Morphogen Nutrition COGNIGEN Nootropic: The Perfect Focus Add-On

Morphogen Nutrition Cognigen

It’s no secret that the team at Morphogen Nutrition has stepped their game up tremendously in the past couple of years. Morphogen is one of the industry’s rising stars, and that’s thanks largely to the visionary direction of founder and CEO Ben Hartman, who’s been a guest on The PricePlow Podcast not once but twice:

Every formula Morphogen touches turns to gold, which is why today we’re stoked to talk about Morphogen’s latest nootropic entry:

COGNIGEN Neuro-Accelerator, From Morphogen

The first thing to note about COGNIGEN Neuro-Accelerator’s formula is that it’s a little light on caffeine – just 100 milligrams of extended-release. This means you can stack it with your existing morning coffee, and can still take a fat burner, pre-workout, or energy drink in the same timeframe.

Instead, caffeine’s cousin and fellow alkaloid theacrine is doing a lot of the stimulant lifting… but you just have to feel the effects of this nGin ginseng extract! Overall, COGNIGEN offers a substantially different stimulant experience than the typical nootropic formula fare, and we’ll get into what makes theacrine special.

RhodioPrime NNB Nutrition

With ingredients like RhodioPrime rhodiola, the aforementioned nGin ginseng, and tyrosine, this formula heavily emphasizes stress resistance, which makes perfect sense to us. Typically, people reach for nootropic supplements to help them tolerate stressful situations, and the industry has really picked up on this and responded with appropriate ingredient selection.

With school starting up again, for instance, students could use a product like COGNIGEN to help prepare for exams, or even just a heavy daily workload.

But the real headline is Morphogen’s use of D-serine, an amino acid that, despite playing a critical role in healthy cognition, is not an ingredient we’ve seen used very often.

Let’s get into how this works, but first, check the Morphogen PricePlow news and deals:

Morphogen Nutrition COGNIGEN – Deals and Price Drop Alerts

Get Price Alerts

No spam, no scams.

Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.

Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

This area is reserved for Team PricePlow's upcoming videos.

Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you catch it when it goes live!

Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube!

Before digging into the ingredients, make sure you see the following clip from our discussion in episode #102 of the PricePlow Podcast with the SportLife Distribution sales team, where Morphogen’s formulation prowess is called out, and both sides agree to how well COGNIGEN works:

With that said, let’s get into why everyone’s loving it so much:

Morphogen COGNIGEN Ingredients

In a single 1-scoop serving (7.1 gram) of COGNIGEN from Morphogen, you get the following:

  • L-Tyrosine (HPLC) – 3,000 mg

    Morphogen Nutrition Cognigen Ingredients

    Tyrosine is a crucial precursor to catecholamine neurotransmitters like dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which are essential for maintaining focus, motivation, and energy levels.[1-3] Supporting the production of these neurotransmitters through tyrosine supplementation can help cognitive function during stressful situations.

    Military forces worldwide have investigated tyrosine’s ability to mitigate stress and enhance wakefulness. Notably, studies conducted by the U.S. military have revealed that tyrosine surpasses caffeine in improving alertness among sleep-deprived soldiers.[4,5]

    Furthermore, tyrosine serves as a precursor to thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are vital for regulating metabolism, and the body requires an ample supply of tyrosine to produce them effectively.[6,7] Considering that many PricePlow readers are physically active and health-conscious, it’s important to note that intense exercise and caloric restriction can have a negative impact on thyroid function.[8-10] Therefore, incorporating a small amount of tyrosine supplementation into your routine can potentially help maintain hormonal balance and support overall health in such scenarios.

  • D-Serine (HPLC) – (1,000 mg)

    Serine is an amino acid that plays a key role in activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR).

