Category Archives: Nootropics

Research Corridor has published a new research study titled Nootropics Market Growth, Share, Opportunities, Competitive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 2025. The Nootropics market report studies current as well as future aspects of the Nootropics Market based upon factors such as market dynamics, key ongoing trends and segmentation analysis. Apart from the above elements, the Nootropics Market research report provides a 360-degree view of the Nootropics industry with geographic segmentation, statistical forecast and the competitive landscape.

Browse the complete report at http://www.researchcorridor.com/nootropics-market/

Geographically, the Nootropics Market report comprises dedicated sections centering on the regional market revenue and trends. The Nootropics market has been segmented on the basis of geographic regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). The RoW segment consists Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. The Nootropics market has been extensively analyzed on the basis of various regional factors such as demographics, gross domestic product (GDP), inflation rate, acceptance and others. Nootropics Market estimates have also been provided for the historical years 2015 & 2016 along with forecast for the period from 2017 2025.

The research report also provides a comprehensive understanding of Nootropics market positioning of the major players wherein key strategies adopted by leading players has been discussed. The Nootropics industry report concludes with the Company Profiles section which includes information on major developments, strategic moves and financials of the key players operating in Nootropics market.

Key Takeaways:

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Nootropics Market Research Report Now Available at Research ... - The Republic of East Vancouver

According to the recent report published by Brisk Insights, theGlobal Nootropics Market is expected to provide sustainable growth opportunities during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. This latest industry research study analyzes the Nootropics market by various product segments, applications, regions and countries while assessing regional performances of numerous leading market participants.

Full report available: Global Nootropics market forecast 2017-2025 report athttp://www.briskinsights.com/report/nootropics-market

The report titled Nootropics Market Global Trends, Market Share, Industry Size, Growth, Opportunities, and Forecast 2017 2025 offers a holistic view of the Nootropics industry encompassing numerous stakeholders including raw material suppliers, providers, distributors, consumers and government agencies, among others. Furthermore, the report includes detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis for the global Nootropics market considering market history, product development, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and key success factors (KSFs) in the industry.

The report includes a deep-dive analysis of key countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, China, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, among others. Thereby, the report identifies unique growth opportunities across the world based on trends occurring in various developed and developing economies.

Request Sample:http://www.briskinsights.com/sample-request/432

Key Takeaways:

Product popularity and adoption based on various country-level dynamics

Regional presence and product development for leading market participants

Market forecasts and trend analysis based on ongoing investments and economic growth in key countries

Competitive landscape based on revenue, product offerings, years of presence, number of employees and market concentration, among others.

number of employees and market concentration, among others.

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Brisk Insights is a global Industry research firm. Our insightful analysis is focused on developed and emergingIndustrys. We identify trends and forecastIndustryswith a view to aid businesses identify Industry opportunities optimize strategies. Working in a highly dynamic and multi-dimensional business makes decision making complex. Effective business decisions are a result of the synthesis of Industry information. Our Research and data analysis is an efficient and cost-effective way of providing robust Industry analysis and can yield highly valuable intelligence relating to consumers, competitors andIndustrys.

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Nootropics Market Forecast And opportunities Trends, Size, Drivers 2016 2022 Brisk Insights - Thrasher Backer

Racetams are a group of synthetic Nootropics which are known to be among the most popular compounds used for cognitive enhancement. This family includes many types of popular compounds such as Piracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, and many other variations. Each of the compounds found in this family of Nootropics are related through their common Pyrrolidone nucleus, which is a type of compound know as a Lactam. Each member of the Racetam family has its own unique qualities, and is known to provided uniquely different experiences. Racetams are generally regarded as being best stacked with a Choline compound, to help maintain levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine during use.

First, its important to recognize that much of what is known about Racetams, and Nootropics in general, is related to anecdotal evidence. Piracetam, one of the most-popular Nootropics, is reported by many to offer a calming and holistic-enhancing effect. This focused calm is described by many as being experienced in the form of being more fluid in conversation, more socially-relaxed, and able to retain new memory better. Other Racetams, such as Oxiracetam are regarded more as mental stimulants, and are less affective towards overall mood and emotion. These compounds offer a rush of mental energy that many find preferable to other slightly comparable compounds like caffeine.

