AniracetamvsReishi

Aniracetam is a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors, binding to the allosteric site and slowing receptor desensitization, which prolongs excitatory postsynaptic currents and facilitates long-term potentiation. It also modulates group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/mGluR3), which regulate presynaptic glutamate release. Uniquely among racetams, aniracetam increases dopamine and serotonin release in the prefrontal cortex via modulation of monoamine transporter activity and vesicular release, contributing to its anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects. It reduces GABAergic inhibition in the hippocampus through indirect modulation of GABA-A receptors, facilitating NMDA receptor activation and memory consolidation. The lipophilic phenylacetyl group enables rapid blood-brain barrier penetration.

Reishi's triterpenes (ganoderic acids A, C, D, H; ganoderenic acids) modulate the HPA axis by reducing CRH and ACTH release, lowering cortisol via glucocorticoid receptor feedback. Ganoderic acids have direct sedative effects through GABA-A receptor modulation (possibly allosteric at the benzodiazepine site) and 5-HT2A/2C serotonergic modulation. Beta-(1,3)-(1,6)-glucan polysaccharides bind Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3) on macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, activating NF-kB and MAPK signaling for immune modulation. Reishi inhibits histamine release from mast cells via Fc epsilon RI downregulation and stabilizes mast cell membranes (anti-allergic effect). Antioxidant properties involve upregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD1/SOD2), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Ganoderic acids may also inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and ACE.