    The NMDAR is abundant in the brain’s frontal cortex,[11] where it plays an important role in facilitating executive function (EF). In order to enable EF, the NMDAR must be activated by the presence of glutamate as well as one of the two NMDAR co-activators, which are serine and the amino acid glycine.[12]

    As blood levels of glycine and serine decline with age,[13] so too does EF.[14] Of all cognitive abilities, EF impairment is most strongly correlated with mortality and functional decline.[15] This means that maintaining EF is a logical strategy for preserving aging populations’ ability to function. It also means that past a certain age, most, if not all of us, could benefit from serine supplementation.

    D-Serine Groton Maze Learning Test Results

    Older adults made significantly fewer errors on the Groton Maze Learning Test, (GMLT), a computerized test of executive function.[16]

    One randomized, double-blind, crossover study from 2016 found that a single 30-mg/kg dose of D-serine was associated with significant improvements in executive function, spatial memory, learning, and problem solving in adults aged 65 and older.[16] Of course, the dose used in COGNIGEN isn’t that high. Unless you weigh 33 kilograms (72 pounds), you’ll get less than 30 mg/kg per serving. However, we don’t see any reason for not double-scooping COGNIGEN. So, if you really want to get close to the clinical dose, you could do that.

    It appears that not just older adults can benefit from D-serine supplementation. A randomized, double-blind, crossover study from 2015 found that after a single dose of D-serine, men and women aged 23-29 showed small but significant improvements in :[17]

    • Anxiety
    • Attention
    • Working memory
    • Well-being

    Single vs. long-term doses

    The 2015 study mentioned above used a 2.1-gram dose, which is about twice as much as the amount in a single serving of COGNIGEN. However, the study authors point out that the single-dose paradigm used in both studies is actually a limitation.[17] We haven’t seen any long-term human studies on D-serine yet, but there’s good reason to that taking 1,000 mg/day for several days is actually better than taking 2.1 grams or 30 mg/kg once.

    Morphogen Nutrition Cognigen

    Serine-ketamine connection

    You’ve probably heard about how ketamine is the new breakthrough treatment for depression.[18] Now, since serine is an NMDAR agonist and ketamine is an NMDAR antagonist, you might think they would have opposite effects. Believe it or not, high-dose D-serine has been shown in animal models to have identical effects as the low-dose ketamine used in depression treatment.[19]

    The basic reason for this is that serine and ketamine both have biphasic effects. Even though ketamine is an NMDAR antagonist, administering ketamine in low doses can cause an adaptive upregulation of the NDMAR. Similarly, high-dose serine can cause an adaptive downregulation of the NMDAR.[19]

    In other words, there seems to be an overlap between the biphasic dosing schedules of D-serine and ketamine, which means they can have qualitatively similar effects on brain chemistry and, hence, mood.

  • RhodioPrime 6 Rhodiola extract (Rhodiola crenulata) (root) (std. min. 6% salidrosides) – 300 mg

    There are species of Rhodiola commonly used for supplement formulation: Rhodiola rosea and Rhodiola crenulata. While closely related, these two plants differ in one important way.

    Rhodiola rosea’s primary bioactive constituents are rosavins, while crenulata contains more salidrosides. Although rosea is more commonly used than crenulata, there is compelling evidence suggesting that salidroside may exhibit superior efficacy in specific aspects of Rhodiola’s effectiveness.[20,21]

    Hence, based on the existing research literature, it’s advisable to take Rhodiola extracts derived from the crenulata plant due to its significantly higher salidroside concentration.[22,23]

    This is why Morphogen opts for NNB Nutrition’s trademarked RhodioPrime extract, sourced from crenulata. RhodoPrime is the most potent extract on the market with an impressive 6% salidroside standardization, whereas most commercially available extracts typically contain around 1% salidroside.

    NNB Nutrition RhodioPrime

    At 6% salidroside, NNB Nutrition’s RhodioPrime is the best way to feel the serious power of this wonderful herb!

