Supplement Glossary
A plain-English reference for the ingredients, forms, and mechanisms behind the AE·ORA system. Search a term, tap to open the full answer, and follow the links to the products and research. Educational only — not medical advice.
AcetylcholineThe neurotransmitter behind focus and recall
A neurotransmitter central to attention, learning and muscle activation, synthesised from choline. It is the pathway Alpha-GPC feeds. See Alpha-GPC vs Other Choline Sources.
AdaptogenBotanicals that help the body handle stress
A class of botanicals studied for helping the body maintain balance under stress by modulating the stress-hormone axis. Ashwagandha is the best-known adaptogen here. See Cortisol, Ashwagandha & the Recovery Loop.
Alpha-GPCA brain-bioavailable choline for focus
A highly bioavailable choline compound and precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to focus and memory. Found in the Cordyceps & Lion's Mane Drops. See Alpha-GPC vs Other Choline Sources.
AntioxidantA molecule that neutralises free radicals
A compound that donates an electron to neutralise a free radical before it can damage cell membranes, proteins or DNA. Resveratrol and quercetin in the NAD+ Full Stack are both studied as antioxidants.
AutophagyThe cell's recycling and cleanup process
The process by which a cell breaks down and recycles its own damaged components. It is one of the pathways studied in longevity research, and is linked to sirtuin and NAD+ activity. See Longevity Supplement Protocol.
Beta-GlucansThe active polysaccharides in mushrooms
The primary active polysaccharides in functional mushrooms, used to standardise an extract. Our Lion's Mane is standardised to 40% polysaccharides.
BioavailabilityHow much your body actually absorbs
The proportion of an ingredient actually absorbed and usable — why form matters more than the milligrams on the label. Magnesium oxide absorbs at roughly 4%; glycinate at roughly 23–27%. See Magnesium Glycinate vs Other Forms.
Biological AgeYour physiological age, not your birthday
An estimate of physiological age derived from biomarkers rather than years lived. Most consumer tests use an epigenetic clock, reading DNA methylation patterns at specific sites. Methods vary widely and are not standardised, so figures are not comparable between providers. See NAD+ Levels and Aging.
Brain FogCloudy thinking, poor recall, low focus
A non-clinical term for cloudy thinking, slow recall and difficulty concentrating. Common contributors include poor sleep architecture, elevated cortisol and low cellular energy. See Lion's Mane, NGF & Cognition and Lion's Mane.
Cellular SenescenceAged cells that stop dividing but don't clear
A state in which a cell stops dividing but does not die, accumulating with age and releasing inflammatory signals. Quercetin, in the NAD+ Full Stack, is studied as a senolytic — a compound of interest for how the body clears these cells.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)Lab proof of a batch's purity
A third-party lab document confirming an ingredient's identity, potency and purity for a specific batch. More on our Science page.
Chelated MineralA mineral bound for better absorption
A mineral bound to an amino acid to improve absorption and reduce digestive upset. Magnesium bisglycinate is the form in Magnesium Glycinate.
Clinical DoseThe amount proven to work in trials
The amount of an ingredient shown to have an effect in human trials — not a token “fairy-dust” amount. See The Clinical Dose Problem.
CordycepsA mushroom studied for energy & VO2
A functional mushroom studied for cellular energy (ATP) production and oxygen use. In the Cordyceps Energy Gummies. See the research.
CortisolThe stress hormone that can wreck sleep
The body's primary stress hormone. It should fall at night — elevated evening cortisol is a common driver of disrupted sleep. See High Cortisol at Night and Ashwagandha Plus.
Deep Sleep (Slow-Wave Sleep)The most physically restorative stage
The stage of non-REM sleep with the slowest brain waves, when most physical repair and growth-hormone release happens. It clusters in the first half of the night. See Sleep Architecture Explained.
Dual ExtractionWater + alcohol to get all mushroom compounds
A method using both hot water and alcohol to extract the full spectrum of mushroom compounds — beta-glucans and triterpenes. Used in the Cordyceps & Lion's Mane Drops.
Elemental MagnesiumThe actual magnesium in a serving
The amount of pure magnesium in a serving, separate from the compound's weight. Magnesium bisglycinate is roughly 14% elemental by weight, so 2,000 mg of the compound delivers ~275 mg elemental magnesium. See Magnesium Glycinate.
ExcipientThe non-active ingredients in a capsule
Any non-active component of a formulation: binders, flow agents, capsule shells. Magnesium stearate is the most common flow agent and is frequently mischaracterised as harmful at the amounts used. Transparency about excipients is part of honest labelling.
