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NOOTROPICS- THE MEMORY INHANCEMENT DRUGS- A REVIEW

 

Clinical courses

About Author:
Rahul Singh
M.PHARMA (Pharmaceutics)
Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute Of Pharmacy
Kumhari, Distt-Durg , Chhatisgarh, India
rahulbaba92@yahoo.in

ABSTRACT-
This century will see the arrival of lifestyle drugs to enhance the power of our minds. These ‘smart’ drugs, or nootropics, will be substances that increase the speed of our learning and the capacity of our memory. Nootropics are thought to work by altering the availability of the brain's supply of neurochemicals (neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones), by improving the brain's oxygen supply, or by stimulating nerve growth. Nootropics has proved to be a very successful pharmacological means of raising academic performance in children with attention deficit disorder and it is therefore regarded as a nootropic. Motivation and attention are aspects of cognition that vary particularly with wakefulness. Research into learning and memory is yielding a wide range of targets for drug companies in search of the perfect nootropic.

REFERENCE ID: PHARMATUTOR-ART-1673

INTRODUCTION-
Nootropics , also referred to as smart drugs, memory enhancers, neuro enhancers, cognitive enhancers, and intelligence enhancers, are drugs, supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods that purportedly improve mental functions such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration.
The word nootropic was coined in 1972 by the Romanian Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, derived from the Greek words νους nous, or "mind," and τρ?πειν trepein meaning "to bend/turn".
Nootropics are thought to work by altering the availability of the brain's supply of neurochemicals (neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones), by improving the brain's oxygen supply, or by stimulating nerve growth.


AVAILABILITY AND PREVALENCE-
At present, there are several drugs on the market that improve memory, concentration, and planning, and reduce impulsive behavior. Many more are in different stages of development. The most commonly used class of drug is stimulants.
These drugs are used primarily to treat people with cognitive difficulties such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ADHD. However, more widespread use is being recommended by some researchers. These drugs have a variety of human enhancement applications as well, and are marketed heavily on the Internet. Nevertheless, intense marketing may not correlate with efficacy; while scientific studies support some of the claimed benefits, it is worth noting that not all of the claims from certain nootropics suppliers have been formally tested.

In academia, modafinil has been used to increase productivity, although its long-term effects have not been assessed in healthy individuals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate are being used on college campuses, and by an increasingly younger group. One survey found that 7% of students had used stimulants for a cognitive edge in the past year, and on some campuses the number is as high as 25%.


DRUG PROFILE AND DOSE OF SOME NOOTROPICS DRUGS-
Nootropics or Smarts Drugs are chemicals which are claimed to have mild to moderate positive mental or physical effects such as improvements to memory, cognition, and clarity of thought or "anti-aging" effects.

Nootropics can be divided into several subsets depending on how they act on cognition,The world ‘cognition’itself covers a wide range of facets of bain function,including learning,memory,attention and motivation

COMMON NAME

OTHER NAMES

DESCRIPTION

ADRAFINIL

Olmifon

Stimulant

ANIRACETAM

Draganon, Sarpul

 

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Anti-aging

DILANTIN

Phenytoin

 Cognitive Function

DMAE

Di-methyl-amino-ethanol

Memory, Learning

FIPEXIDE

Attentil, Vigilor

Learning

GABAPENTIN

Neurontin

Anti-convulsant

GEROVITAL

GH-3

Anti-aging, Memory

GHB

Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate

Sleep Aid

GINKGO BILOBA

 

Memory

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE

 hGH, Somatotropin

 Anti-aging

HERBAL ECSTASY

HerbalX, Cloud9

 

HYDERGINE

Dihydroergotoxine

  Memory, Anti-aging

MECLOFENOXATE

Centrophenoxine, Lucidril

 Anti-aging

MELATONIN

 

 Sleep Regulator

MODAFINIL

Provigil

 Stimulant

OXIRACETAM

Neuractiv, Hydroxypiracetam

 Memory

PHENYTOIN

Dilantin

 Cognitive Functions

PIRACETAM

 

 Cognitive Functions

PRAMIRACETAM

CI-879

 

SELEGILINE

Deprenyl, Eldepryl

 Memory, Intelligence

TRYPTOPHAN

l-tryptophan, 5-HTP

 Sleep Aid

VASOPRESSIN

Pressyn, Diapid

 Memory

VINPOCETINE

Cavinton

 

 

 

 

(1)  ANIRACETAM-

 

Description

(1-Anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone)Due to its fat solubility the effects last longer and are far more potent than piracetam.