    Salidroside: Mechanisms of Action

    According to the research literature, salidroside’s mechanisms of action encompass the following:

    1. Increased long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus[23]
    2. Enhanced autophagy via the mTOR pathway[24]
    3. Improved oxygen utilization via hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)[25]
    4. Upregulation of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, and serotonin[26]
    5. Inhibition of the monoamine oxidase (MOA) enzyme responsible for neurotransmitter breakdown[27]
    6. Upregulation of neuropeptide Y[24]

    Thanks to these effects, a Rhodiola extract rich in salidroside is a powerful adaptogenic substance, capable of effectively reducing overall stress levels.

    Salidroside benefits

    The positive outcomes associated with salidrosides include:

    • Enhanced cognition[28]
    • Reduced stress and anxiety levels[29]
    • Improved mood[29]
    • Alleviated symptoms of depression[30]

    Furthermore, Rhodiola has demonstrated its ability to combat both physical and mental fatigue,[31,32] enhance athletic performance,[33] regulate appetite,[34] and improve glucose metabolism.[35]

  • Theacrine (as TeaCrine 40%) – 250 mg

    TeaCrine

    Get long lasting energy and enhanced performance with TeaCrine!

    Theacrine is a compound closely related to caffeine,[36] renowned for its potent stimulant properties. Like caffeine, theacrine is an alkaloid and occurs naturally in Camellia kucha, a traditional Chinese tea better known as kucha.[37]

    Like caffeine, theacrine helps increase mental and physical energy by blocking the action of adenosine receptors[38] and inhibiting phosphodiesterase.[39]

    It also upregulates dopamine,[40] a neurotransmitter that is absolutely crucial for focus, motivation, and mental energy.

    One animal study found that theacrine use over time does not produce drug tolerance.[40] If replicated in humans, this should mean that repeated theacrine administration consistently gives the same effects as the first dose, no matter how many times you take it!

    One study found that theacrine can increase time to exhaustion at 85% VO2max by 27-38%[41] – while not strictly speaking a nootropic effect, we think this is still worth mentioning because it’s a huge effect size and increased exercise tolerance is definitely beneficial if you use exercise to manage stress and improve cognition.

    Finally, since most of us take nootropic supplements to deal with stressful situations, it’s interesting to note that an animal study found theacrine administration can prevent stress-induced liver damage.[37]

  • Velvet Bean extract (Mucuna pruriens) (seed) (std. min. 98% L-DOPA) – 250 mg

    Morphogen Nutrition Cognigen

    Mucuna pruriens, commonly known as velvet bean, is rich in powerful antioxidants and is known for its ability to upregulate dopamine.[42] Extracts of Mucuna are typically standardized for an amino acid called L-DOPA,[43] which is a direct precursor to dopamine.[44]

    Beyond its dopamine-boosting properties, L-DOPA (also known as levodopa) is a formidable anti-stress compound with a documented ability to reduce cortisol levels.[45-47] This quality makes L-DOPA an excellent complement to stimulants like theacrine (which is also in Morphogen COGNIGEN), as it can take the edge off of stimulant effects.

    Reducing cortisol levels is generally a good thing for anyone under mental or physical duress, as cortisol rises during stress[48] and can lead to a decline in testosterone levels.[49,50]

    Regarding muscle growth, both Mucuna and L-DOPA have demonstrated the ability to stimulate the body’s production of growth hormone (GH),[51-53] another crucial hormone for promoting anabolic processes. Again, stress can promote catabolic processes,[54] so helping support muscle preservation and growth should be considered an important anti-stress effect.

    Furthermore, L-DOPA can assist in regulating prolactin levels,[55] a beneficial feature for a pre-workout formula as prolactin levels also tend to rise during stress.[56]

  • Caffeine (as zum XR extended Release Caffeine) – 100 mg

    Caffeine, a methylxanthine stimulant, ranks as one of the most extensively researched substances in existence. It possesses a rare but important characteristic among dietary supplements – namely, its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

    In the brain, caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors. Adenosine, a nucleotide, induces feelings of fatigue as it accumulates. Consequently, inhibiting its action at the receptor level, through caffeine supplementation, is an effective strategy for combating fatigue.[57]

    Caffeine also inhibits phosphodiesterase, an enzyme responsible for degrading cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).[57] By elevating cAMP levels through phosphodiesterase inhibition, caffeine has the capacity to enhance cellular activity, an effect that applies to neurons as much as any other cell in the body.[58,59]

    zumXR Caffeine

    Caffeine not only protects dopaminergic neurons against potential harm (one reason for its association with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s), but also enhances dopaminergic signaling in healthy individuals.[60,61] This enhancement contributes to heightened focus and motivation.