Extract RatioHow concentrated an extract is — 8:1, 10:1
A number like 8:1 means 8 kg of raw material was concentrated into 1 kg of extract. On its own it says nothing about potency — a standardised percentage of the active compound is the more reliable measure. See how we verify potency.
Fruiting Body vs MyceliumThe mushroom itself vs its roots
The fruiting body is the mushroom; mycelium is its root network, often grown on grain that ends up in the powder. Fruiting bodies usually carry more active compounds. Our Lion's Mane uses a dual extract.
Functional MushroomMushrooms taken for effect, not flavour
A mushroom taken for a studied physiological effect rather than as food — lion's mane for cognition, cordyceps for energy, reishi for calm. See the Mushroom Trio and Do Mushroom Nootropics Actually Work?
GABAThe brain's main calming neurotransmitter
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter — it quietens neural activity ahead of sleep. Magnesium supports GABA receptor function. See Magnesium Glycinate for Sleep.
GMP CertifiedAn FDA-recognised quality standard
Good Manufacturing Practice — an FDA-recognised standard for facility cleanliness, process control and testing. Every AE·ORA product is made in a GMP-certified facility in the USA. See Science.
Hericenones & ErinacinesLion's Mane's two active compound families
The two compound families in lion's mane studied for nerve-growth-factor activity — hericenones from the fruiting body, erinacines from the mycelium. It is why a dual extract matters. See the research.
HPA AxisThe loop that governs your stress hormones
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the feedback loop between three glands that controls cortisol release and the physiological stress response. Ashwagandha acts here rather than as a sedative. See Cortisol, Ashwagandha & the Recovery Loop.
HPLCHow identity and potency are verified
High-performance liquid chromatography, the analytical method used to confirm an ingredient is what the label says and present at the stated concentration. One of the tests behind every Certificate of Analysis.
HPMC CapsuleThe plant-based capsule shell
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a plant-derived capsule shell used instead of gelatin. Every AE·ORA capsule uses HPMC, which is what makes the range suitable for vegans.
ICP-MSHow heavy metals are screened out
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the method used to detect heavy metals — lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury — against USP 232 limits. Run on every batch; see Science.
KSM-66A clinically-studied ashwagandha extract
A branded, full-spectrum ashwagandha extract standardised to 5% withanolides and backed by clinical trials. Used in Ashwagandha Plus. See KSM-66 vs Standard Ashwagandha.
L-TheanineCalm-but-alert amino acid from tea
An amino acid from tea studied for a relaxed-but-alert state without sedation. Paired with reishi in the Reishi Relax Gummies.
L-TyrosineA precursor to dopamine and noradrenaline
An amino acid the body converts into dopamine and noradrenaline, studied in the context of cognitive performance under stress or sleep loss. Included in the Cordyceps & Lion's Mane Drops.
Lion's ManeThe cognition mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
A functional mushroom studied for cognitive support via nerve growth factor pathways. Ours is a dual extract standardised to 40% polysaccharides at 1,000 mg per serving — see Lion's Mane, the NGF research, and the Brain & Focus Bundle.
Magnesium CitrateBetter absorbed than oxide, but draws water
Magnesium bound to citric acid. Absorption is far better than oxide (roughly 16–20%), but it pulls water into the intestine and commonly loosens stools above ~400 mg elemental — which caps the usable dose. Compared in full in Magnesium Glycinate vs Other Forms.
Magnesium GlycinateMagnesium chelated to glycine — the sleep form
Magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. The chelation protects it through digestion, so it absorbs well without the laxative effect of oxide or citrate — and glycine itself is studied for sleep onset. Ours delivers 275 mg elemental per serving: Magnesium Glycinate. See what the research shows.
Magnesium OxideCheapest form, ~4% absorbed
The most widely sold magnesium because it is the cheapest to make. It looks strong on a label (~60% elemental by weight) but absorbs at roughly 4% — its main clinical use is as a laxative. See Why Glycinate Beats Oxide.
Magnesium L-ThreonateDesigned to cross into the brain
A form developed to raise magnesium concentrations in the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier more readily. Promising for cognition, thinner human evidence for sleep than glycinate, and considerably more expensive per serving. Compared in Magnesium Glycinate vs Other Forms.
Magnesium MalateThe form usually positioned for daytime
Magnesium bound to malic acid, an intermediate in the citric acid cycle. Commonly marketed for daytime energy, though that convention rests more on the malate association than on comparative human trials. Compared in Types of Magnesium Explained.
MelatoninThe timing hormone — not a sedative
A hormone that signals when it is night, shifting sleep timing rather than deepening sleep. Supplemental doses are often far above physiological levels and can leave next-morning grogginess. Every AE·ORA rest product is melatonin-free — see Reishi vs Melatonin.