Appearance

White Powder. Neutral odour.

Solubility

Fat Soluble. Forms oily layer when mixed with water.

Daily Dose

600 – 3,000 mg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- Helps increase inter-hemispheric communication, improving creativity, perception, sound, colour, etc.
- Has an more potent AMPA receptor enhancing effect than Piracetam, resulting in better focus and concentration.
- Reported to be best anxiolytic racetam of the lot.

Half Life

1 – 3.5 hours.

Comments

Relatively neutral taste, needs to be taken with choline otherwise headaches may develop. Take with food, ideally eggs, nuts and EFA’s.

 

(2)  OXIRACETAM -

 

Description

(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinacetamide)Far stronger than both Piracetam and Aniracetam and much faster acting. One of the more premium nootropics available.

Appearance

Coarse or Semi-Coarse White Powder

Solubility

Water Soluble

Daily Dose

750 – 1,600 mg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- Supports multiple aspects of cognition.
- Boosts ATP levels, which improves mental energy.
- Increase choline acetylcholinetranferase, the neuro-enzyme that creates acetylcholine in the brain.
- Powerful memory support.

Half Life

3 – 6 hours

Comments

May cause ‘mental tiredness’ after long study sessions.

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(3)  PRAMIRACETAM

 

Description

(N-{2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl}-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide)  Also an analog of piracetam, but up to 30 times stronger. One of the most potent racetams.

Appearance

White Powder

Solubility

Fat Soluble

Daily Dose

100 – 1,200 mg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- Improves mental energy by enhancing the brain’s metabolism.
- Increases communication of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
- Potentiates other racetams like nothing else.

Half Life

2 – 8 hours

Comments

One of the most powerful and least toxic anti-ageing nootropics available. Studies have proven that Pramiracetam has one of the safest levels of toxicity available – even lower than salt.

 

(4) ALPHA GPC-

 

Description

(Alpha L-GlycerylPhosphorylCholine),Also known as choline alfoscerate, is an unique NeuroActive form of choline that rapidly penetrates the blood brain barrier, naturally found in small amounts in milk and soybeans.

Appearance

Coarse White Powder

Solubility

Highly water soluble. Can turn to a gel if humidity is over 25%.

Daily Dose

300 – 2,000 mg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- A precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which supports memory.
- A precursor for phosphatidylcholine, which supports brain structure.

Half Life

6 hours

 

(5)  VINPOCETINE -

 

Description

(Ethyl Apovincamine)  Is a derivative of vincamine (a phytonootropic from periwinkle). While less potent as a mental stimulant than vincamine, Vinpocetine is the preferred nootropic for Enhancing blood flow to the Brain, Eyes, and Ears. Its effects on Cerebral Blood Flow far exceeds all other nootropics.

Appearance

Coarse off-white powder. Also available in very fine powder form.

Solubility

Fat Soluble

Daily Dose

10 – 50 mg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- Enhances Brain Metabolism (By increasing Glucose Utilization, Blood & Oxygen Flow) (Boosts mental energy & cerebral circulation)
- Stimulates the Locus Coeruleus, (specialized neurons) (Involved in information processing, attention, cortical/behavioral arousal, learning and memory)
- Inhibits Platelet Aggregation (Reduces abnormal blood clots).
- Offers significant neural-antioxidant effects.

Half Life

6 hours

Comments

Best taken with food.

 

(6) L-THEANE -

 

Description

A unique amino acid found in trace amounts in green tea. It converts in the brain into GABA, the neurochemical involved in inhibiting over active mental activities, such as stress, anxiety, worrying, and nervousness. Unlike herbs theanine protects & enhances Cognition, without causing sleepy or drowsiness.

