At Axe & Sledge, we pride ourselves on creating top-tier supplements for the hardest workers in the gym. So far, we’ve covered some of the most popular supplement categories, including pre-workout, intra-workout, post-workout, protein, daily essentials, and health/wellness. The vast majority of the products we’ve produced thus far, have primarily been designed around maximizing physical performance, especially within the gym.
However, we also want to branch outside of the gym by developing more innovative supplements that can help maximize your productivity elsewhere.. which brings us to Actual Intelligence (AI).
Actual Intelligence is a powerful nootropic that’s specifically formulated to boost mental performance, through increasing focus, creativity, energy, and cognition. AI is for anyone who has the desire to get more shit done in less time.
With numerous patented and trademarked ingredients, AI will help maximize your productivity, so you can have more time to do what you love. A true hard-working M’fer excels in all areas, not just in the gym, which is exactly why we created AI.
Whether you're a construction worker looking for an extra energy boost, an office worker that needs a midday pick-me-up, a gamer that wants to take things to the next level, or a student that needs to “ace” their next test, AI is here to help!
Some of AI’s key ingredients include:
- PurCaf® from Applied Foods
- TeaCrine® from Compound Solutions
- Dynamine™ from Compound Solutions
- Advantra Z® from Innophos
Keep reading to learn more about the formula, how to take AI for optimal results, and what products stack well with it!
Ingredients
Now that you know what Actual Intelligence is, let’s take a closer look at its ingredients!
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder - 400mg
Lion’s Mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom that’s commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.[1] Lion’s Mane is named after its shape because its long, white, and shaggy spines resemble an actual lion's mane.[1]
Lion’s Mane is rich in several beneficial bioactive compounds, most notably, beta-glucan polysaccharides, which are primarily attributed to Lion’s Mane’s antioxidant, immunological, anti-cancer, hypolipidemic, and neuroprotective properties.[1] Some research also suggests that Lion’s Mane expresses anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, healing, and antimicrobial activities.[1]
Although Lion’s Mane provides numerous benefits, it’s primarily included in Actual Intelligence to increase mood and promote overall brain health & cognitive function.
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl (Alpha-GPC) - 200mg
Alpha-glycerylphosphoryl choline (Alpha-GPC) is a cholinergic compound that possesses powerful cognitive-boosting properties.[2] As the name suggests, alpha-GPC is made up of two components — a glycerophosphate molecule and a choline molecule. The choline component is primarily used for acetylcholine production.
Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter that’s responsible for several bodily functions, including muscle contractions, nerve impulses, memory, and learning. The glycerophosphate component of alpha-GPC supports the structure of cellular membranes, which is an added health benefit that’s not offered by other supplemental forms of choline.
Studies show that supplementing with alpha-GPC may improve cognitive function, reduce the rate of cognitive decline, and enhance power output.[2] Overall, alpha-GPC is a phenomenal supplement for supporting brain health and boosting cognition.[2]
PurCaf® (Organic Caffeine from Green Coffee Bean) - 100mg
PurCaf® is an organic form of natural caffeine that’s derived from green coffee beans.[3] PurCaf® is standardized to contain at least 95% caffeine, so every serving of A.I. contains approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine.
Anecdotally, natural caffeine provides users with a more steady, yet sustained increase in both physical and mental energy, as opposed to a synthetic form of caffeine, such as caffeine anhydrous.
