Alpha-GPC: Difference between revisions

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{{SubstanceBox/Alpha GPC}}

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. <ref>http://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15</ref>

When taken as supplement, this compound has [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] effects. It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose through the use of online supplement vendors.

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).

Alpha GPC 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).<ref>https://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fmnfr.201200636</ref> 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.

The effects listed below are based upon the [[subjective effects index]] and personal experiences of [[PsychonautWiki]] [[Special:TopUsers|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.   

*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which Alpha-GPC presents can be considered as primarily subtle, about that of [[caffeine]].

*'''[[Effect::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====

*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]''' - In comparison to [[Citicoline]], Alpha-GPC manifests itself primarily in a physically stimulating manner over a mental stimulation.

*'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]'''<ref>http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=19921</ref>

Alpha GPC is non-addictive, is not known to cause harm, and has an [[Toxicity::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 [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug.

Alpha GPC is [[Addiction potential::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 [[Time to full tolerance::after prolonged and repeated usage]]. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::14 days]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Alpha GPC presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::no other known compounds]], meaning that after the consumption of Alpha GPC all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect.

==Legal issues==