As the founder of Holisticnootropics.com, I aim to provide you with evidence-based, nutrition-first cognitive enhancement strategies focusing on the intricate interplay between mind and body. In this article, we’ll dive deep into sarcosine, an amino acid derivative with promising potential as a nootropic.
We’ll explore its mechanisms of action, potential benefits, dosage recommendations, and safety considerations, all while maintaining a holistic perspective on mental health and cognitive performance.
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What is Sarcosine?
Sarcosine, or N-methylglycine, is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative produced by turning dietary choline into glycine or breaking down methionine. While it has gained attention as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer, our focus today will be on its nootropic properties and potential cognitive benefits.
Buy Sarcosine Tablets by Nootropics Depot
Sarcosine tablets by Nootropics Depot supply a methyl donor and NMDA receptor co-agonist.
How Sarcosine Works in the Brain
Sarcosine exerts its effects on the brain through two primary mechanisms:
- Activation of NMDA receptors: Sarcosine acts similarly to glycine, an amino acid that works alongside glutamate to activate NMDA receptors. By increasing glycine levels, sarcosine enhances NMDA signaling, which is crucial for learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.
- Blocking of the GlyT1 glycine transporter: Sarcosine inhibits the reuptake of glycine by blocking the GlyT1 transporter, leading to increased synaptic glycine levels and further potentiating NMDA receptor function.
Interestingly, sarcosine appears to have advantages over glycine itself. It is better absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily, potentially enhancing NMDA receptor function through multiple mechanisms.
Potential Nootropic Benefits of Sarcosine
Research suggests that sarcosine may offer several nootropic benefits, particularly in the context of mental health disorders:
Depression
A human study found that 1g/day of sarcosine was superior to the antidepressant citalopram in treating depression[1]. Rat studies also support its antidepressant effects.
Learn More: Best Nootropics for Depression
Schizophrenia
Multiple human studies have shown that 1-2g/day of sarcosine as an adjunct therapy improves positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia[2][3][4][5][6]. It is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
OCD and Anxiety
One human study found that up to 3g/day of sarcosine reduced OCD symptoms, especially in treatment-naive patients[7]. Sarcosine also reduced anxiety more effectively than citalopram in a depression study[1], and rat studies suggest anti-anxiety effects comparable to benzodiazepines[9].
Memory and Neuroprotection
While human studies are limited, animal research suggests sarcosine may improve memory when combined with benzoate[10], protect the brain from ischemic stroke[11], and block the neurotoxicity of NMDA antagonists like ketamine[12].
Sarcosine Dosage
While optimal therapeutic dosages have not been definitively established, studies have used the following dosage ranges:
- Depression: 500mg-1.5g per day
- Schizophrenia: 2g per day
A common dosage range is 1-2g per day, but starting low and consulting a healthcare professional before use is essential, as individual needs may vary.
Sarcosine Side Effects and Warnings
Sarcosine is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported in studies. However, there are a few important considerations:
- Rare reports of irritability, insomnia, and hypomanic symptoms
- Potential to exacerbate pre-existing prostate cancer, as high levels are associated with tumor aggressiveness[13]
- May interact with the antipsychotic clozapine, reducing its effectiveness[14]
- Insufficient data on long-term safety
Men, especially those at risk for prostate cancer, should consult their doctor before using sarcosine.
Where to Buy Sarcosine
Due to its niche status, a limited number of reputable brands offer sarcosine supplements. Nootropics Depot is one trusted source, providing high-quality sarcosine as 1g chewable tablets. Their products are third-party tested for purity and potency and offer free international shipping on orders over $200.
Buy Sarcosine Tablets by Nootropics Depot
Sarcosine – Powder, 50g by Science.Bio
Other specialty vendors may offer sarcosine in bulk powder or capsule form but always exercise caution and do your due diligence when purchasing from lesser-known sources.
Sarcosine Discussions on Reddit
The nootropics community on Reddit has been actively discussing sarcosine, sharing personal experiences, and delving into the latest research. Let’s explore some notable insights from these discussions.
Promising Results for Depression and Anhedonia
Sarcosine allows me to just get stuff done, and prioritise my life, even in the smallest of ways that would have, only a week ago, seemed like giant leaps.
u/siwel7 in discussion ‘Sarcosine has completely changed my outlook on life; as of right now, I no longer suffer from anhedonia’
Many users report significant improvements in depression, anhedonia, motivation, and mood when using sarcosine. Effects are often noticeable within days but may diminish over time for some individuals.
