B-Vitamins (Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12)

B-Vitamins are comprised of a group of 8 specific water-soluble vitamins that work together and independently to perform essential roles in cellular functioning, often acting as co-enzymes in many different catabolic and anabolic reactions. Some of these roles can include energy production, DNA/RNA synthesis and repair, synthesis of numerous neurochemicals and signaling molecules, and certain aspects of brain function. Most the human clinical and epidemiological research on this area has been almost exclusively done on the subset of B-Vitamins (B6, B9, and B12) as they have exhibited the most beneficial role on homocysteine metabolism. Homocysteine is an amino acid that the body naturally produces. In some individuals, high levels of homocysteine can damage the lining of arteries and other blood vessels as well as can increase blood clotting, which can lead to increased risk of pulmonary embolisms, heart attack, and stroke. It can also lead to brain atrophy, which can be as a result of increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis of cells that are responsible for neuroregeneration. These high levels of homocysteine can often be as a result of low B-Vitamin concentrations in the body, specifically B6, B9, and B12, therefore replacing and supplementing with these vitamins can help return homocysteine levels to normal. These vitamins have a high ability to cross the blood brain barrier through dedicated transport mechanisms. Once in the brain these vitamins have a high turnover rate ensuring that their concentrations remain relatively high on a daily basis. It is important to note that these vitamins should be attempted to be gotten through diet mostly but supplementation will ensure their intake.

NooLVL® (Inositol-Enhanced Bonded Arginine Silicate)

NooLVL® is a patented blend of bonded arginine and silicon with an addition dose of the brain beneficial inositol. This non-stimulant ingredient was initially developed to boost cognitive function and attentiveness in the ever growing and popular esport industry. This blend of ingredients works efficiently (within as little as 15 minutes) to provide a clean source of increased energy without negatively affected blood pressure or heart rate giving you the focus performance you need when you need it most. Whether it be in a fast-paced sporting event, high stakes competition, or needing to maintain your composure during everyday tasks, NooLVL® can provide this support.

You may be wondering, how does NooLVL® work? The bonded arginine silicate in NooLVL® is a highly bioavailable form of arginine that can increase nitric oxide production and boost blood flow. This reaction has the ability to efficiently deliver oxygen and other essential nutrients to highly sensitive tissues, such as the heart and brain. Where inositol comes into play is as a cognitive enhancing nutrient vital to the functioning of neurotransmitters involved in learning and memory. It also has been shown to possess the ability to balance the chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which can affect mood. Cohesively these ingredients create a unique list of benefits that can not only improve the function of the brain and its tissues, but also aid in the delivery of key nutrients essential to their health and longevity.

Although NooLVL® was designed for its implementation in esports, any activity or event where heightened focus, alertness, or attention to detail is needed, or even just the goal of greater cognitive function and health, NooLVL® can be a sound implementation into your brain health and cognitive performance regimen.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl

L-carnitine is a derivative of the amino acid lysine and, as certain conditions outpace the body’s ability to produce it, l-carnitine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid. While endogenous biosynthesis of l-carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine is sufficient for essential processes – along with dietary sources of carnitine from protein-rich red meat, for example – dietary supplementation of carnitine may pose benefits in certain physiological conditions. Unfortunately, due to excess metabolism of l-carnitine by microorganisms in the small intestine, exogenous supplementation with oral l-carnitine has proved ineffective. ALCAR, an acetylated version of l-carnitine, has considerably higher oral bioavailability, due likely to only partial hydrolytic metabolism. Once in the bloodstream, ALCAR plays a fundamental role in the production of energy, acting as the catalyst for the beta-oxidation of long chain fatty acids by the mitochondria; regulating the CoA to Acyl-CoA ratio (necessary for the production of ATP); and the metabolism of carbohydrates. ALCAR also is an excitatory agent for neurons, increases neuronal transmission, and increases the production of neurotransmitters and neurohormones such as dopamine and serotonin.

Tyrosine is amongst a class of amino acids known as ‘non-essential’ amino acids, so called because the body can produce them endogenously, and it is therefore not essential to consume dietary tyrosine. That said, tyrosine is also what is known as a conditionally-essential amino acid; conditionally-essential because, along with glucose and ammonia, the synthesis of tyrosine additionally requires adequate levels of phenylalanine. Once synthesized, tyrosine is one of the most critical amino acids, given its prominent role as a substrate in the synthesis of the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, in addition to both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) thyroid hormones.

