Skip to content
Scrollchart
💊

Free Animated Supplements Diagrams

Mechanism diagrams for 200+ compounds. Caffeine, creatine, berberine, ashwagandha, omega-3, NAC, and the long tail.

224 live For: Supplement reviewers · Nutrition coaches · Health writers · Biohacker blogs

The deepest supplement mechanism library on the web. Each compound gets its own animated cascade: caffeine through cAMP, creatine through phosphocreatine, berberine through Complex I and AMPK, ashwagandha through HPA-axis modulation. Embed one in any supplement-review article and watch dwell time double.

What this is
Free, embeddable, animated diagrams covering supplements topics (stimulants, ergogenic performance, protein & amino acids, fat-loss compounds, and more).
Who uses it
Supplement reviewers · Nutrition coaches · Health writers · Biohacker blogs
How to embed
Copy one line of HTML per diagram. No signup. No watermark. Works in WordPress, Webflow, Ghost, Substack, plain HTML.
Diagrams in this category
224 live (total in catalog: 224).
License
Free forever. The diagram and editorial explainer text are served from scrollchart.com so they can be updated over time to reflect new research.
URL
scrollchart.com/categories/supplements
Highlights

What you will find here

  • Stimulants: caffeine, yohimbine, synephrine, theacrine
  • Ergogenics: creatine, beta-alanine, citrulline, betaine
  • Adaptogens: ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, tongkat
  • Vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, probiotics
  • Nootropics, herbals, gut-digestive support
Sub-categories

11 topic areas in Supplements

Stimulants

Caffeine, yohimbine, synephrine, theacrine, dynamine, PEA.

18 live
Ergogenic performance

Creatine, beta-alanine, citrulline, nitrate, betaine, taurine.

24 live
Protein & amino acids

Whey, casein, plant proteins, EAAs, BCAAs, glutamine, leucine.

17 live
Fat-loss compounds

L-carnitine, EGCG, capsaicin, forskolin, berberine, MCTs.

24 live
Muscle-building compounds

HMB, ecdysterone, ursolic acid, phosphatidic acid, ATP supplements.

16 live
Adaptogens & stress

Ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, schisandra, tongkat, holy basil.

18 live
Sleep & recovery

Melatonin, magnesium, glycine, L-theanine, GABA, apigenin.

18 live
Cognitive & nootropics

Racetams, choline, modafinil, lions-mane, bacopa, omega-3.

22 live
Vitamins & minerals

D3, K2, B-complex, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, chromium.

29 live
Herbals & traditional

Curcumin, ginger, garlic, milk thistle, ashwagandha, reishi.

24 live
Gut & digestive

Probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, betaine HCl, glutamine.

14 live
Catalog

Browse Supplements diagrams

All categories →

Vitamins & minerals 29 live

D3, K2, B-complex, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, chromium.

Supplements Rich

Vitamin D3 Activation Pathway

Skin synthesizes D3 from 7-DHC; liver hydroxylates to 25(OH)D; kidney to 1,25(OH)2D, the active hormone.
Supplements Rich

Vitamin K2 Activation of Osteocalcin

K2 carboxylates osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein, directing calcium to bone and away from arteries.
Supplements Rich

B12 Forms: Methyl, Adenosyl, Hydroxy, Cyano

Different B12 forms serve different cellular roles; methylation status determines best choice.
Supplements Rich

Magnesium: 600+ Enzymatic Roles

Cofactor for ATP, DNA, protein synthesis, NMDA modulation - subclinical deficiency is widespread.
Supplements Rich

Zinc Ionophore Mechanism

Quercetin and EGCG act as zinc ionophores, transporting Zn2+ into cells where it inhibits viral RdRp and NF-kB signaling.
Supplements Medium

Zinc and Immune Function

Zinc supports T-cell maturation, NK function, and inhibits viral RNA polymerase directly.
Supplements Rich

Iron Absorption and Hepcidin

Heme and non-heme iron take different paths; hepcidin from the liver gates total absorption.
Supplements Medium

Iron Form Comparison

Heme iron, ferrous sulfate, bisglycinate, polysaccharide - bioavailability and GI tolerance ranked.
Supplements Medium

Selenium and Glutathione Peroxidase

Selenocysteine sits at the active site of GPx, the major intracellular antioxidant enzyme.
Supplements Medium

Chromium and Glucose Handling

Chromium supports insulin receptor signaling - meaningful only in chromium deficiency.
Supplements Rich

Iodine and Thyroid Hormone

Thyroid traps iodide via NIS, oxidizes via TPO, builds T4 and T3 from tyrosine on thyroglobulin.
Supplements Medium

Copper and Iron Balance

Copper enables ferroxidase activity; deficiency causes anemia despite adequate iron.
Supplements Medium

Boron Mineral Mechanism

Boron lowers SHBG modestly, raises free testosterone, and supports bone matrix.
Supplements Medium

