REISHI MUSHROOM

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional healing systems in Asia. Reishi is sometimes referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” or the “spiritual mushroom” due to its potential health benefits43 and its historical significance. More than 600 chemical compounds have been identified and extracted from reishi44, and many are suspected to promote mental health and a state of well-being. Specifically, it may have antidepressant45 and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties46 in addition to general antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and metabolic benefits47,48. Reishi is a great choice for individuals seeking calm, control, and spiritual performance.

LEMON BALM LEAF

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant herb of the mint family. It has a history of traditional use in herbal medicine and is known for its calming and soothing effects having been used to alleviate stress and insomnia for centuries. Its potential anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, effects have been suggested by modern research14, and subjects have reported remission of stress-related effects15. One potential mechanism may be the modulation of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a key target of pharmacotherapies in the treatment of anxiety16.

ASHWAGANDHA ROOT & LEAF

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for debility, stress, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, loss of memory, and to enhance cognitive function. It has documented anti-oxidant effects which may mitigate stress17, and demonstrates potential as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) modulator potentially alleviating GABA-related issues including anxiety18. The root, which can produce a more uplifting experience in some subjects, is traditionally the most used part of the plant, but the inclusion of the leaves provides a broader spectrum of botanicals and allows for a higher concentration of the most bioactive substances resulting in a more calming effect at a lower dosage.

MILKWORT ROOT

Polygala tenuifolia, also known as Yuan Zhi or thinleaf milkwort, is an herb that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to improve memory, mood, and brain health. It may have antidepressant effects19, and it is anecdotally reported to produce a general sense of well-being in certain subjects. Most available research currently points to potential memory-enhancing properties as well20.

LION’S MANE MUSHROOM

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of edible and medicinal mushroom known for its distinctive appearance and potential health benefits. It is often called lion’s mane because of its long, shaggy, and cascading cream-colored spines that resemble a lion’s mane. This mushroom seems to have a positive effect on memory36 and the CNS in general37. Claims of neurological benefits including increased neuroprotection38, nerve growth39, and myelination40 have been suggested, as with most studies, in vivo or in animals; however, lion’s mane has actually been shown to increase cognitive function in humans41,42. Anecdotally, this is one of our all-around favorite mushrooms, and provides an excellent base for individuals looking for greater focus, mental clarity, and enhanced cognitive performance.

CITICOLINE

Citicoline, also known as CDP-choline (cytidine diphosphate choline), is a naturally occurring compound found in the cells of the human body and certain food sources. It is a precursor to two important compounds for brain health and cognition, cytidine and choline, and increases the production of several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine – all of which may be important for focus, learning, and motivation. Studies have found citicoline supplementation to increase motor speed, improve attention4, and boost cerebral energy reserves5. It also supports the health of your brain cells by providing them with phospholipids, which are essential components of the cell membrane6, and help to protect the cells from damage and maintain their fluidity and function.

L-theanine

L-theanine is a non-protein ammino acid found in green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) as well as the bay bolete mushroom (Imleria badia). It can cross the blood-brain barrier allowing it to directly affect brain function. Some of these effects may include a sense of calm, due to up-regulation of inhibitory neurotransmitters and possible modulation of serotonin and dopamine, as well as cognitive improvements, possibly through decreased NMDA-dependent CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) and increased NMDA-independent CA1-LTP7. Some neuroprotective effects are also thought to be due to its selective binding to glutamate receptors8, and it has also been shown to increase activity across the alpha band brain wave frequency – an indication of focus and mental clarity9.

Theacrine

Theacrine is a natural compound found in cupuaçu fruit (Theobroma grandiflorum) and kucha tea leaves (Camellia assamica v. kucha). It is structurally similar to caffeine, and likely produces effects via dopamine agonism and adenosine inhibition1. Unlike caffeine, however, theacrine seems to only modulate adenosine receptors rather than directly block them – meaning less potential for overstimulation, tolerance, or dependance. Theacrine is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in enhancing focus and cognitive function. Research suggests that theacrine can boost alertness, improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and promote a sense of mental clarity, making it a promising option for individuals seeking enhanced focus and productivity2,3.