    Research on caffeine demonstrates its ability to:

    1. Reduce reaction times[62]
    2. Enhance attention[62,63]
    3. Heighten alertness[63]
    4. Sustain physical and cognitive capabilities in stressful situations[63]
    5. Improve working memory[64]

    Benefits of zum XR extended release caffeine

    MorphoGen opted for a time-released or extended-release form of caffeine called zum XR. Because it’s absorbed into the bloodstream more gradually than ordinary caffeine anhydrous, zum XR can smooth out your caffeine energy curve, helping you avoid rapid energy increases or rapid energy crashes.

  • nGin Ginseng extract (Panax ginseng) (whole plant) (std. min. 80% ginsenosides) – 100 mg

    Ginseng, scientifically known as Panax ginseng, possesses well-documented capabilities to fight fatigue and alleviate symptoms associated with stress-related depression and anxiety.[65]

    Morphogen Nutrition Cognigen Full Label

    One of ginseng’s most intriguing benefits lies in its ability to reduce apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death that occurs during periods of intense stress.[66] This mechanism is believed to be achieved through ginseng’s attenuation of the body’s inflammatory response to stress, and is facilitated by the potent ginsenoside antioxidant phytochemicals present in ginseng.[65]

    Regarding its nootropic effects, ginseng has been shown to improve various aspects of cognition, including reaction times, working memory, arithmetic skills, and cognitive flexibility.[67-69]

    Researchers have also identified ginseng’s “glucoregulatory” properties, indicating its capacity to maintain healthy glucose metabolism under stressful conditions. This is yet another way ginseng can help prevent or reduce the decline in cognitive performance associated with stress.[70]

Morphogen Nutrition Alphagen V2

Stack Cognigen with the new Alphagen for an ultimate cognitive pre-workout mix!

Flavors Available

    Conclusion

    As you can see, Morphogen Nutrition COGNIGEN is an awesome formula to use if you’re under a lot of pressure. We especially appreciate the fact that Morphogen opted for RhodioPrime. Rhodiola crenulata appears to be simply better than Rhodiola rosea, and we’re hoping the industry as a whole follows Morphogen’s lead in recognizing that rosea extracts are obsolete.

    About the Author: Mike Roberto

    Mike Roberto

    Mike Roberto is a research scientist and water sports athlete who founded PricePlow. He is an n=1 diet experimenter with extensive experience in supplementation and dietary modification, whose personal expertise stems from several experiments done on himself while sharing lab tests.

    Mike's goal is to bridge the gap between nutritional research scientists and non-academics who seek to better their health in a system that has catastrophically failed the public. Mike is currently experimenting with a low Vitamin A diet.