Thiamine (B1) and Energy Metabolism

Thiamine pyrophosphate is cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase.
Supplements Medium

Riboflavin (B2) and Flavoproteins

B2 forms FAD/FMN cofactors at the heart of oxidative phosphorylation.
Supplements Medium

Niacin (B3) to NAD+

Niacin and nicotinamide are NAD+ precursors; pellagra is the classic deficiency state.
Supplements Medium

Pyridoxine (B6) and PLP

PLP is the workhorse cofactor of amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and heme synthesis.
Supplements Rich

Folate and the Methylation Cycle

5-MTHF donates a methyl group to homocysteine to make methionine, fueling SAM for methylation.
Supplements Medium

MTHFR Variant Implications

C677T variant slows folate methylation; methylfolate bypasses the bottleneck.
Supplements Rich

Methylation Cycle Overview

SAM, SAH, homocysteine, methionine - cycling methyl groups through DNA, neurotransmitters, phospholipids.
Supplements Medium

Biotin (B7) Carboxylase Cofactor

Biotin powers the four mammalian carboxylases for fatty acid, amino acid, and gluconeogenic flux.
Supplements Medium

B-Complex Family Overview

B1 through B12, their cofactor identities, deficiency states, and food sources.
Supplements Medium

Vitamin D + K2 Synergy

D raises serum calcium; K2 directs that calcium to bone and away from arteries.
Supplements Medium

Vitamin D Dose-Response Curve

25(OH)D rises with dose, plateaus around 60-80 ng/mL, with toxicity above 150 ng/mL.
Supplements Medium

Vitamin C: Antioxidant + Cofactor

Ascorbate regenerates other antioxidants and is cofactor for collagen, dopamine, and carnitine synthesis.
Supplements Medium

Vitamin E Lipid Antioxidant

Alpha-tocopherol terminates lipid peroxidation chain reactions in membranes.
Supplements Medium

Vitamin A and Retinoic Acid Signaling

Retinol is converted to retinoic acid, which binds RAR/RXR transcription factors.
Supplements Medium

Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium Balance

The three electrolytes that keep nerves firing, muscles contracting, and pressure regulated.
Supplements Medium

Vitamin and Mineral Effect Matrix

Each nutrient ranked by deficiency prevalence, supplementation effect size, and evidence quality.

Ergogenic performance 24 live

Creatine, beta-alanine, citrulline, nitrate, betaine, taurine.

Supplements Rich

Creatine Phosphocreatine (PCr) System

PCr regenerates ATP in milliseconds during maximal effort, then enlarged stores support more reps, faster recovery, and effects beyond muscle.
Supplements Rich

Creatine Saturation and Cell Volumisation

Creatine saturates muscle cells, draws in water (volumisation), boosts power output, and accelerates recovery between sets.
Supplements Rich

Beta-Alanine to Muscle Carnosine

Beta-alanine is the rate-limiting precursor for carnosine, an intramuscular H+ buffer.
Supplements Rich

Citrulline to Nitric Oxide Pump

Citrulline raises arginine more reliably than arginine itself, fueling NO synthase and the muscle pump.
Supplements Rich

Dietary Nitrate to Nitric Oxide

Beetroot nitrate is reduced by oral bacteria to nitrite, then to NO under low-oxygen exercise conditions.
Supplements Medium

Betaine as Cellular Osmolyte

Betaine swells the working cell and donates methyl groups for creatine and homocysteine handling.
Supplements Medium

Taurine in Muscle and Heart

Taurine modulates calcium handling, osmotic balance, and bile salt formation.
Supplements Simple

Creatine Loading vs Maintenance

Loading saturates muscle in 5-7 days; standard dosing reaches the same plateau in 3-4 weeks.
Supplements Simple

Creatine and Intracellular Water

Creatine pulls water into muscle cells, not under the skin - the weight gain is muscle hydration.
Supplements Simple

Beta-Alanine Loading Curve

Muscle carnosine builds slowly over 4-10 weeks of daily dosing - this is a long game.
Supplements Simple

Beta-Alanine Tingles (Paresthesia)

High-bolus beta-alanine activates MrgprD nerve receptors in skin, harmless but distinctive.
Supplements Medium

Arginine vs Citrulline for NO

Citrulline raises plasma arginine higher and longer than oral arginine itself.
Supplements Medium

Agmatine NO Modulation

Agmatine inhibits inducible NOS and modulates eNOS, sharpening pump and dampening inflammation.
Supplements Medium

Sodium Bicarbonate Buffer

Extracellular bicarb pulls H+ out of muscle, extending tolerance for glycolytic efforts.
Supplements Medium

Glycerol Hyperhydration

Glycerol holds water in plasma and tissues, supporting endurance in the heat.
Supplements Medium

Caffeine as Ergogenic Aid

Beyond alertness: lowered RPE, increased force output, sparing of muscle glycogen.
Supplements Medium

