Learning and Education

In the short term, acute inflammation is beneficial and resolves itself once the threat has passed. A long-lived inflammatory state, however, is linked to a wide range of health conditions and...

Despite the undoubted neurotoxicity and dissociative effects of the fly agaric mushroom, there are several bioactive compounds contained within it that are being examined for their potentially beneficial effects on...

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vitally important gatekeeper of sorts that protects the brain and central nervous system (CNS) from pathogens and potential neurotoxins, whilst allowing the transport of...

Nootropics, also known as brain supplements, smart drugs, or cognitive enhancers, are substances purported to increase cognitive functions.

L-theanine (or N-ethyl-L-glutamine) is an amino acid analog structurally similar to L-glutamate, one of the primary excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS).

We are all familiar with the feeling of being “in the groove” or “in the zone,” where all of our energy and focus is absorbed by a particular task or...

Reducing GABA-A receptor signaling can have profound effects on the central nervous system, leading to significant physiological and neurological consequences, including increasing neuronal excitability, altered pain perception, mood changes, increased...

How do GABA supplements exert their action? Is the observed effect merely a result of the placebo effect? Do these supplements work through peripheral mechanisms outside the brain? Or can GABA...

GABA and gabapentin are two fundamentally different compounds that share some important similarities. The goals of this article are to provide some background on each one as well as an overview...

GABA plays a critical role in the brain and has potential implications for mental and physical health. Factors causing GABA deficiency can individually or collectively contribute to alterations of the...

The majestic magnolia tree, celebrated for its aromatic flowers, also harbors a lesser-known gem in its bark. For generations, traditional healers have valued this component, referred to as Houpo when used in traditional...

Melatonin is well-known for its modulation of the circadian rhythm through signaling pathways involving its two G protein-coupled receptors. However, melatonin is involved in many other mechanisms and represents therapeutic...

GABA, the natural brain brake, helps tone down neural activity, offering a pocket of serenity among ruminations and worries. Ashwagandha is a gift from Ayurveda that acts as a protective...

This article explores six commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs, elucidates the biological mechanisms that can impair focus, and sheds light on the difficult balance between therapeutic benefits and cognitive side effects.

Sleep is considered the most fundamental element of the glymphatic system activity, particularly slow-wave sleep during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep [10]. Both sleep duration and quality influence the glymphatic...