Caffeine carries out its stimulatory effects primarily through inhibiting adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a nucleoside that slows down neural activity, resulting in fatigue.[4,5]
Studies show that caffeine works synergistically with L-theanine to increase mood, energy, concentration, alertness, and cognitive function, which is why we included both in Actual Intelligence![4,5] Furthermore, PurCaf® is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and GRAS (generally regarded as safe).[3]
L-Theanine - 100mg
L-theanine is a naturally occurring non-proteinogenic amino acid that’s found in tea leaves. L-theanine has similar chemical structure as glutamate, therefore it has similar effects in the body. Studies have shown that L-theanine has the unique ability to relax the mind and reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness.[6]
Preliminary studies have also shown that L-theanine increases dopamine levels in the brain, which may improve mood and sense of well-being.[6] Other studies suggest that L-theanine expresses neuroprotective properties.[7] As mentioned above, L-theanine works synergistically with caffeine to improve energy, alertness, concentration, and cognitive function.[4,5]
In fact, a study published in Nutritional Neuroscience found that caffeine and L-theanine in combination are better than either one alone for improving performance on cognitively demanding tasks.[4]
TeaCrine® (Theacrine) - 50mg
TeaCrine® is a trademarked form of theacrine, a purine alkaloid that’s naturally found in kucha tea leaves. TeaCrine® is a non-stimulant patented compound that significantly increases energy, mood, and focus, without negatively affecting the cardiovascular system.[8] Therefore, it’s less likely to cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, irritability, anxiety, or jitters.
TeaCrine® carries out its effects by boosting dopamine levels and inhibiting adenosine.[8] Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that's responsible for motivation, mood, memory, and focus. As we mentioned above, adenosine reduces neural activity, therefore inhibiting it from binding to its receptors is advantageous for boosting mental alertness, energy, and focus.
Furthermore, some studies have shown that TeaCrine® and caffeine are complementary, meaning that caffeine increases the bioavailability of TeaCrine®, resulting in better effects. TeaCrine®’s half-life is approximately four times greater then caffeine, so it has much longer-lasting effects.[8]
Dynamine™ (Methylliberine) - 50mg
Dynamine™ is a trademarked form of methylliberine, a purine alkaloid that’s naturally found in tea leaves.[9] Similar to TeaCrine®, Dynamine™ is known for its ability to quickly increase energy levels, focus, and mood. Studies have shown that Dynamine™ carries out its effects by activating dopamine receptors and inhibiting adenosine receptors.[9]
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that heavily influences your mood, motivation, memory, focus, and executive functioning. Adenosine, on the other hand, is an organic compound that causes a decline in neural activity, resulting in mental fatigue.
Therefore, by increasing dopamine production and inhibiting adenosine, Dynamine™ is capable of improving energy, alertness, productivity, and motivation.[9] Not to mention, Dynamine™ doesn’t appear to negatively impact your cardiovascular system, so it’s less likely to cause rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, or other unwanted side effects.[9]
Advantra Z® (Bitter Orange Extract) - 10mg
Advantra Z® is a high-quality bitter orange extract that's derived from Citrus aurantium. Advantra Z® is a branded ingredient developed by Innophos that's self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe).[10] Advantra Z® is standardized to contain at least 30% synephrine, which is its main bioactive constituent.[10]
Due to Advantra Z®’s ability to increase energy, reduce appetite, and boost thermogenesis, it’s often used in weight loss supplements and pre-workouts.[10,11] However, we included Advantra Z® in Actual Intelligence to curb your appetite, reduce cravings, further increase energy levels, and enhance concentration.
Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzine A) - 5mg
Toothed Clubmoss, also known as Huperzia serrata, is a herb that’s rich in huperzine A, a naturally occurring alkaloid. Huperzine A acts as an acetylcholinesterase antagonist, which means it prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine.[12]
Since acetylcholine is a powerful neurotransmitter that’s involved in numerous physiological functions, it’s important to have adequate acetylcholine levels for optimal cognitive performance. Huperzine A works synergistically with Alpha-GPC to elevate and sustain acetylcholine levels for hours.
What’s more, studies suggest that Huperzine A may help prevent various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, because of its ability to protect neurons against amyloid beta-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.[12]
Suggested Use
For optimal results, take 2 capsules of Actual Intelligence with 8 ounces of water. Consume any time you need a boost in energy, concentration, productivity, and/or creativity!
