The 16 Biological Systems
The NTRPX Meta System™ is built on a comprehensive biological framework. Rather than chasing individual ingredients or trends, we mapped the complete terrain of human physiology relevant to cognitive performance, energy, and recovery. The result: 16 distinct biological systems that collectively govern how you think, feel, perform, and restore.Framework Overview
I. Neurotransmission
Systems 1–5The chemical messengers governing cognition, mood, focus, and calm
II. Energy Metabolism
Systems 6–9The pathways powering every thought, movement, and cellular process
III. Cellular Processes
Systems 10–12The molecular machinery of cellular health and longevity
IV. Regulatory & Cardiovascular
Systems 13–16The systems maintaining balance, rhythm, and flow
Systems at a Glance
| # | System | Category | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cholinergic | Neurotransmission | Memory, focus, learning |
| 2 | Catecholaminergic | Neurotransmission | Motivation, alertness, drive |
| 3 | Serotonergic | Neurotransmission | Mood, emotional balance |
| 4 | GABAergic | Neurotransmission | Calm, relaxation, sleep |
| 5 | Glutamatergic | Neurotransmission | Plasticity, thermoregulation |
| 6 | Mitochondrial | Energy | Cellular powerhouse biogenesis |
| 7 | Bioenergetics | Energy | Immediate ATP availability |
| 8 | NAD+ Metabolism | Energy | Cellular repair, longevity pathways |
| 9 | Glucose Metabolism | Energy | Brain fuel delivery |
| 10 | Methylation | Cellular | Gene expression, neurotransmitter synthesis |
| 11 | Membrane Integrity | Cellular | Neuronal structure, signaling |
| 12 | Cellular Homeostasis | Cellular | Autophagy, DNA repair |
| 13 | HPA Axis | Regulatory | Stress response, adaptation |
| 14 | Circadian | Regulatory | Sleep-wake architecture |
| 15 | Vascular | Cardiovascular | Blood flow, oxygen delivery |
| 16 | Inflammatory Balance | Cardiovascular | Immune modulation, resolution |
I. Neurotransmission
The chemical language of the brain — five distinct signaling systems governing everything from memory formation to emotional regulation.System 1: Cholinergic
The Memory & Focus System
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of cognition — essential for memory encoding, sustained attention, and learning.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary neurotransmitter | Acetylcholine (ACh) |
| Synthesis pathway | Choline + Acetyl-CoA → Acetylcholine (via ChAT enzyme) |
| Key receptors | Nicotinic (nAChR) — fast, ionotropic; Muscarinic (mAChR) — slow, metabotropic |
| Degradation enzyme | Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) |
| Primary functions | Memory encoding, sustained attention, learning, neuromuscular transmission |
| Deficiency signs | Brain fog, poor memory, difficulty concentrating |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| CDP-Choline (Cognizin®) | Choline donor for ACh synthesis; provides uridine for membrane support |
| Alpha-GPC | Rapid, high-bioavailability choline delivery for acute demands |
| Huperzine A (≥98%) | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; prevents ACh breakdown |
| Phosphatidylserine | Membrane support for optimal ACh receptor density |
Boost™
Primary
Sustain™
Primary
Sprint™
Maximum
System 2: Catecholaminergic
The Motivation & Alertness System
Dopamine and norepinephrine share a biosynthetic pathway and together drive motivation, reward, attention, and arousal.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary neurotransmitters | Dopamine (DA), Norepinephrine (NE), Epinephrine |
| Synthesis pathway | Tyrosine → L-DOPA → Dopamine → Norepinephrine → Epinephrine |
| Rate-limiting enzyme | Tyrosine hydroxylase |
| Critical cofactor | Pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (P5P) for DOPA decarboxylase |
| Degradation enzymes | MAO-A, MAO-B, COMT |
| Dopamine functions | Motivation, reward, executive function, motor control |
| Norepinephrine functions | Alertness, attention, stress response, vigilance |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| L-Tyrosine (NALT) | Precursor for dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis |
| Salidroside (≥98%) | Mild MAO-B inhibition; extends dopamine availability |
| Mucuna pruriens | Direct L-DOPA precursor for acute dopamine support |
| Paraxanthine (enfinity®) | Adenosine A2A antagonism; enhances dopaminergic tone |
| Caffeine | Broad adenosine antagonism; catecholamine release |
Boost™
Primary
Sol™
Moderate
ParaCaffeine +™
Strong
Sprint™
Maximum
System 3: Serotonergic
The Mood & Well-Being System
