I too have inattentive type ADHD, which is what i'm trying to solve. Now i did determine to use it primarily for that purpose, but there's a lot of problems with it to begin with.
There's a lack of clarity 10 minutes after taking this product that lasts awhile into the day (~4-5 hours), coffee doesn't alleviate this, and i'm not certain if it's directly related to the product or if it's something else (Piracetam related, which i stopped taking to test). Though after the 4-5 hours i feel great and my cognitive abilities seems to go up (could be perception). I still feel like it's a beneficial product, so i'm debating if i should just take it during the night. Once more, there are really too many variables to contribute solely to lion's mane. Personally if i could i'd want to take it by itself without the other mushrooms (Reishi, Pearl Oyster, etc). Now as far as socializing i found myself better able to bring information that i just recently acquired into the discussion (in the case of today the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth"). I also found myself seeing the information right in front of me, as if the film was being presented in my head ( i have photo graphic memory so it might have improved it). Also even during it, i feel like my brain is gradually trying to get to the next level with it.
Now i don't know if i could recommend it for concentration based on my experiences [NeuroZyme might be better which i intend to try together], I want to give it a couple more days just to make sure. If you're interested i'd recommend trying it when you don't have to study for anything and run a couple tests, i think it might be individualistic. I'll try to update as the effects go on.
Thanks for the info on the Panax Ginseng/Gingko combo. I will try it sometime - I have taken good doses (120-240 mg a day) of high quality Gingko extract for years and it definitely helps some for ADD but nowhere near a cure by any means. I will have to try Panax Ginseng at some point.
Its good that you too have inattentive ADD and can talk about the effects that New Chapter's 'Mental Clarity' product has on you in such detail. I wouldn't worry too much about the other mushroom extracts in the formula - 68% of a pill is the 'Lion's Mane' (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom. You could try taking 2 pills right before bed if you feel so great 4-5 hours after taking it and feel like there is a lack of clarity within 4-5 hours of taking it. It might be interesting to see what anecdotal effects (positive and negative) it has on your sleep. I agree that you should backoff from using Piracetam while conducting this 'trial' - I've found Piracetam generally not good for my ADD - made me sleepy and led to brain fog even when taking plenty of Choline along side it. At times though Piracetam did act as a creativity and multi-taking enhancer for me - though it didn't really help with attention span. In short, I found Piracetam very inconsistent so I could definitely see interference with the 'Mental Clarity' product's effects. New Chapter's 'Neurozyme' does look interesting as well though it seems to have too many ingredients in there to find out anything conclusive from taking it IMHO - the 120 mg of a quality Gingko (extract?) in one serving of that product on its own could be responsible for positive mental enhancements...
Anyway no other formula on the internet with Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) as a primary ingredient has had so many reviews (positive mainly-see below for all the reviews from vitacost.com) for what its worth. Keep us updated!
http://www.vitacost....y/pd_section-pr Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
a former skeptic, November 25, 2007
By mozelle from Richmond, VA (read all my reviews)
Value: 4 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"I tried Mental Clarity out of desperation without much hope of encouraging results, however, my husband and I now rely on Mental Clarity. It significantly improved our focus and memory.
We both notice the difference if we do not take it for several days! Thanks for a wonderful product!"
Age: 45-54
Gender: Female
Daily supplement usage: 3-5 supplements daily
Referral source: Other
Reason for usage: Promote overall health
Duration of use: Over 180 days
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
give it a try, August 10, 2007
By plainjane (read all my reviews)
Value: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"It worked very well for me and my husband!"
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Smart Thinking!, May 30, 2007
By luckyheat (read all my reviews)
Value: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"I am very satisfied with my purchase! I have taken Ginko Boloba in the past, but recently decided to try something new. I am an adult woman in my early 30's and back in college. I wanted somthing that would help me focus in my classes and studies. I began taking the New Chapter Mental Clarity capsules a couple of weeks before my finals this past semester. They worked extremely well. I felt focused and my thoughts were organized. Awesome!"
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Great for shooing the mental dust bunny's, May 28, 2007
By Stephen from Miami, FL (read all my reviews)
Value: 3 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"I am an older student going to university, and I have found the need to find supplements to help my mind think clearly and remember clearly. This product is great for that. I take many different supplements, but this one showed the most difference. Don't forget the other great herbs: neurozym, vinpocitine, bacopa, fo-ti, gotu kola, huperzine, and the vitamine complexes such Brainstorm. Also remember, don't take too much copper. High amounts of copper will lower your mental function."
Age: 25-34
Gender: Male
Daily supplement usage: 6+ supplements daily
Referral source: Self-referred
Reason for usage: Specific health concern
Duration of use: Over 180 days
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Interesting product, August 21, 2007
By ush451 (read all my reviews)
Value: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 4 out of 5
Satisfaction: 4 out of 5
"The value of Lion's Mane is being touted for nerve growth and repair. Although it is difficult for me to tell if it is in fact doing that, I think it is valuable and know it has proven helpful to other people. Only thing is it does run out fast so glad Vitacost has a discount on the price."
Overall Rating: 2 out of 5
made me feel wacky, October 9, 2007
By Anonymous Reviewer
Value: 4 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Effectiveness: 2 out of 5
Satisfaction: 1 out of 5
"Im in college right now and Ive always had trouble concentrating so thats why I bought this product. However I couldnt handle this product for more than a few days because I started having really strange and scarey side effects. At first I had some really great dreams and that was a plus, but then after the second day on this stuff my brain literally felt swollen. I know that sounds nuts, but I felt this pressure in my head and I couldnt concentrate at all. I immediately threw it out. I feel that New Chapter is an excellent company. But as with anything else, everyone will have a different experience because our bodies are all so unique."
Ratings-Only Reviews Based on the average of (4) ratings-only reviews
Overall Rating 4.2 out of 5
Would recommend?: Yes 4 out of 4
Value 4 out of 5
Quality 4.5 out of 5
Effectiveness 4.2 out of 5
Satisfaction 4.5 out of 5