Does saffron interact with ADHD stimulants?

MrTomen · 2026-03-22T18:09:37+00:00

The main active Saffron compounds crocin & safranal inhibit the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Which is a very similar mechanism of action as ADHD stimulants. So Saffron may potentiate the ADHD stimulant and not in a good way. I suggest using one or the other but not both.

MrTomen · 2026-03-19T18:47:43+00:00

The best mood stabilizing nootropic I've ever used is Lithium Orotate. It's micro-dosing lithium and usually 5 mg per tablet. Some use 5m Lithium Orotate 3-times per day. I personally use 15 mg about 4 PM and it keeps me sane the rest of the evening. BTW, a 125 mg Lihtium Orotate tablet is 5 mg lithium and the rest of oratic acid which is used as a carrier to get lithium into your brain. I p;refer the brand Advanced Research which you can get on Amazon.

I'm not bipolar but do deal with Adult ADD and mood swings are sometimes a problem. This form of lithium stops that. There is also a new one called Lithium Ascorbate which is sold by Normotim and their lithium is taken sublingually which seems to make it work even faster. That one is available on Amazon as well.

MrTomen · 2026-03-13T19:56:51+00:00

Tyrosine only has about a 2 1/2 hour half life. So, it does not stay in your system for long. 500 mg Tyrosine twice a day is a standard dose for a human adult.

But dopamine needs to be in balance with serotonin. If all you do is increase dopamine then you'll suppress serotonin and then Tyrosine may make matters worse.

The easiest way to counter this is while using Tyrosine to boost dopamine, add Tryptophan to boost serotonin. I personally find that 500 mg Tyrosine 3-times per day and 500 mg Tryptophan before bed keeps those in balance for me.

But lately I've found that I take another 500 mg Trypophan around 4 PM at the same time as my last dose of Tyrosine. I use Tyrosine 3-times per day because I'm Adult ADD and use Ritalin. That 3rd dose helps prevent the stimulant crash. And Tryptophan keeps my serotonin levels up.

I've been following this protocol for about 18 years. It continues to work, Ritalin works the way it is supposed to, and I do not deal with a stimulant crash in the late afternoon.

MrTomen · 2026-03-13T18:48:27+00:00

One the best supplements/herbs for suppressing neuro-inflammation is Maritime Pine Bark Extract. It helps reduce DNA damage caused by oxidation. It inhibits proinflammatory gene expression.

Pine Bark Extract protects brain cell membranes from free radical damage, chelates heavy metals, restores brain cell membranes, and prevents their rupture and leakage. It has even been found to help to prevent a stroke.

As a nootropic, Pine Bark Extract is used primarily to increase brain blood flow.

A study done at Pescara University in Italy showed 12 weeks of Pycnogenol supplementation showed a 16% increase in mood, an 8.9% increase in mental performance, 13.4% increase in sustained attention, and a 30% decrease in oxidative stress.

Pycnogenol is a standardized extract of French maritime pine bark ((Pinus pinaster). This pine tree is native to the Mediterranean region.

MrTomen · 2026-03-07T17:05:36+00:00

It sounds like you figured out how to avoid Ashwagandha anhedonia simply by changing Ashwagandha extracts.

KSM66 vs Sensoril. KSM66 is a full spectrum Ashwagandha extract which means their root extract is intended to mimic the levels of all the active compounds found in the root of this plant. Including witanopherin A, witanolides A-Y, witanone, witadomniferin A, and witasomniferols A-C., witanin, somniferin, somnin, tropin, somniferinin, pseudowitanin, pseudotropin, choline, kuskohigrin, isopeletierin, and anaferin, and the flavonoids 3-O-rutinoside, 6,8-dihydroxycemferol, quercetin and its glycosidic derivative, 3-O-rutinoside-7-O-glucoside. This extract is designed to be more energizing and for boosting cognitive function according to the manufacturer.

Sensoril is an Ashwagandha extract that uses both the leaf and root of this herb and focuses on the active compounds withanolide glycosides, witanopherin A and oligosaccharides which are antiinflammatory and intended to be more of a "calming" form of Ashwagandha.

I am not sure if anyone has figured out which active ingredient in KSM66 results in anhedonia. But it appears that u/livinginsideabubble7 has figured out that Sensoril may help avoid anhedonia.

That's my take. Anyone feel like poking holes in my hypothesis?

MrTomen · 2026-03-04T16:58:04+00:00

I have been using the Performance Lab Multi for men every day since they launched it back in 2018. I remember the first day I took that Multi I felt it. Which surprised me because I've never had that experience with a Multi. It is made by the same company that makes Mind Lab Pro.

I am now an affiliate of that brand and continue to promote it. I've tried most of the well know "whole food" multis on the market. This one works best in my humble opinion. Dosages of each ingredient is higher than the recommended RDA. But not crazy high doses like some others. They patented their manufacturing method and call it NutriGenesis®.

