chemtats

Honey is a natural product of the honeybee's biology, created from floral nectar that is enzymatically processed and concentrated by the bees. Its sweetness comes from the mixture of two simple sugars, fructose and glucose, both of which are depicted here (top and bottom respectively).

Honey is a natural product of the honeybee's biology, created from floral nectar that is enzymatically processed and concentrated by the bees. Its sweetness comes from the mixture of two simple sugars, fructose and glucose, both of which are depicted here (top and bottom respectively). Its acidity and lack of moisture are among the factors that contribute to its almost-indefinite shelf life, as microorganisms are unable to grow in it.

Epinephrine, also commonly known as adrenalin or adrenaline, is a naturally-produced hormone common to many animals and is responsible for increasing blood pressure, blood sugar levels, heart rate, and pupil dilation, all of which are part of the “fight or flight” response. It acts on all the tissues of the body in various ways to prepare for sudden or intense activity, and this property enables its use as medication for quickly improving circulation (in cardiac arrest), countering anaphylaxis (for severe allergic reactions), reopening constricted airways (for asthma attacks), and to modulate and prolong the effects of local anesthesia.

“Before the dawn of time, mankind was… boozing.” - Lawrence Solomon

Mirtazapine, also commercially marketed under Remeron and other names, is a tetracyclic antidepressant and antihistamine. It is also used to treat conditions involving difficulty sleeping, as one of its side effects is drowsiness. Weight gain, constipation, and dizziness have also been documented, along with lowered white blood cell counts. Withdrawal symptoms have also been noted with stoppage, and its mechanism of action is not fully understood. It is typically prescribed for the treatment of mood disorders such as major depressive disorder.

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, and is used as a primary treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Common side effects include anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, and even allergic reactions and psychosis. Substance abuse is also a significant risk with use of this drug, on par with amphetamine.

Estradiol is the most potent steroid of the four major estrogen hormones that human bodies naturally produce, and it is responsible for developing and regulating a variety of biological processes and physical characteristics in both male and female bodies. 17β-estradiol can also be synthesized from plant products, and is used in a wide range of therapies including for menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and certain types of cancers.

Testosterone (T) refers to both a naturally occurring human steroid hormone as well as the same compound when given as an androgen medication. It is used to treat hypogonadism in males, certain types of breast cancer, for masculinizing hormone therapy, and can also be used in doping to improve athletic performance.

Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter, popularly known as a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness, though its actual biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes

Well-known to anyone studying human biology, medicine, neuroscience or drug-addiction, dopamine is one of the chemicals that facilitates reward-motivated behavior, and plays a key role in feelings of determination and perseverance, as well as a host of vital functions besides.

Testosterone (T) refers to both a naturally occurring human steroid hormone as well as the same compound when given as an androgen medication. It is used to treat hypogonadism in males, certain types of breast cancer, for masculinizing hormone therapy, and can also be used in doping to improve athletic performance.

Capsaicin is a naturally-occurring alkaloid produced by plants of the Capsicum genus as a defensive mechanism. Capsaicin acts as an irritant to mammals that eat the plants’ fruit (chili peppers), creating a burning sensation on mucous membranes and increasing the level of acid in the stomach. It does so by binding to the TRPV1 cell membrane receptor, which is also sensitive to heat and abrasion. Excessive exposure results in severe pain, respiratory issues, nausea, drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Capsaicin has no effect on birds, however, as they provide a useful way of spreading the seeds of the plant. Meanwhile, humans consume capsaicin in cuisines around the world, as well as using it in pest control.

This SSRI-class antidepressant is mostly prescribed for a number of mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, PTSD, body dysmorphic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, OCD, and social anxiety disorder. Evidence suggests that for certain types of depression, sertraline may be more effective than fluoxetine. However, like escitalopram and other SSRIs, its side effects include sexual dysfunction, difficulty with arousal, nausea, and diarrhea (of a significantly higher incidence with sertraline than other SSRIs), and its formulation and effect as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor was discovered as an unexpected result of norepinephrine inhibitor trials by Pfizer in the late 70s.

