• 👋Hello, please SIGN-UP FOR A FREE account and become a member of our community!
    You will then be able to start threads, post comments and send messages to other members. Thanks!
  • 💪IronMag Labs® 30% Off Easter Sale👉www.ironmaglabs.com Coupon code: EASTER30🐰

The best nootropics for cognitive enhancement

Arnold

Numero Uno
Staff member
Administrator
Joined
Jun 16, 2012
Messages
30,808
Reaction score
25,798
Points
113
Location
Las Vegas
Get Shredded!
THE BEST NOOTROPICS FOR COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT

Brain-Boosters, Cognitive Enhancers, and even “Smart Pills“—these are but some of the common names used when discussing a class of compounds called Nootropics. The name isn’t new at all, having been coined in the early seventies by the Romanian doctor Corneliu E. Giurgea, and professionals in mentally-intensive fields such as computer programming have been using them for decades. Knowing which of these compounds offer potential cognitive enhancing effects may help aid in your endeavor to self optimize.

Powerful Cognitive Enhancing Effects

The term Nootropics refers to a broad class of compounds that have shown throughout decades of clinical studies to show marked improvements in cognitive functions such as short term memory, abstract learning, ability to focus, and critical thinking. The best Nootropics are those with track records of offering clinically-proven results for cognitive enhancement properties. Their exists little clinical data to demonstrate the efficacy of these compounds, and much of what we know about them have been gathered from anecdotal accounts. Nevertheless, a survey of other’s experience with these compounds, as well as information relating to non-nootropic usage can help decide which of these compounds may benefit you. [1] For convenience, you can skip directly to any of the Nootropics listed in this article by clicking their names below:

Pure Encapsulations:
Aniracetam
Oxiracetam
Noopept
Phenibut
Vinpocetine
Huperzine-A
5-HTP
GABA
Alpha GPC
Choline
L-Theanine
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Lion’s Mane (Yamabushitake)
Bacopa
Ginko Biloba
Ashwaghanda
Rhodiola

There are certainly many more Nootropics available on the consumer market today than just the few listed here however, these represent those compounds which have demonstrated remarkable brain-boosting abilities. All of the compounds on this list have clinical data to back up claims—some more than others—but it should be noted that none of them are currently FDA-approved for the treatment of any medical condition, although many are used as prescription medications in many European countries, and many of the herbal Nootropics have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic healing practices. While it may seem strange for well-known substances, with clinical data to back up their benefit aren’t approved by the FDA for the treatment—of anything—such is the current state of affairs. All of these compounds are considered dietary supplements under FDA guidelines, and are perfectly legal to purchase and use within the United States.

The best Nootropics are those with a proven track records clinically-proven results for cognitive enhancement

There are several Nootropics that are prescription only—synthetic to the core—and produced under patents held by major pharmaceutical companies. Modafinil, for example, is one of the most-popular Nootropic drugs manufactured specifically with the intent of promoting ‘wakefulness’ and has been used to treat such diseases as narcolepsy [2]. With the growing concern over the dangers of prescription medication, there has been a resurgence of interest in Nootropic compounds that aren’t prescription—and in many cases aren’t even synthetic. This article will look at what are largely regarded as being the best Nootropics from two broad categories—those which are synthetic, and those which are natural Nootropics.

The Best Natural Nootropics

While synthetic Nootropics have shown tremendous potential to serve as cognitive enhancing supplements, the lack of widespread clinical trials means that many side-effects may yet be unknown. While any compound—natural or synthetic—possesses the potential to cause un-wanted effects, natural compounds such as herbal extractives, and alkaloid isolations typically pose a much lower risk. The trade-off in safety often means that more natural Nootropics will often provide much more subtle effects.

