This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-11T15:14:44Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.
Alpha-GPC: Difference between revisions
>Oskykins |
>David Hedlund {{#set:Featured=true}} |
||
| (28 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ | {{SummarySheet}} | ||
{{SubstanceBox/Alpha-GPC}} | {{SubstanceBox/Alpha-GPC}} | ||
'''''Alpha''-GPC''' ('''L-''alpha''-glycerophosphocholine''', '''choline alfoscerate''') is a water-soluble nutrient which serves as a precursor to both [[choline]] and glycerophosphate within the brain. In humans, choline is considered to be an essential nutrient as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies has been well-documented.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Zeisel, S. H.)), ((Costa, K.-A. da)) | journal=Nutrition Reviews | title=Choline: an essential nutrient for public health | volume=67 | issue=11 | pages=615–623 | date= November 2009 | url=https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-lookup/doi/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x | issn=00296643 | doi=10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x}}</ref> | |||
''' | |||
Notably, alpha-GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being [[citicoline]] and phosphatidylcholine) and its popularity may be due to it being the most efficient pro-drug of choline (with the ability to influence both systemic and brain concentrations of choline). Due to the provision of the other half of the alpha-GPC molecule (glycerophosphate), it also appears to support the structure and maintenance of cellular membranes, similarly to [[citicoline]]. | Notably, alpha-GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being [[citicoline]] and phosphatidylcholine) and its popularity may be due to it being the most efficient pro-drug of choline (with the ability to influence both systemic and brain concentrations of choline). Due to the provision of the other half of the alpha-GPC molecule (glycerophosphate), it also appears to support the structure and maintenance of cellular membranes, similarly to [[citicoline]]. | ||
Athletes have been known to use alpha-GPC due to its purported ability to enhance growth hormone production and to enhance power output (which is based on a lone pilot study in support of subjects ingesting 600 mg alpha-GPC prior to exercise<ref> | Athletes have been known to use alpha-GPC due to its purported ability to enhance growth hormone production and to enhance power output (which is based on a lone pilot study in support of subjects ingesting 600 mg alpha-GPC prior to exercise<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Ziegenfuss, T.)), ((Landis, J.)), ((Hofheins, J.)) | journal=Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | title=Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise | volume=5 | issue=sup1 | pages=P15 | date=17 September 2008 | url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15 | issn=1550-2783 | doi=10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15}}</ref>). | ||
When taken as a supplement, this compound has [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] effects which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease<ref>Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: | When taken as a supplement, this compound has [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] effects which may have the potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Parnetti, L.)), ((Mignini, F.)), ((Tomassoni, D.)), ((Traini, E.)), ((Amenta, F.)) | journal=Journal of the Neurological Sciences | title=Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: Ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? | volume=257 | issue=1–2 | pages=264–269 | date= June 2007 | url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022510X07000597 | issn=0022510X | doi=10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.043}}</ref> and other related disorders.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Doggrell, S. A.)), ((Evans, S.)) | journal=Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs | title=Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation | volume=12 | issue=10 | pages=1633–1654 | date= October 2003 | url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1517/13543784.12.10.1633 | issn=1354-3784 | doi=10.1517/13543784.12.10.1633}}</ref> It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose via online supplement and nootropic vendors. | ||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also | Alpha-GPC is a naturally-occurring choline compound found endogenously (naturally) in the brain which is also made and used for oral consumption. Structurally, Alpha-GPC is comprised of a choline group bound to a glycerol molecule via a phosphate group. | ||
Choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing a positively charged ammonium cation substituted with three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain. Glycerol is a | Choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing a positively charged ammonium cation substituted with three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain. Glycerol is a polysubstituted alcohol consisting of propane with one hydroxyl (-OH) group bound to each carbon in the chain. | ||
In alpha-GPC, the terminal oxygen of the choline chain and a primary | In alpha-GPC, the terminal oxygen of the choline chain and a primary hydroxyl group of glycerol are integrated as bridging oxygen into a phosphate group. This phosphate group is a quaternary-substituted phosphorus atom connected to four oxygen atoms, two of which serve to bind the choline, glycerol, and phosphate groups into a unified molecule. | ||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
Alpha-GPC breaks down into two key components, [[choline]] and glycerophosphate. | 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 as well as cholinergic neurotransmission ([[acetylcholine]] synthesis).<ref>https:// | Choline and its metabolites are needed for three main physiological purposes: structural integrity and signaling roles for cell membranes as well as cholinergic neurotransmission ([[acetylcholine]] synthesis).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Glier, M. B.)), ((Green, T. J.)), ((Devlin, A. M.)) | journal=Molecular Nutrition & Food Research | title=Methyl nutrients, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular disease | volume=58 | issue=1 | pages=172–182 | date= January 2014 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.201200636 | issn=16134125 | doi=10.1002/mnfr.201200636}}</ref> This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than it otherwise would. As acetylcholine is involved in the function of memory and other essential cognitive functions, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects. | ||
Glycerophosphate, the | Glycerophosphate, the other component, can also help with the production of cellular membranes, but this remains largely unstudied and is not well understood by the scientific literature. | ||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | |||
{{effects/base | |||
|{{effects/physical| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Bodily control enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Bodily control enhancement]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which alpha-GPC presents can be considered as primarily subtle and similar to that of [[caffeine]]. | *'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which alpha-GPC presents can be considered as primarily subtle and similar to that of [[caffeine]]. | ||
