Cordyceps

Potent adaptogenic fungus clinically shown to boost ATP production, oxygen utilization, and endurance while enhancing libido and stress resilience. 

Cordyceps (standardized Cs-4 or wild-crafted Cordyceps militaris ≥1% cordycepin + β-glucans) is one of the few natural compounds with direct evidence for increasing cellular ATP via upregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and improving oxygen delivery through higher erythrocyte 2,3-DPG levels. Double-blind human trials demonstrate significant increases in VO₂ max, time-to-exhaustion, and ventilatory threshold in both athletes and sedentary adults, with effects noticeable after 1–3 weeks of 1–3 g/day. It also reliably reduces perceived exertion and markers of fatigue during prolonged exercise or mental stress. Additional benefits include dose-dependent rises in testosterone (free + total) and luteinizing hormone in men, improved insulin sensitivity, and mild adaptogenic lowering of cortisol. Traditionally used by Sherpas at extreme altitude; modern data confirm measurable performance gains at sea level too.

Energy • Stamina • VO₂ Max • Libido • Anti-Fatigue

References: [01,02,03]

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Potent neurotrophic fungus clinically shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and support brain repair, cognition, and mood. 

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is one of the only natural compounds proven in human trials to increase NGF levels in the brain. Its unique bioactive diterpenes (hericenones and erinacines) cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger production of NGF, promoting neurite outgrowth, myelination, and hippocampal neurogenesis. Double-blind studies demonstrate significant improvements in cognitive function scores in mild cognitive impairment, faster performance on Stroop tasks, better working memory, and reduced subjective stress and anxiety. Long-term use is linked to enhanced focus, verbal fluency, and overall mental clarity. Additional benefits include prebiotic effects on gut microbiota and support for vagus nerve signaling via the gut-brain axis. 

Neurogenesis • Memory • Focus • Mood • Gut-Brain Axis

References: [01,02​,03​]

L-Theanine

Clinically proven amino acid that rapidly induces calm, focused alertness without sedation by promoting alpha-brain-wave activity and balancing excitatory neurotransmitters.

L-Theanine (Suntheanine® or naturally sourced) is the rare compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier within 30–40 minutes and directly increases alpha-wave production—creating a state of “wakeful relaxation” measurable on EEG. Human trials consistently show it improves attention switching, accuracy on cognitive tasks, and verbal fluency while simultaneously reducing physiological stress markers (heart rate, salivary IgA, subjective tension). It synergizes powerfully with caffeine (roughly 2:1 ratio) to amplify focus and eliminate jitters—effects confirmed in multiple double-blind studies. At 200–400 mg it also lowers evening cortisol, reduces mind-wandering, and shortens sleep latency without next-day grogginess. No tolerance or withdrawal has been observed even with daily use.

Calm Focus • Attention • Stress Reduction • Mood • Sleep Quality

References: [01,02,03]

Rhodiola Rosea

Potent adaptogenic herb clinically proven to combat fatigue, enhance mental and physical performance, and restore mood balance under stress.

Rhodiola rosea (standardized to ≥3% rosavins + 1% salidroside) is one of the most evidence-backed adaptogens in human trials. It works primarily by modulating cortisol, optimizing serotonin and dopamine signaling, and increasing ATP regeneration in mitochondria. Double-blind studies show significant reductions in perceived fatigue and burnout scores, improved reaction time and cognitive accuracy during prolonged stress, and enhanced aerobic capacity/VO₂ max in athletes. At moderate doses (200–600 mg), it reliably boosts mental work capacity in high-pressure situations (exams, shift work, military operations) while lowering anxiety and depressive symptoms. Effects are noticeable within 30–60 minutes and build with consistent use; side effects are rare at recommended doses.

Energy • Endurance • Focus • Stress Resilience • Mood

References: [01,02,03]

Green Tea Extract

Synergistic nootropic and adaptogenic extract shown to promote calm focus, fat oxidation, and long-term cognitive health. 

Green tea extract combines caffeine with high-potency epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and L-theanine, creating a unique “alert calm” state backed by dozens of human trials. L-theanine increases alpha-brain-wave activity and GABA, counteracting caffeine jitters while amplifying attention and accuracy on cognitive tasks. EGCG is a powerful catechin polyphenol that crosses the blood-brain barrier, providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild MAO-B inhibiting effects that support mood and dopamine preservation. Regular use is linked to improved executive function, reduced mental fatigue, and enhanced thermogenesis/metabolic rate.

Calm Energy • Attention • Fat Loss • Neuroprotection

Nicotine

Potent nootropic and stimulant shown to enhance focus, cognitive performance, and mood under stress or fatigue. 

Nicotine (in isolated, non-smoking forms like gum or lozenges) is one of the most studied cognitive enhancers available. It acts as a direct agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, rapidly increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine release. Clinical research consistently demonstrates improvements in sustained attention, working memory, reaction time, and fine motor performance—especially in fatiguing or high-demand conditions. It also exhibits mild anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects at low doses by modulating stress pathways. Widely used by surgeons, pilots, and high-stakes professionals for decades.

Focus • Alertness • Executive Function • Stress Resilience

References: [01,02,03,04]

Cannabis Distillate (THC)

Potent psychoactive cannabinoid clinically shown to rapidly reduce acute anxiety, restore mood balance, and enhance sensory/creativity performance in low-to-moderate doses.

Pure Δ9-THC distillate (90–99% THC) is one of the fastest-acting anxiolytics and mood modulators available when dosed precisely (2.5–15 mg oral/sublingual). Human studies and large observational datasets confirm robust, dose-dependent reductions in state anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and depressive affect within 15–90 minutes, mediated by direct CB1 receptor agonism and downstream increases in anandamide, dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, and frontal-limbic connectivity. Low doses reliably improve divergent thinking, pattern recognition, and subjective “flow” states (confirmed in double-blind creativity trials). Higher microdoses (5–10 mg) enhance music appreciation, taste, and tactile sensation via heightened sensory cortex activity. At 10–20+ mg it shifts toward sedation and deep physiological relaxation, making it one of the most effective pharmacological sleep aids studied (shortens sleep latency, increases total sleep time). Effects are highly biphasic—precision dosing is critical to avoid paradoxical anxiety at higher levels. Tolerance to mood and cognitive effects develops with daily use but reverses quickly (48–96 hours).

Mood Elevation • Acute Stress Relief • Creativity • Sensory Enhancement • Sleep (higher doses)