Herbal Nootropics are somewhat of their own ‘stacks,’ in that there are often many synergistic compounds that work together as a collective to promote overall cognitive-enhancing experiences

It’s important to discern between natural supplements that isolations of naturally occurring compounds—such as Alpha GPC, Choline, or 5-htp, and more truly natural compounds such as Ginko Biloba, Bacopa, Lion’s Mane, and Rhodiola. The former are naturally-occurring compounds but are typically only made available after very particular laboratory processes. The later, including all herbal Nootropics, are simply prepared forms of already existing plants which contain many different cognitive-enhancing compounds. Herbal Nootropics are somewhat of their own ‘stacks,’ in that there are often many synergistic compounds that work together as a collective to promote overall cognitive-enhancing experiences.

1. Huperzine-A

Huperzine-A is an isolation of an active alkaloid found within the Chinese club moss plant, or Qian Ceng Ta—which has been shown as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease on it’s on accord. Huperzine-A however, is a laboratory-prepared, but considered to be a ‘bio-equivilent’ to the natural form found in many plants within the Huperziaceae, Lycopodiaceae, and Selaginella families. [6] Similar to many of the Ractam Nootropics, Huperzine-A is thought to be a NMDA antagonist, as well as being a neural anti-oxident. Huperzine-A appears in the blood stream just 15 minutes after ingestion, with serum levels peaking around a little more than an hour. One of Huperzine-A’s most-notable biochemical functions is that is serves as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor—which allows other neuro-active compounds to have a more profound effect. [7][8] The Chinese have used the herbal form, the Club Moss Plant, originally as a muscle relaxer, and treatment for bruises and increasing blood flow to areas which need healing.

More recently however, this plant has been used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Schizophrenia, as well as serving as a counter-agent for organophosphate (herbicides) poisoning. [9] There have been several clinical trials conducted investigating Huperzine-A as a potential treatment for many medical conditions such as Cocaine Dependency and Traumatic Brain Injuries [10] Huperzine-A is a somewhat difficult compound to find in stores, especially in isolated form, but is readily available online. Life Extension sells isolated Huperzine-A capsules, and is a fairly reputable brand.

2. 5-HTP

5-HTP supplements contain the compound that is a pre-cursor to serotonin, one of the brains’ most important neurotransmitters—often hailed by many has being the molecule that increases ‘happiness.’ It should be noted that 5-HTP SHOULD NOT be taken with many medications, such as SSRIs, and can be quite dangerous—even lethal—if done so. If taken properly, 5-HTP has shown a wide range of positive health benefits such as promoting weight loss by curbing appetite, decreasing night terrors, as well as helping to address a host of digestive issues such as IBS and Leaky Gut Syndrome. 5-HTP is thought to be directly converted into 5-HT (Serotonin) by enzymatic processes, thus making more Serotonin available to the body. There are a large number of Serotonin receptor sites throughout your body’s neural pathways, which qualify 5-HTP as as having the potential to act as a Nootropic.

The practical effect of taking 5-HTP is more often reported as being mood-enhancing—or mood stabilizing—rather than providing a stimulant effect. Recent research that strengthens our scientific understanding of how the digestive system deeply affects our cognitive function also strengthen the case for 5-HTP to be qualified as one of the Best Nootropics available, considering it’s robust ability to strengthen healthy digestive function. This Gut-Brain connection has been recently understood as being so strong—that it may even be at the root of diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) [11].

3. GABA

Gamma-Amino-Butyric Acid—GABA—is hailed by many as being the holy grail of supplements for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. GABA is the ‘downer’ in the world of neurotransmitters, counter-balanced by Glutamate—and all the processes involved. Many other Nootropics on this list, especially the Racetam family, are thought to act by antagonizing GABA-related receptor sites within the brain, indicating the body’s ability to deeply utilize this Nootropic compound. In addition to it’s neurological benefits, GABA is also taken by many as a way to naturally ‘boost’ Growth Hormone levels. GABA has been shown in clinical trials to increase serum Growth Hormone levels by up to 400%, reaching peak at around 1 hour after ingestion. [12] GABA unfortunately shows great difficulty in it’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making effective dosages somewhat larger compared to other Nootropics on this list. For example, many GABA supplements list a single dosage as being 750mg or more.

