Chemtats Merch
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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).
Description: 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.
