Top 11 Best Nootropics in 2023: Most Effective Natural Smart Drug Supplements
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As we continue to live in a world that demands peak mental performance, natural nootropics or smart drugs are becoming increasingly popular. These organic components, used in natural supplements, work to strengthen brain function and lower the risk of cognitive decline.
They can also be useful in removing mental haze or brain fog and promoting the best possible functioning of the brain chemicals, even though they aren’t a cure-all for everything that’s wrong with our brain health.
Today, we have curated a list of the best nootropic supplements on the market that can enhance cognitive function within a few months. So, if you are troubled with declining mental function and other cognitive abilities, read our article, and you might find something worth your time and money.
- Mind Lab Pro
- NooCube
- Oweli Neuro
- Performance Lab Mind
- Onnit Alpha Brain
- Nuzena Neuro Focus+
- Organix Ageless Brain
- Hunter Focus
- Nootrogen
- Nooceptin
- Vyvamind
Mind Lab Pro
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
Maritime pine bark extract, Bacopa monnieri, and Rhodiola Rosea extract, Citicoline, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, L-Theanine etc.
Pricing:
$69 (Official Website)
14-day
Mind Lab Pro, also known as the first-ever “universal nootropic,” is a game-changing nootropic supplement that is making waves in the world of nootropics. It is said to be specifically designed to enhance every aspect of brain health. This brain pill can enhance cognitive performance, boost memory and improve mental acuity for the comprehensive development and maintenance of your brain.
Mind Lab Pro’s natural nootropic supplements are high-quality formulas made with the help of 11 active and potent ingredients like vitamin B, amino acid precursors, and powerful herbs. These ingredients support a multi-faceted approach to brain optimization.
The makers of these cognitive enhancers claim that Mind Lab Pro can address four key areas of cognitive function- memory, performance, mindset, and structural. By focusing on these areas, these natural nootropics can support overall brain health and boost cognitive ability, simultaneously providing users with more holistic cognitive health.
One of the key ingredients in Mind Lab Pro’s natural nootropic is citicoline, a natural element known for its benefits in improving the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain cells. Acetylcholine is a vital component of cognitive function as it can boost brain health by enhancing mental processing and memory retention.
But Mind Lab Pro’s benefits don’t end here. Unlike other nootropic supplements, Mind Lab Pro’s perfect blend of herbs and amino acids can also offer a variety of additional cognitive health benefits.
For example, these natural ingredients can help reduce mental fatigue and anxiety, improve mental clarity, and increase brain performance by boosting dopamine levels in the brain cells. They can also aid in producing a calming effect on the brain without causing drowsiness, allowing users to perform better under pressure.
With a flexible dosage schedule, Mind Lab Pro is a versatile nootropic supplement that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Each bottle of these cognitive enhancers contains 60 capsules, and the recommended dosage is two capsules per day. However, users can take up to four capsules (two servings) per day for a more potent brain function.
Overall, Mind Lab Pro products are the best nootropic supplements currently on the market that offer a comprehensive approach to the enhancement of mental abilities and brain health. With the help of its unique blend of ingredients and targeted approach to enhance brain function, Mind Lab Pro’s natural supplements can provide users with a more holistic and effective way to improve cognitive function.
NooCube
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
Alpha GPC, Huperzine A, Cat’s Claw Extract, Bacopa Monnieri, Astragalus, Oat Straw, L-Tyrosine, Ginkgo Biloba, Resveratrol.
Pricing:
$60 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
60-day
NooCube claims to be one of the most potent and best nootropic supplements available. With a proprietary blend of 13 ingredients, NooCube’s capsules can effectively boost brain function and mental performance.
The safe and natural formula of NooCube ensures razor-sharp focus and mental clarity. Multiple users have noticed optimal mental performance after regular consumption of NooCube. For instance, a customer’s testimony reads, “My wife and I are in real estate, and we’re always looking for ways to improve our game. We’ve been on Noocube for 3 months now and we have definitely noticed a difference. We both agree that our problem-solving has become easier.