Those seeking GABA as a natural HGH booster often take doses as high as 3-5 grams! While the blood-brain barrier issues causes a bit of difficulty in fully-utilizing GABA supplements, the ‘stacking’ of GABA with a Nitric Oxide-promoting supplement seems to be useful, as Nitric Oxide has been shown to blood-brain permeability of GABA specifically [12]. Many of those taking GABA supplements note that one of the side effects of this supplement is a brief shortness of breath, followed by a ‘pins and needles’ sensation. The shortness of breath—reportedly lasting less than 20 seconds, as well as the ‘pins and needles’ sensation has been reported to occur roughly 60-80 minutes after ingestion of GABA on an empty stomach. While odd perhaps, this side effect isn’t regarded as being serious by most—or even unpleasant—with many of those taking GABA not reporting the issue at all.

4. Choline

Choline is a powerful Nootropic compound that is a precursor to acetylcholine—considered as being the ‘learning molecule—and also shows potential in reducing the amounts of fat within the liver. This compound has shown benefit when taken in doses as low as 100mg, but is frequently taken in doses as high as 2g. It should be noted however, that large doses are often associated with complaints of headache—but strangely enough has is also taken by many Nootropics enthusiasts as a means of limiting headaches when using other compounds, such as racetams. A popular version of this compound is CDP Choline, which is sold as Citocoline by Jarrow Formulas.

Choline supplementation has been shown to boost running endurance, overall cognitive function, reaction times, and memory function—as well as helping to address issues of fatigue. While Choline shows tremendous ability to boost neurological and cognitive function, regarded by many as one of the most-fundamentally important Nootropics, it also shows a large number of other benefits for other systems within the body. Among the many—reduction of fatty liver tissue, reducing genetic expression of cortisol production (stress hormone), and improving overall cardiovascular health. Choline is considered very safe to take, with rare side effects—primarily reported as headaches at large doses.[15]

5. Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC, or alpha glycerophosphocholine, is a choline-containing compound that has been shown to demonstrate strong Nootropic abilities such as boosting overall cognitive function by providing a boost to choline levels in neurological pathways, as well as systemically too. In addition to it’s overall brain-boosting ability, Alpha-GPC has been investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease as well—showing some promising results. Alpha-GPC has also been shown to provide treatment for scopolamin-induce amnesia, suggestively providing an overall increase in the body’s available Acetylcholine supply. [14] Curiously enough, Alpha-GPC also demonstrates a marked ability to increase serum levels of Growth Hormone naturally, although only acute spikes have been observed.

Overall, Alpha GPC demonstrates the abilities to improve overall cognitive function, increase Acetylcholine levels, potentially stave off cognitive decline, as well as triggering large increases of Growth Hormone over short periods of time. Alpha GPC is very similar to choline, both in it’s chemical structure and it’s benefits. One of the advantages of taking Alpha GPC over simple Choline supplements is it’s demonstrated ability to be over 50% more readily absorbed by the body. This difference in bio-availability has been observed in serum levels testing, and in it’s potentiation of Acetylcholinesterase— a Rivastigmine inhibitor. [22]

6. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is non-essential amino acid which shares many chemical similarities to Glutamine, as well as both GABA and glutamate. L-Theanine is naturally found in green tea, and is regarded as having a mentally-stimulating effect which improves memory retention, focus, and overall perception. L-Theanine is also known to be a relaxation agent for many, and is commonly taken in conjunction with many other stiumlants such as caffeine as a means to ‘level out’ jittery effects. L-Theanine is known to help promote quality deep sleep, although can cause difficulties when taken directly before bedtime.