Two of the primary neurotransmitters thought to be affected by Nootropics in the Racetam family are acetylcholine and glutamate

There is a distinct lack of clinical data to offer explanation on how exactly Racetam compounds are able to affect such experiences in the mind. It is generally accepted that these molecules act by the modulation of certain neurotransmitters, though much of that premise has been assumed from anecdotal accounts. Two of the primary neurotransmitters thought to be affected by Nootropics in the Racetam family are acetylcholine and glutamate. Acetylcholine is used in a wide range of applications including muscular movements, memory formation, attention, arousal, and even motivation. By acting on these types of neural pathways, its believed that the Racetam family can contribute considerable cognitive-boosting effects when taken.

Most of the research on Racetams comes from the original research done by a Romanian psychologist known as Dr. Giurgea. Through his attempt at discovering a neurological relaxing agent acting on the GABAergic neural pathways, he discovered Piracetam. While this compound didnt demonstrate the relaxing and sleep-aiding benefits he set out to discover, it did show remarkable cognitive enhancing properties. Beyond this research, much of the data surrounding the benefits of Piracetam, Aniracetam, and other Racetam compounds stems largely from anecdotal evidence from shared personal experiences.

There is some clinical data that suggests Racetams may offer beneficial neuroprotective, and properties, and have been shown to benefit some patients with dementia

Much of the modern clinical research done regarding Racetam compounds has been conducted on rats and in vitro neural samples. One study found that Piracetam was able to inhibit severe cramp-like seizing of the muscles to do medically-induced reactions or genetic deformity, known as a Dystonic reaction 1. In another study, Piracetam, Oxiracetam, and Aniracetam were all shown to positively modulate AMPA receptor sites within neural tissue samples 2. AMPA receptor sites are areas of the brain which are able to make use of Glutamate, one of the most prevalent neurotransmitters and responsible for quick synaptic responses.

Aniracetam is a cholinergic compound, and is regarded to be a positive modulator of AMPA receptor sites throughout the brain. This Nootropic compound not only positively modulates AMPA receptor sites, but also acts to maintain sensitivity levels of the AMPA receptor sites as well. During periods of positive stimulation, AMPA receptor sites begin to become desensitized, thus affording a less profound effect as time increases. Many users of Aniracetam regard it asenhancing communication ability, creating a more collective sense of thought, and also allowing for more fluid discussion and recollection of complexity. Aniracetam should be regarded as a mood-affecting compound, with the ability to create a more positive outlook in most. Aniracetam is a popular choice among Nootropics enthusiasts that are not able to experience effects from Piracetam, but want more of a social experience than that offered by Oxiracetam.

Piracetamhas been noted by users to induce a deeper sense of memory recall, better learning, and an increased sense of social ease. Many of these experiences are underlined by the general sense of being on a peak energy level, which can be unsettling for some. One interesting aspect of Piracetam is that may be integrally dependent on adrenal function to exhibit full effect. One study found that the removal of adrenal function (adrenalectomy) completely eliminated the memory-enhancing effects of Piracetam in mice 3. This research suggests that the effects of Piracetam might be able to be more fully optimized when stacked with compound such as Phosphatidylserine, which has been shown to help maintain adrenal balance during period of physical stress such as exercise 4. This would suggest that the use of supplements such as Phosphatidylserine with Piracetam might help increase the magnitude of Piracetams effects. Piracetam is regarded as the first Nootropic compound every to be synthesized with the intent of affording cognitive enhancements. Its long history among users has lead most to regard it as completely safe, although less potent than many other compounds.

Oxiracetam is a bit different from other members of the Racetam family chemically-speaking, but is still centered about a Pyrrolidone molecule. This Nootropic compound is one of the few Racetams that has a fair amount of clinical data to support ideas of how it may function, and the benefits it may offer. Oxiracetam positively modulates AMPA receptor sites similar to Aniracetam and Piracetam, but is thought to increase the overall release of glutamate and acetylcholine. This type of increase in activity ultimately works to increase the overall metabolic rate of neural pathways. Oxiracetam offers many benefits, but one of the most-notable is its ability to help treat the neurodegenerative effects of dementia. One study found that Oxiracetam was able to significantly increase the quality of life for patients that were suffering from dementia 5. Oxiracetam has more clinical data to support the ideas of its benefits and action, but would still benefit from further investigationas would most Nootropics.