We can remember the locations of houses without looking them up all the time. This is the first brain supplement that works as advertised to enhance mental performance. I would recommend giving it some time to let it build up in your body, but once you do it’s amazing. We feel smarter every day.”
One of the key ingredients in NooCube is ginkgo biloba, and research suggests that this ancient herb can dilate blood vessels, ensuring proper blood flow to the brain cells. This action further enhances overall cognitive abilities, promotes healthy brain function, and reduces brain fog.
Oweli Neuro
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
DMAE, Biotin, Glutamic Acid, Vitamins and Minerals, Green Tea Extract, Bacopa Extract, and more.
Pricing:
$59.99 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
100-day
Manufactured by Oweli, Neuro can work wonders to optimally improve cognitive function. Oweli has shipped Neuro all over the US and beyond the US, and every client has raved about the benefits of the nootropic supplement.
For instance, Anita’s testimonial says, “This one is actually the only supplement I take. I’m sensitive to supplements & I usually don’t react well to anything, even multivitamins. But this product worked like a charm. It keeps me focused and tranquil throughout the day. I can recall numbers better. There’s even a minor mood boost. I’ll reorder for sure!”
What’s really interesting and different about Neuro is the fact that it contains green tea extract. So, not only will this supplement boost brain health, but it will also ensure a proper metabolic rate so that your body can effectively burn fat.
Furthermore, Neuro is backed by a soli 100-day money-back guarantee, so if you don’t observe any improvement in your cognitive performance within the first 100 days of your purchase, you can ask for a full refund.
Performance Lab Mind
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
30
Ingredients:
Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine, L-Tyrosine, Maritime Pine Bark Extract.
Pricing:
$59 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
30-day
Performance Lab’s Mind is a revolutionary formulation to improve mental processing speed. The main ingredient in the brain pill is Citicoline which promotes phospholipids- a component used to rebuild and re-energize brain cells and reduce instances of brain degeneration. In addition to this, citicoline also supports mitochondrial functioning to produce and enhance mental energy.
Furthermore, phosphatidylserine, another element in Mind, enhances nerve growth factors and transmission of signals between the brain cells. This function is needed for customers who are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Also, Mind uses maritime pine bark extract, which has neuroprotective properties in addition to its cognitive-enhancing effects. Thus, it may aid in the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, and other cellular damage that can result in cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Onnit Alpha Brain
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
90
Ingredients:
L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Cat’s Claw, Oat Straw, Bacopa Monnieri, and more.
Pricing:
$79.95 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
90-day
Onnit Alpha Brain may be worth a try if you’re looking for a brain supplement that can help you with focus, memory, and mental clarity all at once. This supplement was clinically proven to be effective in supporting cognitive function. Alpha Brain contains ingredients such as bacopa monnieri and oat straw.
All of these ingredients have been shown to help improve cognitive function. Alpha Brain is also non-GMO and gluten-free. It is also manufactured in the United States in an FDA-inspected facility. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality brain supplement, Onnit Alpha Brain is a viable option.
Alpha Brain has become a popular choice owing to its multiple health benefits and commitment to transparency.
Nuzena Neuro Focus+
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
DMAE, Vitamins, Minerals, Bacopa Monnieri, Folic Acid, Biotin.
Pricing:
$45 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
30-day
We all know how frustrating it can be to feel drained of all your mental energy constantly. When mental energy levels are low, it can be excruciatingly hard to focus on work, self, and family. Well, Nuzena’s Neuro Focus + could be a game-changer if your mood and brain health is declining.
Neuro Focus + is formulated with a potent blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, all of which have been used for centuries to boost mental performance and cognitive abilities. Additionally, the brain pill also contains folic acid, which is crucial for healthy nerve function.