Overall L-Theanine is a very safe supplement with notable side effects remaining minimal and rare, and showing many remarkable benefits such as improved focus, memory, and attention. Additionally, L-Theanine has been shown to show many other non-Nootropic benefits such as it’s positive impact on cardiovascular health, sleep cycles, and overall sense of well-being.[16] A great L-Theanine supplement is the L-Theanine from Douglas Laboratories. Douglas Laboratories is a brand that is comparable to Pure Encapsulations—both of which are considered to be ‘Doctor-Trusted’ supplement brands.

7. Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Known as the ‘PEA Supplement’ by many, Phenylethylamine is a powerful Nootropic. PEA is also known as ‘the love drug,’ is found naturally in chocolate, and is known throughout the Nootropics’ world as being one of the most powerful ‘smart drugs’ there is. PEA ultimately functions as a dopamine booster, which can drastically offset feeling of anxiety or depression. PEA is an a close relative to Phenyalanine, and works as a neurotransmitter & modulator in controlling the release of dopamine and Norepinephrine. In addition to it’s powerful Nootropic properties, PEA has also demonstrated the ability to act as a bacterial inhibitor, capable of breaking up tough biofilms.

PEA is considered to be a psychoactive compound, that can be found in naturally elevated levels within the human body during periods of excitement or sexual arousal. Due it’s powerful ability to affect mood and sense of well-being, many take PEA as a means to help combat feelings of depression or anxiety.

Phenylethylamine has demonstrated strong ability to improve mental clarity, overall mental energy, increase attention spans, as well as improving learning capacity and aiding in the formation of new memories. Phenylethylamine has a bit of difficulty crossing the blood brain barrier and is often taken in relatively-large doses such as 1-2 grams—on an empty stomach. Side effects are rare, and often only associated with doses of more than 1-2 grams. These side effects are typically noted as slight dizziness, headaches, or nausea. Of note, is that many people report an odd floral taste/smell approximately 1 hour after dosage with PEA. This compound, acting as a dopamine booster, does possess some danger of becoming habit forming—although much less so than other very common compounds such as alcohol or nicotine. [17]

8. Lion’s Mane (Yamabushitake)

Lion’s Mane is an edible mushroom that has been used for centuries by Asian cultures as a powerful agent in the treatment of mental disorders and neurological conditions. Lion’s Mane is one of the few Nootropics on this list that has shown a marked ability to to actual help regenerate neural networks—specifically in the regeneration of mylelin along neural axons. [18] This natural ‘smart mushroom’ has been reportedly consumed by monks as a tea for centuries as a means to enhance concentration during periods of meditation. Lion’s mane has shown the ability to lower anxiety, stem cognitive decline, lessen feelings of depression, lower symptoms of menopause, and positively effect the quality of sleep.

Lion’s Mane is considered one of the best natural Nootropics available on the market today for it’s powerful neuro-protective properties. Lion’s Mane has also been shown to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor—meaning it can actually help the brain Grow! [19]

9. Bacopa

Bacopa Monnieri is among the most well-renowned natural herbal Nootropics, having been used by many seeking an increase in mental clarity for centuries. Bacopa has been used by Indians as a means of increasing focus, as well as having been administered for the treatment of asthma, epilepsy, tumors, ulcers, and general inflammation over the years. While many of these treatments have been done to extensive scientific research, used mainly in the fields of Ayurvedic medicine, there is a large body of modern research to back up many of the long-held claims of Bacopa’s ability to provide cognitive enhancement. Bacopa has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase memory retention, increase overall mental focus, as well as lowering feelings of depression and forgetfulness.

Bacopa acts on dopamine and serotonin pathways in the brain, but has been shown to aid in memory performance by actually increasing the length of neural nerves (dendrites) within the brain. This allows more robust neural networks to form, as well as decreasing the overall time it takes for neural nerves to communicate with one another. Bacopa is a very safe natural Nootropic, and has only had mild side effects reported such as nausea, cramping, or bloating when taken on an empty stomach. Many people take Bacopa as an effective means to increase conversational attention, as a study aid (over long periods of time), as an overall promoter of well-being, and also as a powerful anti-oxidant.

