Artichoke Extract And Forskolin Induced LTP

Artichoke Extract and Forskolin: The CILTEP Stack

Recently, I came across an online thread, devoted to creating a new theoretical stack known as CILTEP (Chemically-induced long-term potentiation). Science-dense (26 Pages to be exact!), the thread found a cheap, effective way to theoretically increase memory.

Because I’m not familiar with the chemistry involved, I’ll try my best to summarize the conclusions I drew after hours of reading.

Step 1: Inhibiting

The first ingredient is a PDE-4 inhibitor (Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor). This basically blocks an enzyme that exists, known as phosphodiesterase-4, hence the inhibition. PDE-4 is known to block molecules that relay signals in the brain (like messengers). Simply put, we’re stopping a natural process occurring in our brain preventing us from achieving more efficient brain activity.

While it is possible to find a way to inhibit PDE-4 through numerous drugs, a safe approach is an herbal inhibitor. The recommended supplement is artichoke extract (500mg a day has been fine for me).

Step 2: Increasing

The second ingredient is a cAMP increaser. Remember how the PDE-4 inhibitor blocks the molecule designed to increase our memory retention? Well that molecule is known as cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate).

So not only are we helping our body use that molecule as seen in step 1, but we are also adding more cAMP to our body.

The thread settled on forskolin, which is an herb from India. There’s even an added bonus to this supplement – it’s an effective fat burner! For this, I take 200mg of Coleus Forskohlii, standardized to 10% forskolin (so 20mg of actual forskolin).

Setp 3: Introducing

Finally, the third ingredient is some sort of dopamine enhancer, designed to introduce that much sought after euphoric feeling. While this is optional and the thread doesn’t go into much detail as to why it’s recommended, some non-responders to the first two supplements found success with a kick-start from dopamine.

The thread recommends L-phenylalanine, though personally I’ve found more success with Mucuna Pruriens extract. If you’ve never taken Mucuna before, or are in doubt as to its mood boosting abilities, watch the mucuna pruriens review to the right.

My Artichoke Extract and Forskolin Stack Experience

CILTEP is largely theoretical, and many people have not had luck with it. Fortunately, I was one of the few who responded greatly to this stack, and I have nothing but admiration for this nootropic combination as well as artichoke extract and forskolin.

After about a week of taking it daily, my memory was awesome. I could remember everything people told me, even in passing. It was as if everything that I observed was implemented into my brain. Unfortunately, I stopped taking the stack because I ran out of forskolin, and I concluded that if tolerance exists, I’ll wait to start again until I feel like having a great memory will be necessary.