All the Nootropic compounds found in the Racetam family share a similar chemical structure, and tend to offer similar benefits. While each compound differs in the exact nature of how it may affect the brain, most users tend to report a moderate increase in learning ability, memory retention, and overall sociability. There is some clinical data that suggests Racetams may offer beneficial neuroprotective, and properties, and have been shown to benefit some patients with dementia. The compounds in this group are regarded by many as being the original Nootropics, and have been used fondly by many throughout the years. Piracetam is the oldest member of this family, and has the most established account of its applications and effects. Newer members such as Aniracetam have been known to exhibit more energetic and potent effects, and are often preferred by many users.

The Racetam family is full of unique and energetic members

Many of the compounds found in this family of Nootropics have been experimented with recreationally for decades, while others are just now being fully recognized as offering potential benefits. The lack of clinical data suggests that caution should be used when experimenting with any of these compounds. That said, the internet is full of anecdotal accounts of these compounds which paint them as relatively safe. Any compound that is taken with the intent of altering brain function and mental perceptions should be done so with a heightened intentbeing cognizant that negative effects will pass eventually. Having your balance of perception shifted can be unsettling if youve never experienced such shifts, and for those new to these types of compounds its very much recommended to start small, and work your way up. The Racetam family is full of unique and energetic members, each with the potential to afford you great benefit when used effectively.

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Meet The Racetams: Powerful Family of Nootropics - MilTech

Nootropic supplements, also known as smart drugs, are supplements for your brain that help boost yourmemory, focus, energy, and output.

Theyre made with both natural and artificial ingredients that improve cognitive function, allowing you to tackleto-do lists, study guides, presentations, or just aregular day with ease.

Weve ranked the best nootropicson the market based on performance, price, andquality of the supplement. After the rankings, we broke down exactly what nootropics are, along with the benefits and side effects.

So whats the best nootropic supplement on the market?

Noogenix is a relatively new nootropic supplement with groundbreakingpotency and incredible reviews, making it our #1 recommended nootropic on the market.

Made by the UK supplement company Vita Balance, Noogenix has quickly risen to the top as a popularbrain boostingsupplement, especially for collegestudents. This is primarily because users of Noogenix areableto lock in and focus for longer periods of time which increasesproductivity, and it allows oneto retain information better.

If you put in long hours of focused work or studying, this is one of your bestoptions available that doesnt require a prescription.

Compared to other leading brands of nootropics, Noogenix is one of the closestbrain boosters, in terms of memory, focus, and cognition, to Adderall, a popular prescription brain supplement.

However, unlike Adderall, the natural ingredients in the Noogenix brain blend are not known to be addictive or cause nasty come-downs.

Some of the main ingredients:

Dimethylaminoethanol improves mood, boosts memoryfunction, increases physical energy, and raises levels of cognitive processing in the brain

Glutamic acid works to improve mental focus and concentration

Acetylcholine acts on both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system

Magnesium a critical component in the activation of nerve channels that are involved in synaptic plasticity

Bacopa Extract improves cognitive function by improving the neural pathway for the transmission of nerve impulses

Heres the official supplement label:

With one of the most innovative and diverse blends of natural brain boosting ingredients, combined with a relatively low price compared to other leading brands, Noogenix is the best option overall when it comes to an all-around nootropic supplement.

An Amazon best-seller and a favorite by many, NEURO-PEAK is our #2 recommended nootropic on the market.

Memory. Focus. Clarity. These are the three pillars of NEURO-PEAK.

This nootropicwas formulated by a physician who specializes in anti-aging. Hecombined just the right amount of each ingredient to naturally increase blood circulation to the brain and support memory, focus and clarity.

Zhou Nutritions NEURO-PEAKoffers the benefits of several mental supplements in a single, once-a-day natural supplement.

Main Ingredients:

DMAE a naturally occurring compound in the brainand precursor to the neurotransmitter choline

Rhodiola Rosea Extract promotescognitive and physical vitality,improves generalcognitive health and reduces mental anxiety

Bacopa Monnieri reduces anxiety while improving memory formation

Phosphatidylserine treatsAlzheimers disease, age-related declines in mental function, andADHD

Vitamin B12 a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy

Ginkgo Biloba improves memory and stimulates brain function by improving blood flow to crucial parts of the brain

Stacked with some of the most potent ingredients on the market, Brainergy-X is our #3 overall recommended nootropic.

Super effective with low to no side effects- doesnt give you the jitters like other similar products.

Also one of the most affordable nootropics on the market, you basically get a 3-month supply for the same price as most charge for a 1-month supply.

Main Ingredients:

Alpha-GPC This specific type of acid isknownfor its cognitive advancingcharacteristics. Also known for improving athlete strength and power output.