In multiple scientific studies, folic acid has shown great capacity to reduce and treat symptoms of depression and other causes of mental decline. This component can also eliminate chances of developing degenerative diseases owing to its ability to reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to cognitive decline.
Organix Ageless Brain
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
Dragon’s Blood Resin Extract, Bacopa Monnieri, Cat’s Claw, Camu Camu, Cinnamon, and more.
Pricing:
Money-Back Guarantee:
14-day
Ageless Brain has been formulated by Organix, and it contains a proprietary blend of 8 ingredients sourced directly from the Amazon rainforest. The people residing near this rainforest have excellent brain health, so the manufacturers decided to make a formula that could mimic the cognitive performance-enhancing properties of the natural herbs found in the Amazon.
As the name suggests, Organix Ageless Brain’s main function is to save your cognitive abilities from a gradual age-related cognitive deterioration.
All of the ingredients in this supplement, whether directly or indirectly, reduce inflammation of the brain and ensures optimal oxygenation of the brain cells. In fact, some components like cinnamon regulate high blood sugar levels, which is one of the main contributors to a decline in the functioning of the human brain.
Other than the above-mentioned benefits, Organix Ageless Brain also gets rid of the free radicals in the body, which robs you of your energy levels and boosts your stress levels.
Hunter Focus
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
180
Ingredients:
Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola Rosea extract, Citicoline, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, L-Theanine, L-Carnitine, Vitamins, Ashwagandha, Caffeine Anhydrous, Ginkgo Biloba, Spanish Sage, Panax Ginseng and more.
Pricing:
$90 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
14-day
A well-known manufacturer of health supplements, Roar Ambition creates a range of products with the goal of enhancing overall human performance. One of their best-selling supplements is Hunter Focus, a brain pill that claims to provide users with more energy, better focus and concentration, and greater mental clarity.
The components of Hunter Focus include Ashwagandha, a plant extract that has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function; ginkgo biloba, another herbal substance that can enhance athletic performance; and L-theanine, an amino acid that may help lower stress levels.
Other than these, there are several other natural ingredients like Rhodiola rosea, lion’s mane mushroom, and other essential vitamins that improve brain function and other mental abilities.
A customer testimonial on Hunter Focus says, “I’ve tried over 50+ nootropic stacks over a number of years. Hunter Focus definitely seems to be one of the best out there. They have developed a great nootropic formula.”
Nootrogen
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
Glutamic acid, L-tyrosine, Amino Acids, and DMAE, Biotin, Magnesium, Zinc.
Pricing:
$29.95 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
30-day
Nootrogen is a mental performance enhancer sold by Vita Balance. Vita Balance is a very renowned name in the world of health supplements. The brand’s customer-centric approach and use of high-quality ingredients have garnered a lot of attention and a loyal customer base. Their latest release, Nootrogen, packs multiple potent ingredients that are scientifically proven to boost cognitive ability.
The glutamic acid in Nootrogen is an excellent excitatory neurotransmitter whose main function is to transmit signals from one nerve cell to another. This process is extremely vital for boosting mental energy and improving a variety of cognitive functions like learning and memory retention.
Additionally, glutamic acid is also a precursor to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps in managing stress and anxiety levels. Another main component of Nootrogen is DMAE or Dimethylaminoethanol, which boosts the synthesis of acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter responsible for improving learning power.
Therefore, a regular intake of Nootrogen will ensure better mood balance along with sharp memory and alertness.
Nooceptin
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
Citicoline, Rhodiola Rosea, Bacopa Monnieri, L-Theanine, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Panax Ginseng.
Pricing:
$69 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
NA
Nooceptin is the second product on our list from SAP Nutrition. The proprietary blend of Nooceptin has been clinically tested and scientifically proven to boost cognitive function. The supplement works in 4 months- in the first month, users will experience better focus and mental alertness. Then, after 2 months, feelings of anxiety and stress are reduced, and with heightened acetylcholine levels, concentration levels also increase.