Beetroot vs Citrulline NO

Two different roads to NO - nitrate via bacteria/hypoxia, citrulline via arginine/eNOS.
Supplements Medium

Creatine in the Brain

Creatine crosses the blood-brain barrier slowly and supports neuronal ATP under cognitive load.
Supplements Simple

Creatine Forms Comparison

Monohydrate, HCl, ethyl ester, buffered. Bioavailability and cost compared.
Supplements Medium

Ergogenic Layering in Pre-Workout

Creatine + beta-alanine + citrulline + nitrate - independent mechanisms, additive effects.
Supplements Medium

Lactate and H+ Buffering

Lactate is fuel; the fatigue villain is H+. Buffers like beta-alanine and bicarb target H+ directly.
Supplements Medium

Why Creatine Non-Responders Exist

20 to 30 percent of people start with high baseline phosphocreatine, leaving little headroom for supplementation to add.
Supplements Medium

Ergogenic Effect Sizes

Caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, nitrate, citrulline. Effect sizes ranked by event type.
Supplements Rich

Photobiomodulation

Red and near-infrared light absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase boosts mitochondrial ATP production, triggers ROS signaling, and activates downstream recovery and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Fat-loss compounds 24 live

L-carnitine, EGCG, capsaicin, forskolin, berberine, MCTs.

Supplements Rich

L-Carnitine Fat Shuttle

Carnitine ferries long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation.
Supplements Rich

EGCG Fat Oxidation Mechanism

EGCG inhibits COMT, prolonging norepinephrine signal and sustaining lipolysis.
Supplements Rich

Capsaicin TRPV1 Thermogenesis

Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors, raising core temperature and brown-fat activity.
Supplements Rich

Berberine AMPK Activation

Berberine inhibits Complex I, raising AMP:ATP ratio and triggering AMPK - the metabolic master switch.
Supplements Medium

Forskolin and Adenylyl Cyclase

Forskolin directly activates adenylyl cyclase, raising cAMP independent of receptor signaling.
Supplements Medium

MCTs Bypass the Carnitine Shuttle

Medium-chain triglycerides enter mitochondria without CPT1, fast-tracking fat oxidation and ketogenesis.
Supplements Rich

GLP-1 Receptor Signaling

GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, drives insulin, suppresses glucagon, and dampens appetite at the hypothalamus.
Supplements Medium

Natural GLP-1 Boosters

Fiber, protein, bitter compounds, and short-chain fatty acids all stimulate endogenous GLP-1 release.
Supplements Simple

Raspberry Ketones (and Why The Hype Failed)

In vitro lipolysis at high concentrations does not translate to in-vivo human results at supplement doses.
Supplements Medium

CLA Conjugated Linoleic Acid

CLA modulates PPAR-gamma and adipocyte differentiation - small effects in humans, mostly null.
Supplements Medium

Caffeine Substrate Shift

Caffeine raises catecholamines and shifts fuel use toward fat at moderate exercise intensities.
Supplements Medium

Yohimbine for Stubborn Fat

Lower-body fat is alpha-2 receptor dense; yohimbine blocks the alpha-2 brake selectively in those depots.
Supplements Medium

Fasted Cardio Substrate Use

Lower insulin and higher catecholamines tilt fuel use toward fat; daily energy balance still rules.
Supplements Medium

Thermogenic Stack Anatomy

Caffeine + EGCG + capsaicin + synephrine - four mechanisms layered onto adrenergic signaling.
Supplements Medium

UCP1 Brown Fat Uncoupling

UCP1 dissipates the proton gradient as heat instead of ATP - the molecular basis of brown fat.
Supplements Medium

Brown Fat Activation Routes

Cold, capsaicin, beta-3 agonists, and exercise all converge on UCP1 induction.
Supplements Medium

Metformin vs Berberine

Both target hepatic glucose output and AMPK; berberine is gentler, metformin better-evidenced.
Supplements Rich

Beta-Oxidation Cycle

Each turn of the cycle clips two carbons off a fatty acid, generating acetyl-CoA, NADH, FADH2.
Supplements Rich

Fat-Loss Stack Architecture

Stimulant base + lipolysis amplifier + carnitine + thermogenic - layered for compounding effects.
Supplements Medium

Fat-Loss Compound Effect-Size Matrix

Effect size, evidence quality, and side-effect burden across the major fat-loss compounds.
Supplements Medium

Fucoxanthin (Brown Seaweed Carotenoid)

Fucoxanthin upregulates UCP1 in white adipose, encouraging beige and brown conversion.
Supplements Medium

Naringenin (Grapefruit Flavonoid)

Inhibits CYP3A4 (drug interactions) and modulates lipid metabolism in animal models.
Supplements Rich

Forskolin cAMP Mechanism

Forskolin activates adenylyl cyclase directly, bypassing beta-receptors to raise cAMP 3-10x and unlock lipolysis.
Supplements Medium

Thermogenic Mechanism Comparison

Caffeine, EGCG, capsaicin, forskolin, synephrine, and cold all raise energy expenditure but via distinct molecular routes.