Since AI contains caffeine, we do not recommend taking AI within 4-6 hours prior to sleep or taking any other supplements that contain stimulants with AI.
Stacking Options
Although Actual Intelligence can be taken on its own, you can also use the following products alongside AI.
- The Grind - EAA/BCAA + Hydration
Take 2 capsules of AI with 8 ounces of water 15-20 minutes before starting work, gaming, studying or any other activity that requires maximum attention. Mix 1 scoop of The Grind with 10-12 ounces of water and sip on it throughout the activity
- Hydraulic - Stimulant-Free Pump-Pre
AI isn’t necessarily a pre-workout, but it can boost your mental energy, focus, and mind-muscle-connection if taken prior to training. As a pre-workout option, you can take 2 capsules of AI along with 1-2 scoops of Hydraulic. Mix Hydraulic in 8-10 ounces of water and consume both products 20-30 minutes prior to training.
Actual Intelligence: For Hard-Workout M’Fers That Get Sh*t Done
Actual Intelligence is not your standard energy boosting supplement, it’s an all-encompassing nootropic fit for the hardest workers inside & outside of the gym. Actual Intelligence was formulated to enhance focus, mental energy, and productivity, while supporting overall brain health and cognitive function.
Using numerous patented and trademarked ingredients from some of the top ingredient supplements in the industry, such as PurCaf®, TeaCrine®, Dynamine™, and Advantra Z®, nothing comes close to Actual Intelligence.
Whether you’re a gamer, student, office worker, or busy parent, Actual Intelligence will help you get sh*t done faster so you have more time to do what you really love. Pick up a bottle of Actual Intelligence and experience the difference of a well-formulated nootropic!
References
- Khan M. et al. May 2013. “Hericium erinaceus: An Edible Mushroom with Medicinal Values.” Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23735479/
- Marcus L. et al. Oct. 2017. “Evaluation of the Effects of Two Doses of Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine on Physical and Psychomotor Performance.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 14:39. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5629791/#CR9
- Applied Food Sciences. Accessed Aug. 2021. “PurCaf® Organic Caffeine.” https://appliedfoods.com/ingredients/purcaf/
- Owen, G et al. Aug. 2008. “The Combined Effects of L-theanine and Caffeine on Cognitive Performance and Mood.” Nutritional Neuroscience, vol. 11(4), 193–8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681988/
- Giesbrecht, T. et al. Dec. 2010. “The Combination of L-Theanine and Caffeine Improves Cognitive Performance and Increases Subjective Alertness.” Nutritional Neuroscience, vol. 13(6): 283–90. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21040626/
- Dodd FL, et al. Mar. 2015. “A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Effects of Caffeine and L-Theanine Both Alone and in Combination on Cerebral Blood Flow, Cognition and Mood.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 232(14):2563-76. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480845/
- Kakuda T. Aug. 2011. “Neuroprotective Effects of Theanine and its Preventive Effects on Cognitive Dysfunction.” Pharmacological Research, vol. 64(2):162-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21477654/
- Compound Solutions. Accessed Aug. 2021. “TeaCrine® - Energy & Focus Ingredient from Compound Solutions.” https://compoundsolutions.com/ingredients/teacrine/
- Compound Solutions. Accessed Aug. 2021. “Dynamine™- Energy Ingredient from Compound Solutions.” https://compoundsolutions.com/ingredients/dynamine/
- Innophos. Accessed Aug. 2021. “Advantra Z®.” https://www.innophos.com/ingredients/nutrition-brands/advantra-z
- Stohs SJ, et al. April 2011. “Effects of p-Synephrine Alone and in Combination with Selected Bioflavonoids on Resting Metabolism, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Self-Reported Mood Changes.” International Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 8(4):295-301. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21537493/
- Qian ZM, et al. Aug. 2014. “Huperzine A: Is it an Effective Disease-Modifying Drug for Alzheimer's Disease?” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, vol. 2014(6):216. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137276/