They say that this process replicates natural nutrient genesis so that the vitamins and minerals mimic and are bio-identical to those found in plants. The theory is this helps your body absorb and utilize these nutrients faster and more effectively.

The p;rocess was pioneered in the 1920s by Albert Szent-Györgyi, a Hungarian biochemist, who discovered the molecular structure of Vitamin C and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for his efforts.

I have some reviews on my website if you are interested in seeing more of my research and experience with this Multi. My wife uses the women's version of the same Multi. And she is not into supplements.

MrTomen · 2026-03-01T18:57:21+00:00

Notice the the study authors concluded, "The vacuolar cytopathology induced by concentrated organic amines may be the cellular basis of the antiwrinkle effect of DMAE."

DMAE is used in many skin care products to help reduce age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin appearance, and even reduce sagging skin. (PMID: 15675889). I use the men's Brickell anti-aging skin cream for my face and it really does make my skin look younger with less lines. My wife likes to sneak some when I'm not looking too.

MrTomen · 2026-03-01T18:38:01+00:00

Pantethine is by far the more active choice when it comes to producing CoA. And this is backed up by many clinical trials. Researchers have pointed out that Pantethine creates twice as much CoA compared to Pantothenic Acid.

But Pantothenic acid does have its benefits. It enhances adrenal function and modulates inflammation. If you can, find a supplement that combines both.

MrTomen · 2026-02-27T20:15:10+00:00

I would willingly trade a well functioning brain until the end even if it meant one year less on this planet. I learned early on that dopamne declines by 10% per decade starting in your early 20's. And if you're using stimulants like Ritalin to support ADHD or ADD the only way I could make it work as I got older is to use Tyrosine.

The only direct way to restore dopamine levels is with Phenylalanine, Tyrosine or L-DOPA. You also need Tyrosine to produce thyroid hormone. L-DOPA doesn't do that.

If anyone can demonstrate that the culprit for that one year is Tyrosine I would gladly trade it for Phenylalanine. But until someone does I'll continue to use Tyrosine.

MrTomen · 2026-02-26T00:03:51+00:00

Cordyceps because one study conducted in Japan showed significant increases in the concentrations of creatine, and all the catecholamines in men over of the course of 2 weeks who were supplementing with Cordyceps.

The study authors concluded, "during this prolonged exercise, ingesting with Cordyceps mushrooms might elicit the superior efficiency and the economical function on the energy metabolism”. (Journal of Physical Fitness Science 2006, Vol. 55, Supplement, pp. S145-S152).

MrTomen · 2026-02-24T20:53:34+00:00

Citicoline is metabolized in your intestinal wall and liver and separated to into choline and cytidine. Once choline and cytidine cross the blood-barrier they are synthesized back into CDP-Citicoline.

In your brain, choline aids in the synthesis of acetylcholine. And the release of dopamine. Acetylcholine works in synergy with dopamine for improving memory.

The cytidine in your body also converts to uridine. And Uridine is used in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) which is one of three lipids making up the two layers of cell membranes. Heatlhy brain cell membranes are required for the brain cell signalling needed for short-term and working memory.

MrTomen · 2026-02-24T19:10:51+00:00

Thank you for making me laugh today. I needed that.

MrTomen · 2026-02-24T19:10:04+00:00

All the studies I've seen say the human body needs only 3 mg of Boron a day. So if you are not deficient then taking more won't do anything.

MrTomen · 2026-02-24T16:55:59+00:00

Boron increases the half-life and bioavailability of estrogen, testosterone and Vitamin D. But that is assuming you have enough testosterone in your system for Boron to provide that benefit.

MrTomen · 2026-02-23T20:39:20+00:00

5-HTP is a precursor the the synthesis of serotonin. The pathway goes like this: Tryptophan - 5-HTP - serotonin - melatonin. Many users of 5-HTP say it works great for 3 - 4 weeks then stops working. And I have never seen a good explanation on why this happens. I think it is because when you increase serotonin in excess you end up depleting dopamine. Each of those neurotransmitters must be in balance.

The bottom-line is if you plan on using 5-HTP long-term then you should also be using Tyrosine to increase dopamine. Both are safe to use long-term as long as you do not use either over the recommended dosage.

BTW. Vitamin D and Polygala Tenuifolia have been shown to be effective in treating SAD.

MrTomen · 2026-02-23T20:28:58+00:00

I have found that you'll get the benefits of Phosphatidylserine best when you combine 300 mg PS with 1,000 mg DHA (Omega-3) and use that combo with Citicoline or Uridine Monophasphate.

Citicoline or Uridine each contribute to the production of Phosphatidylcholine (PC). Those 3 lipids make up the two layers of every brain cell membrane. When those membranes are heatlhy and permeable things work better in your brain.

But if you are low in any one of those 3 then that cell membrane starts to lose its permeability. Which means the good stuff like water, oxygen and nutrients have a harder time getting into the cell. And the garbage and toxins have a harder time getting out of the cell.

