Alpha-GPC: Difference between revisions

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| ''[[Alpha-GPC/Summary|Summary sheet: Alpha-GPC]]''

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'''Alpha-GPC''', ('''Alpha-glycerophosphocholine'''), ('''choline alfoscerate''') is a water soluble nutrient which serves within the brain as a precursor to both [[choline]] and glycerophosphate. To humans, choline is an essential nutrient, as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies have been documented.<ref>Choline: An Essential Nutrient for Public Health | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/</ref> ~~Alpha-GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being [[Citicoline]] and Phosphatidylcholine).~~

'''Alpha-GPC''', ('''Alpha-glycerophosphocholine'''), ('''choline alfoscerate''') is a water soluble nutrient which serves within the brain as a precursor to both [[choline]] and glycerophosphate. 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 have been well-documented.<ref>Choline: An Essential Nutrient for Public Health | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/</ref>

Alpha-GPC's popularity ~~is largely~~ 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]].

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), Alpha-GPC 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 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>

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 lone pilot study in support of subjects ingesting 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 which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease<ref>Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17331541</ref> and other ~~dementias~~.<ref>Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14519085</ref> It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose ~~through the use of~~ online supplement vendors.

When taken as 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: ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17331541</ref> and other related disorders.<ref>Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14519085</ref> It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose via online supplement and nootropic vendors.

==Chemistry==

Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also synthesized for oral consumption. Structurally, ~~alpha~~-GPC is comprised of a choline group bound to a glycerol molecule via a phosphate group.

Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also synthesized 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 poly substituted alcohol consisting of a propane with one hydroxyl (OH) group bound to each carbon in the chain.

Choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing a positively charged ammonium cation substituted with three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain. Glycerol is a poly substituted alcohol consisting of a 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 hydroxy group of glycerol are integrated as a bridging oxygens 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 ~~structure~~.

In Alpha-GPC, the terminal oxygen of the choline chain and a primary hydroxy group of glycerol are integrated as a bridging oxygens 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==

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://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fmnfr.201200636</ref> This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than ~~that which~~ it otherwise would. As acetycholine is involved in the function of memory, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects.

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://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fmnfr.201200636</ref> This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than it otherwise would. As acetycholine is involved in the function of memory and other essential cognitive functions, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects.

Glycerophosphate, the ~~other~~ component, can also help with production of cellular membranes, but this remains largely unstudied and is not well understood by the scientific literature.

Glycerophosphate, the alternate component, can also help with production of cellular membranes, but this remains largely unstudied and is not well understood by the scientific literature.

==Subjective effects==

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====Physical effects====

*'''[[Effect::Bodily control enhancement]]'''

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

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

*'''[[Effect::Stamina enhancement]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Headaches]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Teeth grinding]]'''

*'''[[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."

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

*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''

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

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 | ''[[Alpha-GPC/Summary|Summary sheet: Alpha-GPC]]''
 |}
-'''Alpha-GPC''', ('''Alpha-glycerophosphocholine'''), ('''choline alfoscerate''') is a water soluble nutrient which serves within the brain as a precursor to both [[choline]] and glycerophosphate. To humans, choline is an essential nutrient, as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies have been documented.<ref>Choline: An Essential Nutrient for Public Health | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/</ref> Alpha-GPC is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally supplemented (the other two being [[Citicoline]] and Phosphatidylcholine).
+'''Alpha-GPC''', ('''Alpha-glycerophosphocholine'''), ('''choline alfoscerate''') is a water soluble nutrient which serves within the brain as a precursor to both [[choline]] and glycerophosphate. 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 have been well-documented.<ref>Choline: An Essential Nutrient for Public Health | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/</ref>
-Alpha-GPC's popularity is largely 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]].
+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), Alpha-GPC 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 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>
+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 lone pilot study in support of subjects ingesting 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 which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease<ref>Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17331541</ref> and other dementias.<ref>Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14519085</ref> It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose through the use of online supplement vendors.
+When taken as 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: ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17331541</ref> and other related disorders.<ref>Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14519085</ref> It is easily available and commonly sold for this purpose via online supplement and nootropic vendors.
 ==Chemistry==
-Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also synthesized for oral consumption. Structurally, alpha-GPC is comprised of a choline group bound to a glycerol molecule via a phosphate group.
+Alpha-GPC is a naturally occurring choline compound found endogenously in the brain which is also synthesized 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 poly substituted alcohol consisting of a propane with one hydroxyl (OH) group bound to each carbon in the chain.
+Choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing a positively charged ammonium cation substituted with three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain. Glycerol is a poly substituted alcohol consisting of a 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 hydroxy group of glycerol are integrated as a bridging oxygens 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 structure.
+In Alpha-GPC, the terminal oxygen of the choline chain and a primary hydroxy group of glycerol are integrated as a bridging oxygens 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==
 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://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fmnfr.201200636</ref> This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels  than that which it otherwise would. As acetycholine is involved in the function of memory, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects.
+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://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fmnfr.201200636</ref> This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels  than it otherwise would. As acetycholine is involved in the function of memory and other essential cognitive functions, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects.
-Glycerophosphate, the other component, can also help with production of cellular membranes, but this remains largely unstudied and is not well understood by the scientific literature.
+Glycerophosphate, the alternate component, can also help with production of cellular membranes, but this remains largely unstudied and is not well understood by the scientific literature.
 ==Subjective effects==
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 ====Physical effects====
 *'''[[Effect::Bodily control enhancement]]'''
-*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which alpha-GPC presents can be considered as primarily subtle, about that of [[caffeine]].
+*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which Alpha-GPC presents can be considered as primarily subtle, about that of [[caffeine]].
 *'''[[Effect::Stamina enhancement]]'''
 *'''[[Effect::Headaches]]'''
 *'''[[Effect::Teeth grinding]]'''
-*'''[[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."
+*'''[[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::Wakefulness]]''' - In comparison to [[citicoline]], Alpha-GPC manifests itself primarily in a physically stimulating manner over a mental stimulation.
 *'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''
 *'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]'''<ref>http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=19921</ref>