Serotonin regulates emotional balance, well-being, and plays complex roles in cognition and gut function.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary neurotransmitter | Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) |
| Synthesis pathway | Tryptophan → 5-HTP → Serotonin |
| Key receptors | 5-HT1A through 5-HT7 (14+ subtypes) |
| Distribution | 95% in gut (enterochromaffin cells); 5% in CNS |
| Primary functions | Mood regulation, emotional well-being, appetite, sleep initiation |
| Modulation approach | Reuptake inhibition, receptor modulation (not precursor loading) |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Saffron (affron®) | Serotonin reuptake modulation; clinically validated mood support |
| Bacopa monnieri (BaCognize®) | 5-HT receptor modulation; anxiolytic properties |
Sustain™
Primary
System 4: GABAergic
The Calm & Relaxation System
GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter — the counterbalance to excitation, essential for calm and sleep.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary neurotransmitter | Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) |
| Synthesis pathway | Glutamate → GABA (via GAD enzyme; requires P5P) |
| Key receptors | GABA-A (fast, ionotropic), GABA-B (slow, metabotropic) |
| GABA-A binding sites | GABA site, benzodiazepine site, barbiturate site, neurosteroid site |
| Primary functions | Inhibitory tone, anxiety reduction, sleep promotion, muscle relaxation |
| Balance requirement | Glutamate:GABA ratio critical for neural stability |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| L-Theanine (Suntheanine®) | Enhances GABA; modulates glutamate; promotes alpha waves |
| Taurine | GABA-A receptor agonist; supports inhibitory tone |
| Apigenin (≥98%) | Positive allosteric modulator at benzodiazepine site |
| Magnesium (Threonate + Glycinate) | GABA receptor potentiation; neuronal calming |
| Ashwagandha (KSM-66®) | GABAergic activity; stress-induced GABA modulation |
Recover™
Primary
Luna™
Primary
System 5: Glutamatergic
The Plasticity & Learning System
Glutamate is the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter — essential for learning, memory consolidation, and synaptic plasticity.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary neurotransmitter | Glutamate (the most abundant excitatory NT in brain) |
| Key receptors | NMDA, AMPA, Kainate (ionotropic); mGluR (metabotropic) |
| NMDA activation requires | Glutamate binding + Glycine co-agonist + Membrane depolarization + Mg²⁺ unblock |
| Primary functions | Learning, memory consolidation, synaptic plasticity (LTP), thermoregulation |
| Glycine’s critical role | Obligate NMDA co-agonist; hypothalamic NMDA activation triggers sleep-onset thermoregulation |
| Excitotoxicity protection | Magnesium provides voltage-dependent NMDA channel block |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Glycine | NMDA receptor co-agonist; hypothalamic signaling → ↓0.3°C core temp → sleep onset |
| Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein®) | Brain-penetrant Mg; voltage-dependent NMDA block; prevents excitotoxicity |
| L-Theanine (Suntheanine®) | Glutamate receptor modulation; maintains excitatory/inhibitory balance |
Recover™
Primary
Luna™
Primary
II. Energy Metabolism
The pathways that power every thought, movement, and cellular process — from mitochondrial biogenesis to immediate ATP availability.System 6: Mitochondrial
The Cellular Powerhouse System
Mitochondria are the power plants of every cell — their number and efficiency determine your energy ceiling.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Core function | ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation |
| Biogenesis pathway | PGC-1α → NRF1/NRF2 → TFAM → mtDNA transcription → new mitochondria |
| Key activators | AMPK, SIRT1, CREB |
| Electron transport chain | Complex I → II → III → IV → ATP Synthase (Complex V) |
| Dynamics | Fusion (mitofusins) and fission (DRP1) for quality control |
| Brain relevance | Neurons have highest mitochondrial density; cannot rely on glycolysis alone |
| Biomarkers | Mitochondrial DNA copy number, citrate synthase activity |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| PQQ (BioPQQ®) | Activates CREB → PGC-1α signaling; stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis |
| CoQ10 (Kaneka Ubiquinol) | Electron carrier in Complex I/III; enhances ETC efficiency |
| Cordyceps (CS-4) | Improves oxygen utilization; AMPK activation |
| Salidroside (≥98%) | AMPK activation; supports mitochondrial biogenesis pathway |
