The Science of Inception
10 research-backed ingredients.
Each ingredient plays a specific role—supporting acetylcholine, catecholamines, mitochondrial energy, membrane integrity, stress resilience, or calm focus. Explore the tiles below for mechanisms, dose rationale, and references.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional advice.
DOSE (per 6‑cap serving)
2,000 mg
MECHANISMS
Catecholamine precursor for stress performance
Mechanism of action
Precursor to the catecholamines dopamine and norepinephrine. Under acute stress or sleep restriction, catecholamine demand rises; tyrosine helps maintain neurotransmitter availability, supporting working memory and vigilance. Not a stimulant.
What it supports
- Mental performance under acute stress (cold, multitasking, fatigue)†
- Working memory and vigilance when sleep‑restricted†
- Cognitive flexibility / interference control in some trials†
- Sense of motivation when catecholamine tone is challenged†
Why this dose
2,000 mg is a commonly studied acute amount for stress‑related cognitive tasks and sustained vigilance. It’s high enough to matter, without the heaviness of very large (mg/kg) research doses.
Notes
- Avoid combining with MAO inhibitors.
- May interact with thyroid medication and levodopa—check with a clinician.
- For best uptake, consider taking away from very high‑protein meals.
- Occasional GI upset or mild headache can occur.
Key references
DOSE
1,000 mg
MECHANISMS
Mitochondrial energy & acetyl donor
Mechanism of action
Transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for ATP production and donates acetyl groups that can be used to synthesize acetylcholine. Exhibits neuro‑metabolic and neurotrophic effects and supports peripheral nerve health.
What it supports
- Mental energy and reduced fatigue, especially in older adults†
- Acetylcholine availability (via acetyl donation)†
- Mitochondrial function and cellular energy†
- General mood support in research settings†
Why this dose
Human studies commonly use 500–2,000 mg/day. 1,000 mg sits in the middle of the effective range and pairs well with choline donors in your stack.
Notes
- May cause mild GI upset; take with food if needed.
- Occasional restlessness if taken late—prefer earlier in the day.
- Talk to a clinician if you have thyroid disorders or are on medication.
- Talk to a clinician if you have a history of seizure disorders or are on antiseizure medications.
- Avoid during pregnancy / lactation due to limited data.
Key references
DOSE
600 mg
MECHANISMS
Choline donor for acetylcholine
Mechanism of action
Highly bioavailable choline donor that crosses the blood–brain barrier and supports acetylcholine synthesis and phosphatidylcholine for membranes.
What it supports
- Attention and memory in select contexts†
- Mental clarity and processing under cognitive load†
- Choline status to complement acetyl donors in the stack†
Why this dose
Cognitive studies typically use 300–1,200 mg/day. 600 mg is a strong single‑serving amount for noticeable cholinergic support without excessive cholinergic side effects.
Notes
- Possible headache, nausea, or vivid dreams in cholinergic‑sensitive users.
- Use caution if taking cholinesterase inhibitors or anticholinergic medications.
- Stop if persistent GI issues occur.
Key references
DOSE
350 mg
MECHANISMS
Universal antioxidant & redox cofactor
Mechanism of action
A redox‑active cofactor for mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes; recycles antioxidants (e.g., glutathione), influences glucose and endothelial pathways, and is both water‑ and fat‑soluble (wide tissue reach).
What it supports
- Healthy oxidative‑stress balance†
- Metabolic & vascular function in research settings†
- Broad mitochondrial support alongside carnitine†
Why this dose
Human trials commonly use 300–600 mg/day. 350 mg delivers meaningful antioxidant/mitochondrial support with good tolerability for daily use.
Notes
- Can lower blood glucose—use caution with diabetes meds and monitor.
- May chelate minerals; separate from iron/zinc supplements by a few hours.
- Occasional heartburn or nausea; take with food if sensitive.
- Avoid in pregnancy / lactation due to limited data.
Key references
DOSE
100 mg
MECHANISMS
Alpha‑wave calm focus without caffeine
Mechanism of action
Crosses the BBB; promotes alpha‑wave activity and modulates glutamate/GABA signaling for a state of calm alertness without sedation.
What it supports
- Relaxed focus and smoother task switching†
- Stress attenuation during demanding tasks†
- Calm without drowsiness; pairs well with stimulant‑free stacks†
Why this dose
100–200 mg is typical in human research. 100 mg provides a clean, repeatable calming effect suitable for daytime focus.