    No Comments | Posted in , | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

    References

    1. Mishra, Akanksha, et al. “Physiological and Functional Basis of Dopamine Receptors and Their Role in Neurogenesis: Possible Implication for Parkinson’s Disease.” Journal of Experimental Neuroscience, vol. 12, Jan. 2018, p. 117906951877982, 10.1177/1179069518779829. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5985548/
    2. Rajeev Dalal, and Dejan Grujic. “Epinephrine.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 2 Apr. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482160/
    3. Smith, Matthew D, and Christopher V Maani. “Norepinephrine.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 23 July 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537259/
    4. Attipoe, Selasi, et al. “Tyrosine for Mitigating Stress and Enhancing Performance in Healthy Adult Humans, a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature.” Military Medicine, vol. 180, no. 7, July 2015, pp. 754–765, 10.7205/milmed-d-14-00594; https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/180/7/754/4160625
    5. Pomeroy, Diane E., et al. “A Systematic Review of the Effect of Dietary Supplements on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Young Adults and Military Personnel.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 2, 20 Feb. 2020, p. 545, 10.3390/nu12020545; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071459/
    6. Mullur, Rashmi et al. “Thyroid hormone regulation of metabolism.” Physiological reviews vol. 94,2 (2014): 355-82. doi:10.1152/physrev.00030.2013; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4044302/
    7. Rousset, Bernard. “Chapter 2 Thyroid Hormone Synthesis And Secretion.” Endotext. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2 Sept. 2015; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285550/
    8. Rousset, Bernard, et al. “Chapter 2 Thyroid Hormone Synthesis and Secretion.” Nih.gov, MDText.com, Inc., 2 Sept. 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285550/
    9. Mullur, Rashmi, et al. “Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism.” Physiological Reviews, vol. 94, no. 2, Apr. 2014, pp. 355–382, 10.1152/physrev.00030.2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4044302/
    10. Wadden TA, Mason G, Foster GD, Stunkard AJ, Prange AJ. Effects of a very low calorie diet on weight, thyroid hormones and mood. Int J Obes. 1990 Mar;14(3):249-58; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2341229/
    11. Morrison, John H, and Mark G Baxter. “The ageing cortical synapse: hallmarks and implications for cognitive decline.” Nature reviews. Neuroscience vol. 13,4 240-50. 7 Mar. 2012, doi:10.1038/nrn3200 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3592200/
    12. Paoletti, Pierre et al. “NMDA receptor subunit diversity: impact on receptor properties, synaptic plasticity and disease.” Nature reviews. Neuroscience vol. 14,6 (2013): 383-400. doi:10.1038/nrn3504 https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3504
    13. Kouchiwa, Takanori et al. “Age-related changes in serum amino acids concentrations in healthy individuals.” Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine vol. 50,5 861-70. 4 Jan. 2012, doi:10.1515/cclm-2011-0846 https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/cclm-2011-0846/html
    14. Mothet, J P et al. “A critical role for the glial-derived neuromodulator D-serine in the age-related deficits of cellular mechanisms of learning and memory.” Aging cell vol. 5,3 (2006): 267-74. doi:10.1111/j.1474-9726.2006.00216.x https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1474-9726.2006.00216.x
    15. Johnson, Julene K et al. “Executive function, more than global cognition, predicts functional decline and mortality in elderly women.” The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences vol. 62,10 (2007): 1134-41. doi:10.1093/gerona/62.10.1134 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3592200/
    16. Avellar, Marcos et al. “The effect of D-serine administration on cognition and mood in older adults.” Oncotarget vol. 7,11 (2016): 11881-8. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.7691 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4914255/#R8
    17. Levin, Raz et al. “Behavioral and cognitive effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor co-agonist D-serine in healthy humans: initial findings.” Journal of psychiatric research vol. 61 (2015): 188-95. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.12.007 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395614003483
    18. Mandal, Suprio et al. “Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression.” Indian journal of psychiatry vol. 61,5 (2019): 480-485. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_484_18 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767816/
