Alpha-GPC — L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Choline Donor Compound)

Alpha-GPC is a natural choline-containing phospholipid precursor studied for its ability to support acetylcholine synthesis, cognitive performance, and neuro-cellular membrane integrity. It delivers bioavailable choline across the blood-brain barrier and plays a key role in research on focus, learning, and neuroprotection.

Identifiers

Synonyms: L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine, Alpha-GPC, Choline Alfoscerate
CAS No.: 28319-77-9
Formula / MW: C₈H₂₀NO₆P • ~257.22 g·mol⁻¹
Class: Natural phospholipid metabolite / choline donor

How It Works (Plain English)

Supplies free choline for synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, central to memory and attention.
Supports phosphatidylcholine and cell-membrane integrity within neuronal tissue.
Crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently, distinguishing it from many other dietary choline sources.

Why Researchers Use It

To investigate neurotransmitter synthesis and cognitive performance markers.
To explore neuroprotective and membrane-repair mechanisms following hypoxia or injury models.
To assess choline bioavailability vs phosphatidylcholine, CDP-choline, and other donors.

Key Study Themes — What’s Typically Observed

Cognition & Memory Models

Endpoints: Memory recall, focus tests, acetylcholine levels, brain imaging (PET or fMRI).
Findings: Enhanced cholinergic activity, improved reaction time and short-term recall in aged or stressed models.
Why it matters: Demonstrates Alpha-GPC’s role as a rapid and efficient choline source.

Neuroprotection & Cell Integrity

Endpoints: Neuronal survival, phosphatidylcholine synthesis, oxidative markers.
Findings: Protective effects on neuronal membranes under oxidative or ischemic stress in vitro and in vivo.
Why it matters: Provides a model for studying membrane repair and neurotransmission recovery after injury.

Potential Research Applications

Cognitive Performance & Learning

Attention, working memory, and reaction-time studies.

Neuroprotection & Aging

Models of hypoxia, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration.

Choline Metabolism Research

Comparative choline kinetics vs CDP-choline and phosphatidylcholine.

Synergistic / Comparator Compounds

Uridine Monophosphate (UMP)

Why pair: Combined choline + uridine + DHA research (“Kennedy Pathway”) for synaptic-membrane synthesis.

L-Theanine / Caffeine

Why pair: Explore attentional focus from Alpha-GPC’s cholinergic tone with alertness modulation.

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Why compare: Both provide bioavailable choline; differing metabolic routes and phospholipid impact.

Known Concerns (Context)

Transient cholinergic effects: Headache or mild gastrointestinal upset observed at high doses in some human data.
Population notes: Individuals with cholinergic hypersensitivity may exhibit variability in response.
General: For laboratory research use only; not for human consumption or therapeutic use.

Specifications & Handling

Form: Hygroscopic powder or encapsulated solid (lot-coded)
Purity: ≥ 98 % (HPLC/MS verified)
Storage: Store ≤ 25 °C, dry, sealed; protect from humidity and light

Handling notes: Hygroscopic — reseal promptly; avoid long-term exposure to air.
Labeling: Tamper-evident; lot/SKU and expiry clearly displayed.

Regulatory & Use Notice

Sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, medical, or veterinary use. No human-use instructions are provided. Buyer is responsible for safe handling and regulatory compliance.