Herbals & traditional 24 live

Curcumin, ginger, garlic, milk thistle, ashwagandha, reishi.

Supplements Rich

Curcumin and NF-kB Inflammation

Curcumin inhibits NF-kB activation, dampening cytokine output and chronic inflammation.
Supplements Medium

Curcumin Bioavailability Solutions

Plain curcumin is poorly absorbed - piperine, liposomal, micellar, and phytosome forms each amplify uptake.
Supplements Rich

Ginger Gingerols and Shogaols

Ginger compounds inhibit COX/LOX pathways and modulate 5-HT3 to suppress nausea.
Supplements Rich

Garlic Allicin and Cardiovascular Effects

Crushed garlic releases allicin, which lowers blood pressure via NO and dampens platelet aggregation.
Supplements Medium

Milk Thistle and Silymarin

Silymarin stabilizes hepatocyte membranes and supports glutathione synthesis under toxic load.
Supplements Medium

Reishi (Ganoderma) Adaptogenic Mechanism

Reishi triterpenes and beta-glucans modulate immune response and support sleep.
Supplements Medium

Cordyceps Mechanism

Cordycepin and adenosine analogs improve oxygen utilization and ATP production under hypoxia.
Supplements Medium

Chaga Antioxidant and Immune Mechanism

Chaga melanin and triterpenes deliver dense antioxidant capacity plus immunomodulation.
Supplements Medium

Lions Mane Immune Lane

Beyond NGF for cognition, lions-mane beta-glucans modulate gut immunity and tight junctions.
Supplements Medium

Turkey Tail (Coriolus) PSK/PSP

Polysaccharide-K and PSP train innate immunity; approved as adjunctive cancer therapy in Japan.
Supplements Medium

Green Tea EGCG Multi-Target

EGCG inhibits VEGF, MMPs, and HER2 - the most-studied food polyphenol in oncology.
Supplements Medium

Resveratrol and Sirtuin Activation

Resveratrol modestly activates SIRT1, mimicking some caloric-restriction effects.
Supplements Medium

Quercetin Mast Cell and Antioxidant

Quercetin stabilizes mast cells, dampens histamine release, and chelates iron.
Supplements Medium

Boswellia 5-LOX Inhibition

AKBA from Boswellia inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, dampening leukotriene-driven inflammation.
Supplements Medium

Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) Thymoquinone

Thymoquinone shows broad anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects across animal and small human studies.
Supplements Medium

Ginkgo Biloba Mechanism

Ginkgolides modulate platelet activating factor; flavonoids support cerebral microcirculation.
Supplements Medium

Echinacea Immune Mechanism

Alkylamides bind cannabinoid receptors and modulate cytokine response - effect is preventive, not curative.
Supplements Medium

Elderberry Antiviral Mechanism

Elderberry anthocyanins inhibit viral hemagglutinin binding, blocking influenza entry.
Supplements Rich

Berberine Multi-Target Mechanism

AMPK, glucose, lipid, gut microbiome - berberine touches all four with respectable evidence.
Supplements Medium

Piperine Bioavailability Booster

Piperine inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising oral bioavailability of many compounds.
Supplements Rich

COX and LOX Inflammation Pathways

Arachidonic acid splits into COX (prostaglandins) and LOX (leukotrienes), with herbal targets along each lane.
Supplements Rich

Chronic Inflammation Pathway Overview

NF-kB, NLRP3, COX/LOX - three master pathways, each with herbal modulators.
Supplements Medium

Herbal Bioavailability Tactics

Liposomal, phytosome, nano-emulsion, piperine, fat co-ingestion - each lifts plasma curves differently.
Supplements Medium

Herbal Anti-Inflammatory Comparison

Curcumin, ginger, garlic, Boswellia, omega-3 compared across NF-kB, COX, LOX and clinical effect size.

Cognitive & nootropics 22 live

Racetams, choline, modafinil, lions-mane, bacopa, omega-3.

