Why Add Niacin to Neurogenesis Microdosing Capsules?
- Carlos
- Mar 10, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 29
By Carlos Ochoa
Summary
This post looks at niacin as described in a United States patent application detailing compositions and methods aimed at enhancing neuroregeneration and cognitive functions. The core of the invention lies in combining mushroom extracts containing active compounds like psilocin or psilocybin with erinacines or hericenones, augmented by the addition of niacin.
The patent asserts that this combination can address neurological disorders, improve memory, coordination, and sensory functions, and promote neurogenesis for overall neurological health, extending potential benefits to both humans and other animals. Furthermore, the document explores the therapeutic dosage ranges and various delivery systems for these unique compositions. This post is not an endorsement. This is a discussion about Paul Stamets's Neurogensis Patent. Always speak with a trusted medical adviser.
Introduction
When Paul Stamets filed a patent in 2016 for a novel neuroregenerative formula, it marked a watershed moment in the world of functional mushrooms and microdosing. His patent titled “Compositions and Methods for Enhancing Neuroregeneration and Cognition” was the first to formally document the powerful synergy between three key ingredients: psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium spp.), and niacin (vitamin B3) .
Since then, fans of microdosing have experimented with homemade capsules that follow this blueprint—now known as the “Stamets Stack.” While psilocybin and Lion’s Mane get most of the spotlight, niacin is often treated as an afterthought. But according to Stamets’ research, niacin plays a critical and underappreciated role in enhancing the neurogenic potential of this combination.
Let’s explore what that role is and why it matters.
What is the Stamet's Stack?
The core idea behind the patent is simple but revolutionary: combine the neuroplasticity-promoting effects of psilocybin with the nerve growth stimulation of Lion’s Mane, and enhance their delivery and efficacy with niacin.
In Stamets’ own words, this trio can “repair and improve neurologic functioning and signaling” and may even help rebuild myelin, activate new astrocytes and neurons, and counteract neurological damage from aging, toxins, or trauma
The Role of Niacin: Not just a Sidekick
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is well-known for supporting energy metabolism, DNA repair, and nervous system health. But in this formulation, niacin does more than support—it amplifies.
Here’s how Stamets explains its role:
Neural anti-inflammatory: Niacin reduces inflammation that can impair nerve regeneration.
Vasodilator: It widens blood vessels, improving cerebral circulation.
Enhancer of delivery: Niacin helps psilocybin and Lion’s Mane compounds cross the blood-brain barrier and travel to their “endpoints” throughout the nervous system .
Nerve activator: It stimulates nerve endings, potentially making the nervous system more receptive to neurogenic compounds.
This combination isn’t just theoretical—preclinical research and user reports suggest measurable improvements in cognition, memory, and sensory processing when used over time.
How does the use of Niacin in this invention differ from its previously understood effects?
For decades, niacin (nicotinic acid) was known in psychedelic circles not as a partner to psilocybin, but as its antidote. In fact, researchers and psychonauts alike have long used niacin to counteract the effects of LSD and psilocybin, particularly during adverse reactions or so-called “bad trips.” The logic was pharmacological: niacin reverses the excitation of nerve receptors, helping to bring someone back to baseline when they feel overwhelmed by a psychedelic experience.
Because of this well-established use, “prior art” in scientific and therapeutic literature generally advised against combining niacin with psilocybin. If one compound was meant to amplify neural signaling and the other to dampen it, putting them together seemed, at best, redundant, and at worst, counterproductive.
But Paul Stamets’ patent challenges that assumption—and turns it completely on its head.
Instead of treating niacin as a psychedelic brake pedal, Stamets positions it as a delivery vehicle, safety feature, and synergistic agent. In his formulation, niacin isn’t working against psilocybin; it’s working with it. Here’s how:
Vasodilation: Niacin expands blood vessels, which improves circulation, particularly in the brain, making it easier for psilocybin and Lion’s Mane compounds to reach their neurological targets.
Nerve-ending activation: Rather than simply “calming” the system, niacin excites peripheral nerves in a way that may help unlock or enhance neuroplastic responses.
Barrier-crossing aid: Stamets proposes that niacin helps psilocybin and hericenones/erinacines cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, increasing bioavailability and maximizing the stack’s therapeutic potential.
And here’s the twist: the same flushing effect that made niacin unpleasant in high doses is now a built-in safety feature. In doses of 100–200 mg—enough to support delivery and neurological restructuring, but not enough to cause harm, niacin adds a discomfort threshold that deters recreational misuse of psilocybin. Much like Antabuse (used to deter alcohol consumption by inducing nausea), niacin’s short-lived flushing creates a barrier for those seeking a psychedelic high, while still allowing therapeutic benefits in microdoses.
So what was once seen as a contradiction is now a clever convergence. By repurposing niacin, Stamets didn’t just sidestep conventional thinking. He expanded the possibilities for psychedelic-assisted cognitive enhancement.
