Alpha GPC

Other name : Alpha GPC, Choline alphoscerate, Choline glycerophosphate, 

Glycerophosphorylcholine, Alfa-GPC, Alpha Glycerol Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphatidylcholine, Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine, GPC, GroPCho, L-A-Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine, L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine.

Appearance:

50%, 99% white powder

85% Transparent liquid

Basic information: 

CAS No.28319-77-9

Chemical Formula: C8-H20-N-O6-P

Molecular Weight: 257

Alpha-GPC is a chemical released when a fatty acid found in soy and other plants breaks down. It is used as medicine.

In Europe alpha-GPC is a prescription medication for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It is available in two forms; one is taken by mouth, and the other is given as a shot. In the United States alpha-GPC is only available as a dietary supplement, mostly in products promoted to improve memory.

Other uses for alpha-GPC include treatment of various kinds of dementia, stroke, and “mini-stroke” (transient ischemic attack, TIA). Alpha-GPC is also used for improving memory, thinking skills, and learning.

How does it work?

Alpha-GPC seems to increase a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This brain chemical is important for memory and learning functions.

Alpha GPC, also known as alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, is a nutrient now available as a supplement. It is able to deliver choline to the brain. Whether it offers advantages over choline, cdp-choline, acetyl l-carnitine which are also available as oral supplements, is not yet known for certain. Alpha GPC is not a phospholipid, rather it is a nutrient derived from soy phospholipids, one of these phospholipids being lecithin.

Alpha GPC, also known as choline alfoscerate is a phospholipid metabolite found concentrated in neuronal membranes. Made from lecithin, it is well absorbed and crosses the blood brain barrier. In the brain it supports brain function and learning processes by directly increasing the synthesis and secretion of acetylcholine. It protects neurons and improves signal transmission by serving as a precursor to membrane phospholipids.

Alpha GPC (L-alphaglycerophosphatidylcholine; also known as choline alfoscerate) is a phospholipid metabolite found concentrated in neuronal membranes. Derived from lecithin; Alpha GPC is extremely well absorbed and crosses the blood brain barrier. In the brain; Alpha GPC supports brain function and learning processes by directly increasing the synthesis and secretion of acetylcholine. Alpha GPC protects neurons and improves signal transmission by serving as a precursor to membrane phospholipids.

Alpha-GPC Possible Benefits:

Medline summary:

Alpha-GPC or GPC has been documented extensively by published studies in both animals and humans to contribute to at least five (5) significant human health functions.

These relevant 'mind-body' activities include, but may not be limited to the following:

1. Increases human Growth Hormone (hGH)

Increases in endogenous human Growth Hormone (hGH) secretion by the anterior pituitary in conjunction with Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH); that is, both Alpha-GPC and GHRH act concertedly to stimulate the release of hGH, naturally;

2. Improved mental focus and stimulation of cognitive function

Stimulation of the enzymatic synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in nerves, muscle cells and all cell membranes, counteracting the age-related decrease in phospholipid (PC) biosynthesis; thus, Alpha-GPC contributes directly to improved mental focus and stimulation of cognitive function;

3. More strength from work-outs and training programs

Acts as a precursor of acetylcholine (ACh); thus, Alpha-GPC activates cholinergic transmission which permits the development of more strength from work-outs and training programs, plus reducing levels of somatostatin in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis;

4. Improved lipotrophic functions in the liver

Elevations in blood and tissue levels of the essential nutrient, choline, which supports improved lipotrophic functions (methyl group transferases) in the liver. Research has shown that fatty liver, a condition associated with obesity, diabetes and heavy alcohol consumption, often leads to cirrhosis of the liver or liver failure. Studies conducted by Alan L. Buchman, M.D., associate professor of medicine at The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, have shown that fatty liver can be prevented and possibly even eliminated with increased levels of choline. Alpha-GPC also acts synergistically with the body's store (and/or supplementation) of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM or SAMe) and folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 to facilitate methyl group transfers in the brain and liver;

5. Improved balanced and coordination

Produces improved balanced and coordination when combined with 'skill set' practice and training as a result of normalized nerve transmission in the brain, and in cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscles.

More Alpha-GPC Information & Possible Benefits:

Alpha-GPC has been shown to potentiate the effects of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and increase human growth hormone (hGH) secretion in young and elderly individuals. Alpha-GPC also affects numerous biochemical and neurotransmitter systems that have been implicated in the development of age-related memory dysfunction (ARMD).

Administration of Alpha-GPC has been shown to improve neuropsychological parameters in patients with SDAT and ARMD. Alpha-GPC also improves memory and cognitive performance. Alpha-GPC has been shown to reduce the recovery time in comatose patients suffering from head injury and antagonize the effects of scopolamine to improve memory, attention, and performance in healthy individuals. Alpha-GPC's cognitive and growth hormone (GH) enhancing effects appear to be primarily the result of stimulation of the cholinergic neurotransmitter system; however, other biochemically-related modulations and neurotransmitter systems have been implicated.

Alpha-GPC improves memory, attention, and performance in healthy individuals. Alpha-GPC's cognitive and growth hormone (GH) enhancing effects appear to be primarily the result of stimulation of the cholinergic neurotransmitter system; however, other biochemically-related modulations and neurotransmitter systems have been implicated.