Supplements Rich

Racetams at the AMPA Receptor

Racetams modulate AMPA glutamate receptors, raising synaptic plasticity and learning capacity.
Supplements Rich

Choline to Acetylcholine

Alpha-GPC and CDP-choline cross the BBB, fuel acetylcholine synthesis, and feed cholinergic signaling.
Supplements Rich

Modafinil Mechanism

Modafinil weakly inhibits dopamine reuptake and modulates orexin, hypocretin, and histamine systems.
Supplements Rich

Lion's Mane and Nerve Growth Factor

Hericenones and erinacines stimulate NGF synthesis, supporting hippocampal neurogenesis.
Supplements Rich

Bacopa Monnieri Mechanism

Bacosides modulate cholinergic, serotonergic, and BDNF systems, slow building, dose-dependent.
Supplements Medium

Omega-3 DHA in the Brain

DHA is a structural component of synaptic membranes; supplementation supports membrane fluidity and synapse function.
Supplements Medium

Phosphatidylserine and Cortisol

PS dampens stress-related cortisol response and supports membrane integrity in neurons.
Supplements Medium

Phenylpiracetam

Adds a phenyl group to piracetam, gaining stimulant-like dopaminergic effects on top of AMPA modulation.
Supplements Medium

Noopept Mechanism

A peptide derivative metabolized to cycloprolylglycine, raising BDNF and NGF.
Supplements Simple

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack

Theanine smooths caffeine's peak, sustaining alertness while dampening jitter.
Supplements Medium

Racetam Family Comparison

Piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, phenylpiracetam, pramiracetam profiled side by side.
Supplements Simple

Choline Source Comparison

Alpha-GPC, CDP-choline, choline bitartrate, lecithin - bioavailability and BBB ranked.
Supplements Rich

BDNF and Cognitive Health

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor supports neuron survival, synapse formation, and learning.
Supplements Rich

Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis

New neurons keep arising in the dentate gyrus throughout life - supplements that support the rate.
Supplements Medium

Orexin Wakefulness System

Lateral hypothalamic orexin neurons sustain arousal; modafinil activates them and suvorexant blocks them.
Supplements Rich

Glutamate Synapse Overview

AMPA, NMDA, kainate, mGluR - the four glutamate receptor families and their roles.
Supplements Medium

Taurine in the Brain

Taurine modulates GABA-A and glycine receptors, supporting calm-focus states.
Supplements Medium

Tyrosine for Cognitive Stress

Tyrosine refills catecholamine substrate during stress, sleep loss, and cold exposure.
Supplements Medium

Racetam + Choline Stack Logic

Racetams accelerate ACh use; choline prevents the headache by keeping the substrate pool full.
Supplements Medium

Nootropic Effect Profile Matrix

Stimulant, cholinergic, racetam, herbal, peptidic nootropics profiled across focus, mood, memory, evidence, side-effects.
Supplements Medium

Cognitive Stack Architecture

Energy + acetylcholine + plasticity + structural support - layered nootropic logic.
Supplements Simple

Cognitive Substrate Pyramid

Sleep, diet, exercise and stress management dominate cognitive performance. Supplements only amplify what is already in place.

Stimulants 18 live

Caffeine, yohimbine, synephrine, theacrine, dynamine, PEA.

Supplements Rich

Caffeine at the Adenosine Receptor

Adenosine sleep pressure builds across the waking day; caffeine occupies A1/A2A receptors competitively, blocking the signal without activating it.
Supplements Rich

Caffeine cAMP Cascade

Caffeine inhibits phosphodiesterase, letting cAMP accumulate and amplify catecholamine signaling.
Supplements Medium

Caffeine Half-Life Curve

Plasma caffeine declines with a 5 hour half-life - a 200mg dose at noon still leaves 50mg at midnight.
Supplements Rich

Yohimbine at Alpha-2 Receptors

Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 autoreceptors, removing the brake on norepinephrine release in stubborn fat depots.
Supplements Medium

Synephrine at Beta-3 Receptors

Bitter orange extract preferentially activates beta-3 receptors for thermogenesis with less cardiovascular load.
Supplements Medium

Theacrine Mechanism

Theacrine acts at adenosine and dopamine receptors with a slower tolerance curve than caffeine.
Supplements Medium

Dynamine (Methylliberine)

A purine alkaloid hitting adenosine and dopamine pathways with a fast onset and short tail.
Supplements Medium

PEA (Phenylethylamine) Mechanism

PEA triggers a brief catecholamine surge, broken down rapidly by MAO-B unless paired with an inhibitor.
Supplements Medium

Hordenine MAO Inhibition

Hordenine slows monoamine oxidase to extend PEA and catecholamine effects.
Supplements Medium

Higenamine Beta Agonism

A plant beta-agonist with bronchodilator and lipolytic effects, banned in competition.
Supplements Medium

Tyrosine as Catecholamine Precursor

L-tyrosine refills the dopamine and norepinephrine substrate pool depleted by stress and stimulants.
Supplements Simple

Guarana vs Anhydrous Caffeine

Same caffeine, different release kinetics. Guarana plant matrix slows absorption.
Supplements Medium

Theine, Theanine and Caffeine in Tea

Tea's smoother lift comes from caffeine plus L-theanine modulating the response.
Supplements Medium

Caffeine Tolerance Curve

Daily caffeine upregulates adenosine receptors over 1-2 weeks, blunting the effect.
Supplements Medium

Stimulant Comparison Matrix

Caffeine, theacrine, dynamine, synephrine, yohimbine, PEA, theanine: scored on onset, duration, jitter, tolerance, lipolysis.
Supplements Rich

Anatomy of a Pre-Workout Stack

Stimulants, ergogenics, vasodilators, nootropics layered into one scoop.
Supplements Medium

Caffeine Metabolism by CYP1A2 Genotype

AA fast metabolizers clear caffeine quickly; AC/CC slow metabolizers carry cardiovascular risk at higher doses.
Supplements Medium

Stimulant Dose-Response: Focus vs Jitter

Focus benefit rises then plateaus; jitter and anxiety climb monotonically. Find your peak.