During the third month, memory retention and recall are improved and neuron growth is enhanced. Finally, in the fourth and final month, mental clarity becomes more long term and chances of cognitive decline are drastically reduced.
A customer’s review on Nooceptin reads, “I’ve always had attention issues. I used to get so overwhelmed with just thinking about all of the things I had to get done that I would just shut down and feel like I couldn’t move.
Nooceptin helps me feel like I can handle my stress and ‘shut-down’ episodes better. I feel like I can think better during stressful situations or problems. It’s been a great investment. Thanks!”
The two key ingredients in Nooceptin, Rhodiola Rosea and Citicoline, have been used in traditional medicine to promote a variety of cognitive abilities. Rhodiola Rosea eliminates the chances of brain degeneration and ensures proper brain health even in old age.
Vyvamind
Product Category:
Natural Nootropic Supplements
Product Form:
Capsules
Servings Per Container:
60
Ingredients:
Vitamin B6 – 2.5 mg, Vitamin B12 – 50 mcg, L-Tyrosine – 300 mg, Citicoline – 200 mg, L-Theanine – 150 mg, Caffeine Anhydrous – 75 mg.
Pricing:
$74.99 (Official Website)
Money-Back Guarantee:
30-day
The last cognitive function-enhancing supplement on our list is Vyvamind by SAP Nutrition. This cognitive-performance booster is also one of the most expensive options on this list because of the health benefits it can offer.
The natural blend of Vyvamind ensures unparalleled focus and mental clarity, and according to the manufacturers, in just 2 weeks, this product can improve brain function.
There is a considerable amount of amino acid in Vyvamind, particularly L-Tyrosine.
L-Tyrosine plays a very important role in ensuring peak mental performance, as it enhances the functioning and availability of several neurotransmitters or brain chemicals, including dopamine, norephedrine, and epinephrine. All these components are responsible for improving mental alertness and cognitive performance and reducing mental fatigue.
Additionally, L-Tyrosine also fights cognitive impairments and boosts blood flow to the brain in an attempt to ensure optimal brain power. This is a major reason why ADHD patients are recommended medications with L-Tyrosine.
Apart from amino acids, Vyvamind also uses multiple natural herbs and essential minerals, which have been recommended by ayurvedic medicine to combat cognitive decline and improve mental performance.
A satisfied Vyvamind customer’s take on the supplement says, “As someone who needs to stay focused for extended periods of time, sometimes having a little boost makes all the difference. Vyvamind’s supplement is a handy tool that was made for that purpose. The product is well made, and you can tell it was designed with care. If you are trying to stay concentrated for longer and be mentally sharper, it might be worth looking more into this.”
What Are Smart Drugs?
Smart drugs come from a variety of sources, such as dietary supplements, herbal extracts, prescription medications, or over-the-counter remedies. Commonly used smart drugs include modafinil, piracetam, choline, rhodiola rosea, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, and caffeine.
These substances vary in their effectiveness; some provide a mental edge, while others simply provide the energy needed to get through an intense workload or study session.
The effects of these substances vary depending on the type of drug ingested and how much is taken at once. Generally speaking though, most smart drugs are able to increase alertness and focus while providing an overall boost in productivity levels.
It is important to note that most of these substances do not necessarily give you superhuman abilities; rather they make you more efficient with your current skill set by allowing you to think faster while allowing you to better access information stored in your long-term memory.
This advantage can prove invaluable when taking tests or working on complex tasks where time is of the essence.
When using any type of smart drug, it is wise to consult with your doctor first so that the best dosage can be determined for your unique needs.
Additionally, smart drugs should never be mixed with other medications without first consulting a medical professional, as interactions may occur which could lead to serious consequences.
Furthermore, continued use of any medication comes with potential side effects, including addiction, headaches, and dizziness amongst others, so it’s important to monitor yourself closely when trying new substances.
