Alpha-GPC: Difference between revisions
>Kenan m Text replacement - "The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects." to "{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}" |
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| ''[[Alpha-GPC/Summary|Summary sheet: Alpha-GPC]]'' | | ''[[Alpha-GPC/Summary|Summary sheet: Alpha-GPC]]'' | ||
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'''Alpha-GPC''' ('''alpha-glycerophosphocholine''', '''choline alfoscerate''') is a water soluble nutrient which serves as a precursor to both [[choline]] and glycerophosphate within the brain. In humans, choline is considered to be an essential nutrient as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies has been well documented.<ref>Choline: An | '''Alpha-GPC''' ('''alpha-glycerophosphocholine''', '''choline alfoscerate''') is a water soluble nutrient which serves as a precursor to both [[choline]] and glycerophosphate within the brain. In humans, choline is considered to be an essential nutrient as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies has been well documented.<ref>Zeisel, S. H., & Da Costa, K. A. (2009). Choline: An essential nutrient for public health. Nutrition Reviews, 67(11), 615–623. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x</ref> | ||
Notably, alpha-GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being [[citicoline]] and phosphatidylcholine) and its popularity may be due to it being the most efficient pro-drug of choline (with the ability to influence both systemic and brain concentrations of choline). Due to the provision of the other half of the alpha-GPC molecule (glycerophosphate), it also appears to support the structure and maintenance of cellular membranes, similarly to [[citicoline]]. | Notably, alpha-GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being [[citicoline]] and phosphatidylcholine) and its popularity may be due to it being the most efficient pro-drug of choline (with the ability to influence both systemic and brain concentrations of choline). Due to the provision of the other half of the alpha-GPC molecule (glycerophosphate), it also appears to support the structure and maintenance of cellular membranes, similarly to [[citicoline]]. | ||
Athletes have been known to use alpha-GPC due to its purported ability to enhance growth hormone production and to enhance power output (which is based on a lone pilot study in support of subjects ingesting 600 mg alpha-GPC prior to exercise<ref> | Athletes have been known to use alpha-GPC due to its purported ability to enhance growth hormone production and to enhance power output (which is based on a lone pilot study in support of subjects ingesting 600 mg alpha-GPC prior to exercise<ref>Ziegenfuss, T., Landis, J., & Hofheins, J. (2008). Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(Suppl 1), P15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15</ref>). | ||
When taken as a supplement, this compound has [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] effects which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease<ref>Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: | When taken as a supplement, this compound has [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] effects which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease<ref>Parnetti, L., Mignini, F., Tomassoni, D., Traini, E., & Amenta, F. (2007). Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: Ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 257(1–2), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.043</ref> and other related disorders.<ref>Doggrell, S. a, & Evans, S. (2003). Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 12(10), 1633–54. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.12.10.1633</ref> It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose via online supplement and nootropic vendors. | ||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also synthesized for oral consumption. Structurally, | Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also synthesized for oral consumption. Structurally, Alpha-GPC is comprised of a choline group bound to a glycerol molecule via a phosphate group. | ||
Choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing a positively charged ammonium cation substituted with three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain. Glycerol is a | Choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing a positively charged ammonium cation substituted with three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain. Glycerol is a polysubstituted alcohol consisting of propane with one hydroxyl (-OH) group bound to each carbon in the chain. | ||
In alpha-GPC, the terminal oxygen of the choline chain and a primary | In alpha-GPC, the terminal oxygen of the choline chain and a primary hydroxyl group of glycerol are integrated as bridging oxygen into a phosphate group. This phosphate group is a quaternary substituted phosphorus atom connected to four oxygen atoms, two of which serve to bind the choline, glycerol, and phosphate groups into a unified molecule. | ||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
Alpha-GPC breaks down into two key components, [[choline]] and glycerophosphate. | Alpha-GPC breaks down into two key components, [[choline]] and glycerophosphate. | ||
Choline and its metabolites are needed for three main physiological purposes: structural integrity and signaling roles for cell membranes as well as cholinergic neurotransmission ([[acetylcholine]] synthesis).<ref>https:// | Choline and its metabolites are needed for three main physiological purposes: structural integrity and signaling roles for cell membranes as well as cholinergic neurotransmission ([[acetylcholine]] synthesis).<ref>Glier, M. B., Green, T. J., & Devlin, A. M. (2014). Methyl nutrients, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular disease. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 58(1), 172–182. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201200636</ref> This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than it otherwise would. As acetylcholine is involved in the function of memory and other essential cognitive functions, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects. | ||
