Alpha-GPC

Alpha-GPC (L-Alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine)

 

Choline is an essential substance in phospholipids in the body which are a mjor component of all biological membranes. Choline undertakes a process of acetylation which results in the production of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter which operate in the central nervous system to amplify, modulate and relay signals between cells and neurons. Acetycholine is a key chemical which promotes memory in the brain. Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, or choline alfoscerate) is a potent form of choline. Alpha-GPC, derived from soy lecithin,  supplies choline to the blood stream and is also a precursor of phosphatidylcholine which can increase levels of choline in the brain. Some form of choline cross easily the blood-brain barrier from the blood to the brain. These include phosphatidyl choline (PC), Alpha-GPC, Cytidine 5’-diphsphocholine (CDP-Choline, or citicoline) and a precursor for choline called DMAE (dimethlaminoethanol). Research has shown Alpha-GPC to be more effective than citicholine and with very few side effects. Alph-GPC also has been shown to enhance the release of human growth hormone, the master antiaging hormone. Research with athletes has shown that it improves coordination, balance, and endurance.

 

How it works:

  • Precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylocholine: Alph-GPC activates cholinergic transmission which increase the brain functions and permits the development of more strength from work-outs and training programs.
  • Stimulation of the enzymatic synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in cells and cell membranes, directly to improved mental focus and cognitive function.
  • Increase the amount of neuronal connections in the brain leading to enhanced learning ability and memory recall.
  • Increases human Growth Hormone secretion by the anterior pituitary gland in conjunction with Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone.

 

Positive effects:

  • Improved brain development during pregnancy.
  • Increase mental alertness, and sharpness.
  • Better memory and concentration.

 

Safety:

Choline is not known to be toxic or to have significant side effects. Alpha GPC is not a supplement to take for occasional use as a mental enhancer. Significant benefits are observed in a rather long-term use.

 

 References:

  • Parnetti L, Abate G et al. Multicentre study of l-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine vs ST200 among patients with probable senile dementia of Alzheimer’s type. Drug Aging 1933 Mar-Apr;3(2):159-64 
  • Aleppo G, Nicoletti F et al. Chronic L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline increases inositol phosphate formation in brain slices and neuronal cultures. Pharmacol Toxicol 1994 Feb;74(2):95-100. 
  • Gatti G, Barzaghi N et al. A comparative study of free plasma choline levels following intramuscular administration of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine and citicoline in normal volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1992 Sep;30(9):331-5. 
  • Schettini G. et al. Molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of L-alph-GPC, a new cognition-enhancing drug, on behavioral and biochemical parameters in youn and aged rats. Pharmcol Biochem Behav 1922 Sep;43(1):139-51.