CILTeP

Last updated: December 22, 2016

Hitching on the popularity of Tim Ferriss and Dave Asprey, CILTeP is one of the first community-driven and formulated nootropics that is now for sale. The CILTeP nootropic stack is unique because a member of the Longecity internet community developed the combination in 2011 and tested it through this medium.

It is the first time in nootropics history where a unique blend was developed within the community and improved upon through user experiences [1]. What does that mean for you?

Unlike a hyped mix of ingredients, this nootropic stack was created and vetted through rigorous scientific data and community development.

Below, we will describe the concept of CILTeP and also discuss:

Experiences of CILTeP (between myself and others)
Interaction CILTeP has with popular nootropics

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Beginner’s Guide to CILTeP

The term CILTeP stands for “chemically induced long-term potentiation”, which is a 19th century theory of a cellular mechanism that is said to improve memory formation and learning ability [2]. As the author of the original CILTeP nootropic stack indicated, a 2004 study pointed him towards the ingredients he used [3].

The basic CILTeP stack works like this:

PDE-4 Inhibition – PDE4 is an enzyme that blocks signals in the brain and for the purpose of this stack, inhibiting the enzyme is useful. The original developer found artichoke extract to be the best inhibitor of the PDE-4 enzyme.
cAMP – this molecule is responsible for regulating alertness and productivity. An Indian herb called forskolin can increase cAMP at precise doses.

As the author (pseudonym Abelard Lindsay) began testing CILTeP, he found that adding L-phenylalanine was helpful for improving alertness and focus. Thus, it was added to the stack. Later he added justification for ALCAR (acetyl-L-carnitine) as well.

Today, you can see the final evolution of CILTeP in the Natural Stacks version, which is by far their most popular product.

CILTeP Effects and Experiences

When Tim Ferriss routinely discusses CILTeP, there are two sides of the story. As Natural Stacks promotes, he does say “CILTEP is great stuff… I’m a huge fan of this stack.”, but that doesn’t mean Tim Ferriss CILTeP experiences are without skepticism. He always warns that “there is no such thing as a metabolic free lunch.” Ferriss felt the need to sleep 12 hours the next day after using CILTeP because it was so impactful on his brain [4].

One major proponent of CILTeP is a man named Martin Jacobson who was the 2014 World Series of Poker Champion. During the 7 week competition, Jacobson recalled that he “…relied on CILTEP as my go-to product to optimize mental performance for the seven week long WSOP.”

Of course, neither Ferriss nor Jacobson have to buy CILTEP as both of them are assuredly sponsored in some way or another. However, my experiences have been positive regarding CILTeP usage.

In the Natural Stacks CILTeP product, there is acetyl-L-carnitine to prevent an experience similar to Ferriss’.

Editors’ Experience with CILTeP

Unlike Tim Ferriss, I didn’t feel tired from using CILTeP at all. There was none of the comedown or recovery the next day due to using this drug. However, I didn’t feel the “…better than Modafinil…” part either. I definitely find modafinil to be more powerful than CILTeP.

I noticed my hunger was reduced significantly when I took CILTeP, which allowed me to be more productive and focus on my work. I took CILTeP in a fasted state (after 14 – 18 hours of not eating) and I speculate that the lack of hunger may be related to forskolin’s ability to increase fat metabolism.

It also occurred to me that the ALCAR was fueling fatty acid oxidation as well. The lack of hunger and disinterest in food helped me to focus even more than otherwise, but this was not the intended effect of the drug.

When I took CILTeP online reports started to make a lot more sense. I remember feeling a sensation of heat in my head as well as “…30 minutes after taking the artichoke/forskolin combo, my head feels… different. Less cramped. More open. Kind of like someone opened the window to my stuffy attic and let the breeze blow in.” [5]

I recommend anyone interested in improving cognition and mental abilities buy CILTeP online at least to see whether it works.

Mansal Denton, Nootropedia Editor

CILTeP Interactions and Racetams

If you have been introduced or exposed to CILTeP, there is a good chance you have heard of piracetam or other nootropics in the racetam family. Many of the racetams can modulate AMPA receptors in the brain, which involve memory encoding. Because of this, users of CILTeP hope to find a synergy between racetams and the stack. Here are some suggestions:

Piracetam and CILTeP

When CILTeP launched, I had a conversation with Abelard about the best racetams to stack. He said piracetam and CILTeP was the best bet for easing into this combo safely. Start with smaller doses of piracetam. Verdict: Stacks well (anecdotally)

Aniracetam and CILTeP

The anecdotal evidence suggests that despite piracetam and CILTeP working well together, aniracetam does not stack well with the nootropic. Sometimes the magnitude and the duration of the negative aniracetam side effects are amplified when taking CILTeP [6]. Verdict: Does NOT stack well.

Phenylpiracetam and CILTeP

One of the most potent racetams in the family of drugs, phenylpiracetam is a higher effective stimulant and cognitive enhancer. Verdict: Stacks well (anecdotally)

Pramiracetam and CILTeP

For whatever reason, this analog works similarly as aniracetam. Users report lethargy, lack of motivation, and over-relaxed sensations. Even though some people claim pramiracetam stacks well [7], it is obvious the results are varied. Verdict: Mixed.

The Natural Stacks version of CILTeP includes ALCAR, which is a good source of acetylcholine for the brain. This may support some of the racetam usage along with CILTeP.

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