10. Ginko Biloba

Ginko Biloba may be one of the most popular herbal Nootropics in existence today, but has only demonstrated inconsistent cognitive enhancing capabilities in clinical trials. Ginko is taken to boost short term memory retention, problem-solving, and focus skills, as well as a means of safeguarding against cognitive decline. The main body of data that support the beneficial aspects of Ginko Biloba are typically confined to it’s ability to positively effect memory, counteract altitude sickness, and stave off cognitive decline.

While the effectiveness of Ginko Biloba varies greatly from person to person, the number of different studies surrounding non-cognitive effects of Ginko Biloba are immense. Pink Eye, Nitric Oxide production, Interlukin 6, and Oxygen uptake are only a handful of the many effects of Ginko that have been clinically investigated. Commonly, Ginko is found as a synergistic ingredient in many natural supplement products such as Melatonin blends, and anti-anxiety blends. The side effects of Ginko Biloba are minimal, and only reported in a very rare number of cases. Overall, Ginko isn’t as robust of a natural Nootropic as many others on this list, but earns the privilege of inclusion for it’s remarkable to boost memory.

11. Ashwaghanda (Rennet)

Latin name Withania somnifera, this popular natural Nootropic is has been used for centuries by Ayurvedic healers, and very generally has been regarded as a overall anxiolytic compounds—falling within the Adaptogen classification—and capable of greatly reducing and preventing anxiety. Different from many other Adaptogens, Ashwaghanda has showed the remarkable ability to provide a boost in both physical and mental energies. For this reason, Ashwaghanda is often used by athletes and those in highly-demanding mental professions such as computer programming, engineering, or other research sciences.

As an adaptogen, Ashwaghanda is also used among many cancer patients—not yet as a proven method to treat cancer—but as a means to counteract the imunosuppressive action of cancer drugs. Overall, there is a strong body of evidence showing that Ashwaghanda can serve as a powerful natural Nootropic capable of increasing energy, alertness, motivation, and reducing anxiety—which is often one of the largest hurdles for people when trying to focus deeply. Ashwaghanda is a very safe supplement to take, and is often administered orally as a tincture (liquid extractives) between meals.

12. Rhodiola

Rhodiola is known as Golden Root and is another Adaptogenic herb which has been shown to provide a remarkable increase in overall mental performances. Rhodiola has been shown to most effectively serve as a natural Nootropic in it’s ability to preserve cognitive function rather than increase it, although it has also been shown to remarkable boost overall physical energies.

As with many non-pharmaceutical compounds, clinical trials to investigative research are often sparse—being that the incentive for commercial funding is low without patent rights [2]. In addition to cognitive functions, Rhodiola has also demonstrated the ability to serve as a general longevity agent, showing up to 20% increases of lifespan in laboratory studies with animals.

13. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)

NALT is closely related to L-Tyrosine, an amino acid compound, and is a naturally occurring compound. Currently, there isn’t a lot of clinical data allowing for many claims (if any) to be made about this compound, but the amount of positive descriptions of personal experience warranted it’s inclusion. NALT has been investigated in the context of being an adult pre-natal nutrient with beneficial results, but as mentioned—has little clinical data for cognitive effects. Subjective accounts of this compound detail it as producing near-euphoric states with sensations of calm and focus, deepened concern for others, and overall boosting of emotional energy levels.