Why Are Natural and Organic Smart Drugs Better Than Synthetic Ones?
From natural nootropic supplements to medicinal mushrooms, adaptogens, and more – there are many different options when it comes to natural and organic smart drugs. But why are these supplements better than synthetic ones? In this section, we’ll discuss why natural and organic smart drugs might be the smarter choice for increasing mental performance and enhancing focus.
Fewer Side Effects: Natural vs. Synthetic Smart Drugs
The biggest advantage of choosing a natural or organic alternative to synthetic smart drugs is that they are generally associated with fewer side effects. Many synthetic nootropics on the market contain active ingredients that can interfere with neurotransmitter levels in the brain, leading to potential side effects such as headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, anxiety, and even depression.
Whereas natural supplements tend to work in harmony with your body’s existing biological functions, reducing the chance of developing any adverse reactions. Plus, their plant-based compounds are generally easier for your body to absorb and process – so you get maximum benefits from every dose.
Higher Quality Ingredients
When shopping for brain-boosting supplements, it pays to look at the type of ingredients each product contains, unlike synthetically made smart drugs that often combine powerful lab-created chemicals with potentially dangerous preservatives and artificial colors or flavors – 100% natural nootropics use only pure plant-based extracts or mushroom derivatives that have been clinically tested for safety and efficacy.
This means a higher quality product with fewer unknown components or fillers! Plus, you can be sure that you won’t expose yourself to any dangerous toxins like those found in some workplace environments.
Proven Cognitive Enhancement Benefits
In addition to being safe and certified natural or organic formula – many plant-extract-based nootropic supplements offer scientifically validated cognitive enhancement benefits too!
Several studies have shown that regular supplementation with plant extracts can increase mental clarity, improve moods by releasing dopamine, and improve focus by elevating levels of acetylcholine (a major neurotransmitter).
Furthermore, medicinal mushrooms used in some formulations have been shown to boost energy levels while helping regulate stress hormones like cortisol. This can lead to improved productivity during work hours as well as enhanced concentration when studying for tests or exams.
Ranking Factors: How We Ranked The Best Nootropics Of 2023?
While searching the market for the best nootropic supplements, our research and editorial team have considered certain basic parameters or ranking factors. These ranking factors act as yardsticks to determine the effectiveness and genuineness of dietary supplements.
In this section, we have explored the ranking factors.
All-Natural Ingredients
There are many different types of natural nootropics supplements on the market today. But not all of them are created equal and often contain synthetic fillers. However, the best nootropics on our list contain only natural ingredients that are backed by scientific evidence.
These supplements carefully work towards enhancing mental performance and boosting brain function.
Furthermore, each nootropic supplement on our list has been carefully vetted to ensure that it contains only the highest quality ingredients. And because they’re all-natural, they’re also extremely safe to take. So if you’re looking for a way to enhance your cognitive functions, these are the supplements you should be taking.
Manufacturing Facilities
When buying health supplements, manufacturing facilities are a very important consideration. You may now be curious as to why.
The answer to this question is that a manufacturing facility is in charge of assuring the quality of a product. To prevent supplements and their raw ingredients from losing efficacy, these facilities must maintain a sterile environment.
Thankfully, all of the best nootropics on our list are produced in GMP-certified and FDA-approved facilities, meaning they’ve undergone stringent testing and quality control methods.
The majority of these natural nootropics are also produced in America, which lends even more credence to their high quality and security. Nonetheless, it’s still crucial to conduct your own research and determine whether a supplement is appropriate for you before ingesting it.
But it’s definitely a nice place to start to know that each nootropic supplement named above has adhered to the strictest production and quality control requirements.
Third-Party Lab Testing
Third-party lab testing is another vital parameter that each of the nootropic supplements named above has lived up to.
Third-party labs or independent labs have ensured that the best nootropics on our list are free of contaminants and safe for human consumption. Such testing is required for any supplement or drug because it assures consumers that the product is both effective and safe.