Effects typically include altered thoughts, feelings, and awareness of one's surroundings. Many users see or hear things that do not exist. Dilated pupils, increased blood pressure, and increased body temperature are typical. Effects typically begin within half an hour and can last for up to 12 hours. It is used mainly as a recreational drug and for spiritual reasons.

Amitriptyline is an orally-administered tricyclic antidepressant, and is commercially available under the names Elavil or Levate* as a treatment for a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Its mechanism of action is not presently well understood, but it mainly inhibits serotonin reuptake and to a lesser degree also affects norepinephrine reuptake. * in the USA. Other countries may carry amitriptyline under different commercial names.

“…euphoria, visual and mental hallucinations, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time, and spiritual experiences, and can include possible adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks.” - Wikipedia

Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell, and is responsible for the aroma around petrol stations. It is a natural constituent of crude oil and is one of the elementary petrochemicals.

Referred to by my biology teacher in high school as a “cellular workhorse” this molecule is constantly being used and reused in the living cell to facilitate energy transfer for a wide range of metabolic processes. Cells break down the ATP to release energy for vital processes and also reform the molecule in order to transfer energy onwards, hence ATP’s nickname as the “energy currency” in cells. The breakdown process involves the removal of the phosphate group on the end (top-left in the diagram) to convert the molecule into ADP (adenosine diphosphate).

This methylxanthine alkaloid is the single most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world, is completely legal and unregulated nearly everywhere, and is also “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA. Its most commonly sought-after effect is central nervous system stimulation; it relieves drowsiness, improves performance, and gets you through the day. Its health benefits are mixed, as it can be used (as caffeine citrate) to alleviate breathing problems in premature babies as well as offer some protection against Parkinson’s disease and certain cancers, but can also cause cardiovascular health issues and of course a minor but notable drug dependence. Oddly, the FDA refers to it as a flavor additive for alcoholic drinks. Go figure.

(−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. The psychoactive effects of cannabis, known as a "high", are subjective and vary among persons and the method of use. Generally, consumption results in changes in the levels of various neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and norepinephrine; neurotransmitters which are closely associated with the acute effects of cannabis ingestion, such as euphoria and anxiety, a general alteration of conscious perception, feelings of well-being, relaxation or stress reduction, increased appreciation of the arts, including humor and music, increased sensuality, increased libido, and creativity. Disruption of linear memory and paranoia are also typical.

Well-known to anyone studying human biology, medicine, neuroscience or drug-addiction, dopamine is one of the chemicals that facilitates reward-motivated behavior, and plays a key role in feelings of determination and perseverance, as well as a host of vital functions besides.

Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter, popularly known as a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness, though its actual biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes

Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant that has been shown to have positive effects in treating multiple sclerosis and certain types of epilepsy. It can be consumed orally as oil or capsules, inhaled as smoke or vapor (from marijuana), or even sprayed as an aerosol on the inner lining of the cheeks. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive “high” effect when taken on its own, and can provide some relief from anxiety-based disorders as well as having some measure of antidepressant effect. Nonetheless, as it is still an extract of cannabis, it remains illegal or highly controlled in many countries around the world, with the notable exception of Canada.

Estradiol is the most potent steroid of the four major estrogen hormones that human bodies naturally produce, and it is responsible for developing and regulating a variety of biological processes and physical characteristics in both male and female bodies. 17β-estradiol can also be synthesized from plant products, and is used in a wide range of therapies including for menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and certain types of cancers.

This antidepressant is in the SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) category, and is commonly used for a variety of physical and psychological health treatments.

Acetylcholine or ACh is an organic compound used by all sorts of living organisms for a variety of functions; in humans (and many other animals) it acts as a neurotransmitter that operates at the junction of muscle and motor nerve, and is the chemical that activates muscle fibres to contraction. ACh is released by the nervous system as part of the relaxation response. This is process is often summarized as “rest and digest” or “feed and breed” as ACh plays a crucial role in digestion, arousal, reward, resting, and feeling relaxed and tranquil. White version.