4 ms·

Are there any supplements that can work for neurogenesis? I've heard Lions Mane extract can do this, but I'm not sure. Anybody know of anything?

dirtbagskier 5mo ago
Cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Both are thought to contribute to neurogenesis, even in healthy people
throwforfeds 5mo ago
There's (minimal) research on psilocybin doing just that. One of the tragedies of prohibition is that we just weren't able to study these psychedelic compounds easily for 50+ years.
- grvdrm 5mo ago
  Have any sources? I’d love to read what you are thinking about. I haven’t used psilocybin in a clinical setting but have gone through an alternative psychedelic-assisted therapy process. Very interesting results and many positives.
  - sowbug 5mo ago
    Not necessarily neurogenesis, but evidence of neuroplasticity: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48030098 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48030098
    - grvdrm 5mo ago
      Thank you.
  - throwforfeds 5mo ago
    There's not a lot, unfortunately. This paper is a literature review and the claims are weak, but there's something there that should be investigated further: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12392120/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12392120/ Paul Stamets has evangelized psilocybin + lions mane + niacin for years in a microdosing format, but again, the research is lacking largely due to prohibition.
    - grvdrm 5mo ago
      Awesome. Thank you.
- thinkcontext 5mo ago
  Not to take away from your point about psilocybin but the mushroom brought up, lions mane, is not hallucinogenic.
  - throwforfeds 5mo ago
    For sure, and lions mane is one of the three things Paul Stamets has been talking about for years to take in combination with niacin and psilocybin (microdose) to support neurogenesis. Low doses of psilocybin have only very mild perceptual changes, much less than smoking weed or drinking alcohol (for me). But again, there's not much science on it which will hopefully change.
toasty228 5mo ago
If you don't sleep 8+ hours a day every single day, exercise regularly, live in a place with clean air, eat clean food, don't drink alcohol, etc. you're losing your time, no amount of supplement will make up for our modern way of life, you're going to optimise the 0.1% while missing the 99.9% that matters
- SilentM68 5mo ago
  That is true, but keep in mind that routine is very difficult to do for someone that makes their living running the rat race, with stress, no time, responsibilities, worry, untreated health problems, etc. If you have the money, job security, then you'll have peace of mind. That will then allow one to live that kind of optimized lifestyle.
  - rexpop 5mo ago
    This is why we cannot abide scabs.
    - SilentM68 5mo ago
      I see your point :)
      - rexpop 5mo ago
        Self-respect is an act of charity.
caycep 5mo ago
Of note, cautionary tale is too much neurogenesis is brain cancer...
- dymk 5mo ago
  No, brain cancer is brain cancer.
  - caycep 5mo ago
    which is poorly differentiated cells undergoing unchecked neurogenesis...
    - deleted 5mo ago
      [deleted]
    - dymk 5mo ago
      That’s like saying a fire on an oil rig is the same as combustion in a car engine
      - adastra22 5mo ago
        It’s not as bad an analogy as you make it sound. It is more like “fire is what makes our factories run, and oil fuels fire. So let’s douse our factories in gasoline to speed things up.”
NDlurker 5mo ago
Noopept https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omberacetam https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omberacetam
sysreq_ 5mo ago
Nicotine is the only psychoactive substance proven to increase intellectual function. Rote neurogenisis does not - much in the same way height isn’t a proxy for IQ. Stimulants like Adderall, Caffiene, etc are Dunning-Kruger by proxy.
- contingencies 5mo ago
  [flagged]
- oharapj 5mo ago
  You mean placebo? Not sure that Dunning-Kruger is applicable here
  - sysreq_ 5mo ago
    Maybe a better term is “stimulant-induced metacognitive miscalibration”. An induced a state of overconfidence similar to Dunning-Kruger - even thought the underlying mechanism is different. You perceive the idea as great not because you suddenly understand it better or know more. You think the idea is great because of the dopamine flooding your brain. And much like Dunning-Kruger, even thought you might think you did better, real world results don’t match your expectations.
aeonik 5mo ago
Alpha-GPC and Uridine Monophosphate appear to have some effect, though minor. Also not exactly neurogenesis, but adjacent stuff. Evidence is complicated, there seems to be a signal but it's a weak effect.
RobotToaster 5mo ago
Supposedly NGF eye drops https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/is-this-the-secret-of-eternal-life-1674005.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/is-this-the-secre...
SilentM68 5mo ago
I've read online that "Bacopa Monnieri" is a particularly strong and researched herbal supplement for cognitive maintenance, enhancement and neuroprotection, with the potential of supporting neurogenesis. I've not tried that stuff since money is hard to come by these days. There have been a few human studies. You can find more info here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=bacopa+monnieri+cognition https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=bacopa+monnieri+cognit... and here: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bacopa-monnieri https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bacopa-monnieri
- bookofjoe 5mo ago
  https://www.swansonvitamins.com/p/swanson-superior-herbs-bacopa-monnieri-extract-bacognize-250-mg-90-caps?variant=46319095677066&DFA=1&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=&utm_id=23078457332&utm_source=google&utm_content=&SourceCode=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23221997885&gbraid=0AAAAAD_VhC39QgQ2_dr0K8jRjIbb9lucH&gclid=CjwKCAjwn4vQBhBsEiwAq3hhN8CZc166weTjQJRiCIt6k394T2Nc_Yhfn0yCOdsNkpjRfTgSL6VhexoC1fMQAvD_BwE https://www.swansonvitamins.com/p/swanson-superior-herbs-bac...
  - SilentM68 5mo ago
    Thank you for the link :) I’ve been researching potential solutions to stimulate neurogenesis, specifically looking for a combined approach that maximizes the beneficial effects of several powerful herbs while prioritizing safety and remaining affordable to the sub-middle class. After some research and consultation with AI tools (obviously), I’ve narrowed down a promising blend of ingredients: Bacopa, Curcumin (with piperine – black pepper extract – to improve absorption), Lion’s Mane, Gotu Kola, NGF (delivered via eye drops or another method), Hericium Erinaceus, Marine Collagen, and Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate (DMAE). The investigation has made it clear that truly effective neurogenesis isn’t just about boosting NGF levels. It requires a holistic strategy – carefully balancing metabolic pathways, antioxidant defenses, gut health, and inflammation modulation. Creating a supportive environment for neuronal survival, growth, and communication is key, and that includes addressing factors like stress management. Perhaps one of the Bio-themed Tech bros on this forum might consider taking on this type of research endeavor. Or maybe there's an Eddie Morra-themed Tech bro that might have more "Limitless" how-to advice on the matter because the above to-do list is definitely, above my paygrade :)

