is used by athletes;
Increases skin elasticity, its tone, appearance.
Mode of application.
Dosage range DMAE (DMAE) from 100 to 1500 mg per day.
To prolong life, it is recommended to limit the dosage to 200-500 mg per day, long courses or almost constantly.
To improve the general condition, increase mental and physical abilities in courses of 1-3 months. 500-1000 mg or more per day.
Start with small doses and gradually increase.
Take in the morning and afternoon.
With good tolerance, you can take it before meals, otherwise during meals.
Nicotinic receptors are located on the postsynaptic
membrane of striated skeletal fibers
muscles (neuromuscular synapses); in the synapses of autonomic
ganglia and in smaller quantities than muscarinic receptors
tori, in the central nervous system. The area most sensitive to nicotine
well, are autonomic ganglia, so the first attempts
smoking lead to significant disturbances in the activity
organs: jumps in blood pressure, nausea,
around. As you get used to it, it remains mostly
sympathetic component of action: nicotine starts working
tat mainly as a stimulant of many organ systems
nism. There is also a central activating
effect (on the brain) acetylcholine. Overdose of nicotine
by E0 or more mg) cause a sharp increase in heart rate,
convulsions and respiratory arrest.
While smoking, nicotine acts like a mild drug.
stimulant drug, causing the development of not only
habituation, but also dependence. drug addiction
a bridge is a situation when the body includes actions
drug from the outside into its metabolism, i.e., begins to "spread
read" on its constant inflow. When refusing the drug
it crashes in the brain systems that use it:
there is a sharp deterioration in well-being, depression (abs-
tinent syndrome or withdrawal syndrome) - A person who
addicted, the drug is needed not so much
in order to feel cheerfulness and euphoria, how much
to return to at least a relatively normal level
vital activity.
The best known nicotinic receptor antagonist
moat is tubocurarine- active agent
poison of some South American plants. The main "mes-
application volume" of its effects are neuromuscular
synapses (Fig. 3.27, option /). In this case, the following
significant relaxation and paralysis of the muscles of the fingers, then the eyes,
arms and legs, neck, back and, finally, respiratory.
Muscarinic receptors are metabotropic
(Fig. 3.26, b); they are associated with G-proteins, and attachment to them
acetylcholine leads to the synthesis of second messengers.
There are two main localizations of muscarinic reactions
receptors: synapses formed by postganglionic (mainly
nom parasympathetic) autonomic fibers and the central nervous system.
In the first case, as secondary intermediaries,
inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol; in the second -
cGMP. Ionic consequences of excitation of muscarinic reactions
receptors are very diverse: in the heart there is an increase
conduction for K + ions, which leads to hyperpolarization
zation and decrease in the frequency of contractions; in smooth muscles
changes in conductivity are noted both for K + and for
Na+ (possible hyper- or depolarization depending on
particular organ).
In the CNS, there is a decrease in membrane permeability
for K + (depolarization; excitatory action), but synap-
sy containing muscarinic receptors may be located
work on both inhibitory and excitatory neurons
cortex and basal ganglia. In this regard, the consequences of blocking
cadas or activation of muscarinic receptors on behavior
at the chemical level are very individual; express them
femininity and orientation depends on the specific chemical
skoy structure of a particular drug.
The effects of muscarine are predominantly parasympto-
tic character: in case of fly agaric poisoning,
nausea, increased sweating and salivation, lacrimation,
abdominal pain, low blood pressure and heart
activity.
The classic muscarinic receptor antagonist is
lyatsya atropine - a toxin of henbane and dope. Its peripheral
These effects are directly opposite to the action of muscarine:
there is a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract
tract, heartbeat quickens, salivation stops
nie (dry mouth), dilated pupils, observed and
central effects (motor and speech excitation,
hallucinations).
inactivation acetylcholine occurs directly in
synaptic cleft. It is carried out by the enzyme acetylcholine
nesterase, which decomposes the mediator to choline and vinegar residue
acid, then choline is absorbed into the presynaptic
ending and can be used again for the synthesis of acetyl-
choline.
Acetylcholinesterase has an active site that recognizes
choline, and one active center, "tearing off" the acetyl
group from the original molecule. The latter is often the month
attack volume of specific blockers (Fig. 3.27, variant //).
