I've taken it every now and then, and though observing and reading about a myriad of benefits, there are still those health risks that sits there in the back of my mind that prevents me from taking it long term: Fibrosis
"Pleural and peritoneal fibrosis have been reported with prolonged daily use. Cardiac valvular fibrosis has also been associated with ergot alkaloids."
http://www.umm.edu/a...ates-048700.htm
"Fibrosis is the formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as a reparative or reactive process, as opposed to a formation of fibrous tissue as a normal constituent of an organ or tissue."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibrosis
Diffuse Pleural Fibrosis: "This is a thickening of the outer layer of either one or both lungs. It may occur after benign pleural effusion or develop without the accumulation of fluid.
Symptoms are usually gradually increasing breathlessness and the sensation of tightness in the chest. This is due to the lungs and chest wall not expanding fully and may become disabling.
There is no effective treatment although the prognosis is usually quite good. The patient may remain moderately breathless on exertion for many years." http://www.aduk.org....al_fibrosis.php
I couldn't find a direct definition of peritoneal fibrosis so...
Peritoneum - "In higher vertebrates, the peritoneum is the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity - it covers most of the intra-abdominal organs. It is composed of a layer of mesothelium supported by a thin layer of connective tissue." http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Peritoneal
Also there's the building of plaque within one of the arteries in the heart if i'm not mistaken.
I have noticed a lot of people taking it, not just on this forum, but upon inspection of Biogenesis-antiaging.com it is the 2nd top seller on there (Piracetam being the first). I wonder if the cognitive enhancements subjectively outweigh the risks for the people taking it, or if there's a lack of awareness of given consequence. Any comments?
The only problem i see is there are no other Dopamine Receptor site Agonist as effective as this, so i'm left with Yerba mate to act as a mild MAO inhibitor alongside Ginseng and Caffeine.
Edited by mysticpsi, 28 November 2007 - 10:48 AM.