Bacopa Monnieri A natural herbfound to reduce anxiety while improving memory formation simultaneously.

Bioperine Works by enhancing the bioavailability of different nutrients through enhanced absorption.

Caffeine + L-Theanine Both are very effective andcan enhance cognitive performance while increasing mental alertness.

Ginkgo Biloba A natural supplement that improves memory and stimulates brain function by improving blood flow to crucial parts of the brain.

L-Tyrosine Contributes in the increase of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain, helping you feel good.

Panax Ginseng Asuper herb that isknownfor improving working memory in the brain.

Rhodiola RoseaA traditionalChinese herbpromotescognitive and physical vitality,improvinggeneralcognitive health and reducingmental anxiety.

Taurine An amino acid (commonly found in most energy drinks) thatimproves mental performance, especially when combined with caffeine (1).

Neurofuse is anootropic pioneer and is one of the most potentbrain supplements.

The supplement sort of gives you a caffeine-like energetic buzz, which a lot ofpeople like. If you need a more calm nootropic for deep focus, probably not the nootropic for you.

Its also one of the more expensive nootropics on the market, compared to the other leading brands.

Main Ingredients:

Alpha Lipoic Acid Enhances the bodys ability to use its own insulin and helps lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Bacopa MonierriA natural herbfound to reduce anxiety while improving memory formation simultaneously.

Caffeine Anhydrous Enhances cognitive performance while increasing mental alertness.

Choline Bitartrate A macronutrient thats important for liver function, brain development, nerve function, muscle movement, supporting energy levels and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

DMAE Bitartrate A naturally occurring compound in the brain,DMAE is a precursor to the neurotransmitter choline.

Huperzine A Used for Alzheimers disease, memory and learning enhancement, and age-related memory impairment.

Phosphatidylserine Used for Alzheimers disease, age-related decline in mental function andADHD.

Pikatropin Used for mood enhancement, cognitive energy and focus, mental alertness, stress, anxiety, and relaxation.

Vinpocetine Derived from the periwinkle plant, this supplement improves blood flow to the brain.

Vitamin B3 Decreases the risk for heart disease and lowers bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Vitamin B6A vitamin needed for brain development and function. Also helpsmake the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine toregulatemood, and melatonin to regulate the body clock.

Vitamin D3 Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption and helps maintain healthy bones and teeth (2).

AlphaBRAIN is one of the more recognizableand popular nootropic brands on the market.

Endorsed by entrepreneurs and popular media celebrities like Joe Rogan, the product continues to grow in popularity, especially in the tech space.

While many have deemed AlphaBRAIN overrated, their many repeat customers would say otherwise.

One of the most expensive nootropic blends on the marketBut hey, label looks sweet.

Main Ingredients:

AC-11 A type of natural herb that repairs damaged DNA.

Alpha-GPC An essential type of acetylcholine that improves memory, concentration and mental focus.

BacopaMonierri A naturalherb that improves brain cognitive functions and memory.

Huperzine A Acts as an inhibitor of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme andslows down the rate of choline breakdown in the body.

L-Theanine An amino acid known to promote relaxation without sedation and drowsiness.

L-Tyrosine An essential amino acid that aids the production of dopamine in the brain.

Oat Straw An Indian herb that restores nervous system integrity and emotional flexibility.

Vinpocetine Improves blood and oxygen flow to the brain.

Vitamin B6 A vitamin needed for brain development and function. Also helpsmake the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine toregulatemood, and melatonin to regulate the body clock (3).

Optimind was formulated to replace dangerous prescription ADHD medicine.

Their original formula didnt go so well, they switched it up in 2015 and the new blend has done better. Still one of the more overpricednootropics on the market.

Over the last few years, the market has been become saturated with Optimind advertisements not a resultof the quality of the product but rather fancy commission bonuses fordistributors.

The do offer a nice variety of natural ingredients in their blend, but you pay a pretty penny.

Main Ingredients:

Alpha Lipoic AcidEnhances the bodys ability to use its own insulin and helps lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Bacoside AA naturalherb that improves brain cognitive functions and memory.

CaffeineEnhances cognitive performance while increasing mental alertness.

CholineA macronutrient thats important for liver function, brain development, nerve function, muscle movement, supporting energy levels and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

DMAEA naturally occurring compound in the brain,DMAE is a precursor to the neurotransmitter choline.