Appearance

Coarse White Powder

Solubility

Water Soluble

Daily Dose

200 – 1,000 mg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- Instant relaxation due to its potent effects on raising GABA
- Unlike the supplement GABA it passes through the blood brain barrier readily and has superior GABA raising effects.
- Has been studied compared to Paxil.

Half Life

6 hours

Comments

In Japan it is used in soft drinks much like caffeine is added in the US, but to relax rather than stimulate the mind.

 

(7)                   L-HUPEREA

 

Description

A natural plant alkaloid (extracted from Huperzia serrata), which quickly and potently boosts memory, learning, and concentration. Used worldwide for decades in adults and high school students. Is considered the most potent short term memory enhancer available.

Appearance

Yellow/Brown Powder

Solubility

Fat Soluble

Daily Dose

200 – 400 mcg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- Potently raises Acetylcholine (main memory neurotransmitter) by inhibiting its breakdown from Acetylcholinesterase.
- Strengthens the Brain’s NMDA receptors (Enhances Focus, Learning, and Brain Functioning)

Half Life

6 hours

 

(8) ACETYL-L-CARNITINE (ALCAR) -

 

Description

An amino acid-like compound related to Choline found in high levels in brain cells.

Appearance

Coarse White Powder

Solubility

Water Soluble

Daily Dose

500 – 3,000 mg

Bio-mechanical Effects

- Increases Acetylation of Coenzyme A (a precursor to Acetylcholine) [Memory Enhancer]
- Enhances transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria [Increased Cellular Energy Levels]

Half Life

6 hours

(9)  THEANINE-
(gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid) is an unique amino acid found in trace amounts in green tea. It converts in the brain into GABA, the neurochemical involved in inhibiting over active mental activities, such as stress, anxiety, worrying, and nervousness. Unlike herbs theanine protects & enhances Cognition, without causing sleepy or drowsiness.

Biochemical Effects

  • Instant relaxation due to its potent effects on raising GABA
  • Unlike the supplement GABA it passes through the blood brain barrier readily and has superior GABA raising effects.
  • Has been studied compared to Paxil.

Notes
In Japan it is used in soft drinks much like caffeine is added in the US, but to relax rather than stimulate the mind.
Dose
200-1000mg daily.

(10)  ACETYL-L-CARNITINE-
(2-Acetoxy-3-(trimethylaminium)butanoic acid) is an amino acid-like compound related to Choline found in high levels in brain cells.

Biochemical Effects
Increases Acetylation of Coenzyme A (a precursor to Acetylcholine) [Memory Enhancer]
Enhances transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria [Increased Cellular Energy Levels]

Dose-   500-3000mg daily

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(11)  VASOPRESSIN-
Definitely the most euphoric of the memory-enhancing intelligence-increase drugs outside of the one being called "Euphoria" (more on Euphoria later).

Vasopressin is marketed as Diapid, a prescription drug made by our old friends Sandoz. It can also be ordered as Vasopressin through chemical supply houses by those who know the ropes. I had five squirts of Vasopressin out of a nasal inhaler. I was surprised by how strong the effects were. I had that charged-up hyperconfident rush that one experiences with cocaine, but combined with much clearer ideation and without the numbing and discomfort or the strange and disquieting hard edges which often accompany even the more euphoric coke highs. It didn't last very long, about two hours, most of which unfortunately spent riding the BART and walking. By the time I got home, the experience had pretty well dissipated.

Safety & Warnings
It is a naturally occurring peptide that can cause a wide variety of effects beyond those mentioned in the article. It strains the heart by reducing the heart's food and oxygen supply and increasing the heart's workload by increasing blood pressure. In individuals with hidden or overt heart problems, this can mean a heart attack. In addition vasopressin can cause a dangerous elevation in brain fluid pressure, leading to stroke, coma, or death.

Also it can produce vertigo, circumoral pallor, pounding headaches, cramps, diarrhea, gas, nausea, vomiting, urticaria, difficulty breathing, anaphylactic shock, and normal shock.

It is dangerous to use in people with a history of epilepsy, migraine, asthma, heart failure, or poor kidney function. Vasopressin can have dangerous interactions with most stimulants, including pemoline, caffeine, diet pills, and cold medications.