Boost™
Primary
Sol™
Strong
System 7: Bioenergetics
The Immediate Energy System
ATP and phosphocreatine provide the instant energy reserve for high-demand cognitive and physical tasks.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary currency | ATP (adenosine triphosphate) |
| Immediate reserve | Phosphocreatine (PCr) — regenerates ATP in seconds |
| Key reaction | PCr + ADP ⇌ Creatine + ATP (via creatine kinase) |
| PCr system duration | 0–10 seconds of maximal effort |
| Glycolytic backup | 10 seconds – 2 minutes (glucose → pyruvate → lactate) |
| Brain PCr | Critical buffer for neuronal ATP during high cognitive demand |
| Cofactors required | B1, B2, B3, B5, Magnesium |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Creatine (Creapure®) | Replenishes phosphocreatine stores; instant ATP regeneration |
| B-vitamin complex | Essential cofactors for every step of glycolysis |
| Magnesium | Required cofactor for all kinase reactions (ATP-Mg complex) |
Boost™
Primary
Sustain™
Primary
Sol™
Primary
System 8: NAD+ Metabolism
The Cellular Longevity System
NAD+ is the central metabolic cofactor — essential for energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Core molecule | NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) |
| Synthesis pathways | De novo (tryptophan), Preiss-Handler (nicotinic acid), Salvage (NR, NMN) |
| Major consumers | Sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARPs (DNA repair), CD38 (degradation) |
| Sirtuin functions | Deacetylation → gene silencing, metabolism regulation, stress resistance |
| Age-related decline | NAD+ decreases ~50% between ages 40-60 |
| CD38 problem | CD38 expression increases with age → accelerated NAD+ degradation |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| NR (Niagen®) | NAD+ precursor via salvage pathway; most efficient supplementation route |
| Apigenin (≥98%) | CD38 inhibitor; preserves existing NAD+ from degradation |
Synergy Logic: Apigenin + NR = synthesis + preservation. Attack NAD+ decline from both angles.
Recover™
Primary
Luna™
Support
System 9: Glucose Metabolism
The Brain Fuel System
The brain consumes 20–25% of the body’s glucose despite being only 2% of body mass — proper fuel delivery is non-negotiable.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Brain glucose requirement | ~120g per day; ~5.6 mg/100g brain tissue/min |
| Storage capacity | Minimal (~4 minutes of glycogen reserve) |
| Key transporters | GLUT1 (blood-brain barrier), GLUT3 (neurons — high affinity) |
| Glycolysis cofactors | Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenate (B5), Magnesium |
| Cognitive facilitation | 15–25g glucose optimizes memory and attention acutely |
| Optimal blood glucose | 5–7 mmol/L for peak cognitive function |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| D-Glucose (Ph. Eur. grade) | Direct brain fuel substrate; cognitive facilitation |
| Fructose | Sustained energy release; liver glycogen support |
| Chromium picolinate | Potentiates insulin signaling → improved cellular glucose uptake |
| B-vitamins | Essential cofactors for glycolysis |
| Magnesium | Cofactor for hexokinase and all kinase reactions |
Sol™
Primary (15g glucose)
Luna™
Moderate (8g glucose)
III. Cellular Processes
The molecular machinery that maintains cellular health, enables adaptation, and supports long-term neuronal function.System 10: Methylation
The Epigenetic Control System
One-carbon metabolism governs 200+ biochemical reactions including neurotransmitter synthesis, DNA repair, and gene expression.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Universal methyl donor | S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) |
| Folate cycle | DHF → THF → 5,10-MTHF → 5-MTHF (via MTHFR) |
| Methionine cycle | 5-MTHF + Homocysteine → Methionine → SAMe → SAH → Homocysteine |
| Key enzymes | MTHFR (folate), MTR (B12-dependent), CBS (B6-dependent) |
| 200+ reactions | DNA methylation, creatine synthesis, phospholipid synthesis, neurotransmitter metabolism |
| MTHFR variants | C677T affects 30%+ of population → impaired folate conversion |
| Homocysteine | Elevated levels indicate methylation dysfunction |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| L-5-MTHF (Quatrefolic®) | Active folate; completely bypasses MTHFR enzyme |
| Methylcobalamin | Cytoplasmic B12 coenzyme for methionine synthase |
| Adenosylcobalamin | Mitochondrial B12 coenzyme |
| P5P (Pyridoxal-5’-Phosphate) | Active B6; CBS cofactor for transsulfuration |
| R5P (Riboflavin-5’-Phosphate) | Active B2; required for MTHFR function |
