Schizandrol A

This is the first post about something that isn't typically used for studying or learning, though some do and claim that it has a calming effect that also enhances focus.  In my time with schizandrol A, I experienced nothing of the sort.

Schizandrol A is commonly used to enhance/increase the effects of other stimulants because of its adaptogenic qualities.  While I have not done this myself, some say that when taken with relaxing agents, schizandrol potentiates those too.  This effect is most often mentioned when the commenter is using whole plant extract, not just isolated compound A.

Last year my stimulant stack for my preworkout included a dose of it, along with yohimbine hcl when fasted, PEA, caffeine, and other  compounds.  The common effect I noticed when schizandrol was used with the other ingredients was that for several hours, my pupils constantly dilated and contracted.  I wasnt aware of it until I noticed it in a mirror after someone told me.  By process of elimination, I figured out that Schizandrol was the cause. This effect had a direct relationship with how much or little I used. At higher dosages, my iris was turned into a thin blue striped band around a quivering black spot when dilated.

When asked for my opinion on what ingredients are best for a preworkout blend if someone wants the pump and a stimulating rush; I responded with the following list

AAKG
Citrulline
Beta alanine
Creatine, optional
Caffeine
DMAA
Schizandra

After recommending this on /fit/ 2 years ago, someone accused me of stealing Jack3d's formula.

After looking up what it actually was, it turned out they were right.  Though part of its legend has come from its lack of availabity, being the "One pwo to rule them all" according to many, Jack3d original was very well done.

Before I could mix and match it with some of my newer purchases, I lost the sachet of powder.  This is a definite reorder for me.  I'll be trying it alongside DMAA for the first time soon.


Now would be a good time to mention that nothing I say should be taken as law, all your decisions should be researched beyond the general overview I provide, and none of this constitutes medical advice.  Happy lifting.

Rhodiola Rosea

This was first brought to my attention by an Anon on /fit/ as part of a list of supplements he took for recovery.  I looked into it a bit, and it seemed interesting, with good bang for your buck.
I found that seven double blind clinical studies, Rhodiola Rosea dosing was found to definitely decrease fatigue with a notable potency. 4 studies show that it raises cognition and subjective level of well being. It can lower depression and the rate of perceived exertion. Also lowers lactate production, stress, and muscle damage.


Usually the anecdote I give along with this is how I felt so good after my heavy day on bench that I did a speed set and managed 225x12 at the end.  Its a feelgood supplement and is incredibly cheap, especially considering the effect.  Besides muscle endurance under strain, there is also a notable increase to attention and focus endurance under strain.  As long as my motivation stays high, I can continue focusing on one topic for extended periods of time, regardless of lack of sleep or interest level.

I'm planning to test its effectiveness soon (a study measuring the increase in number of pushups to failure from trial to trial). Even though the sample size will be small, something quantifiable is useful.  If you have it yourself and want to contribute, please do so: there is a contact form at the bottom of the page for this sort of thing.

Final Verdict

Social Effects:  Not much is noticeable here, besides longer attention span and greater interest in other people.
Learning effect: Most of its benefit towards learning is produced buy its anti-fatigue effects and ability to extend attention span.
Cost Factor: Can be gotten as cheap as $3 per ounce, though there is no guarantee of potency.  what you buy in precapsulated for will be standardized for rosavins and other helpful chemicals.  The raw powder works well as a small part of an herb rub for grilled chicken.
Effective Time: Not specifically known or that noticeable. It tends to come on steadily rather than "hit," but the effects are actively noticeable. Sort of an energizing effect.
Best Features: works like a +5% buff to most of your body and psyche

Caffeine

The oldest, most common, and most likely safest stimulant to use.

In modern western society, even below the age of 10 children have caffeine tolerances built up from sodas and sweet tea.  At some point in your life, you have ingested caffeine in some way.

The most interesting facet of caffeine's action on the body is that it is both lipid and water soluble, so that it permeates the blood brain barrier very efficiently.

Its less important to understand the biology behind caffeine as it is to understand which dosages do what.  200-300 mg dosage is handy for a few hours of good focus. above 500mg, GABA transmission is inhibited in a significant way, and above 1000mg, usually severe irritability and intensified anxiety occurs.  Dosages from 2-3.6 grams will cause toxicity in a 200 pound adult.

Benefits of caffeine supplementation:

Increased anaerobic capacity

Increased power output

Anti fatigue effects

Slight increase in testosterone (12% on average with 250mg taken before workout)

Increased metabolic rate (EC stack and its variants will be detailed later)

While there are many more benefits and a few insignificant drawbacks in training, it has a few mental benefits.  The anti fatigue effects help attention span and GABA inhibition helps prevent sleepiness.

Caffeine is a fairly tame stimulant overall, so I have no extreme stories to report. Personally I use it as a base for most of my dosing protocols, along with piracetam.  For sleep avoidance, I line up dosages of stimulants so that there is an immediate and continued effect.  Phenylethylamine, a fast acting neurotransmitter; Caffeine, to take over after the PEA wears off, and then Adrafninil, which begins to kick in as the caffeine edge dulls.

Final Verdict

Caffeine is always a buy and a must have for anyone* with any goal. It is dirt cheap and incredibly versatile.

*Do not use if you have a history of heart problems, as stimulants can exacerbate arrhythmia and other conditions.  Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants can also cause heart palpitations, a scary occurrence. Always keep dosage within reason, and know yourself very well.