By Carlos Ochoa
Introduction
As far as I can tell, Paul Stamet’s patent titled “Compositions and Methods for Enhancing Neurogeneration and Cognition by Combining Mushroom Extracts Containing Active Ingredients Psilocin or Psilocybin with Erinacines or Hericenones Enhanced with Niacin” was the first patent to suggest niacin be used in combination with psilocybin-containing mushrooms and Lion’s mane mushrooms.
Fans of microdosing caught onto this formula and are now creating their own semi-daily mushroom capsules. They’ve heard about the healing powers of psilocybin and have heard about the effects of lion’s mane. But there’s been less attention to the addition of niacin.
In this blog post, we'll explore the role of niacin in the groundbreaking patent by Paul Stamets, which suggests a unique combination of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Lion's Mane mushrooms, and niacin to enhance neurogeneration and cognition. We'll discuss what niacin is, its benefits, and its potential side effects, as well as its significance in the world of microdosing.
The Stamets Patent: A Revolutionary Combination
Bottom line: According to Paul, the combination of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms, and niacin can improve neurologic functioning and signaling, which is critical for healthy neurological functioning.
Paul Stamets' patent combines psilocybin, Lion's Mane mushrooms, and niacin to improve neurological functioning and signaling. While the benefits of psilocybin and Lion's Mane are well-documented, niacin has been relatively overlooked. Let's dive deeper into what niacin is and why it's a crucial component of this formula.
What is Niacin?
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that helps our bodies convert food into energy and maintain the health of our nervous and digestive systems, as well as our skin. Most people obtain enough niacin from their diet, but it is also available in a prescription form to help control cholesterol levels.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Niacin is a B vitamin that's made and used by your body to turn food into energy. It helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy.
Niacin (vitamin B-3) is often part of a daily multivitamin, but most people get enough niacin from the food they eat. Foods rich in niacin include yeast, milk, meat, tortillas and cereal grains.
People use prescription niacin (Niacor, Niaspan) to help control their cholesterol.
Paul Stamets says that niacin research has uncovered more interesting findings.
Uniquely aids in repairing and improving neurological functioning and signaling.
Known to be a neural anti-inflammatory
Implicated in improving neural functioning
Activates nerve endings
Vasodilator that improves blood flow in the brain
Stamets claims that niacin, when activating the nerve endings, niacin contributes to an added benefit by enhancing the neurogenic effects of psilocybin and lion’s mane mushrooms by helping them cross the blood-brain barrier, migrate through the nervous systems, and help them reach their “endpoints.”
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in numerous biological processes in the human body. It comes in several forms, including nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and inositol hexanicotinate.
Functions of Niacin
Niacin is vital for overall health, as it is involved in several essential functions, such as:
Energy production: Niacin helps convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy, ensuring that our cells have the necessary fuel to function.
DNA repair and synthesis: Niacin is a component of the coenzymes NAD+ and NADP+, which are involved in DNA repair and synthesis, as well as cell signaling and metabolism.
Nervous system health: Niacin supports the health of the nervous system, playing a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve cell communication.
Digestive system health: Niacin aids in the production of stomach acid and supports the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Skin health: Niacin helps maintain healthy skin by promoting cell growth and regeneration.
Niacin Deficiency
A deficiency in niacin can lead to a condition called pellagra, which is characterized by the "four Ds": dermatitis (skin inflammation), diarrhea, dementia, and, in severe cases, death. Pellagra is rare in developed countries due to the abundance of niacin in various food sources and fortification practices.
Side Effects and Overdose
While niacin is generally safe when consumed through a balanced diet, excessive intake from supplements can cause side effects, such as:
Flushing: A temporary reddening, warming, and tingling sensation on the skin, which can be uncomfortable but is generally harmless.
Liver damage: Prolonged high-dose niacin supplementation can lead to liver toxicity and damage.
Gastrointestinal issues: High doses of niacin can cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Interactions with medications: Niacin supplements can interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting niacin supplementation to ensure appropriate dosing and avoid potential risks.
Sources of Niacin
Niacin is found in a variety of foods, including:
Meat: chicken, turkey, beef, and fish
Dairy products: milk and cheese
Grains: whole grains, fortified cereals, and bread
Legumes: beans, lentils, and peas
Nuts and seeds: almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds
Vegetables: potatoes, mushrooms, and leafy greens
Niacin and Counteracting Effects of Psilocybin
Interestingly, niacin can be used to reverse the excitement of nerve receptors in people experiencing a "bad trip" associated with LSD or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Stamets' formula leverages this property of niacin to act as a deterrent for potential abuse of these compounds.