An example of such a blocker is prozerin (neostig-
min), used for myasthenia gravis, which occurs with
measured in three people per thousand (more often in women). Symptom-
diseases are rapid muscle fatigue, non-
arbitrary lowering of the eyelids, slow chewing. Such
patients are very sensitive to tubocurarine, and the administration of block
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors weakens pathological pro-
phenomena. It is currently known that a significant
part of patients with myasthenia gravis number of nicotinic receptors
about 70% less than normal. The reason for this
it is that the patient's immune system produces anti-
body to nicotinic receptors. These antibodies accelerate the
destruction of receptors on the membrane, weakening the transmission to the nerve
but-muscle synapse (Fig. 3.27, variant IV).
Prozerin and drugs similar to it are called reversible
mi blockers of acetylcholinesterase, their action is stopped
disappears a few hours after administration, in addition,
there are irreversible blockers of the same enzyme. In that
in the case of a substance that disrupts the work of acetylcholinesterase,
enters into a stable chemical bond with the protein and removes
him out of order. This is how organophosphates work.
compounds used as insecticides
(insecticides): chlorophos, thiophos and similar compounds
exposure can cause a person to constrict pupils, sweat,
lowering blood pressure, muscle twitching.
Even more powerful blocking agents are
personal nerve gases (sarin): easily penetrating
through all the barriers of the body, they cause convulsions, loss
consciousness and paralysis. Death comes from respiratory arrest.
For immediate mitigation of the effects of poison gases
the use of atropine is recommended; recovery
activity of acetylcholinesterase - special substances-reactive
tivators that “tear off” the blocker from the enzyme.
Another example of a destructive effect on acetylcho-
linergic (using acetylcholine as a copper-
ator) synapse are snake neurotoxins. For example, poison cob-
ry contains alpha neurotoxin, which binds irreversibly
with the nicotinic receptor and blocking it, as well as without
ta-neurotoxin, which inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter from
presynaptic ending (Fig. 3.27, options /, III).
Acetylcholine- one of the most important neurotransmitters, it carries out neuromuscular transmission, is the main one in the parasympathetic nervous system. Destroyed by an enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
It is used as a medicinal substance and in pharmacological research.
Medicine
Peripheral muscarine-like action (muscarine is the one in fly agaric):
- slow heart rate
- spasm of accommodation
downgrade blood pressure
- expansion of peripheral blood vessels
- contraction of the muscles of the bronchi, gall and bladder, uterus
- increased peristalsis of the stomach, intestines,
- increased secretion of digestive, sweat, bronchial, lacrimal glands, miosis.
Pupil constriction is associated with a decrease in intraocular pressure.
Acetylcholine plays an important role as a mediator of the central nervous system (transmission of impulses in the brain, small concentrations facilitate, and large ones inhibit synaptic transmission).
Changes in the metabolism of acetylcholine can lead to impaired brain function. The deficiency largely determines the picture of the disease - Alzheimer's disease.
Some centrally acting antagonists are psychotropic drugs. An overdose of antagonists can have a hallucinogenic effect.
Why do you need
Formed in the body takes part in the transmission of nervous excitation in the central nervous system, vegetative nodes, endings of parasympathetic, motor nerves.
Acetylcholine associated with memory functions. A decrease in Alzheimer's disease leads to a weakening of memory.
Acetylcholine plays an important role in waking up and falling asleep. Awakening occurs when the activity of cholinergic neurons increases.
Physiological properties
In small doses, it is a physiological transmitter of nervous excitation, and in large doses it can block the transmission of excitation.
This neurotransmitter is affected by smoking and eating fly agarics.
Acetylcholine is a natural substance that is produced in the body. It belongs to biogenic amines. Acetylcholine takes part in the transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system, in the endings of the motor and parasympathetic nerves, in the autonomic nodes. The action of acetylcholine in the body cannot be overestimated.
Acetylcholine slows down heart contractions, lowers blood pressure, and dilates peripheral blood vessels. It enhances the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, enhances the secretion of glands, reduces muscles (urinary and gall bladders, bronchi, uterus), constricts the pupils.
Blood vessels and acetylcholine
Acetylcholine significantly stimulates brain activity: enhances concentration and memory, in certain dosages improves sleep, improves mood. In addition, it helps to improve the nutrition of internal organs, muscles, skin cells due to the expansion of small vessels.
An increase in the level of acetylcholine often helped people with diabetes avoid such serious complications as diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities, kidney vessels, and retina.