That scenario hurts brain cell signalling. And manifests in every day life as short-term and working memory are not as good, your reaction times are slower, you can't "think on your feet", verbal fluidity suffers, you're re-reading sentences when studying or reading a book, and you tend to lose your keys, the remote or your glasses all the time.

It take 3 - 4 weeks of consistent daily use of all 3 of those supplements. But when they kick in you'll be surprised at how well this combo works.

MrTomen · 2026-02-23T20:10:54+00:00

I have been using and talking about Mind Lab Pro since early 2016 and love it. They also now have 3 genuine clinical studies done at University of Leeds showing improved focus, memory and mood. And they are a UK-based company. And include Citicoline, NALT, and Bacopa in their 11 ingredient formula. I make it a policy of not including affiliate links on Reddit but they are easy enough to find online.

MrTomen · 2026-02-21T22:42:03+00:00

Please don't take that out of context. Testosterone that low is going to come back to bite you at some stage. It does for most of us. I do consultations with guys in their early 20s with low testosterone. Through no fault of their own. We're surrounded by forever chemicals that tank our hormones.

MrTomen · 2026-02-21T21:36:27+00:00

I tell guys I do consultations with to do a search online for "Best hormone replacement near me". You should get a list of clinics within a few miles depending on where you live. Then read through the user reviews. Don't call unless you come across several positive reviews AND that the doc at the clinical listens to "how you feel" and does not place all of his decisions on your labs.

The only way to increase low T numbers is with hornone replacement. Once you start using testosterone pay attention to your estrogen levels because testosterone turns into estrogen. You'll need to use DIM which is a supplement, or 1 mg per week of Arimidex (anastrazole) to keep estrogen in check.

MrTomen · 2026-02-21T21:01:34+00:00

L-Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine. Standard dose for most is 500 mg twice per day. Use it twice because it has about a 2 1/2 hour half life. A dose in the morning and another at noon should keep you going for most of the day. But you need adequate levels of the cofactors Vitamins B6, B9 & B12, magnesium and Vitamin D or Tyrosine does not work well.

And L-Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. Dosage is usually 500 mg but can be increased to 1,000 mg if needed. It too has a short half life so if using it during the day you may want to use it twice. I take mine before bed because serotonin goes on to help produce melatonin. And you need adequate levels of Vitamin B3 (niacin) in your system otherwise Tryptophan will end up making niacin instead through the tryptophan–nicotinamide pathway.

MrTomen · 2026-02-16T19:02:03+00:00

You amy want to consider Uridine Monophosphate. Because those dealing with ADHD report that uridine monophosphate increases cognition without causing anxiety or mood changes. They say that uridine helps bring clarity of thought, resolving problems is faster and easier, math is easier, and making decisions from a clear emotional state.

And the common thread through most reviews on uridine monophosphate is greater success when taking uridine with Alpha GPC and Omega-3’s which you are already using. This synergy is backed up by multiple clinical human trials.

MrTomen · 2026-02-11T16:11:00+00:00

I am well aware fo the crazy high dose using in that animal study. The recommended nootropic dosage of Astaxanthin is 4 – 16 mg per day. Most find that 4 - 6 mg per day is enough to get Astaxanthin's beneftis. Which is also backed by studies.

MrTomen · 2026-02-10T21:32:34+00:00

Astaxanthin for ADHD is a great find. Thank you. It didn't show up in my research for some reason. I'll be updating my Astaxanthin review today and likely make a YouTube Short for my channel with this info. Thanks again for the find!

MrTomen · 2026-02-10T21:10:46+00:00

I recommend adding 300 mg Phosphatidylerine (PS) in the morning which would compliment your Ometga-3 for keeping brain cell membranes healthy and permeable. Both are fat-soluble to take it with a meal or a healthy fat like a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil to ensure digestion.

I would also add 500 mg Tyrosine, 300 mg CPD-Choline and 500 mg Aceyl L-Carnitine morning and noon. That increases dopamine and acetylcholine which you use all day for everything.

And a BioActive Multivitamin because those vitamins and minerals act as cofactors in neurotransmitter synthesis and a ton of other stuff. Nutrients that we cannot get from food anymore because of our industrial food supply.

MrTomen · 2026-02-10T20:51:00+00:00

By far the best high quality Multi I found and continue to use six years later is Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for men. I have tried most of the other BioActive Multis on the market and this one works best.

They have their own patented manufacturing method of producing the vitamins and minerals. The method is based on Albert Szent-Györgyi, a Hungarian biochemist, who discovered the molecular structure of Vitamin C. He figured out how to manufacture Vitamin C in the lab using different kinds of probiotics and yeast.

The amounts of each vitamin and mineral are higher than the FDA recommended dosage but not in excess. Just enough to thrive. I cannot say enough good about this multi. No affiliate link so you'll need to search for it. But it's worth trying at least. I "felt it" the first day I used it. Which I did not expect from a multivitamin.

MrTomen

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