dirtbagskier 5mo ago

Cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Both are thought to contribute to neurogenesis, even in healthy people

throwforfeds 5mo ago

There's (minimal) research on psilocybin doing just that. One of the tragedies of prohibition is that we just weren't able to study these psychedelic compounds easily for 50+ years.

grvdrm 5mo ago
Have any sources? I’d love to read what you are thinking about. I haven’t used psilocybin in a clinical setting but have gone through an alternative psychedelic-assisted therapy process. Very interesting results and many positives.
- sowbug 5mo ago
  Not necessarily neurogenesis, but evidence of neuroplasticity: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48030098 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48030098
  - grvdrm 5mo ago
    Thank you.
- throwforfeds 5mo ago
  There's not a lot, unfortunately. This paper is a literature review and the claims are weak, but there's something there that should be investigated further: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12392120/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12392120/ Paul Stamets has evangelized psilocybin + lions mane + niacin for years in a microdosing format, but again, the research is lacking largely due to prohibition.
  - grvdrm 5mo ago
    Awesome. Thank you.
thinkcontext 5mo ago
Not to take away from your point about psilocybin but the mushroom brought up, lions mane, is not hallucinogenic.
- throwforfeds 5mo ago
  For sure, and lions mane is one of the three things Paul Stamets has been talking about for years to take in combination with niacin and psilocybin (microdose) to support neurogenesis. Low doses of psilocybin have only very mild perceptual changes, much less than smoking weed or drinking alcohol (for me). But again, there's not much science on it which will hopefully change.

toasty228 5mo ago

If you don't sleep 8+ hours a day every single day, exercise regularly, live in a place with clean air, eat clean food, don't drink alcohol, etc. you're losing your time, no amount of supplement will make up for our modern way of life, you're going to optimise the 0.1% while missing the 99.9% that matters

SilentM68 5mo ago
That is true, but keep in mind that routine is very difficult to do for someone that makes their living running the rat race, with stress, no time, responsibilities, worry, untreated health problems, etc. If you have the money, job security, then you'll have peace of mind. That will then allow one to live that kind of optimized lifestyle.
- rexpop 5mo ago
  This is why we cannot abide scabs.
  - SilentM68 5mo ago
    I see your point :)
    - rexpop 5mo ago
      Self-respect is an act of charity.