Adaptogens & stress 18 live

Ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, schisandra, tongkat, holy basil.

Supplements Rich

Ashwagandha HPA Axis Modulation

Ashwagandha dampens HPA-axis hyperactivity, lowering chronically elevated cortisol toward normal.
Supplements Rich

Rhodiola Stress Response

Rhodiola rosavins and salidroside modulate monoamines and HPA reactivity, increasing stress resilience.
Supplements Rich

Panax Ginseng Ginsenosides

Diverse ginsenosides act on NO, GABA, dopamine, and immune pathways - the prototypical broad adaptogen.
Supplements Rich

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma) Mechanism

Eurycomanone modulates SHBG and supports endogenous testosterone in deficient or stressed men.
Supplements Medium

Schisandra Liver Adaptogen

Schisandrins upregulate phase II detox enzymes and protect hepatocytes from oxidative stress.
Supplements Medium

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Ursolic acid and eugenol modulate cortisol, blood glucose, and NF-kB inflammation.
Supplements Medium

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Eleutherosides modulate HPA reactivity and immune surveillance, especially during prolonged exertion.
Supplements Medium

Cordyceps and VO2 Max

Cordycepin and adenosine analogs improve oxygen utilization and ATP synthesis under hypoxia.
Supplements Medium

Maca: Energy and Libido via Endocannabinoids

Macamides act on FAAH pathways, raising anandamide and supporting libido without any hormonal change.
Supplements Medium

Reishi Beta-Glucans

Reishi polysaccharides train innate immune cells via dectin-1 and TLR receptors.
Supplements Medium

Astragalus and Telomerase

Astragaloside IV (TA-65) modestly upregulates telomerase activity in immune cells.
Supplements Medium

Gynostemma Pentaphyllum

Gypenosides activate AMPK, supporting glucose handling and lipid metabolism.
Supplements Medium

Shilajit Fulvic Acid

Fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones act as electron shuttles and mineral carriers.
Supplements Medium

Cortisol Stress Reactivity Curve

Adaptogens lower the cortisol peak and speed return to baseline after a stressor.
Supplements Simple

SHBG Testosterone Binding

Most testosterone is bound to SHBG and inactive; supplements like tongkat lower SHBG to free more.
Supplements Rich

Monoamine Signaling Overview

Serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline: synthesis, release, reuptake, breakdown. Where adaptogens act.
Supplements Medium

Adaptogen Comparison Matrix

Ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, tongkat, holy basil, eleuthero - effect profile heatmap.
Supplements Rich

How Adaptogens Work (Overview)

Multiple adaptogens converge on HPA modulation, monoamine balance, and Nrf2/NF-kB tuning.

Sleep & recovery 18 live

Melatonin, magnesium, glycine, L-theanine, GABA, apigenin.

Supplements Rich

Melatonin and the Circadian Clock

Melatonin signals biological night to the SCN and peripheral clocks, advancing or delaying phase.
Supplements Rich

Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Mechanism

Magnesium modulates NMDA and GABA-A receptors; the glycinate carrier doubles as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Supplements Rich

L-Theanine Mechanism

L-theanine raises alpha brain waves and modulates GABA, dopamine, and glutamate without sedation.
Supplements Rich

Glycine Sleep Mechanism

Glycine drops core body temperature via brainstem signaling, accelerating sleep onset.
Supplements Medium

GABA-A Receptor Mechanism

The brain's primary inhibitory channel: chloride flows in, neurons quiet down.
Supplements Medium

Why Oral GABA Mostly Fails

GABA crosses the blood brain barrier poorly; precursors and modulators work better.
Supplements Medium

Apigenin (Chamomile Flavonoid)

Apigenin binds GABA-A benzodiazepine site, also acts as a CD38 inhibitor for NAD+ preservation.
Supplements Medium

Valerian Root Mechanism

Valerenic acid binds GABA-A and inhibits GABA reuptake, raising synaptic GABA.
Supplements Medium

Passionflower Mechanism

Chrysin and other flavones bind GABA-A; harman alkaloids modulate MAO subtly.
Supplements Simple

Tart Cherry Natural Melatonin

Montmorency tart cherry contains modest melatonin and tryptophan, raising endogenous levels.
Supplements Medium

