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DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is naturally present in small amounts in the human brain, and is found naturally in some
foods, like anchovies and sardines. It is a precursor (building block) to
Acetylcholine, a
major brain neurotransmitter, which of course readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Research indicates that supplementary DMAE promotes neurological
processes which result in increased intellectual capacity, increased learning
capability, increased short and long-term memory capability, promotes
concentration, focus and alertness, and improves general sensory capabilities
(vision, hearing, etc.). DMAE also contributes to the reduction of anxiety and
hyperactivity, and contributes to stable behavior and mood. DMAE is part of the
"choline cycle", which allows cells to convert certain specific biochemicals
into each other as needed. One of the key roles for choline is as the rate-limiting factor
in the production of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of the dozen or so major
neurotransmitters which allow brain and nerve cells to communicate with each other.
Acetylcholine-using neurons are especially important in: (1) cognitive (intellectual)
function; (2) memory formation and emotional modulation; and (3) the reticular-activating
system (RAS). The RAS is a group of nerve clusters which sits at the top of the spinal
cord and acts as a "traffic controller". The RAS determines what stimuli from
the senses will be allowed to reach conscious attention, as well as what thoughts and
feelings will be allowed to initiate corresponding bodily movements. It is partly due to
the RAS that a passing angry thought or feeling doesn't automatically and instantaneously
trigger violent behavior toward the object of our anger. It is the intensity of signals
(mediated by DMAE- derived acetylcholine) from the RAS to the hippocampus and cerebral
cortex which determines the intensity and duration of sustained mental focus and attention
- the very issue at the root of genuine attention deficit disorder. Thus
DMAE, by being
the most effective precursor for brain/RAS acetylcholine, literally increases attention
span, mental focus, and ability to screen out distracting and extraneous stimuli (both
from the environment as well as from within). An acetylcholine-deficient RAS will have a
difficult time maintaining a high level of focus, attention, alertness and arousal. DMAE
is the most effective acetylcholine precursor for several reasons. Choline salts (e.g.
choline bitartrate, choline chloride, choline citrate) are frequently broken down by
bacteria living in our gut. DMAE does not suffer this fate. What choline is absorbed
into the bloodstream has a poor ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The
blood-brain barrier is a two-part barrier which prevents toxins from entering the brain
and also prevents disruptions of brain function due to surges in the blood of various
nutrients, even those essential for optimum brain function. Unlike
choline, DMAE
passes easily through the blood-brain barrier. Because of this fact, DMAE has been shown
to be effective at doses as low as 10-20 mg, although doses of 500-1000 mg are often
needed. The unique effectiveness of DMAE is also due in part to its ability to inhibit
choline oxidase, an enzyme which can divert choline away from acetylcholine production,
into betaine production instead. And while a third acetylcholine precursor,
phosphatidylcholine, is more effective than simple choline salts, studies have found large
(and expensive) doses - 10 to 60 grams(!) - are often needed to elevate brain
acetylcholine levels. Many other products on the market rely on
phosphatidylcholine, which
is not as effective as DMAE.
PREGNENOLONEis a
precursor for all other steroid hormones naturally present in the body. It is converted
directly into DHEA, which in turn converts to testosterone, estrogens, cortisol and
aldosterone. It is this same set of successive conversions that makes human life possible.
Without the presence of Pregnenolone, there can be no human steroid production.
Research into Pregnenolone with factory workers and pilots began in the 1940's, and the
evidence rapidly materialized that Pregnenoline had energizing and cumulative
anti-stress, anti-fatigue and anti-depression effects, especially after it was taken
after a period of two weeks. Studies at St. Louis School of Medicine showed the memory
enhancement effects of pregnenolone, with improvement in spatial memory, perception
and verbal recall. There is considerable evidence that pregnenolone modulates both
NMDA and GABA receptors systems in the brain (which are involved in learning, memory
and alertness and decrease with age). Pregnenoline enhances NMDA receptor function and
lowers excessive GABA activity and seems to be a natural anti-depressant.
During research conducted in the 1940's, it was found pregnenolone use resulted in a
reduction in joint pain - it was used as a treatment for arthritis, but it was replaced by
Cortisone in the 1950's. The body produces a steroid called
cortisol, the
levels of which increase with age, causing a number of problems. Pregnenolone counteracts
the negative effects of accumulating cortisol levels in the body, including the
enhancement of memory areas in the brain damaged by cortisol. One of the major
determinants of the body's ability to detoxify poisonous chemicals is the health and
effectiveness of the Cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. Pregnenolone increases
the overall P450 detox enzyme power of the liver by promoting conservation of the existing
enzymes, promoting body detoxification processes. Works with TMG, detailed below.