GABA Responsible for regulatingnerve impulses in the body which helps maintain muscle tone.

Green Tea Leaf extract Loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants.

Huperzine AActs as an inhibitor of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme andslows down the rate of choline breakdown in the body.

L-TyrosineAn essential amino acid that aids the production of dopamine in the brain.

Phosphatidyl L-SerineUsed for Alzheimers disease, age-related decline in mental function andADHD.

Sulbutamine Composed of two modified thiamine molecules, crossing the blood-brain barrier much more effectively than thiamine.

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The Top 5 Nootropic Supplements of 2017 Health Ranks

What lengths would you go to to be just a little more focused, to get a little bit more work done or be a little more organized? Is your regular dose of caffeine just not cutting it anymore? How do you deal with the pressure to work more or more efficiently?

These are some of the questions being asked by people dabbling in or considering dabbling in nootropics, which are drugs or supplements that are meant to improve or enhance cognitive functions like memory, creativity or motivation in otherwise healthy individuals.

While there is a myriad of substances that fall under the nootropic umbrella, theyre generally considered to be over-the-counter supplements, prescription drugs and unclassified research chemicals. Nootropics are technically supposed to be safe, not have significant side effects and not be addictive.

But, with so many substances falling under the blanket term of nootropic, its difficult to talk in general terms about their safety or effectiveness, especially since scientific studies on their use as cognitive enhancers are so limited.

Many in the business community, particularly in startups, have glowing reviews of the use of nootropics to improve cognitive function. Founder and CEO of Bulletproof Dave Asprey is one of them. Asprey says hes been benefitting from nootropics since first trying them 1997 and has continued to be a big fan of certain cognitive enhancers ever since.

Im wary of others, though, he says in a blog post. The trouble with using a blanket term like nootropics is that you lump all kinds of substances in together. Technically, you could argue that caffeine and cocaine are both nootropics, but theyre hardly equal.

With so many ways to enhance your brain function, many of which have significant risks, its most valuable to look at nootropics on a case-by-case basis.

There are others still who have given nootropics a shot and remain unconvinced.

Local business community member Melanie (not her real name) gave nootropics a shot and is unimpressed with the results and cautions against their use.

Overall, I was unimpressed with nootropics. Any positive effects were trivial, she said. Maybe Im in the minority here, but I dont tend to get a lot of placebo effects, Ive never been the type.

As a professional, I would never experiment while working. The effects could be negligible at best and harmful at their worst. Even nonprescription or so-called natural remedies can be taken too often and in too high a dose.

Melanie says she has tried prescription smart drugs numerous times but found the negative side effects werent worth it, especially after seeing how their continued use affected the life of a previous partner of hers.

I saw the way the drugs were negatively affecting them and it really scared me, how much they chose to ignore, just because maybe 50 per cent of the time, they felt great, she says. This person was constantly chasing a high that just couldnt be replicated after the first time.

After abandoning prescription medications, Melanie continued to look for a safe, healthy way to give herself the boost she thought she wanted and needed. She tried both various stacks (the combination of two or more supplements) of nootropics as well as certain supplements on their own.

Almost every nootropic and combination of nootropics I tried either did not do anything or caused me minor discomfort and unwanted effects, she says. For example, GABA, DMAE, huperzine A, L-tyrosine, and rodiola rosa (which many consider to be a nootropic) all caused me varying degrees of drowsiness, brain fog, and negatively affected my mood. The positive effects, such as a minor increase in energy, I attributed to the presence of caffeine (technically a nootropic, but more commonly accepted).

This type of energy in no way compares to prescription medication. The negative effects were not as bad as those experienced from prescription medication, but whats the point when you could just drink a cup of coffee and know exactly how youre going to react?

In the end, Melanie says she never got the effects she wanted from nootropics and would only try them again if they were recommended by a doctor in a specified dose. She says now that shes drug and nootropic free, her moods are a lot more predictable and shes able to focus what she considers a normal amount.

I definitely wouldnt touch prescription smart drugs again (whether nootropic or not). The risks just arent worth it, she says.

In trying to be the person youre not, you risk losing what you have. Would you trade your creativity for a week of being organized? If youre a happy and friendly person that everyone opens up to, would you trade that for six months of extra energy? Of course not, the tradeoff just doesnt make sense.

It goes without saying, though were saying it anyway, that you should probably check with your doctor before you start experimenting with your brain. Still, theres a wealth of information out there from those convinced nootropics have done them a world of good that might at least be worth reading up on.