Methylated B VitaminsPre-activated B forms your body can use
B vitamins supplied in their already-converted form — methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin, for example — so the body does not have to activate them first. Used in Ashwagandha Plus. See the comparison.
MethylationThe methyl-group transfer NAD+ metabolism draws on
The transfer of a methyl group between molecules, central to DNA regulation, neurotransmitter synthesis and the clearance of nicotinamide. Because NAD+ metabolism consumes methyl groups, some protocols pair NMN with a methyl donor. See Methylated B-Complex vs Cyanocobalamin.
MitochondriaThe cell's energy factories
The organelles that convert nutrients into ATP, the body's usable energy currency. Mitochondrial output depends on NAD+, which declines with age — the reason NAD+ precursors are studied for energy. See NAD+ Levels and Aging and NMN.
NAD+The cellular coenzyme that declines with age
A coenzyme in every cell, central to energy metabolism and DNA repair. Levels fall with age. See NAD+ Full Stack and NAD+ & Aging.
NAD+ PrecursorA compound the body converts into NAD+
A molecule the body converts into NAD+ rather than absorbing NAD+ directly. NMN and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are the two most studied. See How NAD+ Precursors Actually Work.
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)A protein that supports neurons
A protein that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons. Lion's Mane is studied for compounds that may support NGF activity. See the research.
Nicotinamide & NiacinamideThe same molecule, two naming conventions
Chemically identical: the amide form of vitamin B3 and a component of the NAD+ molecule. “Niacinamide” is conventionally used for topical skincare, “nicotinamide” for oral and metabolic contexts. Both are distinct from niacin, which causes flushing.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)The other main NAD+ precursor
An NAD+ precursor one step further back in the pathway than NMN — it must first convert to NMN before becoming NAD+. Both are well studied; the trial evidence differs. See NMN vs NR.
NMNA direct precursor to NAD+
β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, one step from NAD+ — among the most researched longevity compounds. See NMN, the trials, and NMN vs NAD+.
NMN vs NRWhich precursor sits closer to NAD+
NMN is one enzymatic step from NAD+ and NR is two — but NMN is thought to be dephosphorylated back to NR to cross the cell membrane, which weakens the “closer is better” argument. Both raise NAD+ in human trials. Full comparison in NMN vs NR.
NootropicA compound studied for focus & memory
A substance studied for supporting cognition. Ours are mushroom-derived, not stimulant-based. See Do Mushroom Nootropics Work?
Oxidative StressFree radicals outpacing your defences
The imbalance between reactive oxygen species produced during normal metabolism and the antioxidants available to neutralise them. Sustained imbalance damages cells and is one of the mechanisms studied in ageing. See Longevity Supplement Protocol.
Proprietary BlendA label that hides the individual doses
A label listing several ingredients under one combined weight, so you cannot tell how much of each you are getting — often used to disguise under-dosing. AE·ORA discloses every dose individually. See The Clinical Dose Problem.
QuercetinA flavonoid paired with NAD+ precursors
A plant flavonoid studied as a senolytic — of interest for how the body clears aged cells. Included in the NAD+ Full Stack.
ReishiA calming mushroom for rest
A functional mushroom used traditionally for calm and recovery, rich in triterpenes. In the Reishi Relax Gummies. See the benefits.
REM SleepThe dreaming, memory-consolidating stage
Rapid Eye Movement sleep, when most dreaming, emotional processing and memory consolidation happen. Unlike deep sleep it clusters in the second half of the night, so cutting sleep short costs REM first. See Sleep Architecture Explained.
ResveratrolA polyphenol for cellular longevity
A polyphenol studied alongside NAD+ precursors for cellular-longevity pathways. We use a 98% trans-resveratrol extract in the NAD+ Full Stack.
Salvage PathwayHow cells recycle NAD+ rather than rebuild it
The route by which cells recycle nicotinamide back into NAD+ instead of synthesising it from scratch. Both NMN and nicotinamide riboside feed this pathway, which is why they work as precursors. See How NAD+ Precursors Actually Work.
SirtuinsRepair proteins that depend on NAD+
Proteins involved in cellular repair and metabolism that need NAD+ to work — which is why NAD+ decline is thought to blunt their activity. See Longevity Supplement Protocol.
Sleep ArchitectureThe cycle of light, deep & REM sleep
The structured cycle of sleep stages the brain moves through nightly. Quality is about the shape of those stages, not just hours. See Sleep Architecture Explained.
Sleep EfficiencyTime asleep divided by time in bed
The proportion of time in bed actually spent asleep, expressed as a percentage. Around 85% or above is generally considered good. It is one of the primary outcome measures in magnesium and sleep trials. See Magnesium Glycinate for Sleep.