caycep 5mo ago

Of note, cautionary tale is too much neurogenesis is brain cancer...

dymk 5mo ago
No, brain cancer is brain cancer.
- caycep 5mo ago
  which is poorly differentiated cells undergoing unchecked neurogenesis...
  - deleted 5mo ago
    [deleted]
  - dymk 5mo ago
    That’s like saying a fire on an oil rig is the same as combustion in a car engine
    - adastra22 5mo ago
      It’s not as bad an analogy as you make it sound. It is more like “fire is what makes our factories run, and oil fuels fire. So let’s douse our factories in gasoline to speed things up.”

NDlurker 5mo ago

Noopept https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omberacetam https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omberacetam

sysreq_ 5mo ago

Nicotine is the only psychoactive substance proven to increase intellectual function. Rote neurogenisis does not - much in the same way height isn’t a proxy for IQ. Stimulants like Adderall, Caffiene, etc are Dunning-Kruger by proxy.

contingencies 5mo ago
[flagged]
oharapj 5mo ago
You mean placebo? Not sure that Dunning-Kruger is applicable here
- sysreq_ 5mo ago
  Maybe a better term is “stimulant-induced metacognitive miscalibration”. An induced a state of overconfidence similar to Dunning-Kruger - even thought the underlying mechanism is different. You perceive the idea as great not because you suddenly understand it better or know more. You think the idea is great because of the dopamine flooding your brain. And much like Dunning-Kruger, even thought you might think you did better, real world results don’t match your expectations.

aeonik 5mo ago

Alpha-GPC and Uridine Monophosphate appear to have some effect, though minor. Also not exactly neurogenesis, but adjacent stuff. Evidence is complicated, there seems to be a signal but it's a weak effect.

RobotToaster 5mo ago

Supposedly NGF eye drops https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/is-this-the-secret-of-eternal-life-1674005.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/is-this-the-secre...

SilentM68 5mo ago

I've read online that "Bacopa Monnieri" is a particularly strong and researched herbal supplement for cognitive maintenance, enhancement and neuroprotection, with the potential of supporting neurogenesis. I've not tried that stuff since money is hard to come by these days. There have been a few human studies. You can find more info here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=bacopa+monnieri+cognition https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=bacopa+monnieri+cognit... and here: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bacopa-monnieri https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bacopa-monnieri

bookofjoe 5mo ago
https://www.swansonvitamins.com/p/swanson-superior-herbs-bacopa-monnieri-extract-bacognize-250-mg-90-caps?variant=46319095677066&DFA=1&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=&utm_id=23078457332&utm_source=google&utm_content=&SourceCode=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23221997885&gbraid=0AAAAAD_VhC39QgQ2_dr0K8jRjIbb9lucH&gclid=CjwKCAjwn4vQBhBsEiwAq3hhN8CZc166weTjQJRiCIt6k394T2Nc_Yhfn0yCOdsNkpjRfTgSL6VhexoC1fMQAvD_BwE https://www.swansonvitamins.com/p/swanson-superior-herbs-bac...
- SilentM68 5mo ago
  Thank you for the link :) I’ve been researching potential solutions to stimulate neurogenesis, specifically looking for a combined approach that maximizes the beneficial effects of several powerful herbs while prioritizing safety and remaining affordable to the sub-middle class. After some research and consultation with AI tools (obviously), I’ve narrowed down a promising blend of ingredients: Bacopa, Curcumin (with piperine – black pepper extract – to improve absorption), Lion’s Mane, Gotu Kola, NGF (delivered via eye drops or another method), Hericium Erinaceus, Marine Collagen, and Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate (DMAE). The investigation has made it clear that truly effective neurogenesis isn’t just about boosting NGF levels. It requires a holistic strategy – carefully balancing metabolic pathways, antioxidant defenses, gut health, and inflammation modulation. Creating a supportive environment for neuronal survival, growth, and communication is key, and that includes addressing factors like stress management. Perhaps one of the Bio-themed Tech bros on this forum might consider taking on this type of research endeavor. Or maybe there's an Eddie Morra-themed Tech bro that might have more "Limitless" how-to advice on the matter because the above to-do list is definitely, above my paygrade :)