Glycerophosphate, the | Glycerophosphate, the other component, can also help with the production of cellular membranes, but this remains largely unstudied and is not well understood by the scientific literature. | ||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
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==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
Alpha-GPC is non-addictive, is not known to cause harm, and has an [[Toxicity::extremely low toxicity]] relative to dose. Similar to many other [[nootropics]] | Alpha-GPC is non-addictive, is not known to cause harm, and has an [[Toxicity::extremely low toxicity]] relative to dose. Similar to many other [[nootropics]] substances, there are relatively few physical side effects associated with acute choline exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a particular context, it presents no negative cognitive, psychiatric or toxic physical consequences of any sort. | ||
Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one | Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one is familiar with [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | ||
===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ||
Alpha-GPC is [[Addiction potential::not habit-forming]] and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating. | Alpha-GPC is [[Addiction potential::not habit-forming]] and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating. | ||
Tolerance to the effects of alpha-GPC are built [[Time to full tolerance::after prolonged and repeated usage]]. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::14 days]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Alpha-GPC presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::no other known compounds]], meaning that after the | Tolerance to the effects of alpha-GPC are built [[Time to full tolerance::after prolonged and repeated usage]]. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::14 days]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Alpha-GPC presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::no other known compounds]], meaning that after the use of Alpha-GPC all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect. | ||
==Legal issues== | ==Legal issues== | ||
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*[https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-gpc/ Alpha-GPC (Examine)] | *[https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-gpc/ Alpha-GPC (Examine)] | ||
*[https://www.reddit.com/r/nootropics/wiki/beginners#wiki_alpha-gpc Alpha-GPC (r/Nootropics FAQ)] | *[https://www.reddit.com/r/nootropics/wiki/beginners#wiki_alpha-gpc Alpha-GPC (r/Nootropics FAQ)] | ||
==Literature== | |||
* Lopez, C. M., Govoni, S., Battaini, F., Bergamaschi, S., Longoni, A., Giaroni, C., & Trabucchi, M. (1991). Effect of a new cognition enhancer, alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, on scopolamine-induced amnesia and brain acetylcholine. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 39(4), 835–840. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(91)90040-9 | |||
* Onishchenko, L. S., Gaikova, O. N., & Yanishevskii, S. N. (2008). Changes at the focus of experimental ischemic stroke treated with neuroprotective agents. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 38(1), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-008-0007-1 | |||
* Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(Suppl 1), P41. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P41 | |||
* Ziegenfuss, T., Landis, J., & Hofheins, J. (2008). Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(Suppl 1), P15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15 | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]][[Category:Substance]][[Category:Stimulant]][[Category:Nootropic]] | [[Category:Psychoactive substance]][[Category:Substance]][[Category:Stimulant]][[Category:Nootropic]] | ||
Revision as of 03:33, 25 December 2016
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| Chemical Nomenclature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common names | Alpha-GPC, Choline Alfoscerate, L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Systematic name | [(2R)-2,3-Dihydroxypropyl] 2-trimethylazaniumylethyl phosphate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class Membership | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Psychoactive class | Nootropic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemical class | Choline derivative | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Routes of Administration | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Summary sheet: Alpha-GPC |
Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine, choline alfoscerate) is a water soluble nutrient which serves as a precursor to both choline and glycerophosphate within the brain. In humans, choline is considered to be an essential nutrient as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies has been well documented.[1]
Notably, alpha-GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being citicoline and phosphatidylcholine) and its popularity may be due to it being the most efficient pro-drug of choline (with the ability to influence both systemic and brain concentrations of choline). Due to the provision of the other half of the alpha-GPC molecule (glycerophosphate), it also appears to support the structure and maintenance of cellular membranes, similarly to citicoline.
Athletes have been known to use alpha-GPC due to its purported ability to enhance growth hormone production and to enhance power output (which is based on a lone pilot study in support of subjects ingesting 600 mg alpha-GPC prior to exercise[2]).