See a good article here.
TRIMETHYLGLYCINE is what is called a methylation agent, composed of three methyl
groups attached to one molecule of the amino acid glycine. It produces unique biological
effects including lowering general homocysteine levels in the blood. Homecysteine
is thought to contribute toward strokes and cardiovascular disease. TMG also
contributes one of its methyl groups to DNA, potentially reducing DNA aging and errant
DNA replication processes. In order for TMG to be effective in the body, it needs to
have the synergistic co-factor of Vitamin B12, which is also included in the
Brain
Lightning formulation. Trimethylglycine also produces other compounds in
the body, such as SAMe (S- Adenosylmethionine. SAMe is an
active lipotrope form of Methionine, and is a cofactor in a number of critical biochemical
reactions and is found in almost every tissue of the body. SAMe has been used in clinical
studies to treat depression, schizophrenia, demyelination diseases, liver disease,
dementia, arthritis, peripheral neuropthy and other conditions. Several studies have
confirmed that SAMe is up to15% more effective in the treatment of depression than
traditional pharmaceutical anti-depressants. SAMe improves and normalizes liver function.
SAMe is used in Europe in the treatment of cirrhosis and damage caused by alcohol. SAMe is
essential for the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body
from the damaging effects of free radicals. SAMe reduces the number of trigger points,
reduces fatigue, reduces morning stiffness,and improves mood in fibromyalgia patients.
SAMe improves the binding of neurotransmitters to their receptors sites in the brain. SAMe
is essential for the regeneration of neuron axons following injury. SAMe is also essential
for the formation of myelin sheaths that surround axons. In tests SAMe has shown great
promise in the treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy, and HIV related peripheral Neuropathy.
Alzheimers and Parkinsons patients have very low levels of SAMe. SAMe is
currently under investigation as a treatment for Parkinsons disease.
L-TYROSINE is intimately involved with the important brain neuro- transmitters epinephrine,
norepinephrine and dopamine. It is synthesized in the body from existing levels of
phenylalanine. Environmental stress is associated with reduced levels of
norepinephrine. Tyrosine prevents reduction of norepinephrine levels that are
associated with stress. Many clinical studies, along with a large body of anecdotal
evidence, indicate that tyrosine may prove to be a vital substance in alleviating
depression, as well as the irritating symptoms of premenstral syndrome. Tyrosine is
now reportedly being used as an aid in the treatment of and withdrawal from cocaine
addiction. In one study, tryptophan and tyrosine were used in conjunction with the
anti-depressant imipramine to treat chronic cocaine abuse with a reported 75-80 percent
success rate. Researchers at UCLA and elsewhere, have also reported favorably on regimens
containing tryptophan and tyrosine for the treatment of cocaine abuse. The importance of
Tyrosine is based on the fact that it is a direct precursor to Thyroxine (Triiodo
tyrosine) as well as being a precursor to Adrenaline and Noradrenaline. Thyroxine is, of
course, a primary Thyroid hormone. Thyroxine deficiency results in a series of conditions
including excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, decreased basal metabolism, etc.The
catecholamine Adrenaline and Nor Adrenaline are critical in the following
conditions: In Science magazine it was reported that Tyrosine lowers blood
pressure by increasing Norepinephrine metabolites which through feedback shut down
sympathetic output. In this same issue it was found that Tyrosine increased blood pressure
38% to 49% in hypotensive rats through accelerated peripheral synthesis of
catecholamine.
A study by Dr. I. Goldberg in Lancet revealed that catecholamine also
controls immune system output. Allergy sufferers have responded well to Tyrosine. In
the American Journal of Psychiatry, Dr. Alan J. Gelenberg postulated that a lack
of available tyrosine results in a deficiency of nor adrenaline at a specific brain
location, which in turn relates to mood problems such as depression.
- Precursor to norepinephrine and
dopamine
- Non-essential amino acid (since PA is converted into it
first)
- Has been studied as an effective aid to cocaine withdrawal
- Do
not use L-phenylalanine or L-tyrosine if you are using MAO inhibitors for
depression (it can cause a major elevation in blood pressure).
HUPERZINE A An amazing, safe
alkaloid derived from the Chinese Club Moss, Huperzia serrata, Huperzine occurs
in two forms: Huperzine A and Huperzine B, which has far less effect than Huperzine A.