In studies on stress modulation, tyrosine has been demonstrated to reverse stress-induced norepinephrine depletion and the depressant-behavioral effects normally associated with it. In simpler terms, tyrosine may, in certain conditions, dampen the extent to which norepinephrine is removed from the bloodstream during a stress event. In simpler terms still, tyrosine may help to mitigate the sense of depletion and fatigue felt at the end of a workout.

Tyrosine may also play important metabolic functions, mostly related to its role in synthesizing compounds which stimulate the nervous system. While not traditionally considered a sympathomimetic amine, studies which have co-administered tyrosine and stimulants demonstrate a synergistic effect. These studies suggest that tyrosine may potentiate the effects of both endogenous and supplemental norepinephrine and its mimetics (in the case of exogenous use) with respect to lipolysis, thermogenesis, and energy expenditure. Meaning that tyrosine may play a role in assisting norepinephrine to break up triglycerides and increase body heat transiently.

L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is amongst a class of amino acids known as ‘non-essential’ amino acids, so called because the body can produce them endogenously, and it is therefore not essential to consume dietary tyrosine. That said, tyrosine is also what is known as a conditionally-essential amino acid; conditionally-essential because, along with glucose and ammonia, the synthesis of tyrosine additionally requires adequate levels of phenylalanine. Once synthesized, tyrosine is one of the most critical amino acids, given its prominent role as a substrate in the synthesis of the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, in addition to both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) thyroid hormones.

In studies on stress modulation, tyrosine has been demonstrated to reverse stress-induced norepinephrine depletion and the depressant-behavioral effects normally associated with it. In simpler terms, tyrosine may, in certain conditions, dampen the extent to which norepinephrine is removed from the bloodstream during a stress event. In simpler terms still, tyrosine may help to mitigate the sense of depletion and fatigue felt at the end of a workout.

Tyrosine may also play important metabolic functions, mostly related to its role in synthesizing compounds which stimulate the nervous system. While not traditionally considered a sympathomimetic amine, studies which have coadministered tyrosine and stimulants demonstrate a synergistic effect. These studies suggest that tyrosine may potentiate the effects of both endogenous and supplemental norepinephrine and its mimetics (in the case of exogenous use) with respect to lipolysis, thermogenesis, and energy expenditure. Meaning that tyrosine may play a role in assisting norepinephrine to break up triglycerides and increase body heat transiently.

Alpha-GPC 50%

Of the known choline pro-drugs or precursors, Alpha GPC appears to have exert the greatest influence on circulating choline levels. Choline is an essential nutrient involved in numerous metabolic pathways, including DNA regulation and repair, protein function, and metabolism. Perhaps most importantly, the critical neurotransmitter acetylcholine is produced directly from free choline via cholinergic neurons. Acetylcholine is then responsible for several functions itself, most crucially as the compound which induces muscular contraction, and as the neuromodulator partially responsible for modulating risk/reward, arousal, and enhancing memory.

Choline’s essential role as a substrate for acetylcholine, and therefore brain development, is well documented in animal models. These studies demonstrate that levels of free maternal choline have a direct and fundamental impact on prenatal brain development, with the enhancements or deficits lasting into adulthood. Choline’s enhancing effect is particularly prominent in the hippocampus. In humans, the hippocampus is primarily involved in the consolidation of memory (taking short, episodic memory and translating it into long-term memory) and the learning of new information. Acetylcholine is a critical component in these processes, as mentioned above, and choline may therefore play a potential role in these processes as well by providing the substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.

Whether through these, or other independent mechanisms, a recent trial using Alpha GPC demonstrated a statistically significant increase to power output. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial, 14 healthy volunteers, split into an Alpha GPC or placebo group, were tested on various exercises. In comparison to the placebo group, the Alpha GPC group experienced a 14% increase to bench press. The researchers hypothesize that the peak power increase was the result of a substantial acute increase to growth hormone, one of the observed effects of Alpha GPC supplementation.