Boost™
Full complex
Sustain™
Continuation
Recover™
Evening support
System 11: Membrane Integrity
The Structural Foundation System
Neuronal membranes are not passive barriers — their phospholipid composition determines receptor function, signaling speed, and cellular health.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary phospholipids | Phosphatidylcholine (PC), Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), Phosphatidylserine (PS) |
| Membrane asymmetry | PS concentrated in inner leaflet; externalization signals apoptosis |
| DHA in brain | Comprises 50%+ of neuronal membrane PUFAs |
| Fluidity importance | Affects receptor density, neurotransmitter release, ion channel function |
| Uridine role | CDP-choline releases uridine → supports PC synthesis |
| Age-related changes | Membrane PS and DHA decline → impaired signaling |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Phosphatidylserine (Sharp-PS®) | Direct PS supplementation; inner leaflet and receptor support |
| DHA (Life’s DHA®) | Primary omega-3 in neuronal membranes; fluidity and signaling |
| EPA | Anti-inflammatory; membrane precursor for resolvins |
| CDP-Choline (Cognizin®) | PC synthesis support + uridine release |
Sustain™
Primary
System 12: Cellular Homeostasis
The Renewal & Repair System
Autophagy, proteostasis, and DNA repair — the maintenance systems that clear damage and enable cellular renewal.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Autophagy | ”Self-eating” — lysosomal degradation of damaged organelles |
| Mitophagy | Selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria (PINK1/Parkin) |
| Proteostasis | Protein quality control — folding, chaperones, degradation |
| DNA repair | Base excision, nucleotide excision, double-strand break repair |
| PARP enzymes | Major NAD+ consumers; critical for DNA repair |
| Neurotrophins | NGF, BDNF promote neuronal survival and plasticity |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| NR (Niagen®) | NAD+ for PARP-mediated DNA repair; sirtuin-mediated autophagy |
| Zinc picolinate | Required for DNA repair enzymes; immune function |
| Lion’s Mane (dual extract) | NGF/BDNF stimulation; neuronal health and plasticity |
| Apigenin (≥98%) | Autophagy modulation; CD38 inhibition preserves repair capacity |
Boost™
NGF/BDNF support
Recover™
Primary repair window
IV. Regulatory & Cardiovascular
The systems that maintain physiological balance, circadian rhythm, blood flow, and inflammatory homeostasis.System 13: HPA Axis
The Stress Adaptation System
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis governs the stress response — adaptogens modulate this system for resilience without suppression.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Axis components | Hypothalamus → Pituitary → Adrenal Cortex |
| Signaling cascade | CRH → ACTH → Cortisol |
| Negative feedback | Cortisol inhibits CRH and ACTH release |
| Cortisol rhythm | Peaks in early morning; lowest at midnight |
| Chronic stress effects | HPA dysregulation, elevated baseline cortisol, hippocampal atrophy |
| Adaptogen mechanisms | HSP70 induction, cortisol modulation, neurotransmitter balance |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Ashwagandha (KSM-66®) | Cortisol reduction; HPA axis modulation; GABAergic |
| Salidroside (≥98%) | HPA modulation; HSP70 induction; stress resilience |
| Phosphatidylserine (Sharp-PS®) | Blunts cortisol response to acute stress |
| Cordyceps (CS-4) | Adrenal support; adaptogenic |
| L-Tyrosine | Replenishes catecholamines depleted by stress |
Sustain™
Primary
Boost™
Morning support
System 14: Circadian
The Sleep-Wake Architecture System
The master biological clock — governing not just sleep, but hormone release, metabolism, and cellular repair timing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Master clock | Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of hypothalamus |
| Clock genes | CLOCK, BMAL1, PER, CRY — transcription-translation feedback loops |
| Key zeitgebers | Light (primary), feeding timing, temperature, social cues |
| Melatonin role | ”Hormone of darkness” — signals nighttime to peripheral tissues |
| Thermoregulation | Core body temperature drops ~0.3°C to initiate sleep |
| Sleep architecture | NREM stages 1-3 → REM cycling; slow-wave sleep for restoration |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Glycine (3g) | NMDA-mediated hypothalamic signaling → peripheral vasodilation → ↓0.3°C core temp |
| Melatonin (0.3mg) | Physiological dose; circadian signal without suppressing endogenous production |