Double blind studies in China have demonstrated the positive effects of Huperzine A for
the treatment of Alzheimer's Syndrome. It is currently approved for AD treatment in
China. Huperzine A appears to relieve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by blocking the
depletion of acetylcholine in the brain. Huperzine A is currently under study by the US
Army at Walter Reed Hospital as an antidote for nerve gas poisoning because of its
protective effect on the cells of the brain. Huperzine A actually promotes the growth of
nerve dendrites! Animal and cell culture studies, along with molecular structure data,
suggest that Huperzine A is a potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor and may also protect
neurons against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. The molecule's strong specificity
for AChE suggests it may lower liver toxicity and other adverse effects.
Huperzine
A costs approximately $500,000 per Kilo, because they have to gather it molecule by
molecule. Brain Lightning uses only natural Huperzine A, as opposed to some
formulations on the market which use synthetic Huperzine A. For more data, see this link. In orthodox medicine, there are two phamaceuticals used in the
treatment of Alzheimers, tacrine and physostigmine, both of which unfortunately bind to
receptors in the central nervous system, causing adverse effects. Also, the two orthodox
drugs work on the AChE everywhere in the body instead of just in the brain, so their
effect is severely limited. Huperzine A specifically targets the AChE in the brain,
does much better in improving memory, does not bind to CNS receptors, and lasts more than
ten times longer. Huperzine A is not known to have any toxicity at all, even at doses 100
times the therapeutic dose. Tens of thousands of people, if not more (considering
China) have used Huperzine A with no evidence of toxicity anywhere in the body.
VINPOCETINE is more
technically referred to as "ethyl apovincaminate." Derived from the periwinkle
plant, Vinpocetine, a derivative of Vincamine, increases cerebral blood flow,
increases the rate at which brain cells produce Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP), creating
more cellular energy, and increases the use of oxygen and glucose, feeding the brain
cells. It also has the unusual effect of raising the level of serotonin in the brain,
increasing the general brain information processing rate. It is commonly cited as an aid
to improving memory. Literature suggests Vinpocetine may act to improve conditions related
to insufficient blood flow to the brain including vertigo and Meniere's syndrome,
difficulty in sleeping, mood changes and depression. Vinpocetine may also alleviate speech
impairment, improve short-term memory, hearing, assist in the condition of multiple
infarct dementia, increase resistance of neurons to lack of oxygen. Several brain boosters
(ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, phosphatidylserine, to name just a few) are known to help
restore failing memory, but Vinpocetine dramatically enhances memory even in healthy
individuals. It also acts as a potent neuroprotective supplement. Strong clinical
evidence exists that, in addition to its brain boosting properties, Vinpocetines
ability to improve blood flow also helps protect brain and heart function, prevents
macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness in the elderly), and improves hearing
and inner ear problems, and even lessens depression and fatigue. Vinpocetine is used in more than 35 countries and is widely supported by clinical research (over 100 clinical trials, involving over 30,000 patients, have been published.)
Note: Because Brain Lightning™
is a specialized synergistic formula, it recognizes that ATP is produced through
a further synergy of the Krebs Cycle and the glycolitic cycle, which further
requires the presence of the same string of B-Vitamins, Magnesium and Manganese
also contained in Brain Lightning™.
D,L,
PHENYLALANINE (DLPA)
Most amino
acids, with the exception of glycine, can appear in two forms called the D- and L- forms.
Each form is a reversed mirror image of the other. Amino acids in the L- form are the
natural form of amino acids found in living plant and animal tissues, and are considered
to be more compatible to human biochemistry than the D- forms, with the
exception of D-phenylalanine, which is beneficial. All amino acids used in
human protein structures are of the L- form, with the exception of
phenylalanine, which
can also appear as DL-phenylalanine. Phenylalanine comes in two forms which are mirror
images of each other: L-phenylalanine which has a nutritional value, and D-phenylalanine
which has painkilling and depression alleviating properties which are attributed to
its ability to block the breakdown of enkephalins, the brains natural pain killers. A
third form, DL-phenylalanine, is a 50/50 mixture of these two forms. Phenylalanine
activity is enhanced by additional Vitamin B6, especially in studies on depression.
Vitamin B6 is, of course, included in Brain Lightning.
Phenylalanine deficiency can cause bloodshot eyes, cataracts and behavioral changes. It is
one of the amino acids which the body cannot manufacture itself, but must acquire from
food. It is abundant in meats and cheese. Phenylalanine is a precursor of tyrosine, and
together they lead to the formation of thyroxine or thyroid hormone, and of epinephrine
and norepinephrine which is converted into a neurotransmitter used by the brain to
manufacture norepinephrine which promotes mental alertness, memory, elevates mood, and
suppresses the appetite very effectively.