L-Tyrosine, a closely related compound, does have a strongly supported clinical background as being a powerful neuro-booster—capable of increasing levels of noradrenaline and dopamine, boosting mental energy, and helping support mental function during periods of sleep withdrawal. It is somewhat functionally wise to consider the data for L-Tyrosine when considering the effectiveness of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, since it is broken down into L-Tyrosine by the kidneys after consumption. The N-Acetyl form of L-Tyrosine is thought to be more effectively absorbed by the body, thus allowing the end availability of L-Tyrosine to potentially be higher than with just L-Tyrosine supplements. Overall, it’s probably wise to gauge the Nootropic potential of this compound with that of L-Tyrosine—with the reports of smoother experiences in mind. [20]

The Best Synthetic Nootropics

As mentioned above, Mondafinil has been one of the most-popular prescription drugs considered as a Nootropic over the years, being largely replaced by Adderall among the recent younger generations—particularly college students. If you’re interested in learning more about prescription Nootropics, or patented cognitive enhancers, I suggest you read this article by Vice—as those compounds will not be falling within the scope of this article.

While ‘synthetic’ is a term that is often associated with ‘not-healthy,’ such is not always the case with dietary supplements. As a general rule, one must pay closer attention to the potential dangers of synthetic compounds, but many have long-proven track records absolving them from much disdain. Take, for example, the wildly popular Nootropic Aniracetam, which has been studied extensively; proving it’s benefit among those seeking to boost their brain power. While the exact methods by which these compounds’ function is still largely unknown, there are many ancillary facets by which their overall classifications can be discerned—such as those which provide physical energy, those which provide mental energy, as well as those which provide emotional energy. It should be noted that these broader classifications are very subjectively rooted, and certainly may vary from person to person. One of the most valuable resources available online for surveying reported experiences with different compounds is the Erowid Vaults, where users have been posting different experiences for years.

1. Aniracetam

Aniracetam is one of the most-proven Nootropics—the racetam family—which has been studied for decades. Racetams all share a similar ‘core’ compound—pyrrolidone—and range in their focal applications from stimulants to anticonvulsants. Aniracetam in particular has been shown to be popular and effective [4] which may be due to its characteristic of being fat-soluble. The main benefits of Aniracetam are considered to be mental enhancements, such as an increase in memory capacity, learning ability, as well as creating increases in focus. Aniracetam is among a class of compounds considered to be AMPA Modulators—named for their ability to impact your brains glutamatergic pathways. In plain English; Aniracetam works to help regulate the parts of your brain that are connected to quick thoughts, and fast response times. [21] A recommended daily dosage of Aniracetam is 750mg per-day, taken with either food or a fat such as coconut oil, olive oil, or a nut-butter. Many users also recommend that this product be taken with a Choline supplement, such as Alpha-GPC or Choline Bitarate to help reduce the risk of associated headaches. Aniracetam has been described by many of those taking it as providing powerful, clean mental energy, as well as subtle emotional energy as well.

2. Oxiracetam

Another in the Racetam family, this compound has been shown to be up to five times more potent that the original Racetam—Piracetam. Oxiracetam has been shown to provide powerful mental stimulation—fully qualifying it to be considered one of the cognitive enhancement supplements—so-called ‘smart-drugs’—on this list. While similar to Aniractam in many ways, Oxiracetam is water-soluble which makes it ideal for powdered form consumption. Oxiracetam stimulates both the AMPA and NDMA receptors and related pathways in the brain. Oxiracetam is considered to be one of the most ‘true’ cognitive enhancing compounds on this list, as it is regarded largely as having little effect on mood or emotion. Many compounds within the Racetam family have been shown to show marked benefit in the treatment of anxiety and depression, but Oxiracetam’s inability to affect mood excludes it from that list. This Nootropic compound is very difficult to find in stores, but can be bought in isolated form from Peak Nootropics.