Skin and acetylcholine
Acetylcholine increases skin elasticity, its tone and appearance. This happens due to the fact that the rate of cell renewal is normalized, blood circulation and lymph flow are regulated. And from this, in turn, the nutrition of skin cells and subcutaneous fatty tissue improves. It is believed that mesoflavones (a natural source of acetylcholine) promote fat burning and regulate fat metabolism.
vision and acetylcholine
Synthetic preparations of acetylcholine are often prescribed for glaucoma. Under its action, the pupils constrict, intraocular pressure decreases, and this contributes to a better outflow of fluid from the internal environment of the eye.
Fitness and acetylcholine
With a lack of acetylcholine, it will not be possible to train effectively - the muscles will be sluggish. The action of acetylcholine in the human body helps to strengthen the striated muscles.
Mesoflavone (Bodybuilding Supplement Rating) is considered one of the best for toning. It is simply necessary for people who care about their figure. (more on that in future articles)
Acetylcholine synthetic and natural
This is a very important point, because we are talking about the use of products containing acetylcholine to rejuvenate the skin and the body as a whole. And this implies the use of only natural substances.
In medical practice, for spasms of peripheral vessels, retinal arteries and in X-ray rooms, synthetic acetylcholine is used.
Acetylcholine is a powerful drug. It cannot be used on its own. Synthetic acetylcholine is similar to natural acetylcholine in very general terms. Approximately, as a handicraft and branded thing.
Only mesoflavones can be used safely and effectively as a source of acetylcholine.
It is known as the "memory molecule" that helps us learn, focus and stay mentally active, but it actually has many other roles. Acetylcholine also stimulates positive mood by modulating negative emotions such as fear and anger. It increases brain plasticity, a neurological feature that allows us to remain mentally flexible throughout our lives.
Acetylcholine and its effect on the body.
There are several good reasons why people take acetylcholine supplements. Perhaps they want to improve their memory or maintain its high quality in the future. Or trying to overcome the typical signs of deficiency, such as the constant loss of objects, the inability to follow the conversation, ADHD. Acetylcholine deficiency is associated with serious neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis. The brains of Alzheimer's patients contain only a small fraction of what is considered normal levels of this substance. Thus, drugs for this disease work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine supplements are especially indicated for those who do not normally consume foods that provide the body with the main building blocks of this neurotransmitter - people who are on a low-fat diet or completely eliminated from the diet of eggs and meat. Dietary fats and choline, found in animal products, are essential for the synthesis of acetylcholine. With their shortage, the brain begins to literally destroy itself, thus trying to obtain material for the formation of a scarce substance.
Anticholinergic drugs
Supplementation is especially important if you are taking any anticholinergic medications. - substances that block the action of acetylcholine. The rule of thumb is that any drug that begins with “anti” is likely to lower acetylcholine levels. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antispasmodics, antihypertensives, and even over-the-counter antihistamines.
Acetylcholine and Choline Supplements
You can't get acetylcholine directly, but you can take supplements that increase your body's production of it, slow its breakdown, induce reuptake, stimulate its receptors, or provide the resources to create it. Substances, drugs or supplements that increase the synthesis of acetylcholine are called cholinergics.The best cholinergic supplements fall into three main categories - choline-based, herbal remedies, and nutrients. Some of them are so strong that they are sometimes prescribed as medicines.
Choline bitartrate is one of the B-complex vitamins and a precursor to acetylcholine. Approximately 90% of us do not get enough of it from our diet. It is found mainly in egg yolk, beef and seafood. Choline supplements are a great way to prevent deficiency, at least in theory. However, not all of them increase the amount of choline in the brain or increase the level of acetylcholine.
Here are the drugs that really do it.
- Alpha GPC - This is a highly bioavailable form of choline that readily enters the brain. It is considered one of the best acetylcholine booster supplements. Alpha GPC is a natural compound ideal for the human brain and is a component of breast milk. It improves memory and slows down the rate of cognitive decline in old age. This makes it potentially useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and it is already prescribed in Europe to increase acetylcholine levels in such patients. In the United States, Alpha GPC is marketed as a memory supplement.