Triacetyluridine

Triacetyluridine, often abbreviated as TAU, is a more bioavailable derivative of uridine, which is itself a naturally occurring nucleotide found in RNA and various foods including breast milk. It converts to uridine once it enters the body, and increased levels of systemic uridine may be associated with beneficially modulated levels of dopamine in the presence of stimulants10. TAU also seems to provide general structural support to the central nervous system11, including enhanced synaptic connections12 and improved mitochondrial functioning13.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is a medicinal mushroom originally found on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China at an altitude of over 12k ft. It is a parasitic fungus, and colonizes the larva of moths before fruiting. Wild-grown sinensis is quite rare and expensive – most cordyceps available is actually the closely related C. militaris, which can be commercially grown; however, scientists have developed a refined version of sinensis which we have anecdotally found superior to cultivated militaris for individuals seeking higher levels of energy, stamina, and performance. Cordyceps has been suggested to provide a wide array of potential benefits30, including increased nitric oxide production31, hypoxia tolerance32, and enhanced ATP production33, and general physical performance34,35.

Maca Root

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has a long history of cultivation and in the high-altitude regions of the Andes mountains in Peru, where it has been consumed for its potential health benefits for thousands of years21. Randomized clinical trials have shown that maca has favorable effects on energy and mood, may decrease anxiety, and improve sexual desire22. It has been found to directly enhance muscle performance and alleviate physical fatigue23. A reduction in oxidative stress and increased levels of energy metabolism-related enzymes have also been demonstrated24.

Milkwort Root

Polygala tenuifolia, also known as Yuan Zhi or thinleaf milkwort, is an herb that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to improve memory, mood, and brain health. It may have antidepressant effects19, and it is anecdotally reported to produce a general sense of well-being in certain subjects. Most available research currently points to potential memory-enhancing properties as well20.

Methylliberine

Methylliberine is a purine alkaloid found in various plants such as cocoa, kola nuts, kucha, and yerba mate. It is similar in structure to caffeine, theacrine, and other xanthines, so its proposed effect is likely due to interaction with adenosine receptors; however, it is a relatively new ingredient in terms of availability, and clinical studies isolating its effects are largely limited to safety21. Anecdotally, methylliberine may enhance feelings of energy, mood, and focus while avoiding the less desirable side-effects of caffeine. It is said to be felt more quickly than theacrine, and may potentially produce enhanced effects when paired with small doses of caffeine.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is a medicinal mushroom originally found on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China at an altitude of over 12k ft. It is a parasitic fungus, and colonizes the larva of moths before fruiting. Wild-grown sinensis is quite rare and expensive – most cordyceps available is actually the closely related C. militaris, which can be commercially grown; however, scientists have developed a refined version of sinensis which we have anecdotally found superior to cultivated militaris for individuals seeking higher levels of energy, stamina, and performance. Cordyceps has been suggested to provide a wide array of potential benefits30, including increased nitric oxide production31, hypoxia tolerance32, and enhanced ATP production33, and general physical performance34,35.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional healing systems in Asia. Reishi is sometimes referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” or the “spiritual mushroom” due to its potential health benefits43 and its historical significance. More than 600 chemical compounds have been identified and extracted from reishi44, and many are suspected to promote mental health and a state of well-being. Specifically, it may have antidepressant45 and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties46 in addition to general antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and metabolic benefits47,48. Reishi is a great choice for individuals seeking calm, control, and spiritual performance.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of edible and medicinal mushroom known for its distinctive appearance and potential health benefits. It is often called lion’s mane because of its long, shaggy, and cascading cream-colored spines that resemble a lion’s mane. This mushroom seems to have a positive effect on memory36 and the CNS in general37. Claims of neurological benefits including increased neuroprotection38, nerve growth39, and myelination40 have been suggested, as with most studies, in vivo or in animals; however, lion’s mane has actually been shown to increase cognitive function in humans41,42. Anecdotally, this is one of our all-around favorite mushrooms, and provides an excellent base for individuals looking for greater focus, mental clarity, and enhanced cognitive performance.

Ginger Root

Ginger (Zingiber officianale) is a popular spice and medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in various traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. It has been found contain a multitude of bioactive compounds and to potentially provide a wide variety of health benefits from anti-inflammation and management of metabolic syndrome to antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits26,27. Ginger also acts as a digestive aid28, and it may potentially relieve the symptoms of nausea29 which may be a side-effect of mushroom consumption in certain subjects and circumstances.

Maca Root

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has a long history of cultivation and in the high-altitude regions of the Andes mountains in Peru, where it has been consumed for its potential health benefits for thousands of years21. Randomized clinical trials have shown that maca has favorable effects on energy and mood, may decrease anxiety, and improve sexual desire22. It has been found to directly enhance muscle performance and alleviate physical fatigue23. A reduction in oxidative stress and increased levels of energy metabolism-related enzymes have also been demonstrated24.