Potential for Schizophrenia Treatment
I cant say enough positive e about sarcosine. Ive been able to maintain the same job for over a year without taking an assload of pharmaceuticals.
u/tink053184 in discussion ‘Sarcosine has completely changed my outlook on life; as of right now, I no longer suffer from anhedonia’
Sarcosine appears to be particularly helpful for reducing negative symptoms in schizophrenia, often allowing patients to reduce their medication burden. Most benefits are seen when sarcosine is combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
Sleep Disturbances and Other Side Effects
It made me very irritable and overstimulated as well, not a fan.
u/Friedrich_Ux in discussion ‘Sarcosine retrospective: 48 hours of productive bliss followed by neurochemical hell’
While generally well-tolerated, some users experience side effects like insomnia, irritability, overstimulation, or worsening of OCD symptoms. Caution is advised in those sensitive to NMDA agonists, and sarcosine may interact poorly with ketamine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Sarcosine is a promising nootropic with potential benefits for depression, schizophrenia, OCD, and anxiety. By activating NMDA receptors and increasing glycine levels, it may enhance cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of various mental health disorders.
However, it’s crucial to approach sarcosine with caution and always consult a healthcare professional before use. While generally well-tolerated, sarcosine may cause side effects in some individuals and interact with certain medications.
If you’re considering adding sarcosine to your nootropic regimen, I encourage you to do your own thorough research, weigh the potential risks and benefits, and make an informed decision based on your unique needs and circumstances.
For more in-depth information on sarcosine and other nootropics, be sure to explore our Learn More: Sarcosine Supplements, Best Nootropics for Depression, and related articles here on Holistic Nootropics.
I encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments section below. By fostering an open dialogue and learning from one another, we can continue to refine our understanding of nootropics and work together to optimize our cognitive health and well-being.
References
[1] Huang CC, Wei IH, Huang CL, et al. Inhibition of Glycine Transporter-I as a Novel Mechanism for the Treatment of Depression. Biol Psychiatry. 2013;74(10):734-741. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.02.020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23562005/
[2] Lane HY, Chang YC, Liu YC, Chiu CC, Tsai GE. Sarcosine or D-serine Add-on Treatment for Acute Exacerbation of Schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(11):1196. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.11.1196. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16275807/
[3] Lane HY, Liu YC, Huang CL, et al. Sarcosine (N-Methylglycine) Treatment for Acute Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study. Biol Psychiatry. 2008;63(1):9-12. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.04.038. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17659263/
[4] Lane HY, Lin CH, Huang YJ, Liao CH, Chang YC, Tsai GE. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison study of sarcosine (N-methylglycine) and D-serine add-on treatment for schizophrenia. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2010;13(4):451-460. doi: 10.1017/S1461145709990939. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19887019/
[5] Tsai GE, Yang P, Chang YC, Chong MY. D-alanine Added to Antipsychotics for the Treatment of Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry. 2006;59(3):230-234. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.06.032. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16154544/
[6] Tsai G, Lane HY, Yang P, Chong MY, Lange N. Glycine Transporter I Inhibitor, N-Methylglycine (Sarcosine), Added to Antipsychotics for the Treatment of Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry. 2004;55(5):452-456. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2003.09.012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15023571/
[7] Wu PL, Tang HS, Lane HY, et al. Sarcosine Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2011;31(3):369-374. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318217d9a2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21508860/
[9] Pinard E, Borreca A, Hartmann L, et al. Targeting the Glycine Site on N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptors to Treat Anxiety Disorders. J Med Chem. 2018;61(24):10895-10915. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00750. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9599159/
[10] Lin CY, Liang SY, Chang YC, et al. Adjunctive sarcosine plus benzoate improved cognitive function in chronic schizophrenia patients with constant clinical symptoms: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2017;18(5):357-368. doi: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1117654. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26691576/
[11] Huang B, Liu J, Meng T, et al. Neuroprotection by Edaravone via GlyT1 Inhibition and Glyr Activation in Ischemic Stroke. Theranostics. 2018;8(6):1668-1687. doi: 10.7150/thno.22392. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8689229/
[12] Chaves C, Marque CR, Maia-De-Oliveira JP, et al. Effects of Minocycline Add-on Treatment on Brain Morphometry and Cerebral Perfusion in Recent-onset Schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2015;161(2-3):439-445. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.11.031. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25497439/
[13] Sreekumar A, Poisson LM, Rajendiran TM, et al. Metabolomic Profiles Delineate Potential Role for Sarcosine in Prostate Cancer Progression. Nature. 2009;457(7231):910-914. doi:10.1038/nature07762. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724746/
[14] Lane HY, Huang CL, Wu PL, et al. Glycine Transporter I Inhibitor, N-Methylglycine (Sarcosine), Added to Clozapine for the Treatment of Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry. 2006;60(6):645-649. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.04.005. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16780811/