Additionally, it increases consumer trust in the product and the company. As a result, we only recommend products that have passed third-party lab testing.
Brand Reputation
If you’re looking for the best nootropics on the market, it’s important to consider the reputation of the brands behind them. After all, you want to be sure that you’re taking a product from a company that you can trust.
Luckily, all of the brands on our list have stellar reputations. They’ve been in business for years and have built up a loyal following among cognitive enhancers. So, you can rest assured that any of these products will be a good investment.
Pricing And Refund Policies
Natural nootropics might be the talk of the town nowadays, but even the best nootropics are not worth it if they come at a hefty price. A nootropic supplement should be affordable, considering the much-needed benefits it can provide to boost brain function.
This is why our picks for the best nootropics are all decently priced and have solid refund policies, so you can feel confident about your purchase. If a supplement doesn’t work for you, you can simply return it and ask for a refund.
So, if you’re looking for a safe and affordable way to boost your brain power and improve cognitive function, these natural nootropics are a good option.
Customer Reviews
According to our research, the best nootropics are those that have received positive customer feedback. This means that people who have used these dietary supplements have had positive experiences and have seen results.
Today, with so many different brain supplements on the market, it can be difficult to determine which ones are truly effective. Customer testimonials, in this situation can be a great way to determine whether or not a nootropic supplement is worth trying.
If previous users have had positive experiences with the product, it is likely that you will as well. Of course, everyone is unique and will react differently to different nootropic supplements. But real testimonies prove that a health supplement is indeed beneficial for the general population.
No Artificial Additives
These days, the market is flooded with nootropics that are filled with hazardous substances and chemical additives that might be harmful to your health.
We’ve been very cautious while creating this list and we’ve added the best nootropics that are entirely devoid of any chemical fillers as a result. These nootropics are among the top brain-boosting supplements available, and they are completely safe for you to use.
What Are Scientific Studies Backing The Ingredients In The Best Nootropics?
Below we have discussed some of the commonly incorporated ingredients in the best brain supplements and how their purported benefits are scientifically backed:
L-Theanine
L-theanine, also known as Suntheanine, is a unique free amino acid found primarily in tea leaves. It has been scientifically proven to have positive effects on our mental alertness, cognitive performance, and overall brain health.
Studies suggest that L-theanine can reduce stress levels, improve mood and support mental focus while promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness or adversely impacting physical performance.
Research suggests that consuming L-theanine can improve both mental clarity and alertness due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. It works by altering the activity of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA, which are responsible for the balance between emotions and cognition.
According to a clinical study conducted at Nihon University in Tokyo created by Sahashi et al., l-theanine was found to increase alpha wave activity – helping participants reach a state of pleasant mind relaxation without having an adverse impact on focus or cognitive abilities.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea, also known as “golden root” or “arctic root,” is an herb that has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties. This impressive herb has been used to promote brain health, particularly when it comes to supporting cognitive functioning.
One study conducted in 2015 on 101 participants with age-related memory complaints found that those who took a daily dose of Rhodiola Rosea Extract saw improvements in their performance on various tests related to memory and attention.
Results showed statistically significant benefits compared to the placebo group. The therapeutic effects of taking Rhodiola Rosea can be seen in as little as 4 weeks after continuous use.
Another study looked into the therapeutic effects of Rhodiola Rosea on stress resistance and cognitive performance. 50 participants aged 18-30 were given either 197 mg/day of Rhodiola Rosea Extract or a placebo for four weeks.
In comparison to the placebo group, the results showed that individuals who had taken Rhodiola Rosea performed significantly better on tests that tested their stress resistance, with minimal side effects observed in this group of participants.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Maritime Pine Bark Extract comes from the bark of the maritime pine tree found mainly near the Mediterranean coast in France and Spain.