Ashwagandha Sleep Pathway

Triethylene glycol metabolites of ashwagandha trigger sleep induction in animal models.
Supplements Rich

Tryptophan to Serotonin to Melatonin

The biosynthesis pipeline that turns dietary tryptophan into nighttime melatonin.
Supplements Medium

5-HTP Mechanism

5-HTP bypasses the rate-limiting TPH step, flooding the serotonin synthesis pathway.
Supplements Medium

Melatonin Dose-Response

Less is more: 0.3-1 mg matches physiological levels; 5-10 mg overshoots and causes morning grogginess.
Supplements Medium

Sleep Stages and Where Supplements Act

NREM 1-3, REM, and the supplements that touch each stage.
Supplements Medium

Magnesium Form Comparison

Glycinate, threonate, citrate, oxide, malate, taurate: bioavailability and target tissue ranked.
Supplements Medium

Sleep Supplement Effect-Size Matrix

Melatonin, magnesium, glycine, theanine, valerian, apigenin: effect size and use case ranked.
Supplements Medium

Recovery Supplement Stack

Sleep stack + anti-inflammatory + parasympathetic support, layered for nightly recovery.

Protein & amino acids 17 live

Whey, casein, plant proteins, EAAs, BCAAs, glutamine, leucine.

Supplements Rich

Whey Protein Digestion Kinetics

Whey hits the bloodstream fast, spiking plasma amino acids and triggering a sharp MPS response.
Supplements Rich

Casein Slow Release

Casein clots in stomach acid, releasing amino acids slowly over 6-8 hours - an anti-catabolic drip.
Supplements Rich

Leucine as the MPS Trigger

Leucine activates mTORC1 directly via Sestrin/GATOR sensing, triggering protein synthesis.
Supplements Medium

EAAs vs BCAAs

BCAAs alone cannot sustain MPS - the other six EAAs are also needed as construction substrate.
Supplements Simple

Plant Protein Leucine Content

Soy, pea, rice, hemp - leucine per scoop ranked, with practical pairing strategies.
Supplements Simple

Pea Protein Profile

High-arginine, high-lysine plant protein with respectable leucine and good digestibility.
Supplements Medium

Soy Protein and Isoflavones

Soy delivers a near-complete amino profile plus phytoestrogen isoflavones with debated effects.
Supplements Simple

Whey Isolate vs Concentrate vs Hydrolysate

Filtration removes lactose and fat; hydrolysis pre-digests for faster absorption.
Supplements Medium

Glutamine for the Gut

Enterocytes prefer glutamine as fuel; supplementation supports tight junctions in stressed states.
Supplements Medium

Glutamine for Muscle (Why It Underdelivers)

Plasma glutamine is high already; oral dosing barely shifts intramuscular pools in healthy people.
Supplements Medium

Collagen Peptides for Connective Tissue

Hydrolyzed collagen delivers glycine, proline, hydroxyproline plus signaling peptides to fibroblasts.
Supplements Simple

Gelatin vs Collagen Peptides

Same source protein, different processing: peptides absorb faster and dissolve cold; gelatin gels on cooling.
Supplements Medium

Protein Source Comparison

Whey, casein, egg, soy, pea, rice, beef, collagen ranked across DIAAS, leucine, completeness.
Supplements Medium

DIAAS vs PDCAAS

DIAAS measures true ileal digestibility per amino acid - a more honest score than the legacy PDCAAS.
Supplements Medium

Leucine Co-Ingestion with Plant Protein

Adding free leucine lifts plant protein over the MPS threshold without switching sources.
Supplements Medium

Pulse vs Spread Protein Distribution

Four 30g meals beat one 120g feast for total daily MPS.
Supplements Medium

Per-Meal MPS Saturation Dose

MPS plateaus around 0.4g/kg of high-quality protein per meal - more is mostly oxidized.

Muscle-building compounds 16 live

HMB, ecdysterone, ursolic acid, phosphatidic acid, ATP supplements.

Supplements Rich

HMB Anti-Catabolic Mechanism

HMB suppresses the ubiquitin-proteasome breakdown pathway, defending muscle during deficits.
Supplements Rich

Ecdysterone ER-Beta Pathway

Ecdysterone selectively activates estrogen receptor beta, driving anabolic signaling without estrogenic side effects.
Supplements Medium

Turkesterone Mechanism

A different ecdysteroid from ajuga turkestanica, hyped above its evidence base.
Supplements Rich

Phosphatidic Acid and mTOR

PA is mTORC1's native lipid activator - exogenous PA bumps the same lever.
Supplements Medium

Ursolic Acid (Apple Peel)

Modulates IGF-1/Akt, mTOR, and atrogin-1 expression - solid animal data, modest human evidence.
Supplements Medium

Oral ATP (PEAK ATP)

Oral ATP is degraded but downstream metabolites raise vasodilation and recovery markers.
Supplements Medium

