Quick Comparison
| Agmatine Sulfate | Lemon Balm | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Life | 2-3 hours | 3-5 hours (rosmarinic acid) |
| Typical Dosage | Standard: 500-2000 mg daily in 1-3 doses. For mood: 1000-2000 mg. For pain: 1000-2500 mg. Take on empty stomach. Agmatine sulfate is the most common supplement form. May enhance the effects of some nootropics and medications — research interactions. | Standard: 300-600 mg extract daily for anxiety/cognition. For sleep: 300-600 mg 30-60 minutes before bed. Cyracos is the most studied extract (standardized to rosmarinic acid). Tea: 2-4 cups daily. Can be combined with valerian for sleep. |
| Administration | Oral (powder, capsules). Take on empty stomach for best absorption. | Oral (capsules, tea, tincture). Cyracos extract is most studied. Pleasant lemon-mint taste in tea form. |
| Research Papers | 10 papers | 8 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Agmatine Sulfate
Agmatine is a polyamine neuromodulator with multiple targets: (1) NMDA receptor antagonist at the polyamine binding site (GluN1/GluN2B) — reduces excitotoxicity, pain signaling, and blocks the receptor's open channel. (2) Imidazoline I1 and I2 receptor agonist — I1 in the rostral ventrolateral medulla reduces sympathetic tone; I2 modulates monoamine oxidase and provides anxiolytic/antidepressant effects. (3) Selective nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor — reduces peroxynitrite formation and oxidative stress while preserving eNOS (endothelial) function for vascular health. (4) Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist — reduces norepinephrine release from locus coeruleus, promoting calm. (5) Modulates opioid receptors — enhances mu-opioid analgesia, potentiates delta-opioid, and may reduce tolerance via nitric oxide and NMDA mechanisms.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm inhibits GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), the enzyme that converts GABA to succinic semialdehyde in the GABA shunt, increasing GABA availability in synaptic terminals and producing anxiolytic effects via GABA-A (alpha2, alpha3 subunits) and GABA-B receptors. Rosmarinic acid provides antioxidant effects via Nrf2 activation and anti-inflammatory effects through COX-2 and NF-kB inhibition. Lemon balm inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the catalytic site, mildly increasing acetylcholine in the hippocampus and cortex — explaining cognitive enhancement at moderate doses via muscarinic M1 and nicotinic receptor activation. At higher doses, GABAergic effects dominate, producing sedation useful for sleep. Additional mechanisms may include 5-HT2A antagonism and muscimol-like GABA-A modulation from trace constituents.
Risks & Safety
Agmatine Sulfate
Common
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea at high doses.
Serious
May potentiate opioid medications (increased sedation risk). May lower blood pressure.
Rare
Headache, nausea.
Lemon Balm
Common
Very well-tolerated. Mild drowsiness at higher doses.
Serious
May reduce thyroid hormone levels — caution with hypothyroidism.
Rare
Nausea, abdominal pain.
Full Profiles
Agmatine Sulfate →
A metabolite of L-arginine produced by decarboxylation. Agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator that acts on multiple receptor systems — it blocks NMDA receptors, activates imidazoline receptors, inhibits nitric oxide synthase, and modulates opioid signaling. This makes it useful for neuropathic pain, mood, stress resilience, and as a complement to other nootropics. Also enhances insulin sensitivity and nitric oxide production.
Lemon Balm →
Melissa officinalis is a member of the mint family with a long history of use for anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function. Lemon balm inhibits GABA-transaminase (the enzyme that breaks down GABA), effectively raising GABA levels in the brain. Clinical studies show it improves calmness, alertness, and memory — a rare combination of relaxation without sedation at moderate doses.