Sleep Onset LatencyHow long it takes you to fall asleep
The time between lights-out and actually falling asleep. Around 15–20 minutes is typical; consistently longer is the measure most sleep trials try to move. See Why Is It Hard to Fall Asleep?
SpermidineA polyamine studied in autophagy research
A naturally occurring polyamine found in wheat germ, aged cheese and soy, studied in the context of autophagy and cellular renewal. Dietary intake declines with age. See Longevity Supplement Protocol.
Standardised ExtractA guaranteed % of active per batch
An extract processed so a specific active compound is present at a guaranteed percentage every batch — e.g. KSM-66 to 5% withanolides. It makes a dose reproducible.
Third-Party TestedVerified by an independent lab
Testing by an independent lab with no commercial stake in the result, confirming what's on the label is in the bottle. Every AE·ORA batch is third-party tested — see the Science page.
TMG (Trimethylglycine)The methyl donor often stacked with NMN
Also called betaine. A methyl donor sometimes taken alongside NMN on the reasoning that NAD+ metabolism consumes methyl groups during nicotinamide clearance. The rationale is mechanistic rather than demonstrated by outcome trials.
TriterpenesReishi's bitter, alcohol-soluble actives
The bitter, alcohol-soluble compound class behind much of reishi's studied activity. Because they do not dissolve in water, a hot-water-only extract misses them — which is what dual extraction solves. See Reishi Relax Gummies.
VO2 MaxYour peak rate of oxygen use
The maximum rate at which your body can take in and use oxygen during exercise — the standard measure of aerobic capacity. It is the endpoint most cordyceps performance studies measure. See the cordyceps research.
WithanolidesAshwagandha's active compounds
The active steroidal compounds in ashwagandha behind its adaptogenic effects; the marker used to standardise extracts like KSM-66. See Ashwagandha Plus.
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Common questions
What is the best form of magnesium for sleep?
Magnesium glycinate. It absorbs several times better than magnesium oxide, does not cause the loose stools that cap the dose of magnesium citrate, and its glycine carrier is itself studied for sleep onset. Full comparison in Magnesium Glycinate vs Other Forms.
How long does magnesium take to work for sleep?
Some people notice easier sleep onset within the first few nights, but the clinical trials that measured sleep quality ran for two to eight weeks of nightly use. Treat it as a daily habit, not a one-off. See Magnesium Glycinate for Sleep.
When is the best time to take magnesium?
For sleep, 30 to 60 minutes before bed, which matches how the trials dosed. For general magnesium status, whichever time you will take it consistently — status is built over weeks rather than optimised by clock time. See When Is the Best Time to Take Magnesium?
Is 500mg of magnesium too much?
It depends whether that figure is elemental magnesium or compound weight. The upper intake level for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg elemental per day, but 500 mg of a glycinate compound delivers far less than that in actual magnesium. See Is 500mg of Magnesium Too Much?
What is the difference between NMN and NAD+?
NAD+ is the coenzyme your cells actually use. NMN is a precursor — a smaller molecule your body converts into NAD+. Supplements use precursors because NAD+ itself is a large, unstable molecule. See NMN vs NAD+.
Are NAD+ injections better than oral NMN?
Not straightforwardly. Injections produce a larger, faster rise in blood NAD+, but oral precursors have the stronger published human trial record and cost a fraction as much. See NAD+ Injections vs Oral NMN.
When is the best time to take lion's mane?
Morning or early afternoon, with food. It is not a stimulant, but its cognitive effects are most useful during waking hours, and daily consistency matters more than exact timing. See Lion's Mane.
Can I take lion's mane and magnesium glycinate together?
Yes — they work on different systems and different times of day. Lion's mane in the morning for cognition, magnesium glycinate at night for sleep. That split is the basis of the 24-hour recovery system.
Do your sleep products contain melatonin?
No. Every AE·ORA rest product is melatonin-free. Melatonin shifts sleep timing rather than deepening sleep, and supplemental doses commonly leave next-morning grogginess. See Reishi vs Melatonin for Sleep.
Are AE·ORA supplements third-party tested?
Yes. Every batch is tested by an independent lab for identity, potency and purity, and made in a GMP-certified facility in the USA. Details are on our Science page.
What does “clinical dose” mean?
It's the amount of an active ingredient shown to have an effect in human studies — not a small amount added just to list it on the label. We dose to the studied threshold. More in The Clinical Dose Problem.
How do I choose between capsules, gummies and drops?
Capsules carry the highest doses, gummies help consistency, and drops absorb fast and flex the dose. Full breakdown in Capsules vs Gummies vs Drops.
Are your products made in the USA?
Yes — all AE·ORA products are manufactured in the USA in a GMP-certified facility.