--Cordyceps 8:1 Fruiting Body Extract is derived from the Cordyceps genus of mushrooms that has long been touted in traditional Chinese medicine for possessing medicinal properties. The use of the fruiting body results in a higher quality product than use of the mycelium, and the "8:1" figure indicates that the product is highly concentrated, requiring eight parts of raw material to make one part of the resulting extract. Cordyceps has been reported to have adaptogenic properties--meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress--as well as energy-boosting effects. Long-term supplementation studies in humans are sparse, though animal studies have shown promising signs of potential anti-fatigue and anti-depressant effects. The mechanisms underlying these effects are currently unclear, though it is thought that the bioactive compound cordycepin may have impacts on stress-related inflammatory pathways, neurotransmitter synthesis, turnover, and function, and cellular energy metabolism. 1
--Cocoa Extract is a concentrated derivative of the cacao bean, which is the base ingredient in chocolate. Cocoa extract is known to contain small amounts of the compounds caffeine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine (PEA), which can promote feelings of well-being and alertness. Multiple studies have demonstrated that cocoa supplementation can enhance memory and cognitive function and reduce fatigue--while also boosting mood and reducing anxiety--to a greater extent than consuming caffeine in isolation. 2
--Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of the amino acid L-Carnitine; while it shares its parent molecule's role in energy production via transporting fatty acids into mitochondria to be converted to ATP, ALCAR is unique in that the attached acetyl group allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and, as a result, act within the central nervous system. Some studies have suggested ALCAR might offer some benefit in protecting cognitive function from both age-related and disease-related (e.g. Alzheimer's, dementia, etc.) decline. Fewer studies have been conducted on cognitive enhancing effects in health individuals, and so more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions in this demographic. 3
*While these potential benefits sound promising, more comprehensive human studies are needed to confirm them. In addition, the effects of these compounds can vary based on several factors, including dosage, inter-individual physiological differences, and the presence of other exogenous compounds. It is important to consult a health care professional before starting a new supplement--particularly if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition and/or are taking medication or other exogenous substances--to ensure that no contraindications or potential for adverse reactions may exist.
References:
1. Lin YE, Chen YC, Lu KH, Huang YJ, Panyod S, Liu WT, Yang SH, Lu YS, Chen MH, Sheen LY. Antidepressant-like effects of water extract of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link by modulation of ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling in an unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced animal model. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Aug 10;276:114194. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114194. Epub 2021 May 8. PMID: 33974945.
2. Boolani, A., Lindheimer, J.B., Loy, B.D. et al. Acute effects of brewed cocoa consumption on attention, motivation to perform cognitive work and feelings of anxiety, energy and fatigue: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover experiment. BMC Nutr 3, 8 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-016-0117-z
3. Pennisi M, Lanza G, Cantone M, D'Amico E, Fisicaro F, Puglisi V, Vinciguerra L, Bella R, Vicari E, Malaguarnera G. Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders: A Critical Update. Nutrients. 2020 May 12;12(5):1389. doi: 10.3390/nu12051389. PMID: 32408706; PMCID: PMC7284336.