3. Noopept

This compound is often associated directly with members of the Racetam family, but is not actually due to the difference in core chemical structuring. However, Noopept is thought to act on the same acetylcholinic pathways within the brain as the Racetams, resulting in it’s common inclusion in discussions. Noopept is another synthetic which has been patented in both Russia and the United States, and is currently being sold as a dietary supplement—not being FDA approved for the treatment of any medical condition. In addition to the mental stimulation of increased memory retention, increased learning, and overall increases in perceptual cognition, Noopept also provides a ‘subtle’ psychostimulatory effect which can offer benefit for those looking for less pharmaceutical means of addressing anxiety or depression. Data regarding this compound vary, some claiming up to a 1000 fold increase of effectiveness compared to similar compounds such as Piracetam, while others simply regard the two as demonstrating similar effects. Overall, Noopept is one of the most-popular Nootropics on the market today.

4. Phenibut

Phenibut is a Nootropic that was first synthesized by Russian scientists and was a standard inclusion in Soviet Cosmonaut’s medical kits [5] due to it’s ability to serve as an tranquilizer—reducing stress and anxiety—while at the same time not leaving the cosmonauts ‘drowsy.’ Phenibut goes by brand names such as Noofen or Citrocard, and is approved for clinical use in many parts of the world. However, in the United States—as with so many other compounds—Phenibut isn’t FDA approved for the treatment of any disease or medical condition but can be bought perfectly legally as a dietary supplement. This synthetic is great when mixed with a stimulant, such as caffeine or theanine, and helps works as a GABA antagonist similar to alcohol or benzodiazepines. The effect is sensations of well-being, calmness, relaxation, increased libido, and improvements on focus.

Phenibut is reported by many to help promote very deep sleep patterns as well as improving overall mood. While it’s bio-chemical methods may not be in line with the Racetam family—the end result is often increased levels of focus and commitment to activity. Many report the anxiolytic action (anti-anxiety) of Phenibut as allowing for them to simply let go of the subtle anxieties and mental processes that often make it difficult for them to focus—increasing their ability to focus as opposed to increasing the capacity to focus. As with many Nootropics, the exact manner by which Phenibut functions in the body isn’t completely known, and much of the records of effects rely on subjective accounts. It must also be mentioned that Phenibut has been known to become addictive, and can have some pretty unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression. These effects are reportedly short-lived, with emotions stabilizing a 1-2 weeks later. One of the best Phenibut compounds available is the Phenitropic supplement from Biotics Research.

5. Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine barely falls within the category of synthetics—regarded as semi-synthetic—but is a powerful Nootropic none-the-less. This compounds was first synthesized in Hungary from an alkaloid in the Periwinkle plant. This compound first saw commercial production starting in the late 1970’s and remains a clinically-approved method of treating cerebriovascular diseases and age-related memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease. Vinpocetine acts as a powerful neuroprotective agent, such as Lithium Orotate, and is currently not FDA-approved for the treatment of any medical condition within the United States but, again, is available for legal purchase as a dietary supplement.

Vinpocetine supplements are regarded as promoting higher blood-flow throughout neural pathways, and has been clinically-regarded as being more of a neuro-protective compound than a neuro-enhancing compound. This compound is often taken in combination—stack—with other Nootropic compounds for it’s ability to promote higher bloodflow to the brain, thus making any other ingested compounds more bio-available. This increase in blood flow does not increase overall blood pressure levels and is thought to burden the cardiovascular system with any additional stress.

Where to Buy Nootropics

Nootropics are, compared to many supplements like fish oil and magnesium, pretty obscure and hard to find in many cases. Several of herbal and more natural Nootropics can be found at your local healthfood store, online, or maybe even is some grocery stores like Whole Foods. As a general rule of thumb, these aren’t the best supplement brands available, and may contain a wide range of possible contaminants, unwanted ingredients, and even unlisted fillers in some cases. The internet is often the best source for these types of products, and quality brands are much more easy to find. Still, with some of the synthetic, more powerful Nootropics—it can still be quite hard to track them down. Fortunately, with the recent surge in popularity surrounding Nootropics there has been quite a few retailers pop up that specialize in Nootropics.

Source: https://www.organicnewsroom.com/best-nootropics/
 
Back
Top