| Magnesium (Threonate + Glycinate) | Sleep quality; slow-wave sleep support |
| Taurine | GABA-A agonism; deep sleep architecture |
| Apigenin (≥98%) | Anxiolytic; sleep onset support |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Paraxanthine (enfinity®) | A2A antagonism; clears adenosine for alertness |
| Caffeine | Broad adenosine antagonism (Sprint™ only) |
Recover™
Primary sleep support
Luna™
Enhanced sleep protocol
System 15: Vascular
The Blood Flow & Delivery System
Nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation — essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain and every tissue.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key molecule | Nitric oxide (NO) |
| Synthesis enzyme | Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) |
| Synthesis pathway | L-Arginine → NO + L-Citrulline (via eNOS) |
| eNOS cofactors | BH4, NADPH, FAD, FMN, Heme |
| L-Citrulline advantage | Bypasses first-pass metabolism; 80% vs 20% bioavailability vs L-Arginine |
| NO mechanism | Activates sGC → ↑cGMP → smooth muscle relaxation → vasodilation |
| BH4 recycling | L-5-MTHF supports BH4 regeneration → sustained eNOS function |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| L-Citrulline (3g) | NO precursor; sustained vasodilation; superior to L-Arginine |
| L-5-MTHF (Quatrefolic®) | BH4 recycling; maintains eNOS coupling |
| Cordyceps (CS-4) | Adenosine-mediated vasodilation; oxygen utilization |
Sol™
Primary
System 16: Inflammatory Balance
The Immune Modulation System
The balance between pro-inflammatory activation and anti-inflammatory resolution — chronic imbalance underlies many modern health challenges.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pro-inflammatory | IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, prostaglandins, leukotrienes |
| Anti-inflammatory | IL-10, TGF-β, resolvins, protectins, maresins |
| Omega-6 pathway | Arachidonic acid → pro-inflammatory eicosanoids |
| Omega-3 pathway | EPA/DHA → specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) |
| NF-κB pathway | Master pro-inflammatory transcription factor |
| Nrf2 pathway | Master antioxidant/anti-inflammatory transcription factor |
| Neuroinflammation | Implicated in cognitive decline, mood disorders |
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| DHA (Life’s DHA®) | Anti-inflammatory; precursor for resolvins and protectins |
| EPA | Resolvins, protectins; inflammation resolution |
| Ashwagandha (KSM-66®) | NF-κB modulation; cytokine balance |
| Zinc picolinate | Immune function; inflammatory regulation |
| Cordyceps (CS-4) | Immunomodulatory; cytokine balance |
Sustain™
Primary
System Coverage Matrix
How each product addresses the 16 biological systems:| System | Boost™ | Sustain™ | Recover™ | Sol™ | Luna™ | ParaCaffeine +™ | Sprint™ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cholinergic | ●●●● | ●●●● | ● | — | — | ●● | ●●●●● |
| 2. Catecholaminergic | ●●●●● | ●● | — | ●●● | — | ●●●● | ●●●●● |
| 3. Serotonergic | ●● | ●●●● | ●● | — | — | — | — |
| 4. GABAergic | — | ●● | ●●●●● | — | ●●●●● | — | — |
| 5. Glutamatergic | ● | ●● | ●●●● | — | ●●●● | — | — |
| 6. Mitochondrial | ●●●●● | ●●● | ●●● | ●●●● | ●● | ●● | ●●● |
| 7. Bioenergetics | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●● | ●●●●● | ●● | ●●● | ●●●● |
| 8. NAD+ Metabolism | ●●● | ●● | ●●●●● | — | ●●● | — | ●● |
| 9. Glucose Metabolism | ●●●● | ●●● | ●● | ●●●●● | ●●●● | ●● | ●●● |
| 10. Methylation | ●●●●● | ●●●● | ●●● | ●●● | ●● | ●● | ●●● |
| 11. Membrane Integrity | ●●● | ●●●●● | ●● | ●● | ●● | ●● | ●●● |
| 12. Cellular Homeostasis | ●●● | ●● | ●●●●● | ●● | ●●●● | — | — |
| 13. HPA Axis | ●●●● | ●●●● | ●●● | ●●● | ●● | ●● | ●● |
| 14. Circadian | ●●●● | ●●● | ●●●●● | ●●● | ●●●●● | ●● | ● |
| 15. Vascular | ●● | ●●● | ●● | ●●●●● | ●● | ●● | ●● |
| 16. Inflammatory | ●● | ●●●● | ●●● | ●●● | ●● | — | — |
● = Minimal | ●● = Mild | ●●● = Moderate | ●●●● = Strong | ●●●●● = Primary Target | — = Intentionally Excluded
Complete Daily Optimization
Morning
Boost™ + Sol™Cholinergic priming, catecholaminergic drive, mitochondrial ignition, brain fuel delivery
Midday
Sustain™ ± ParaCaffeine +™Sustained focus, membrane support, mood balance, HPA resilience
Evening
Recover™ + Luna™GABAergic calm, thermoregulation, NAD+ restoration, cellular repair
The NTRPX Approach
No Gaps
Every system governing human performance is systematically addressed
No Redundancy
Each ingredient serves a defined purpose with intentional placement
Maximum Synergy
Formulations designed for how ingredients amplify each other