nootropics

Question 1

nootropics

Answer 1

used to enhance memory or other cognitive function

Question 2

what are the claims for a substance to be considered a nootropic?

Answer 2

• enhance memory and ability to learn
• help brain function under disruptive conditions such as hypoxia and electroconvulsive shock
• protect the brain from chemical and physical assaults, such as anti-cholinergic drugs and barbiturates
• increase the efficacy of neuronal firing control mechanisms in cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain
• possess few or no side effects and be virtually non-toxic

Question 3

piracetam is a ….. of which receptor?

Answer 3

positive allosteric modulator of the glutamate AMPA receptor that is colocalized with cholinergic receptors

Question 4

which herbs are considered nootropics (natural nootropics)? (6)

Answer 4

• ginkgo - Ginkgo biloba
• ginseng - panax ginseng
• bacopa - bacopa monnieri
• firmoss - huperzia serrata
• indian coleus - coleus foskolii
• lion’s mane - hericium erinaceus

Question 5

how do nootropics work?

Answer 5

1. brain energy (enhance metabolic activity off mitochondria)
2. brain chemicals (supplied precursor of synthesis of neurotransmitters)
3. cerebral blood flow (promotes nitric oxide activation and relaxation of blood vessels)
4. brain waves (some nootropics can raise alpha brain waves)
5. neuroprotection (increasing the brain’s antioxidant capacity)
6. brain regeneration (maintaining brain cell membrane flexibility and plasticity)

Question 6

scientific name of ginkgo

Answer 6

ginkgo biloba

Question 7

part used of ginkgo

Answer 7

leaves and roots

Question 8

bioactive compound of ginkgo

Answer 8

ginkgolides (terpene)

Question 9

ginkgo mechanism of action (4)

Answer 9

1. cholinergic: increase uptake and release of Ach
2. monoamine: increase uptake of serotonin + reverses age-related decline in alpha 2 adrenergic receptors
3. GABA: increases glutamic acid decarboxylase activity
4. vascular: nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation

Question 10

how is ginkgo cholinergic

Answer 10

increases uptake and release of Acetylcholine a

Question 11

mechanism of action of ginkgo on Monoamine

Answer 11

• increases uptake of serotonin
• inhibits MAO
• reverses age-related decline in alpha 2 adrenergic receptors

Question 12

…… memory tasks increase uptake of Ach

Answer 12

short-term memory

Question 13

what does long-term memory reference memory tasks cause?

Answer 13

cause an acute increase followed by a long-lasting decrease and inhibition (acetylcholine?)

Question 14

what are the two groups of adrenergic receptors?

Answer 14

alpha and beta => sympathetic receptors

Question 15

which neurotransmitters activate alpha and beta adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic system?

Answer 15

norepinephrine and epinephrine

Question 16

scientific name of ginseng

Answer 16

panax ginseng

Question 17

part used of ginseng

Answer 17

root

Question 18

bioactive compound of ginseng

Answer 18

ginsengosides (alkaloid)

Question 19

mechanism of action of ginseng (5)

Answer 19

1. cholinergic: increases uptake and release of Ach
2. monoamines: enhanced epithelial synthesis
3. nitric oxide
4. neurotrophic: increase nerve growth factor (NGF)
5. inhibits calcium channels/flux

Question 20

how is ginseng cholinergic?

Answer 20

increased Ach release and nicotinic binding

Question 21

how is ginseng neurotrophic?

Answer 21

increase nerve growth factor (NGF) expression

Question 22

scientific name of bacopa

Answer 22

bacopa monnieri

Question 23

what parts of bacopa are used?

Answer 23

leaves and stem

Question 24

bioactive compound of bacopa

Answer 24

bacosides (triterpenoid saponin)

Question 25

mechanism of action of bacopa? (4)

Answer 25

1. antioxidant/neuroprotection 2. cerebral blood flow and vasodilation (release Nitric oxide from endothelium and promotes vasodilation and increased blood flow) 3. neurotransmitter potentiation (rise in serotonin) 4. reduces ADHD

Question 26

scientific name of firmoss

Answer 26

Huperzia serrata

Question 27

what part of firmoss is used

Answer 27

clubmoss

Question 28

bioactive compound of firmoss

Answer 28

Huperzine A (sesquiterpene alkaloid)

Question 29

what does huperzine A inhibit

Answer 29

acetycholinesterase inhibitor

Question 30

huperzine A is an .... antagonist . what does it entail?

Answer 30

NMDA receptor antagonist | helps prevent neurons form cell death from excitotoxicity

Question 31

scientific name of Indian coleus

Answer 31

coleus foskolii

Question 32

part used of Indian coleus

Answer 32

roots

Question 33

bioactive compound of Indian coleus

Answer 33

forskolin (diterpene)

Question 34

activity of forskolin: what does it increase? through which mechanism

Answer 34

intracellular levels of cAMP through adenylate cyclase activation

Question 35

what does forskolin inhibit?

Answer 35

inhibits acetylcholinesterase (increased acetylcholine levels)

Question 36

artichoke extract contains ....

Answer 36

luteolin

Question 37

what is luteolin?

Answer 37

a powerful phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE4 - degrades cAMP) which in turn increased long-term potentiation (LTP)

Question 38

what is the process of long-term potentiation?

Answer 38

production of proteins needed for neuron and synapse growth by cAMP

Question 39

scientific name of lion's mane

Answer 39

hericium erinaceus

Question 40

part used of lion's mane

Answer 40

fruit body

Question 41

bioactive compound of lion's mane

Answer 41

hericenone/erinacine (diterpenoids)

Question 42

what does hericenones and erinacines isolated from the cultured mycelia of lion's mane enhance?

Answer 42

enhances nerve growth factors (NGF) in vitro, essential in the maintenance, survival and regeneration of neurons

Question 43

eugeroics

Answer 43

are a class of drugs that promote wakefulness and alertness

Question 44

neurotrophic

Answer 44

relating to the growth of nervous tissue