Mucuna pruriens Extract (seed) (50% L-dopa)

Mucuna pruriens is one of the popular medicinal plants of India and is known to contain various beneficial nutritional compounds. The main nutrient found in Mucuna pruriens is L-dopa, which acts as a natural source of dopamine. Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland, which is believed to exert anti-androgenic effects in men. Mucuna pruriens’ ability to support healthy dopamine levels may significantly reduce the release of prolactin hormone by the pituitary glands offering powerful benefits. In addition, clinical evidence suggests that Mucuna pruriens not only supports healthy growth hormone levels but also contains naturally occurring serotonin precursors to support mood, memory, and overall well-being. Clinically shown to support optimal balance of growth hormone, prolactin, serotonin and other beneficial hormones, Mucuna pruriens may also assist healthy weight management and stress support.

EnXtra™ (Alpinia galanga) (5:1 rhizomes)

EnXtra™ is a proprietary extract of Alpinia galanga, which is a commonly used spice in Asian culinary innovations. Through targeting a cognitive process called “Attention Network Function”, which is defined by the ability for the brain to allocate processing resources to a specific task, EnXtra™ can work to benefit mental alertness and the ability to focus from task to task with minimal mind spacing. It’s been shown that EnXtra™ exhibits a mechanism of action that its phytoconstituents may interact with neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholinesterase, which play a role in benefitting alertness and focus.

One of the other benefits of EnXtra™ is its ability to be effective with or without the presence of caffeine. Without caffeine it can provide the benefits listed above but with caffeine it will support the mental energy without the subsequent “crash” that is often experienced by some who consume caffeine. This is important as when you are needing heightened focus and attention to certain tasks or events, you want a high amount of energy and focus to be able to last through the duration of the event with no negative drawbacks once complete.

In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, EnXtra™ was able to significantly increase baseline alertness for up to five hours when compared against other plant extracts. In another study, the effect of EnXtra™ on sustained mental alertness and attention showed greater results when compared to just caffeine and placebo.

Bacopa monnieri Extract (50% bacopasides)

Bacopa monnieri, also known as the water hyssop commonly, or as Brahmi in Ayurvedic texts, is a small creeping herb endemic to sub-tropical India. The herb has been used in traditional Indian medicine for well over one thousand years, with its first recorded usage coming in the 6th century A.D. In this traditional context, BM has been used for a wide-range of purposes, including as a treatment of asthma and epilepsy.

More recently, BM has been the subject of numerous cognition and memory trials, as the plant has a well-established nootropic effect. Likely through modulation of the serotonin reuptake system, clinical trials in healthy humans have demonstrated that BM possesses a significant effect on the retention of newly-learned information. In several trials utilizing a 300mg daily serving, BM was also shown to decrease the recall delay of newly learned information and reduce short term forgetfulness – suggesting that the herb’s effect on the serotonic and cholinergic systems are increasing the encoding (the literal storing) of memory information.

Beyond cognition and memory encoding, BM has also been demonstrated to function as a potent adaptogen and relaxant – which in the CLARITY POWDER formula may help to smooth the effect curve of the product’s stimulants, reducing jitteriness or, “crash.”

Sabroxy® Extract (Oroxylum indicum) (bark) (10% Oroxylin A)

Sabroxy® is a clinically studied standardized extract from of bark of the Indian trumpet tree (Oroxylum indicum). Containing a minimum of 10% Oroxylin A, this ingredient has shown abilities to improve memory as well as support the brain and nervous systems neuronal functions. Oroxylin A is a naturally occurring plant flavonoid that has been shown to possess the benefits of improving focus and motivation, increasing cognitive function, supporting balanced inflammation levels, and supporting an optimally functioning immune system. In the context of nootropic benefits, oroxylin A exhibits a mechanism of action that modulates the production of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in cortical neurons by the transactivation of cAMP response element binding protein. BDNF is essential as it is the main protein found in the brain and spinal cord and promotes the survival of nerve cells by playing a role in their growth, maturation, and maintenance. It also can protect the bodies nerves from excessive amounts of chemical damage. This reduced damage to delicate neurons and their connecting channels allows for strong and efficient neurotransmission leading to healthy and optimal cognition.