(13)  HYDERGINE-
The invention of one Dr. Albert Hoffmann of Sandoz Laboratories. I know of many people who got their hands on buckets of this stuff and I know of nobody who continues to take it. The effects are said to be cumulative rather than immediate and everybody seems to lose interest. "I forgot to take my Hydergine" is a term which one often hears from chagrined "intelligence agents," fully cognizant (even without Hydergine) of the ironies involved. This probably says more about the people that I hang out with than about Hydergine as an intelligence increase agent.

Incidentally, Dr. Hoffmann told a friend of mine that one can get exactly the same effects one gets from daily megadoses of Hydergine by using 25 micrograms of LSD daily. I have not experimented with subthreshold acid as an IQ substance, so I cannot comment.

Safety & Warnings
It is an ergot alkaloid, the same chemical class as LSD, but with no psychedelicor immediate effects. It is currently prescribed to help alleviate some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, but, despite the tremendous numbers of people with this affliction, Hydergine is not widely used, mainly because it is only effective in about 1/3 of the people using it. As a matter of fact it worsens cognition in about 1/3 of people.

It is dangerous to use in individuals with any history of psychosis, low or high blood pressure, heart disease, pregnant women (at any point in pregnancy), or a history of migraines.
Hydergine has caused rashes, drug fever, headaches, dizziness, vision problems, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, cramps, fainting, sluggishness, drowsiness, emotional withdrawal, apathy, nervousness, hostility, confusion, depression, weakness, collapse, and coma.

(14)  LECITHIN, CHOLINE-
(with Vitamin C and B6)
While perhaps less intriguing and glamorous to technophilic reality hackers, most of these easily available cognitive enhancers have a substantially perceptible effect. LECITHIN seems to be the exception. Even at "Durk and Sandy" dosage levels there was no noticeable enhancement of focus, recall, etc. CHOLINE and INOSITOL, at about three grams each, produce mild but definite results with no discomfort and can be used daily.. PHENYLALANINE is quite speedy. While it can be used for creativity and focus, it tends to make one irritable. For emergency use only.

Safety & Warnings
These compounds are both basically safe and effective if not spectacular. I would add a few notes though. Use caution with these if you have a history of epilepsy. Choline may be more effective when taken with inositol. B6 is more effective and better for you when taken in wide-spectrum mega-B vitamin supplements.

PHENYLALANINE is neurotoxic and can cause brain damage in about 2% of the population [uploader's note: the 2% with the metabolic disorder PKU, that is], and it's probably not good in large doses for anyone. TYROSINE on the other hand is not toxic and is a more effective substitute.

DEANER can be made more effective by combining it with METHIONINE, but be cautious of large doses of methionine if you have a history of psychosis. In addition, there are other nutrients that are save and effective in increasing psychological energy in most people, INOSINE, CYTOCHROME C, LYSINE, and GINSENG.

(15) DEANER-
This is getting really popular with the "health food set." Experientially, the effect is very subtle but noticeable. I've tried this a few times and what I've found is that if I already have a task to do, I will do it and, in retrospect, I will realize that I sustained my attention for an unusually long time without flagging or needing a break. However, if I use this (as I often do with other cognitive enhancers) without a precise sense of what the task at hand is, it doesn't clarify and help to motivate activity. This is an important point.

Drugs such as Vasopressin, Pemoline, Euphoria and THA can actually cut through confusion and ennui and help invoke will. My guess is that most of these substances also work, to varying degrees, on the pleasure centers of the brain, provoking one's natural 'joie di vivre' and thereby provoking enthusiasm for creative and organizational activities.

(16)   PEMOLINE-
Usually combined with Magnesium. The information most frequently passed around in reference to MAGNESIUM PEMOLINE was published by the Church of the Tree of Life some years ago in their publication "Bark Leaf". It recommends taking "Mag-Pem" at 50-100 mgs. every day for two months in order to substantially increase your I.Q. OUCH! This program is a sure ticket to severe headaches and extreme nervousness. However, in the 20-30 milligram range, I've found that this can be used twice weekly with excellent results. The lift is very substantial and noticeable.