It contains several different types of flavonoids called procyanidins, as well as phenolic acids, bioflavonoids, and organic acids. Through its antioxidant properties, this extract has been shown to offer numerous health benefits to both consumers and industry alike.
There have been numerous scientific studies conducted on Maritime Pine Bark Extract to assess its role in promoting brain health and supporting cognitive functioning.
In one study published by Nutrients journal, researchers analyzed how intake of this supplement affected an animal model for Parkinson’s disease. The results indicated that Maritime Pine Bark Extract improved brain cell viability which could potentially reduce risk factors associated with neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a type of edible fungi native to Asian countries like Japan, China, Korea, and Thailand. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It grows on hardwood trees and has an appearance similar to a shaggy white mane. Hence its name, ‘Lion’s Mane.’
Lion’s Mane possesses unique properties that make it well-equipped to promote brain health and improve memory and overall cognitive functioning. Its active compounds include hericenones and erinacines; both have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which make them suitable for boosting the immune system or fighting off disease symptoms.
These benefits are further enhanced by Lion’s Mane stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, which helps to promote healthy neuron growth while helping bridge gaps between neurons.
Over the years, there has been considerable research into the potential benefits of consuming Lion’s Mane Mushroom for supporting cognitive functioning as well as promoting general brain health. A 2017 study examined Lion’s Potion solution in preclinical models finding that supplementing with it improved learning performances in aged mice.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw contains numerous active compounds, which are known as alkaloids or quinovic acid glycosides that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Several studies have found that these compounds can help to reduce oxidative stress associated with age-related cognitive decline, memory loss, and other symptoms that can affect brain function.
One study conducted on mice demonstrated that Cat’s Claw reduced inflammation levels in the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and emotion regulation. This decrease in inflammation was linked with improved spatial navigation skills in the tested animals.
Another study showed that Cat’s Claw significantly improved hippocampus-dependent short-term synaptic plasticity in young mice (6 months old). This result indicates a potential role of Cat’s Claw in enhancing cognitive functioning through synapse protection and repairing synaptic damage caused by aging or other conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Biotin
Biotin, or vitamin H as it is sometimes called, is an essential water-soluble vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, eggs, grains, nuts, and legumes. It helps the body break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy sources that can be used by our cells. It’s an especially important nutrient for pregnant women in order to help ensure the healthy growth of their unborn child’s developing nervous system.
Numerous studies show that biotin may help improve mental alertness and concentration in people of all ages. A 2013 study found that higher levels of biotin were associated with improved performance on attention tests given to 40 participants aged 60-77 years old.
DMAE
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a naturally occurring compound found in fish like salmon, herring, and anchovies. It is also synthesized in small amounts by the human body, although not enough to have any effect on brain health or cognition.
Its primary function appears to be modulating levels of acetylcholine, which is a type of neurotransmitter involved in memory formation and learning processes. It’s important to note that DMAE itself isn’t involved with the pathways that regulate acetylcholine release – instead, it may modify the responses of cholinergic neurons, so they more effectively utilize other molecules like choline.
A number of studies suggest that supplementation with DMAE could offer some promising benefits for supporting healthy brain functioning. In one study involving older adults with mild cognitive impairment, those receiving daily doses of DMAE saw improved cognitive performance over those taking a placebo over 6 months’ time.
A second study showed enhancement of working memory when participants took 2000 mg/day for 7 days. Other studies reported increased alertness after taking 500mg/day for 8 weeks, along with improved mood and sleeping habits.
Citicoline
Citicoline is a natural acetylcholine precursor and an important intermediate in phospholipid metabolism that has been studied for its cognitive enhancing properties. Research suggests that citicoline can be helpful when taken as a supplement or added to foods or beverages due to its potential neuroprotective and nerve-regenerative properties. It may also offer neuroprotective benefits even for those with existing brain injury or synaptic deterioration.
Studies have shown that citicoline can be effective in promoting healthy neurogenesis (the development of new neurons), which could increase communication between different parts of the brain and improve memory formation, recall, and learning capacity.
