. NAD+ (Nicotinamide Riboside)

• Cellular Health and Anti-Ageing: NAD+ is a coenzyme crucial for cellular processes like energy production and DNA repair. Levels naturally decline with age. Supplementing with precursors like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) may help restore NAD+ levels and is being studied for its potential to slow the ageing process.

• Brain Health: Some studies suggest that increasing NAD+ levels may help improve brain function and memory, and could be neuroprotective, especially in ageing individuals.

• Cardiovascular Health: Preclinical studies have shown potential benefits for cardiovascular function.

• Metabolism: NAD+ is involved in metabolism, and some studies suggest that boosting its levels may aid in weight management and improve insulin sensitivity.

2. Resveratrol

• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Cardioprotective Effects: It has been linked to improved brain health and blood pressure regulation. Research suggests it may help lower systolic blood pressure.

• Anti-Cancer Properties: Preclinical studies show resveratrol may affect cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis (cell death), and preventing tumour invasion and angiogenesis.

3. Quercetin

• Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Quercetin is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is being studied for its potential to protect against cellular damage and reduce oxidative stress.

• Brain Health: Research shows that quercetin may have neuroprotective properties, with studies suggesting it can activate pathways that modulate inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

• Cardiovascular Benefits: It has been linked to cardiovascular benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and improving endothelial function.

• Anti-Cancer and Anti-Microbial: Quercetin has been studied for its ability to inhibit the proliferation of certain cancer cells and for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Methylene Blue

Methylene Blue (MB) is a unique compound with a long history in medicine, but its potential as a nootropic and anti-ageing agent has only recently been explored through modern research. Its primary mechanism of action is related to its ability to work directly within the mitochondria, the energy centres of your cells.

1. Mitochondrial Function and Cellular Energy

• Electron Cycling: Methylene Blue acts as a unique "electron cycler" in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It can accept electrons from one part of the chain and donate them to a later part, effectively bypassing blockages and improving the efficiency of cellular energy (ATP) production.

• Increased Oxygen Consumption: By improving the electron transport chain, MB increases the ability of cells to consume oxygen, which is essential for energy production. This is particularly beneficial for the brain, which is one of the body's most energy-intensive organs.

• Reduced Free Radicals: This enhanced efficiency of the electron transport chain also leads to a significant reduction in the creation of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, which are a major byproduct of metabolism.

2. Cognitive and Neurological Health

• Enhanced Memory and Focus: Research, including human trials, has shown that even a single, low dose of Methylene Blue can improve short-term memory, attention, and executive function. Brain imaging studies have shown that it increases activity in brain regions associated with memory and attention.

• Neuroprotective Properties: By improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, MB helps protect neurons from damage and cell death. Studies have shown its potential to protect against damage in models of stroke and traumatic brain injury.

• Support for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A key area of research is MB's potential to help with neurodegenerative conditions. It has been shown in animal and test-tube studies to help prevent the aggregation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins, which are considered hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

• Mood and Mental Well-being: By inhibiting the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme, MB may help regulate levels of key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can support mood and mental well-being.

3. Anti-ageing and Antioxidant Properties

• Potent Antioxidant: Unlike many traditional antioxidants that neutralise free radicals, MB is a highly effective antioxidant because it prevents their production at the source—within the mitochondria. This makes it a very efficient defence against oxidative damage.

• Skin Health: The same benefits to cellular energy and reduced oxidative stress have been observed in skin cells. Research has found that MB can promote the proliferation of skin cells and reduce markers of ageing, making it a promising ingredient for skin care and longevity.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its primary role is to calm nerve activity, essentially acting as the brain's "brake pedal." This function is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance between brain excitation and inhibition. Research into GABA supplementation is ongoing, and while some studies are small, they have yielded promising results across several key areas.

1. Stress, Anxiety, and Mood

• Calming Effect: GABA is known for its ability to reduce nervous system activity. By binding to receptors in the brain, it can lessen a nerve cell's ability to receive or send chemical messages, leading to a calming effect that helps to ease feelings of stress and anxiety.

• Brain Wave Activity: Research using EEG measurements has shown that taking GABA supplements can increase the production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of calm and relaxation, while decreasing beta waves, which are linked to a state of alertness and focus.

• Mood Regulation: Studies on individuals with depression have found that they often have diminished levels of GABA. Research suggests that supporting healthy GABA levels can play a significant role in regulating stress, which is a key factor in mood disorders.

2. Sleep Quality

• Promoting Restful Sleep: The calming effect of GABA can help with insomnia and promote better sleep quality. Small human studies have shown that GABA supplements may help individuals fall asleep faster and experience improved sleep satisfaction.

• Support for Sleep Cycles: GABA's inhibitory action is essential for the transition from wakefulness to sleep. It helps to quiet brain activity, making it easier to relax and enter a state of deep sleep. Many prescription sleep medications work by targeting GABA receptors to enhance this calming effect.

3. Cognitive Function and Concentration

• Mental Clarity: While GABA's main role is to calm the brain, this can indirectly lead to improved cognitive function. By reducing "noise" or over-excitation in the nervous system, it may help improve focus and mental clarity during stressful tasks.

• Support for Brain Balance: A proper balance between GABA (inhibitory) and glutamate (excitatory) is critical for overall brain health. Low GABA activity has been linked to conditions such as anxiety disorders, ADHD, and other neurological issues.

4. Other Health Benefits

• Blood Pressure Management: Some studies have shown that consuming GABA-fortified products or supplements may help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

• Exercise and Muscle Growth: Preliminary research suggests that GABA, especially when combined with whey protein, may help increase levels of growth hormone after resistance training. This could assist in muscle recovery and development.

• Blood Sugar Regulation: GABA is present in the pancreas and has been studied for its potential role in regulating blood sugar and protecting insulin-producing cells.