For rapid-fire associations and grand synthesis just combine it with moderate amounts of Cannabis (Sativa, if possible). It lasts about twelve hours, coming on slowly and having its greatest effect at around the fifth through the tenth hours. Clarity and verbal acuity are the strong points here. At times, the sheer mass of information, new thoughts and connections can overwhelm and put one into a rather confused state, particularly if one is not applying oneself to something. When this occurs I find that I can slow down my thoughts to a point where there is coherence simply by verbalizing them or writing them down. Unlike its close cousin "EUPHORIA," Pemoline is emotionally bland.

It is not a pleasure drug. WARNING: from observations, approximately one in every ten people get nothin' but headaches from even small doses of Pemoline.

Safety & Warnings-
PEMOLINE is an interesting drug at the center of some current research. Unfortunately, it is not known how the drug works. If it was, a safer alternative could be found. Pemoline has caused fatal liver failure, still births, La Tourette's Syndrome, seizures, hallucinations, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, lips, face, eyes, and extremities, depression, delirium, dizziness, irritability, headaches, drowsiness, insomnia, anorexia, nausea, and cramps. Caution should be used when combining it with any other drug because it is known to have strong dangerous interactions with many drugs. Finally, pemoline, a controlled substance, is recognized by the government as having an abuse/ addiction liability.

(17)  PRL-8-53 -
Untried by your reviewer at this time. However, Durk Pearson is quoted in 'High Frontiers' as saying that "PRL-8-53 is a terrific memory enhancer. Normally you can memorize about seven or eight digits just by looking at them for a second. PRL-8-53 gives the average person a memory span of about 21 to 22 digits." He also reported that one amnesia victim was cured with one dose.

Safety & Warnings
The fact that it still is referred to by its code number probably means that it is still highly experimental; they may not even know what its structure is yet. It might be safe, but you are playing neurochemical roulette.

(18) THA-
Untried by your reviewer at this time. Again, Durk Pearson, this time in 'High Frontiers/Reality Hackers Newsletter:' "In combination with arecoline, THA has been found to be remarkably effective as a memory improver ... it's important that the dosage be individualized ... too much will actually impair memory and produce sweating, excessive muscle tone and mouth-watering." The standard dosage is "1 to 2 mg." however, Durk recommends that you start with a quarter of that every two to four hours and work up - if you get those side effects, back off.

Safety & Warnings
This is potentially very dangerous. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor making its actions closely related to Nerve Gas, Pesticides and Strychnine. BE CAREFUL!

(19)  CENTROPHENOXINE-
Centrophenoxine is an intelligence booster and also an effective anti-aging therapy. It has been shown to cause improvements in various aspects of memory function and a 30% increase in lifespan of laboratory animals.

One of the most widely recognized aspects of aging is the buildup of lipofuscin in brain cells (lipofuscin is the stuff that age spots are made of.) Centrophenoxine removes lipofuscin deposits from brain cells and reduces its rate of accumulation in young brain cells. It also rejuvenates the synaptic structure - the area where the actual transfer of information takes place between nerve cells.

PRECAUTIONS: Centrophenoxine should not be used by persons who are easily excitable, people with severe arterial hypertension, or those subject to convulsions or involuntary musculoskeletal movements. The drug also should not be used by nursing mothers. Adverse effects are rare, but include hyperexcitability, insomnia, tremors, motion sickness, paradoxical drowsiness, and depression. There is no toxicity of Centrophenoxine at therapeutic doses.
DOSAGE: Take 1000 to 3000mg per day. Centrophenoxine takes effect very quickly. You'll notice an increase in alertness and a slight stimulating quality.
SOURCES: Centrophenoxine is not sold in the United States. It can be purchased over the counter in Mexico or by mail from the address below.

(20)  CHOLINE-
Choline can be found in several forms including choline bitartrate, choline chloride, or phosphatidyl choline. Phosphatidyl choline (PC) is the active ingredient of lecithin. All of these forms of choline will produce memory boosting effects, but PC has some unique effects as well.