- Combination of synthetic (D) and
natural (L) phenylalanine
- Produces endorphins and stimulates their use
thus, effective painkiller, often better than the opiate derivatives.
-
Nonaddictive, nontoxic
- Reverse-tolerance effect (pain relief gets
better)
- Strong anti-depressant effect
- Can be combined with other
pain-killers with few bad interactions
- Converted into tyrosine which is
precursor to noradrenaline (NE) and dopamine
- Like all amino acids best
taken on empty stomach since it competes
- With proteins to cross the blood
brain barrier.
- Requires vitamins C and B-6 for the conversion to NE.
-
Phenylalanine also stimulates the release of cholecystokinin, which is the
body's own appetite-suppressant
- Can increase sexual interest
- mproves
memory and mental alertness
- Antidepressant
- Do not use L-phenylalanine
or L-tyrosine if you are using MAO inhibitors for depression (it can cause
a major elevation in blood pressure).
GABA
(gamma aminobutyric
acid), is an important amino acid which functions as the most prevalent inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABAs high concentration in the
hypothalamus suggests this amino acid plays a significant role in hypothalamic-pituitary
function. The hypothalamus is a region of the posterior section of the brain and is the
regulating center for visceral (instinctive) functions such as sleep cycles, body
temperature, and the activity of the pituitary gland. Supplemental GABA can be useful in
producing a state of relaxation. GABA works in partnership with a derivative of Vitamin
B-6 (Pyridoxine - included in Brain Lightning), to cross from the
axons to the dendrites through the synaptic cleft, in response to an electrical signal in
the neuron and inhibits message transmission. This helps control the nerve cells from
firing too fast, which would overload the system. The action of GABA decreases epileptic
seizures and muscle spasms by inhibiting electrical signals in this manner. Studies have
shown that the site of action in the brain of benzodiazepams, including Valium, is
directly coupled to the brain receptor for GABA. GABA itself can be taken instead of a
tranquilizer to calm the body without the fear of addiction. Taken with the B-vitamins
niacinamide and inositol, it prevents anxiety messages from reaching the motor centers of
the brain by filling its receptor site.
GINGKO BILOBA - The primary causes
of mental deficiencies is poor blood flow to the brain or "cerebral vascular
insufficiencies." An answer to this problem may come from a plant which has been used
for medicinal purposes since 2800 B.C. It is found in the oldest Chinese books on herbal
medicine, known as materia medicas. The plant may provide the most important medicinal
plant extract available as we enter a new millennium-nearly 5000 years later. The plant is
Ginko biloba. Ginkgo works in a number of important ways to assist the brain. The
effect of the plant on cerebral vascular insufficiency has been widely studied. An
analysis of forty of the scientific articles reporting on this subject noted ginkgo's
clear value in treating the "symptoms of aging" in the elderly. The studies
looked at an extract of ginkgo which was standardized for the level of Ginkgo
flavonglycosides. The active principles of Ginkgo extract are believed to have
a regulating effect on the entire vascular system of veins, arteries and capillaries.
Ginkgo extract may inhibit "Platelet activating factor" (PAF) and promote the
metabolism of cerebral and neurosensorial cells. The most common usage of Gingko Biloba is
for its widely accepted effects in the regulation of blood flow to the brain, legs and
other extremities. It is also thought Gingko Biloba may act to counteract a number of
conditions such as vascular insufficiency or tinnitus. Gingko Biloba has also been
indicated in the treatment of intermittent claudication (pain while walking). Ginkgo
not only assists the brain by increasing its supply of blood and oxygen, but also this
plant has been shown to increase ability of brain cells to make use of glucose. Energy
production is improved. Nerve signal transmissions are improved. Brain wave tracings are
improved. Diverse population grouping have been shown to benefit from administration
of ginkgo. The memory of college students as well as the elderly have shown improvement.
Ginkgo facilitates short-term memory by increasing the speed of nerve impulses. In recent
years, this plant has reached a highly valued status in Europe. In France, 1.5 percent of
all prescription sales are for ginkgo leaf extract. The figure is 1 percent in Germany. In
both of these countries, the extracts of the ginkgo leaf are among the leading
prescription medicines. Worldwide, some 10 million prescriptions for the extract this
plant leaf were written in 1989; roughly 100,000 physicians prescribe ginkgo as a regular
part of their practices.
No neuro-formula comes close to offering the quality and variety of components that are found in Brain Lightning
General Info |
Major component summary | Major component detail
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Brain Lightning
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