- Citicoline This is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in our body, and in particularly high concentrations in brain cells. Citicoline is a choline precursor that increases acetylcholine levels. It was originally developed for the treatment of angina pectoris, but then it was prescribed as a remedy for age-related cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Today, it is marketed as a supplement offering impressive brain benefits. It accelerates blood flow to the brain, stimulates the growth of new neurons, and significantly improves memory and attention. Citicoline has several other names, of which CDP-choline is the most commonly used.
- DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is another precursor to choline and is found in some brain supplements. It is a popular active ingredient in skin care products. Although it increases acetylcholine levels, studies show that it does not improve cognitive function. And because it is associated with neural tube defects, it is not recommended for use in women of childbearing age.
Herbal remedies
There are a huge number of herbal supplements that work, in particular, by increasing the level of acetylcholine. Most of them have a long history of being used as brain boosters. Some are so safe that people eat them. However, the effect of them is more like a drug, so they should be taken with extreme caution.- Bacopa. Bacopa has been used as a brain tonic in the Chinese and Indian medical tradition for thousands of years. It is an adaptogen - an herb that does not calm or stimulate the body, but brings it into a state of balance known as homeostasis. Bacopa does this by balancing neurotransmitter levels, including acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin. It compensates for memory loss caused by anticholinergic drugs. This plant improves memory, as well as the accuracy and speed of information processing even better than the drug modafinil. Bacopa is an excellent choice if you are under severe stress or suffer from insomnia and anxiety. It is completely safe and can even be given to children. For maximum absorption, it is recommended to take it with food.
- American ginseng. It is not as popular as its Asian counterpart, but that may change. American Ginseng is highly regarded for its excellent properties and proven effectiveness as a cognitive enhancer that increases acetylcholine levels. It quickly improves memory, provides mental clarity and sharpness for several hours after the end of the intake. You can also take American ginseng as a tea or add dried slices to cooked food.
- Gotu kola Gotu kola (Asian centella) is a relative of parsley and carrots. In Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for cooking and tea. It has traditionally been used to treat mental disorders, including memory loss, mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression. From Chinese, its name is translated as "fountain of youth", as it is believed that it contributes to longevity. It is also a valuable brain supplement. In human studies, gotu kala increased alertness by 100% and reduced anxiety and depression by 50%. This effect is achieved due to the presence in the plant of unique substances called triterpenes. These steroid precursors work in the same way as drugs that block the breakdown of acetylcholine. They prevent the formation of amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Due to the presence of the word “cola” in the name, many Europeans believe that gotu kola contains caffeine. But in reality this is not the case - the plant is a relaxant, not a stimulant.
- Hyperzine. This is an isolated extract of Chinese club moss (ram serrata), a traditional Chinese medicine for improving memory. It is also one of the most powerful supplements for increasing acetylcholine levels. Huperzine blocks the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which destroys acetylcholine. It is sold as a standalone supplement, and is also included in many nootropic complexes. Huperzine is so powerful that it is used as an approved drug in China to treat Alzheimer's disease. Unlike the herbs mentioned earlier, which are completely safe, hyperzine can cause side effects such as indigestion, anxiety, muscle cramps and twitching, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. It should not be taken with anticholinergics such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and Alzheimer's drugs.
- Galantamine. This is another herbal supplement that should be taken with caution. In the US, it is approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and is available with or without a prescription. Galantamine is used to improve memory, reduce mental confusion, and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The list of its side effects is very similar to those of hyperzine. In addition, he reacts badly with literally hundreds of drugs. Before you start taking galantamine, it is highly recommended that you discuss this with your doctor. Other Herbal Supplements That Increase Acetylcholine Although the above supplements are the most powerful cholinergics, there are many other herbal remedies that have been shown to increase acetylcholine levels. These are ashwagandha, basil, ginger, cinnamon, arctic root, turmeric, saffron and ginkgo biloba. Nutrients
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). It is one of the B-complex vitamins. "Pantothenic" means "everywhere" because it is found in many food sources. While all B vitamins are essential for healthy brain function, vitamin B5 is an important cofactor involved in the conversion of choline to acetylcholine. This is why you sometimes see B5 in brain supplements like Alpha GPC, citicoline, and others.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine This amino acid has been shown to improve concentration, mental clarity and mood. This acid is a precursor of acetylcholine and has a structure similar to it, therefore it binds to and activates its receptors in the brain. Acetyl-L-carnitine has fast-acting antidepressant properties, making it effective for memory loss and depression. This supplement is generally safe, but should not be taken with blood thinning medications.