Choline compounds, including PC, are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier, where the brain utilizes the choline to make acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in memory). Thus, choline enhances memory by increasing the amount of acetylcholine available for memory and thought processes.

PC has some other important health benefits. It functions as a source of structural material for every cell in the human body, particularly those of the brain and nerves. It also aids in the metabolism of fats, regulates blood cholesterol, and nourishes the fat-like sheathes of nerve fibers.

PRECAUTIONS:  Any compound that acts like a precursor to acetylcholine such as choline, PC, or DMAE should not be used by people who are manic depressive because it can deepen the depressive phase. Choline bitartrate and choline chloride can sometimes cause a fishy odor or diarrhea. PC, however, does not have either of these effects.

DOSAGE: Take 3 grams of choline per day in three divided doses. If you're taking lecithin you need to take a lot more because only part of the lecithin is choline. Often the label will provide information on the quantity of choline per tablespoon. All forms of choline should be taken with one gram per day of vitamin B-5 so that the choline can be converted into acetylcholine.

SOURCES: Choline and lecithin are considered nutritional supplements and can be found at health food or drug stores. Commercial lecithin usually contains other oils and phosphatides besides phosphatidyl choline. Look at the label before you buy and make sure the product contains more than 30% phosphatidyl choline. Also, you should taste your lecithin and make sure it does not taste bitter (this indicates rancidity). Much lecithin on the market is rancid. The best form of lecithin I know is Twin Labs brand "PC 55" - it contains 55% PC and is always very fresh.

(21)  DHEA-
Dehydroepiandosterone (pronounced dee-hi-dro-epp-ee-an-dro-ster-own) is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland. DHEA is the most abundant steroid in the human bloodstream. Research has found it to have significant anti-obesity, anti-tumor, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. DHEA levels naturally drop as people age and there is a good reason to think that taking a DHEA supplement may extend your life and make you more youthful while you're alive. Additionally, DHEA may be an important player in cognitive enhancement.

DHEA is involved in protecting brain neurons from senility-associated degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Not only does the neuronal degenerative condition occur most frequently at the time of lowest DHEA levels, but brain tissue contains more DHEA than is found in the bloodstream. In an experiment with brain cell tissue cultures, Dr. Eugene Roberts found that very low concentrations of DHEA were found to "increase the number of neurons, their ability to establish contacts, and their differentiation." DHEA also enhanced long-term memory in mice undergoing avoidance training. Perhaps it plays a similar role in human brain function.

DOSAGE - DHEA ranges from 50 mg to 2000 mg per day. There is no solid information indicating an optimal dosage for humans, but, if you want to get serious, you can get your DHEA levels checked every few months (for about $65), each time raising the amount of DHEA you take. When your blood levels reach what is normal for a 20-year-old human, then you're taking enough.

SOURCES: DHEA is now being used by many people with AIDS because of its immune enhancement and antiviral effects. DHEA is not FDA approved but AIDS buyers groups are able to sell it to members because the FDA has a policy of looking the other way when it comes to the activity of these groups.

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(22)  HYDERGINE (ERGOLOID MESYLATES)-
Research in other countries has shown that Hydergine improves mental function, prevents damage to brain cells, and may even be able to reverse existing damage to brain cells. Hydergine acts in several ways to enhance mental capabilities and slow down or reverse the aging processes in the brain. Its wide variety of effects include the following:
1. Increases in blood supply to the brain.
2. Increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain.
3. Enhances metabolism in brain cells.
4. Protects the brain from damage during periods of decreased and/or insufficient oxygen supply.
5. Slows the deposit of age pigment (lipofuscin) in the brain.
6. Prevents free radical damage to brain cells.
7. Increases intelligence, memory, learning and recall.
8. Normalizes systolic blood pressure.
9. lowers abnormal high cholesterol levels in some cases.
10. Reduces symptoms of tiredness, dizziness, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

One way that Hydergine may enhance memory and learning is by mimicking the effect of a substance called nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF stimulates protein synthesis that results in the growth of dendrites in brain cells. Dendrites facilitate communication throughout the central nervous system and are necessary for memory and learning. New learning requires new dendritic growth.