Notes
- Generally, well tolerated. May enhance antihypertensive effects.
- Use caution with sedatives (additive calming).
- Rare headache or lightheadedness at higher intakes.
Key references
DOSE
100 mg
MECHANISMS
Cell‑membrane phospholipid for neuronal signaling
Mechanism of action
Key neuronal membrane phospholipid involved in synaptic signaling, plasticity, and stress‑response modulation (e.g., HPA‑axis/cortisol dynamics).
What it supports
- Memory and recall in older adults / cognitively demanding tasks†
- Attention and processing speed under stress†
- Healthy stress‑response tone†
Why this dose
Research often uses 100 mg, 2–3×/day. Your formula provides 100 mg per serving to layer with other cholinergics and membrane‑supportive nutrients.
Notes
- Many products are sunflower‑ or soy‑derived—check for allergies.
- Usually well tolerated; occasional GI discomfort possible.
- Limited data in pregnancy / lactation.
Key references
DOSE
500 mg
MECHANISMS
Phenolic diterpenes (e.g., carnosic acid) & aroma terpenes
Mechanism of action
Rich in phenolic diterpenes (carnosic acid/carnosol) that activate Nrf2 antioxidant pathways and inhibit cholinesterase; aromatic terpenes may influence attention and mood.
What it supports
- Memory and mental clarity in acute settings†
- Antioxidant and neuroprotective milieu†
- Pleasant alert‑calm state complementary to theanine†
Why this dose
500 mg provides a meaningful amount of diterpenes/aromatics aligned with the cognitive/mood outcomes reported in rosemary trials and mechanistic work.
Notes
- Avoid high‑dose essential‑oil forms; stick to dietary‑type extracts.
- Pregnancy: best avoided due to limited safety at supplemental doses.
- Use caution with seizure disorders (rare terpene sensitivity).
- Possible mild GI upset.
Key references
DOSE
500 mg
MECHANISMS
Calm alertness & mood support
Mechanism of action
Provides rosmarinic acid and other actives with GABA‑transaminase and cholinergic interactions; clinically noted for calming and mood support without strong sedation.
What it supports
- Calm alertness and mood balance†
- Stress and tension relief†
- Sleep quality support in sensitive individuals†
Why this dose
Human studies frequently use 300–600 mg extracts. 500 mg targets noticeable calming while remaining daytime‑friendly.
Notes
- May enhance sedatives; use caution with CNS depressants.
- Limited human data in hypothyroid patients—monitor if applicable.
- Avoid during pregnancy / lactation due to limited data.
Key references
DOSE
500 mg
MECHANISMS
Aromatic monoterpenes; cholinesterase‑modulating activity
Mechanism of action
Aromatic monoterpenes and polyphenols with cholinesterase‑modulating activity and nicotinic/muscarinic receptor interactions; also exhibits antioxidant properties.
What it supports
- Acute memory and attention performance†
- Mood and stress‑battery outcomes in trials†
- Complements cholinergic support from Alpha‑GPC†
Why this dose
Human studies show acute cognitive benefits with standardized extracts and essential‑oil fractions; 500 mg provides robust, food‑range support without pushing terpene load too high.
Notes
- Some species contain thujone—use standardized, food‑grade forms.
- Avoid in pregnancy; use caution with epilepsy or seizure history.
- Be mindful if on cholinesterase inhibitors/anticholinergics.
Key references
DOSE
300 mg
MECHANISMS
Withanolide‑bearing adaptogen for stress resilience
Mechanism of action
Adaptogenic root rich in withanolides that modulate the HPA axis, GABAergic tone, and inflammatory signaling—supporting stress resilience and calm focus.
What it supports
- Reduced stress and anxiety in randomized trials†
- Sleep quality and self‑rated well‑being†
- Cognitive performance under stress (attention/working memory)†
Why this dose
Well‑studied extracts often use 300 mg, once or twice daily, providing clinically relevant withanolide levels with excellent tolerability.
Notes
- Avoid during pregnancy and in active hyperthyroid states (may raise T3/T4).
- Use caution with autoimmune conditions or immunomodulatory meds.
- Can be mildly sedating in some—take earlier to gauge response.
- Rare GI upset.
