Alpha-GPC
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Template:SubstanceBox/Alpha GPC
| Summary sheet: Alpha GPC |
Alpha GPC, (Alpha-glycerophosphocholine), (choline alfoscerate) is a water soluble nutrient which serves within the brain as a precursor to both choline and glycerophosphate. To humans, choline is an essential nutrient, as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies have been documented. [1] Alpha GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being Citicoline and Phosphatidylcholine).
Alpha-GPC is mostly marketed due to it being the most efficient choline prodrug (able to influence both systemic and brain concentrations of choline). Due to the provision of the other half of the alpha-GPC molecule (glycerophosphate), alpha-GPC also appears to support the structure of cellular membranes, similarly to citicoline.
Athletes are interested in alpha-GPC due to its ability to enhance growth hormone production and to enhance power output, which has a lone pilot study in support of 600 mg alpha-GPC prior to exercise. [2]
When taken as supplement, this compound has nootropic effects. It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose through the use of online supplement vendors.
Chemistry
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Alpha-GPC is a choline molecule bound to a glycerol molecule via a phosphate group. It is Phosphatidylcholine (a lecithin molecule) without its two fatty acids. The molar mass of Alpha-GPC is 257.221g, and is 40% choline by weight (ie. 1,000mg Alpha-GPC confers 400mg free choline).
Pharmacology
CDP choline 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, cholinergic neurotransmission (acetylcholine synthesis).[3] This may explain why supplementing this compound results in nootropic effects.
Glycerophosphate, the other component, can also help with production of cellular membranes, but it is not a very well investigated topic.
Subjective effects
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.
Physical effects
- Bodily control enhancement
- Stimulation - The stimulation which Alpha-GPC presents can be considered as primarily subtle, about that of caffeine.
- Stamina enhancement
- Headaches
- Body odor alteration - In some populations, especially those suffering from trimethylaminuria. Choline (a bi-product of Alpha GPC) is a precursor to trimethylamine, which some persons are not able to easily break down, often resulting 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[4]
- 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 drugs, there are relatively few physical side effects associated with acute choline exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a careful context, it presents no negative cognitive, psychiatric or toxic physical consequences of any sort.
Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one be familiar with harm reduction practices when using this drug.
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 consumption of Alpha GPC all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect.