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Ampakines are the most powerful classification of nootropic supplements.
While they have not been fully explored or tested by the medical community at the present time, they have shown many nootropic benefits and have a number of researchers excited with their possibilities.
Some of the reported benefits include enhanced attention span, improved memory and learning, and also increased alertness and mental energy. They even have the potential to impart lasting benefits in several areas after leaving the body.
What makes these supplements even more interesting is that they lack many of the side effects common to traditional stimulants. The two most popular amapkines are Sunifiram and Unifiram, but even Aniracetam and other nootropics are considered to be hybrid ampakines.
Memory
Mental Energy
Concentration- Stimulate AMPA receptors in the brain
- Supports memory & learning
- Promotes alertness & concentration
How Do Ampakines Work?
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These nootropic like supplements have a rather unique mechanism of action. They modulate areas of the brain known as AMPA receptors.
These receptors act as control channels, regulating and overseeing much of the synaptic transmissions and activity throughout the central nervous system.
What has researchers keenly interested is the fact that they do not force these receptors into simply firing faster, but they seem to adjust in order to allow this possibility when needed.
The result of this action is a number of stimulant-like effects without many of the negative side effects commonly reported with traditional smart drugs or remedies (i.e. no insomnia or nervousness).
Some Ampakines Examples:
By far, the strongest ampakines currently available are Sunifiram and Unifiram. Of these two, Sunifiram tends to be more widely sold because it is more cost-effective to produce.
This compound is particularly noted for increases information retention and learning with a potency well over 1000x that of Piracetam.
Most of the ‘ordinary’ Racetams that we are already familiar with may be considered to be ampakines. At least they have some modulating effect on the AMPA receptors.
However, these effects are very weak and this is often overlooked since it is not one of their primary mechanisms of action. Racetams that would fall into this category include Piracetam, Aniracetam, and Oxiracetam.
Scientists and researchers continue to test and develop new Racetams and other Nootropics. One of the newest of these is Nooglutil, currently in its testing phase.
This is a much more potent Ampakine, with the potential to be far more effective than currently available Nootropics. Another recently discovered compound is Ampalex CX 516.
Reasons For Excitement And Concern:
Ampakines also work to help activate a number of additional receptors. In fact, both NDMA and AMPA receptors depend on the neurotransmitter glutamate to function properly, which is also what this classification of supplements activate.
Current research is also focused on finding a safe way to modulate both of these receptors. Doing so, it is believed, will lead to a breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of degenerative cognitive diseases like Alzhiemer’s and possibly even mild forms of dementia.
This does also lead to a concern regarding excitotoxicity. Essentially, when glutamate receptors are activated and more of this chemical is produced, the brain has excess activity. The neurons become excited and can literally burn themselves out.
Since excess glutamate activity within these receptor sites has been shown to cause this condition and even cell death, there is a major concern. Of course, this is pure speculation at this point; it has not been proven and the research continues. Additionally, there are other supplements which may reduce this condition when taken in combination with Ampakines.
The CX Class:
This classification is a group of Ampakines that are being investigated and produced by the Cortex Pharmaceuticals company (based out of Irvine, CA). They are specifically targeting Alzheimer’s and ADHD treatment with this research. This work has been ongoing over at least a ten year period, with both animal and human trials being conducted on several of their projects.
Here is a first-hand look at some of what they (and other companies) have on the drawing board:
CX-516, which is also known as Ampalex, was one of the first Ampakine supplements to be developed and investigated. Despite animal trials showing excellent benefits, human studies indicated a very low potency and short half-life.
CX-717 is another possible Ampakine that may eventually make it to the market. It is reported to be much stronger than all of the prior CX supplements and has benefits for both Alzheimer’s and ADHD treatments.
Internal company studies show that it is an effective substance, but the FDA has put things on hold for the time being. It seems that they are concerned with tissue toxicology in the animal models. Of course, the company insists that this is safe and well-tolerated in humans. But for the time being, it looks like more waiting.
LY-404187 is a new Ampakine being developed by Eli Lilly. This classification of substances has shown to be an effective BDNF protein stimulator which is incredibly helpful to the formation of new neurons and synapses which can help to improve long-term memory.
In animal models this supplement has shown excellent promise at improving cognitive function. The hope is that this might be able to treat Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and ADHD.
Ampakine Review:
The Ampakine classification of Nootropic supplements represents a huge step forward in both effectiveness and benefits of smart drugs. As scientists and researchers continue to learn more about how these substances work, we may finally come to a deeper and better understanding of how the human brain works and ways in which we can all develop improved memory and cognition.
You can buy Ampakines online from a small number of vendors, but always make sure to do your research and look for reviews from other users before placing an order.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment