Evidence supporting the use of: Nicotine
For the body system: Acetylcholine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Nicotine is a well-established agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the nervous system. Its primary mode of action is to mimic the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by binding to these receptors, which are widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Scientific research has thoroughly documented nicotine’s effects on cognitive processes such as attention, learning, and memory, largely due to its interaction with the cholinergic system. In fact, nicotine’s ability to enhance cholinergic signaling is the basis for its use in some research settings to model or treat cognitive deficits associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. While nicotine is not typically recommended as a therapeutic agent due to its addictive properties and adverse health consequences, the scientific evidence clearly validates its impact on the acetylcholine system. Numerous studies using both animal models and humans have shown increased neurotransmitter release, improved cognitive performance, and modulation of neuronal activity following nicotine administration. However, it is important to note that these effects come with significant risks, and nicotine is not approved for general use as a cognitive enhancer outside of smoking cessation products like nicotine replacement therapies. Thus, there is substantial scientific validation for nicotine’s mechanistic support of the acetylcholine system, even though clinical utility is limited by safety concerns.
Other ingredients that support Acetylcholine
acetyl l-carnitinewaterhyssop
choline
citicoline
ginkgo biloba
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
huperzine A
lecithin
lion's mane
magnesium
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
polygala root
rosemary
sage
vinpocetine
terpene lactones
Alpha glyceryl
Areca
Aniracetam
Bilobalide
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Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Centrophenoxine
Cytisine
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Celastrus
Deanol
Egg