| Line 34: | Line 31: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Teeth grinding]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Teeth grinding]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Body odor alteration]]''' - This can be caused in some populations, especially those suffering from trimethylaminuria. [[Choline]] (a | *'''[[Effect::Body odor alteration]]''' - This can be caused in some populations, especially those suffering from trimethylaminuria. [[Choline]] (a byproduct of alpha-GPC) is a precursor to trimethylamine, which those with trimethylaminuria are not able to easily break down, oftening resulting in smelling similar to fish. | ||
}} | |||
|{{effects/cognitive| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]''' - In comparison to [[citicoline]], alpha-GPC manifests itself primarily in a physically stimulating manner over a mental stimulation. | *'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]''' - In comparison to [[citicoline]], alpha-GPC manifests itself primarily in a physically stimulating manner over a mental stimulation. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]'''<ref>http://www.scirp.org/journal/ | *'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]'''<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((McGlade, E.)), ((Locatelli, A.)), ((Hardy, J.)), ((Kamiya, T.)), ((Morita, M.)), ((Morishita, K.)), ((Sugimura, Y.)), ((Yurgelun-Todd, D.)) | journal=Food and Nutrition Sciences | title=Improved Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women | volume=03 | issue=06 | pages=769–773 | date= 2012 | url=http://www.scirp.org/journal/doi.aspx?DOI=10.4236/fns.2012.36103 | issn=2157-944X | doi=10.4236/fns.2012.36103}}</ref> | ||
*'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Motivation enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Motivation enhancement]]''' | ||
}} | |||
}} | |||
===Experience reports=== | |||
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here: | |||
* [https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_alphaGPC.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: alpha-GPC] | |||
==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
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 [[ | 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 [[nootropic]] substances, there are relatively few physical side effects associated with acute choline exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a particular context, it presents no negative cognitive, psychiatric or toxic physical consequences of any sort. | ||
Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one | Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one is familiar with and uses [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | ||
===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ||
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. | 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 | Tolerance to the effects of alpha-GPC is 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 use of Alpha-GPC all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect. | ||
==Legal | ===Dangerous interactions=== | ||
''alpha''-GPC is a suspected monoaminergic substance.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Tayebati, S. K.)), ((Tomassoni, D.)), ((Nwankwo, I. E.)), ((Di Stefano, A.)), ((Sozio, P.)), ((Cerasa, L. S.)), ((Amenta, F.)) | journal=CNS & neurological disorders drug targets | title=Modulation of monoaminergic transporters by choline-containing phospholipids in rat brain | volume=12 | issue=1 | pages=94–103 | date=1 February 2013 | issn=1996-3181 | doi=10.2174/1871527311312010015}} | |||
</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Trabucchi, M.)), ((Govoni, S.)), ((Battaini, F.)) | journal=Il Farmaco; Edizione Scientifica | title=Changes in the interaction between CNS cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons induced by L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a cholinomimetic drug | volume=41 | issue=4 | pages=325–334 | date= April 1986 | issn=0430-0920}}</ref> Alpha-GPC and [[MAOIs]] are a potentially dangerous combination. It is likely that MAOIs could increase the effects of Alpha-GPC unpredictably. Taking this chemical while on prescription MAOIs is strongly discouraged. | |||
==Legal status== | |||
{{legalStub}} | {{legalStub}} | ||
*'''United States''' - Alpha-GPC is completely legal to purchase in the | |||
*'''United States''' - Alpha-GPC is completely legal to purchase in the United States as a dietary supplement. | |||
*'''Canada''' - Alpha-GPC is completely legal to purchase in Canada as a dietary supplement. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 61: | Line 72: | ||
*[[Choline]] | *[[Choline]] | ||
*[[Nootropic]] | *[[Nootropic]] | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-GPC Alpha-GPC (Wikipedia)] | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-GPC Alpha-GPC (Wikipedia)] | ||
*[https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-gpc/ Alpha-GPC (Examine)] | *[https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-gpc/ Alpha-GPC (Examine)] | ||
*[https://www.reddit.com/r/nootropics/wiki/beginners#wiki_alpha-gpc Alpha-GPC (r/Nootropics FAQ)] | *[https://www.reddit.com/r/nootropics/wiki/beginners#wiki_alpha-gpc Alpha-GPC (r/Nootropics FAQ)] | ||
==Literature== | |||
* Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(Suppl 1), P41. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P41 | |||
* Onishchenko, L. S., Gaikova, O. N., & Yanishevskii, S. N. (2008). Changes at the focus of experimental ischemic stroke treated with neuroprotective agents. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 38(1), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-008-0007-1 | |||
* Ziegenfuss, T., Landis, J., & Hofheins, J. (2008). Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(Suppl 1), P15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15 | |||
* Lopez, C. M., Govoni, S., Battaini, F., Bergamaschi, S., Longoni, A., Giaroni, C., & Trabucchi, M. (1991). Effect of a new cognition enhancer, alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, on scopolamine-induced amnesia and brain acetylcholine. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 39(4), 835–840. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(91)90040-9 | |||
==== Relevant non-specific literature ==== | |||
* Doggrell, S. a, & Evans, S. (2003). Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 12(10), 1633–54. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.12.10.1633 | |||
* Parnetti, L., Mignini, F., Tomassoni, D., Traini, E., & Amenta, F. (2007). Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: Ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 257(1–2), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.043 | |||
* Zeisel, S. H., & Da Costa, K. A. (2009). Choline: An essential nutrient for public health. Nutrition Reviews, 67(11), 615–623. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x | |||
* Glier, M. B., Green, T. J., & Devlin, A. M. (2014). Methyl nutrients, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular disease. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 58(1), 172–182. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201200636 | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Cholinergic]][[Category:Psychoactive substance]][[Category:Substance]][[Category:Stimulant]][[Category:Nootropic]] | |||
{{#set:Featured=true}} | |||