    19. Wei, I-Hua et al. “Acute Amino Acid d-Serine Administration, Similar to Ketamine, Produces Antidepressant-like Effects through Identical Mechanisms.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry vol. 65,49 (2017): 10792-10803. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04217 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04217
    20. Panossian, A. et al. June 2010. “Rosenroot (Rhodiola Rosea): Traditional Use, Chemical Composition, Pharmacology, and Clinical efficacy.” Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology vol. 17,7. 481-93. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20378318/
    21. Grech-Baran, M. et al. June 2015. “Biotechnological Approaches to Enhance Salidroside, Rosin and Its Derivatives Production in Selected Rhodiola spp. in Vitro Cultures.” Phytochemistry Reviews: Proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of Europe vol. 14,4. 657-674. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513219/
    22. Li, Y. et al. Dec. 2017. “Rhodiola Rosea L.: An Herb with Anti-stress, Anti-aging, and Immunostimulating Properties for Cancer Chemoprevention.” Current Pharmacology Reports vol. 3,6; 384-395. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208354/
    23. Dimpfel, W. et al. May 2018. “Assessing the Quality and Potential Efficacy of Commercial Extracts of Rhodiola Rosea L. by Analyzing the Salidroside and Rosavin Content and the Electrophysiological Activity in Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation, a Synaptic Model of Memory.” Frontiers in Pharmacology vol. 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5976749/
    24. Liu, Z. et al. Mar. 2012. “Rhodiola Rosea Extracts and Salidroside Decrease the Growth of Bladder Cancer Cell Lines via Inhibition of The mTOR Pathway and Induction of Autophagy.” Molecular Carcinogenesis vol. 51,3; 257-67. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21520297/
    25. Zheng, K. et al. Mar. 2012/ “Salidroside Stimulates the Accumulation of HIF-1α Protein Resulted in the Induction of EPO Expression: A Signaling via Blocking the Degradation Pathway in Kidney and Liver Cells.” European Journal of Pharmacology vol. 679,1-3; 34-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22309741/
    26. Panossian, A. et al. June 2010. “Rosenroot (Rhodiola Rosea): Traditional Use, Chemical Composition, Pharmacology, and Clinical efficacy.” Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology vol. 17,7. 481-93. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20378318/
    27. Van Diermen, D. et al. Mar. 2009. “Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition by Rhodiola Rosea L. Roots.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol. 122,2; 397-401. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19168123/
    28. Dimpfel, W. et al. May 2018. “Assessing the Quality and Potential Efficacy of Commercial Extracts of Rhodiola Rosea L. by Analyzing the Salidroside and Rosavin Content and the Electrophysiological Activity in Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation, a Synaptic Model of Memory.” Frontiers in Pharmacology vol. 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5976749/
    29. Cropley, M. et al. Dec. 2015. “The Effects of Rhodiola Rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms.” Phytotherapy Research: PTR vol. 29,12; 1934-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26502953/
    30. Darbinyan, V. et al. 2007. “Clinical Trial of Rhodiola Rosea L. Extract SHR-5 in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression.” Nordic Journal of Psychiatry vol. 61,5; 343-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17990195/
    31. Spasov, A. et al. April 2007. “A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of the Stimulating and Adaptogenic Effect of Rhodiola Rosea SHR-5 Extract on the Fatigue of Students Caused by Stress During an Examination Period with a Repeated Low-Dose Regimen.” Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology vol. 7,2; 85-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10839209/
    32. Shevtsov, V. et al. Mar. 2003. “A Randomized Trial of Two Different Doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola Rosea Extract Versus Placebo and Control of Capacity for Mental Work.” Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology vol. 10,2-3; 95-105. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12725561/
    33. De Bock, K. et al. June 2004. “Acute Rhodiola Rosea Intake can Improve Endurance Exercise Performance.” International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism vol. 14,3; 298-307. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15256690/
    34. Cifani, C. et al. Dec. 2010. “Effect of Salidroside, Active Principle of Rhodiola Rosea Extract, on Binge Eating.” Physiology & Behavior vol. 101,5; 555-62. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837037/
    35. Mao, G. et al. Apr. 2010. “Protective Role of Salidroside Against Aging in a Mouse Model Induced by D-galactose.” Biomedical and Environmental Sciences: BES vol. 23,2; 161-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20514993/
