Lecture 5: Nootropics

Question 1

Nootropics

Answer 1

used to enhance memory or other cognitive function

Question 2

Nootropics criteria

Answer 2

1. Enhance memory and ability to learn
2. Help the brain function under disruptive conditions such as hypoxia and electroconvulsive shock
3. Protect the brain from chemical and physical assaults, such as anti-cholinergic drugs and barbiturates
4. Increase the efficacy of neuronal firing control mechanisms in cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain
5. Possess few or no side effects and be virtually non-toxic

Question 3

How do nootropics work

Answer 3

1. Brain energy
2. Brain chemicals
3. Cerebral blood flow
4. Brain Waves
5. Neuroprotection
6. Brain regeneration

Question 4

name 6 natural nootropics

Answer 4

1. Gingko
2. Ginseng
3. Bacopa
4. Huperzine A
5. Forskolin
6. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Question 5

Gingko - scientific name

Answer 5

Gingko biloba

Question 6

Gingko - parts used

Answer 6

leaves and roots

Question 7

Gingko - Bioactive compound

Answer 7

Ginkgolides

Question 8

Gingko - mechanism of action

Answer 8

1. Cholinergic - increases uptake and release of Ach
2. Monoamine - increases uptake of serotonin, inhibits MAO, reduces beta-adrenergic binding and activity, reverses age related decline in a2 adrenergic receptors
3. GABA - elevates GABA levels and increases glutamic acid decarboxylase activity
4. Vascular: inhibition of platelet activation factor and activation of nitric oxide dependent vasodilation

Question 9

Ginseng - scientific name

Answer 9

Panax ginseng

Question 10

ginseng - parts used

Answer 10

roots

Question 11

ginseng - bioactive compound

Answer 11

ginsengosides

Question 12

Ginseng - mechanism of action

Answer 12

1. cholinergic: increased Ach release and nicotinic binding
2. monoamines: Turnover of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin is increased or decreased depending on does and duration of use
3. nitric oxide: enhance epithelial synthesis in heart, lungs and kidneys
4. Neurotropic: increase nerve growth factor (NGF) expression
5. Ca flux: inhibits calcium channels

Question 13

Bacopa - scientific name

Answer 13

Bacopa monnieri

Question 14

Bacopa - parts used

Answer 14

leaves and stem

Question 15

Bacopa - bioactive compound

Answer 15

Bakosides

Question 16

Bacopa - mechanism of action

Answer 16

1. Anti-oxidant/neuroprotection
2. cerebral blood flow and vasodilation
3. Neurotransmitter protection
4. ADHD

refer to page 31 for explanations

Question 17

Firmoss - scientific name

Answer 17

Huperzia serrata

Question 18

Firmoss - Part used

Answer 18

clubmoss

Question 19

Firmoss - bioactive compound

Answer 19

Huperzine A

Question 20

Huperzine A mechanism of action

Answer 20

it is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA antagonist that crosses the blood brain barrier
- thus, it can prevent neurons from cell death and excitotoxicity

Question 21

Indian Coleus

Answer 21

Coleus foskolii

Question 22

Indian Coleus - parts used

Answer 22

roots

Question 23

Indian Coleus - bioactive compound

Answer 23

Forskolin

Question 24

how is Forskolin unique amongst the other nootropics

Answer 24

it increases intracellular cAMP through adenylate cyclase activation
- its responsiveness increases with extracellular stimuli

Question 25

activities of Forskolin

Answer 25

1. increased intracellular cAMP through adenylate cyclase activation 2. inhibition of acetylcholinesterase 3. synergistic with artichoke extract in increasing cAMP levels 4. anti-inflammatory effects

Question 26

why do Forskolin and artichoke extract work better together

Answer 26

Artichoke extract contains Luteolin - a powerful phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE4) - Excess PDE4 degrades cAMP

Question 27

function of cAPM

Answer 27

its produces proteins needed for neuron and synapse growth, through a process called long term potentiation

Question 28

Lion's Mane - scientific name

Answer 28

Hericium erinaceus

Question 29

Lion's Mane - parts used

Answer 29

fruit body

Question 30

Lion's Mane - bioactive compound

Answer 30

Hericenons / Erinacine

Question 31

Lion's Mane - mechanism of action

Answer 31

enhances nerve growth factor (NGF) - a protein that is essential in the maintenance, survival and regeneration of neurons

Question 32

Eugeroics

Answer 32

also known as wakefulness-promotiong agents and wakefulness-promoting drugs; are a class of during that promote wakefulness and alertness

Question 33

neurotrophic

Answer 33

relating to the growth of nervous tissue