HOW ITWORKS.

Hypothalamus releases GnRH → pituitary releases LH → Leydig cells produce testosterone.

Aromatase converts testosterone into estradiol. Inhibiting it keeps more testosterone as testosterone.

Leydig cells are the testosterone factories in the testes.

Chronic cortisol elevation impairs recovery, sleep, and testosterone. Adaptogens may modulate it.

SHBG binds testosterone, making it inactive. Lower SHBG = more free testosterone.

Testosterone converts to DHT via 5-alpha reductase. Relevant for hair loss and prostate.

AMPK is the cell's energy sensor. When activated, it mimics caloric restriction — boosting fat oxidation and glucose uptake.

Insulin sensitivity determines how efficiently cells absorb glucose.

Thermogenesis is heat production by the body. Increasing it burns more calories at rest.

Long-chain fatty acids cannot enter mitochondria without carnitine.

Breakdown of stored fat into free fatty acids for energy.

ATP is the cell's energy currency. Creatine allows faster ATP regeneration.

Phosphocreatine is the fast-access energy reserve in muscle.

Replenishing muscle glycogen after exercise improves recovery.

PDE breaks down cAMP. Inhibiting PDE = signals last longer.

COMT breaks down norepinephrine. Inhibiting it prolongs sympathetic activation.

Adenosine makes you tired. Caffeine blocks it.

ACh drives neuromuscular junction signaling and memory formation.

Dopamine drives motivation, reward, and motor control.

Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. It calms neural activity.

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter. Key for learning and memory.

NMDA receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory.

AMPA receptors mediate fast synaptic transmission.

Nrf2 is the master regulator of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, HO-1).

NF-κB is a master inflammatory switch. Inhibiting it reduces chronic inflammation.

mTOR is the master switch for muscle growth and protein synthesis.

Autophagy is cellular cleanup — removing damaged components.

Creating new mitochondria. Increases cellular energy capacity.

Sirtuins are longevity-associated proteins involved in DNA repair and metabolism.

HO-1 is a cytoprotective enzyme with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

NO dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow to muscles and brain.

cGMP drives smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.

ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which raises blood pressure. Inhibiting it lowers BP.

Building collagen for skin, joints, and connective tissue.

Depositing minerals into bone matrix.

Influencing the composition and function of gut bacteria.

Maintaining the intestinal lining to prevent leaky gut.

Regulating immune response — not just boosting, but balancing.