Researchers and clinicians report that niacin can be used to reverse the excitement of nerve receptors in people experiencing a “bad trip” associated with LSD or psilocybin containing mushrooms.
The authors explain why adding niacin to this mix might seem counterintuitive when adding it to the mixture of psilocybin and lion’s mane mushrooms:
Hence counterintuitively this invention uniquely combines niacin with (psilocybin containing mushrooms) and (Lion’s mane) for neurological restructuring and improved neurological health. By adding niacin into a psilocybin center neurogenerative nootropic nutraceutical, vitamin complex or medicine in sufficient quantities to cause extreme discomfort for those who might try to abuse a therapeutic combination containing psilocybin or psilocybin, the invention provides improved methods and compositions to prevent potential abuse by those wanting to get high.
Stamets is saying that niacin acts not only as an enhancer of the pharmacological benefits of psilocybin containing mushrooms but also as a deterrent for anyone who may try to abuse these compounds.
Niacin, “Flushing,” and Toxicity
According to the authors, Niacin can cause “flushing redness of the skin” in amounts as little as 10-35 grams per day. This redness can include itchiness, burning, and unpleasant tingling. Anyone who has taken niacin knows that this side effect can be very irritating.
Higher doses in the 500 milligrams per day are the top tier for safe use unless it is prescribed by a doctor who can closely monitor their patient. While 3,000 milligrams per day is “clearly toxic.”
Fortunately, if you're including niacin in your micordosing capsules, it's likely that you're using 200 milligrams or so. These levels are far below any toxic amount.
For more information on side effects and doses, check out this website.
Now offering Powdered Niacin through our store
What is the difference between flush-free and flush niacin?
Flush and flush-free niacin are two different forms of vitamin B3 (niacin) supplements, and they differ mainly in their ability to cause the "flushing" side effect.
Flush Niacin
Flush niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is the most common and well-studied form of niacin supplementation. It has been used for years to help manage cholesterol levels, as it can increase "good" HDL cholesterol, decrease "bad" LDL cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. However, one of the most notable side effects of this form of niacin is the "flushing" reaction, which occurs when blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate.
Flushing typically manifests as a temporary reddening, warming, and tingling sensation on the skin, particularly on the face, neck, and chest. While this reaction is generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable and may discourage some people from continuing niacin supplementation.
Flush-Free Niacin
Flush-free niacin, also known as inositol hexanicotinate or no-flush niacin, is a different form of niacin that is chemically bound to inositol, a type of sugar alcohol. This formulation is designed to minimize or eliminate the flushing reaction associated with regular niacin supplementation.
While flush-free niacin is often marketed as a more comfortable alternative to regular niacin, it is essential to note that its effectiveness in managing cholesterol levels is still a subject of debate. Some studies suggest that inositol hexanicotinate may not be as effective as nicotinic acid in improving cholesterol levels, while others indicate that it may have some cholesterol-lowering benefits.
In conclusion, the main difference between flush and flush-free niacin is the presence or absence of the flushing side effect. Flush niacin (nicotinic acid) is known to cause flushing but has well-documented cholesterol-lowering benefits, whereas flush-free niacin (inositol hexanicotinate) aims to minimize flushing but may not be as effective in managing cholesterol levels. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any niacin supplementation to determine the most appropriate form and dosage for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Niacin has its own neural genesis properties and when added with psilocybin and lion’s mane mushrooms, it can increase the delivery and effectiveness of those therapeutic fungi. At least, that’s according to the author of the patent.
Niacin does come with it’s own risk at high levels. The threshold seems to be very high. Though, the Neurogenesis formula’s call for a mere 200 mg level, far below any dangerous amounts.
The phenomenon of flushing can occur in some individuals, though the amounts listed in the neurogenesis formula are, again, quite low.
For more information on the neurogenesis formula for microdosing, check out this blog article.
Stamets Stack Starter Pack
Ready to start your Stamets Stack microdosing journey? Get a starter pack! Just add your own mushrooms!
Includes your choice of Capsule Machine size and capsule type, as well as USDA organic lion's mane powder, powdered niacin, and a digital scale.