Why Add a Compound That Can Reverse a Psilocybin Side-effects?
Interestingly, niacin is sometimes used to bring someone down from a “bad trip.” So why include it in a microdosing stack?
Stamets’ answer: precisely because it can induce discomfort in high doses. This paradoxically makes the formula abuse-resistant. At therapeutic doses, niacin enhances delivery and neurogenesis. At high doses, its flushing effect (burning, tingling, redness) discourages recreational misuse of psilocybin .
In other words, niacin helps ensure that this formulation is used for healing not for seeking a thrill.
Understanding Niacin: Benefits, Forms, and Side Effects
Functions of Niacin
Converts food into cellular energy (via NAD⁺/NADP⁺)
Supports nervous system and neurotransmitter function
Aids in DNA repair and cell signaling
Maintains skin and digestive health
Common Sources
Niacin is found in:
Meats (chicken, beef, turkey)
Dairy (milk, cheese)
Whole grains and cereals
Legumes, seeds, and mushrooms
Flush vs. Flush-Free
Flush niacin (nicotinic acid): Causes a temporary “flushing” reaction—reddening and warming of the skin.
Flush-free niacin (inositol hexanicotinate): Less effective in this stack, as it lacks the nerve-ending stimulation and vasodilation effects central to Stamets’ hypothesis.
Stamets emphasizes that flush niacin is essential to the formula because of its ability to activate nerve endings and enhance compound delivery to the brain
Side Effects and Overdose
While niacin is generally safe when consumed through a balanced diet, excessive intake from supplements can cause side effects, such as:
Flushing: A temporary reddening, warming, and tingling sensation on the skin, which can be uncomfortable but is generally harmless.
Liver damage: Prolonged high-dose niacin supplementation can lead to liver toxicity and damage.
Gastrointestinal issues: High doses of niacin can cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Interactions with medications: Niacin supplements can interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting niacin supplementation to ensure appropriate dosing and avoid potential risks.
Niacin, “Flushing,” and Toxicity
According to the authors, Niacin can cause “flushing redness of the skin” in amounts as little as 10-35 grams per day. This redness can include itchiness, burning, and unpleasant tingling. Anyone who has taken niacin knows that this side effect can be very irritating.
Higher doses in the 500 milligrams per day are the top tier for safe use unless it is prescribed by a doctor who can closely monitor their patient. While 3,000 milligrams per day is “clearly toxic.”
Fortunately, if you're including niacin in your micordosing capsules, it's likely that you're using 200 milligrams or so. These levels are far below any toxic amount.
For more information on side effects and doses, check out this website.
What is the difference between flush-free and flush niacin?
Flush and flush-free niacin are two different forms of vitamin B3 (niacin) supplements, and they differ mainly in their ability to cause the "flushing" side effect.
Flush Niacin
Flush niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is the most common and well-studied form of niacin supplementation. It has been used for years to help manage cholesterol levels, as it can increase "good" HDL cholesterol, decrease "bad" LDL cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. However, one of the most notable side effects of this form of niacin is the "flushing" reaction, which occurs when blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate.
Flushing typically manifests as a temporary reddening, warming, and tingling sensation on the skin, particularly on the face, neck, and chest. While this reaction is generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable and may discourage some people from continuing niacin supplementation.
Flush-Free Niacin
Flush-free niacin, also known as inositol hexanicotinate or no-flush niacin, is a different form of niacin that is chemically bound to inositol, a type of sugar alcohol. This formulation is designed to minimize or eliminate the flushing reaction associated with regular niacin supplementation.
While flush-free niacin is often marketed as a more comfortable alternative to regular niacin, it is essential to note that its effectiveness in managing cholesterol levels is still a subject of debate. Some studies suggest that inositol hexanicotinate may not be as effective as nicotinic acid in improving cholesterol levels, while others indicate that it may have some cholesterol-lowering benefits.
In conclusion, the main difference between flush and flush-free niacin is the presence or absence of the flushing side effect. Flush niacin (nicotinic acid) is known to cause flushing but has well-documented cholesterol-lowering benefits, whereas flush-free niacin (inositol hexanicotinate) aims to minimize flushing but may not be as effective in managing cholesterol levels. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any niacin supplementation to determine the most appropriate form and dosage for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Niacin has its own neural genesis properties and when added with psilocybin and lion’s mane mushrooms, it can increase the delivery and effectiveness of those therapeutic fungi. At least, that’s according to the author of the patent.
Niacin does come with it’s own risk at high levels. The threshold seems to be very high. Though, the Neurogenesis formula’s call for a mere 200 mg level, far below any dangerous amounts.
The phenomenon of flushing can occur in some individuals, though the amounts listed in the neurogenesis formula are, again, quite low.
For more information on the neurogenesis formula, check out his patent:
And remember, please always consult with a trusted physician before ever taking any new supplement!