Fadogia Agrestis

Animal LH/testosterone effects; almost no human data and emerging hepatotoxicity concerns.
Supplements Medium

D-Aspartic Acid

Brief LH/testosterone bump in some studies, attenuates by 90 days, fails in trained men.
Supplements Medium

HMB vs Leucine

Same upstream substrate, different effects: leucine for MPS, HMB for breakdown defense.
Supplements Rich

Muscle Protein Breakdown Pathways

Ubiquitin-proteasome, autophagy, calpain, caspase - four routes to lost muscle.
Supplements Medium

Epicatechin and Myostatin

(-)-Epicatechin from cocoa modestly reduces myostatin and raises follistatin in early human data.
Supplements Medium

Bovine Colostrum

Growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-beta) plus immunoglobulins, with partial gut absorption.
Supplements Medium

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Muscle Effects

BHB acts as an HDAC inhibitor, modulating gene expression and dampening catabolism.
Supplements Medium

Natural Muscle-Building Stack

Creatine + EAAs + HMB + (optional) ecdysterone - independent mechanisms layered.
Supplements Medium

Beta-Alanine: pH Buffer and the Tingle

Beta-alanine raises intramuscular carnosine, buffering H+ during intense work and extending time to fatigue by ~25%.
Supplements Medium

Muscle-Building Compound Effect Sizes

Effect size and evidence quality for each natural anabolic, ranked.

Gut & digestive 14 live

Probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, betaine HCl, glutamine.

Supplements Rich

Probiotic Strain-Specific Mechanisms

Different strains do different jobs - lactobacillus for IBS, bifidobacterium for SIBO, S. boulardii for AAD.
Supplements Rich

Prebiotic Fiber Fermentation

Prebiotics feed gut bacteria, which ferment them into SCFAs that fuel colonocytes and dampen inflammation.
Supplements Rich

Digestive Enzyme Supplementation

Amylase, protease, lipase - exogenous enzymes assist digestion when pancreatic output is insufficient.
Supplements Rich

Butyrate as Colonocyte Fuel

Butyrate is the preferred fuel for colon cells, supports tight junctions, and inhibits HDACs.
Supplements Medium

Betaine HCl for Stomach Acid

Betaine HCl restores gastric acidity in hypochlorhydria, supporting protein digestion and mineral absorption.
Supplements Medium

Glutamine and the Gut Barrier

Enterocytes consume glutamine as primary fuel and use it to maintain tight junction proteins.
Supplements Rich

Leaky Gut Mechanism

Tight junction dysfunction allows luminal contents to cross into circulation, triggering systemic inflammation.
Supplements Medium

Gut Microbiome Composition Overview

Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria: the main phyla and what shifts the ratios.
Supplements Medium

Lactase and Lactose Intolerance

Lactase splits lactose into glucose + galactose; deficiency leaves lactose for bacterial fermentation.
Supplements Medium

FODMAPs and IBS

Fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols draw water and ferment, triggering IBS symptoms.
Supplements Medium

Probiotic vs Prebiotic vs Postbiotic

Live bacteria, the food that feeds them, and the metabolites they produce: three distinct categories.
Supplements Rich

Akkermansia Muciniphila and Metabolic Health

Akkermansia degrades mucin, paradoxically supporting mucus layer thickness and metabolic markers.
Supplements Rich

Bile Acids, TGR5, and FXR

Bile acids signal through TGR5 and FXR receptors, influencing metabolism and microbial composition.
Supplements Medium

Gut Supplement Effect Matrix

Probiotics, prebiotics, butyrate, glutamine, digestive enzymes, betaine HCl, Akkermansia: effect profiles compared.
FAQ

Common questions about Supplements diagrams

Where can I find free animated supplement mechanism diagrams for my site?

Scrollchart has a free library of animated supplement diagrams covering stimulants, ergogenics, fat-loss compounds, adaptogens, nootropics, vitamins, and more. One-line HTML embed, no signup, no watermark. Designed for supplement review sites and health bloggers.

How do I embed a caffeine or creatine mechanism diagram in my article?

Find the diagram on Scrollchart, copy the one-line snippet, and paste it into your content. The diagram loads from scrollchart.com and paints in as the reader scrolls. Works in WordPress, Webflow, Ghost, and any platform that accepts custom HTML.

Is there a free source for animated supplement science diagrams with citations?

Scrollchart diagrams include a tabbed explainer panel with a research tab that surfaces citations and study summaries. The content is served from scrollchart.com and updated over time as new research is published. Free to embed on any site.

Can I use these supplement diagrams on my review blog without a watermark?

Yes. All Scrollchart diagrams embed without a watermark or forced attribution. The embed consent covers the fact that the diagram and its explainer text are served from Scrollchart and may be updated over time.

Don't see what you need?

Generate a custom supplements diagram from a prompt, or request a new template. Most ship within two weeks.

Try the AI generator Request a diagram