    36. Feduccia, Allison A., et al. “Locomotor Activation by Theacrine, a Purine Alkaloid Structurally Similar to Caffeine: Involvement of Adenosine and Dopamine Receptors.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, vol. 102, no. 2, 1 Aug. 2012, pp. 241–248, 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.04.014; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22579816/
    37. Li, Wei-Xi et al. “Theacrine, a purine alkaloid obtained from Camellia assamica var. kucha, attenuates restraint stress-provoked liver damage in mice.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry vol. 61,26 (2013): 6328-35. doi:10.1021/jf400982c https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf400982c
    38. Qiao, Haoyi, et al. “Theacrine: A Purine Alkaloid from Camellia Assamica Var. Kucha with a Hypnotic Property via the Adenosine System.” Neuroscience Letters, vol. 659, 17 Oct. 2017, pp. 48–53, 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.08.063; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28864241/
    39. Sheng, Yue-Yue et al. “Theacrine From Camellia kucha and Its Health Beneficial Effects.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 7 596823. 17 Dec. 2020, doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.596823 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7773691/
    40. Feduccia, Allison A et al. “Locomotor activation by theacrine, a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine: involvement of adenosine and dopamine receptors.” Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior vol. 102,2 (2012): 241-8. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2012.04.014 https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0091-3057(12)00124-4
    41. Bello, M.L., Walker, A.J., McFadden, B.A. et al. “The effects of TeaCrine® and caffeine on endurance and cognitive performance during a simulated match in high-level soccer players”;J Int Soc Sports Nutr 16, 20 (2019); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6472067/
    42. Agbafor, K. N., and N. Nwachukwu. “Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Property of Leaf Extracts of Vitex Doniana and Mucuna Pruriens.” Biochemistry Research International, vol. 2011, 2011, 10.1155/2011/459839. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085303/
    43. Misra, Laxminarain, and Hildebert Wagner. “Extraction of Bioactive Principles from Mucuna Pruriens Seeds.” Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics, vol. 44, no. 1, 1 Feb. 2007, pp. 56–60. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17385342/
    44. Gandhi, Kavita R, and Abdolreza Saadabadi. “Levodopa (L-Dopa).” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 27 Oct. 2018; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482140/
    45. Boden, G., et al. “Influence of Levodopa on Serum Levels of Anterior Pituitary Hormones in Man.” Neuroendocrinology, vol. 10, no. 5, 1972, pp. 309–315, 10.1159/000122100; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4350777/
    46. Müller, T., et al. “Acute Levodopa Administration Reduces Cortisol Release in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease.” Journal of Neural Transmission, vol. 114, no. 3, 24 Aug. 2006, pp. 347–350, 10.1007/s00702-006-0552-0; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16932991/
    47. Shukla, Kamla Kant, et al. “Mucuna PruriensReduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 7, no. 1, 2010, pp. 137–144, 10.1093/ecam/nem171; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816389/
    48. Cay, Mahmut et al. “Effect of increase in cortisol level due to stress in healthy young individuals on dynamic and static balance scores.” Northern clinics of Istanbul vol. 5,4 295-301. 29 May. 2018, doi:10.14744/nci.2017.42103 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371989/
    49. Negro-Vilar, A. “Stress and Other Environmental Factors Affecting Fertility in Men and Women: Overview.” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 101, no. suppl 2, July 1993, pp. 59–64, 10.1289/ehp.93101s259; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1519933/
    50. Axelrod, J, and T. Reisine. “Stress Hormones: Their Interaction and Regulation.” Science, vol. 224, no. 4648, 4 May 1984, pp. 452–459, 10.1126/science.6143403; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6143403/
    51. “Stimulation of Growth Hormone Secretion by Levodopa-Propranolol in Children and Adolescents.” Pediatrics, vol. 56, no. 2, 1 Aug. 1975, pp. 262–266; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/169508/
    52. Chihara, K., et al. “L-Dopa Stimulates Release of Hypothalamic Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Humans.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 62, no. 3, 1 Mar. 1986, pp. 466–473, 10.1210/jcem-62-3-466; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3080462/
    53. Galea-Debono, A., et al. “Plasma DOPA Levels and Growth Hormone Response to Levodopa in Parkinsomism.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, vol. 40, no. 2, 1 Feb. 1977, p. 162, 10.1136/jnnp.40.2.162; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC492632/