When taken as a supplement, this compound has nootropic effects which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease[3] and other related disorders.[4] It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose via online supplement and nootropic vendors.
Chemistry
Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also synthesized for oral consumption. Structurally, Alpha-GPC is comprised of a choline group bound to a glycerol molecule via a phosphate group.
Choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing a positively charged ammonium cation substituted with three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain. Glycerol is a polysubstituted alcohol consisting of propane with one hydroxyl (-OH) group bound to each carbon in the chain.
In alpha-GPC, the terminal oxygen of the choline chain and a primary hydroxyl group of glycerol are integrated as bridging oxygen into a phosphate group. This phosphate group is a quaternary substituted phosphorus atom connected to four oxygen atoms, two of which serve to bind the choline, glycerol, and phosphate groups into a unified molecule.
Pharmacology
Alpha-GPC breaks down into two key components, choline and glycerophosphate. Choline and its metabolites are needed for three main physiological purposes: structural integrity and signaling roles for cell membranes as well as cholinergic neurotransmission (acetylcholine synthesis).[5] This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than it otherwise would. As acetylcholine is involved in the function of memory and other essential cognitive functions, this could potentially account for its nootropic effects.
Glycerophosphate, the other component, can also help with the production of cellular membranes, but this remains largely unstudied and is not well understood by the scientific literature.
Subjective effects
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
- Bodily control enhancement
- Stimulation - The stimulation which alpha-GPC presents can be considered as primarily subtle and similar to that of caffeine.
- Stamina enhancement
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Body odor alteration - This can be caused in some populations, especially those suffering from trimethylaminuria. Choline (a bi-product of alpha-GPC) is a precursor to trimethylamine, which some people are not able to easily break down, which often results in a fishy smell.
Cognitive effects
- Wakefulness - In comparison to citicoline, alpha-GPC manifests itself primarily in a physically stimulating manner over a mental stimulation.
- Dream potentiation
- Focus enhancement[6]
- Mindfulness
- Memory enhancement
- Motivation enhancement
Toxicity and harm potential
Alpha-GPC is non-addictive, is not known to cause harm, and has an extremely low toxicity relative to dose. Similar to many other nootropics substances, there are relatively few physical side effects associated with acute choline exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a particular context, it presents no negative cognitive, psychiatric or toxic physical consequences of any sort.
Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one is familiar with harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Tolerance and addiction potential
Alpha-GPC is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
Tolerance to the effects of alpha-GPC are built after prolonged and repeated usage. After that, it takes about 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 14 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Alpha-GPC presents cross-tolerance with no other known compounds, meaning that after the use of Alpha-GPC all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect.
Legal issues
 |
This legality section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it. |
- United States - Alpha-GPC is completely legal to purchase in the U.S.
See also
External links
Literature
- Lopez, C. M., Govoni, S., Battaini, F., Bergamaschi, S., Longoni, A., Giaroni, C., & Trabucchi, M. (1991). Effect of a new cognition enhancer, alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, on scopolamine-induced amnesia and brain acetylcholine. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 39(4), 835–840. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(91)90040-9
- Onishchenko, L. S., Gaikova, O. N., & Yanishevskii, S. N. (2008). Changes at the focus of experimental ischemic stroke treated with neuroprotective agents. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 38(1), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-008-0007-1
- Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(Suppl 1), P41. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P41
- Ziegenfuss, T., Landis, J., & Hofheins, J. (2008). Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(Suppl 1), P15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15
References
- ↑ Zeisel, S. H., & Da Costa, K. A. (2009). Choline: An essential nutrient for public health. Nutrition Reviews, 67(11), 615–623. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x
- ↑ Ziegenfuss, T., Landis, J., & Hofheins, J. (2008). Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(Suppl 1), P15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15
- ↑ Parnetti, L., Mignini, F., Tomassoni, D., Traini, E., & Amenta, F. (2007). Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: Ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 257(1–2), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.043
- ↑ Doggrell, S. a, & Evans, S. (2003). Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 12(10), 1633–54. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.12.10.1633
- ↑ Glier, M. B., Green, T. J., & Devlin, A. M. (2014). Methyl nutrients, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular disease. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 58(1), 172–182. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201200636
- ↑ http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=19921