A recent study by Rahman et al. (2020) examined the effects of citicoline on elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition characterized by memory deficits, difficulty concentrating, depression, and confusion.
They found that taking 1000mg per day of citicoline significantly improved scores in verbal fluency tests compared to placebo after 8 weeks among individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Camu Camu
Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is an exotic rainforest fruit native to the Amazon region in South America, primarily Peru. Also known as “Cherry of the Incas” or “Gogit berries” (in Brazil), they are small berries with a purplish-red hue that grow on shrubs up to fifteen feet tall in humid swamps, wetlands, riverbanks, and marshes.
Many people consider camu camu a superfood due to its extraordinarily high amounts of Vitamin C — as much as 60 times more than oranges! Typically used as a dietary supplement, this nutrient-dense berry contains powerful antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds like flavonoids and amino acids which contribute to its medicinally significant properties.
Recent studies have been conducted on the effects of Camu camu consumption when it comes to brain health and cognitive functioning, showing promising results. One clinical study examined 464 adults aged 18–65 from Brazil who had mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
The subjects were given 340mg/day supplements containing 100% pure organic Camu Camu extract and 500 mg/day mixed tropical fruits powder blend during 16 weeks period. Results showed significant improvements in cognition among those taking the 20% pure organic Camu Camu treatment.
FAQs
What Is a Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor?
As its name suggests, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein produced in the brain that supports the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons. It can be thought of as “fertilizer” for the brain—promoting neuron growth and maturation while aiding in synapse formation between neurons that make possible networks like those used for learning and memory formation.
How Does Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Work?
Neurons use energy from ATP molecules to send information from one neuron to another. When a neuron transmits across a connection or synapse caused by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, it releases neurochemicals such as glutamate or dopamine into the synapse, where receptors on other neurons latch onto them.
This releases channels so that the electrical signals needed to fire up other neurons can move through them more easily than would otherwise be possible without regulatory proteins such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor being involved.
What Is A Nootropic Supplement?
Nootropic supplements are essentially dietary supplements made from natural nootropics, which are substances that enhance cognitive function and boost mental performance. Nootropics ensure mental clarity, eliminate brain fog, and often treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
They rejuvenate brain cells and are also known as smart drugs. Nootropics boost mental energy and mental alertness, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their cognitive function.
Are The Best Nootropics Safe For Everyone?
Unfortunately no, even the best nootropics might not be safe for everyone. The manufacturing companies of every nootropic supplement mention that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children below the age group of 18 should steer clear of brain supplements, no matter how safe their compositions are.
Furthermore, people who are on other prescription medications should also stay away from these dietary supplements. A prescription drug might react with a health supplement, causing severe complications.
Can Nootropic Supplements Improve Memory?
In a word, yes, a nootropic supplement can boost memory retention and improve mental function.
Through multiple scientific studies, researchers have found that nootropics or smart drugs have worked better than any prescription medication to boost memory retention and mental processing speed.
This is partly because of the fact that most natural ingredients in these supplements encourage brain cell regeneration and fight against neurodegenerative diseases.
How Long Should One Consume A Nootropic Supplement To Boost Cognitive Abilities And Enhance Mental Performance?
To be honest, there is no universally-acceptable response to this question. However, experts claim that it only takes a few months for natural nootropics to boost cognitive function and improve brain health.
The best nootropics will offer an enhanced cognitive function in a maximum time frame of 2-3 months. The intensity of the results may differ, though.
Final Word On The Best Nootropics
Now that our list is complete let us assure you by saying that smart drugs are some of the safest and most effective alternatives to prescription drugs which are meant to enhance your brain health. So, if you are thinking about getting yourself a batch of good nootropics, then go ahead and choose a product from our list. We have done extensive research and vouch for each of the supplements mentioned above.
Also Read: Best Memory Supplements: Top Memory Support Brain Pills
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