Caffeine Anhydrous

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed, and perhaps one of the most reviewed, psychoactive compounds. Its physiological effects in a range of areas have been well-documented, including exercise performance, information processing, alertness and mood enhancement, attention, and awareness, along with its anti-lipogenic and lipolytic abilities.

Most importantly to CLARITY POWDER, caffeine has been shown to have significant effects on daily performance where energy is needed, even with ingestion in servings as small 3 to 9mg/kg/bw/day (the equivalent of 2 cups of standard coffee, for a 170lb male). One study in particular looked at the effects of caffeine on sleep deprived and heavily fatigued military personnel, a job where alertness and attention are extremely important, and found that caffeine did possess positive benefits on these attributes. The study concluded that:

• Caffeine has a positive effect on reaction time and attention during psychomotor tasks. This can also include driving or computer related tasks.
• Mood and alertness are positively affected by caffeine in doses between 75mg and 300mg.
• Caffeine has a low toxicity and produces no serious physiological side effects in adults.

When it comes to exercise, possible explanations for caffeine’s performance-enhancing effects lie in its metabolic effects on both lean and fat tissue. It is suggested that caffeine’s potent lipolytic (the breakdown of fat tissue into fatty acids) and oxidative (the actual ‘burning’ of fat) action allow the body to utilize these sources during prolonged submaximal exercise. As a consequence, muscle glycogen is spared and available for use later in the training session. Practically speaking, this means caffeine is forcing your body to preferentially use fat tissue as a fuel source, while sparing the glycogen which gives you the full-bodied look!

In short-term exercise, caffeine’s demonstrated role in the inhibition of cyclic AMP- phosphodiesterases (PDE), adenosine receptor antagonism, and adrenoreceptor agonism come into play. These three pathways collectively stimulate lipolytic activity, boost fat metabolism, increase metabolic rate and energy expenditure, and regulate the body’s thermogenic activity. The practical results of activating these pathways are increases to the contractile force of both cardiac and skeletal muscle (harder flexion), an increase in energy expenditure (freeing up more caloric energy to be used in contraction), dilation of vasculature (better blood flow), and improvements to both nitrogen retention and skeletal muscle protein synthesis (key components to muscle building).

In CLARITY POWDER, we have included a per-serving amount of caffeine that is neither excessive, nor arbitrary, but that instead reflects the servings used in clinical research to give such benefits that can be useful wherever heightened focus and energy are needed.

Züm XR® Delayed Release Caffeine

Züm-XR® is a patented coating technology that allows the dissolution profile of certain ingredients, primarily caffeine, to have a longer lasting effect in blood serum levels. The release of those ingredients is initiated by an abrasion in the stomach and pH levels between the stomach and the upper gastrointestinal tract. The coating of the microbead technology is a patented timing system with pharmaceutical grade safe polymers. Comparatively speaking, the dissolution profile of Züm-XR® caffeine to your typical immediate release caffeine showed that Züm-XR® took a far greater amount of time, well over 120 minutes to complete the process of dissolution.

Huperzia serrata Extract (leaf and stem) (1% Huperzine A)

Huperzia serrata is a compound found in the plant families of Huperziaceae, Lycopodiaceae, and Selaginella and is endemic to China. The Lycopodium alkaloid Huperizine-A, found in CLARITY POWDER, was first isolated from a folk medicinal preparation in 1984.

Due to the potent anticholinesterase activities of Huperzine A, the compound was been evaluated in numerous in vitro, in vivo, and human trials. These data suggest that Huperzine’s Ache activities are most potent in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum (at least in rats) – key regions in the brain responsible for forming, coordinating, and recalling memory. These effects are assisted by Huperzine A’s high oral bioavailability. Studies using microdialysis technique in rats, for example, showed that the response to Huperzine A was dose-dependent and substantially lowered the level of ACh in cortex.

Huperzine A has also shown promise in humans. Used as a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, Huperzine A has shown positive benefits on cognition and as a therapy for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. This is partly due to its inhibitory factors on acetylcholine but also its neuroprotective properties. In another study on memory and learning performance, 34 pairs of middle school students complaining of memory inadequacy were given a small dose of Huperzine A. The students were then match paired along a number of vectors and provided tests on working memory. The results of this study exhibited that HupA markedly improved the memory function of adolescent students.