    54. Hasselgren, P O. “Catabolic response to stress and injury: implications for regulation.” World journal of surgery vol. 24,12 (2000): 1452-9. doi:10.1007/s002680010262 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002680010262
    55. Shukla, Kamla Kant, et al. “Mucuna Pruriens Improves Male Fertility by Its Action on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis.” Fertility and Sterility, vol. 92, no. 6, 1 Dec. 2009, pp. 1934–1940, 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.045; https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)03935-6/fulltext
    56. Lennartsson, Anna-Karin, and Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir. “Prolactin in response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy men and women.” Psychoneuroendocrinology vol. 36,10 (2011): 1530-9. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.04.007 https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0306-4530(11)00131-4
    57. Goldstein, E.R., Ziegenfuss, T., Kalman, D. et al.; “International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance”; J Int Soc Sports Nutr 7, 5 (2010); https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1550-2783-7-5
    58. Tanaka, S., and T. Koike. “Caffeine Promotes Survival of Cultured Sympathetic Neurons Deprived of Nerve Growth Factor through a CAMP-Dependent Mechanism.” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Cell Research, vol. 1175, no. 1, 15 Dec. 1992, pp. 114–122; 10.1016/0167-4889(92)90017-6; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0167488992900176
    59. Yoshimura, Hiroshi. “The potential of caffeine for functional modification from cortical synapses to neuron networks in the brain.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 3,4 (2005): 309-16. doi:10.2174/157015905774322543 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2268995/
    60. Cappelletti, Simone et al. “Caffeine: cognitive and physical performance enhancer or psychoactive drug?.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 13,1 (2015): 71-88. doi:10.2174/1570159X13666141210215655 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462044/
    61. ‌Volkow, N D et al. “Caffeine increases striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability in the human brain.” Translational psychiatry vol. 5,4 e549. 14 Apr. 2015, doi:10.1038/tp.2015.46; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462609/
    62. Kahathuduwa CN, Dassanayake TL, Amarakoon AMT, Weerasinghe VS. Acute effects of theanine, caffeine and theanine-caffeine combination on attention. Nutr Neurosci. 2017 Jul;20(6):369-377. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2016.1144845; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26869148/
    63. McLellan TM, Caldwell JA, Lieberman HR. A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016 Dec;71:294-312. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.001; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27612937/
    64. Klaassen EB, de Groot RH, Evers EA, Snel J, Veerman EC, Ligtenberg AJ, Jolles J, Veltman DJ. The effect of caffeine on working memory load-related brain activation in middle-aged males. Neuropharmacology. 2013 Jan;64:160-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.026; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22728314/
    65. Lee S, Rhee DK. Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. J Ginseng Res. 2017 Oct;41(4):589-594. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.01.010; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29021708/
    66. Thatte U, Bagadey S, Dahanukar S. Modulation of programmed cell death by medicinal plants. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2000 Feb;46(1):199-214. PMID: 10726985. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10726985/
    67. Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO; “Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults”; Hum Psychopharmacol; 2010; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20737519
    68. Attele AS, et al; “Antidiabetic effects of Panax ginseng berry extract and the identification of an effective component”; Diabetes; 2002; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12031973
    69. Neale C, Camfield D, Reay J, Stough C, Scholey A.; “Cognitive effects of two nutraceuticals Ginseng and Bacopa benchmarked against modafinil: a review and comparison of effect sizes”; Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;75(3):728–737. doi:10.1111/bcp.12002; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3575939/
    70. Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey AB. Effects of Panax ginseng, consumed with and without glucose, on blood glucose levels and cognitive performance during sustained ‘mentally demanding’ tasks. J Psychopharmacol. 2006 Nov;20(6):771-81. doi: 10.1177/0269881106061516. Epub 2006 Jan 9. PMID: 16401645. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16401645/

    Comments and Discussion (Powered by the PricePlow Forum)