But whatever you do, dont take medical advice from Reddit.

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Nootropics: Business Performance Enhancing Drugs? - Huddle Today

With consumers looking for alternatives to high doses of caffeine and sugar, nootropics could become the new norm for energy drinks, believes new brand LGND.

The drink, which is described as an energy drink with a nootropic profile, is designed to not only give a quick energy boost but also help the performance of cognitive abilities such as focus and memorization.

While based in Japan, the drink has been developed in collaboration with a lab in Los Angeles and will debut with production and distribution in the US before expanding to Asia.

Consumers want a product with a quick but sustainable energy boost

The idea for LGND goes back to CEO Sebastian Westmans days as an engineering student, when he became tired of the negative effects of a high caffeine and sugar intake. The idea has been on his mind ever since, he said.

Westman says the aim of the functional beverage is to help you identify your edge, and sharpen it to its greatest point.

LGNDs products will give you that much needed quick energy boost without the usual crash-and-burn sensation that you experience with many other energy and coffee drinks in existence today, he said. LGND effectively energizes you, supplying you with strong long-term effects.

The active nootropic ingredients used in LGND are acetyl L-carnitine, Alpha GPC, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, citicoline, L-carnitine, Bacopa monnieri and turmeric root extract, as well as natural green tea extract and caffeine.

Nootropics are most commonly seen as supplements. But Westman believes the presence of functional beverages using nootropics will increase in the coming years.

We like to see ourselves as pioneers on the energy drink market with a vison to change the norm for what an energy drink is and what to expect from it, said Westman.

We believe that the products that you see on the market today are either very unhealthy or do not deliver what the consumer is looking for. Consumers want a product that will give a quick but sustainable energy boost without the crash-and-burn effect. And on top of that it needs to be healthy.

Nootropics

Substances that are marketed as improving cognitive function: particularly executive function, memory, learning or intelligence.

The name is derived from the Greek word noos, meaning mind, and trope, turning.

Nootropic supplements are sometimes associated with high performing work environments such as Silicon Valley, dubbed as smart drugs.

I firmly believe that nootropics will be the next norm for energy drinks. In the next few years we will see a steady rise on functional beverages utilizing nootropics for their cognitive benefits. Nootropics arent anything more special than caffeine, but have the potential to be just as common as caffeine and caffeinated beverages.

Nootropic supplements have been popular in high performing work environments such as Silicon Valley for a few years. The reason they arent more widespread is because of two major factors; one is that the price for the supplements is fairly steep, and secondly is the lack of information spread.

There are a few beverages on the market with active nootropic ingredients but the price per pop is on the higher scale.

Building the brand

LGND will debut in the US but Westman says distribution mechanisms will differ from traditional methods.

We're going to focus a lot on eCommerce, sponsorship programs and subscriptions. This means offering a few months sponsorship to start-ups and driven individuals that we see are in line with our vision, and thereafter offer a subscription plan to a discounted price. We're also planning on an on-sales approach.

We want to have a proper buzz and traction around our brand before approaching distributors.

Our vision is to move to global distribution within the next three years and we hope to be able to break into emerging markets such as China and India.

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Functional beverages using nootropics will rise, predicts new energy drink LGND - BeverageDaily.com

Theres been a lot of news coming out of Syria and the Middle East about a new amphetamine that is coming to dominate the war economy. Since most of Syrias infrastructure and economy has been destroyed by civil war, the major moneymaker has become arms deals and drug sales, but specifically sales of a drug called Captagon.

Theres a lot of talk in the news about this scary new drug, but what concerns us is, what is Captagon really? What was it intended for? And why is a Nootropics blog covering Captagon?

Captagons other name is Fenethylline. Looking at the structure of the molecule, one can see that its a combination of d-amphetamine and theophylline. It doesnt appear to be active in its own right, but its a prodrug that the liver separates into both of these compounds. When Captagon is taken, it becomes in vivo d-amphetamine and theophylline, and these two new compounds are absorbed into the blood stream, and can now cross the blood brain barrier and become centrally active.

d-amphetamine: We have pretty extensively covered d-amphetamine in our Adderall section. d-amphetamine makes up 75% of Adderall by weight, so we understand the left half of the Captagon molecule. Once broken down and released into the blood stream, the d-amphetamine effects become apparent. This is very similar to Vyvanse, in which d-amphetamine is joined to L-lysine, which is an amino acid. Using the Vyvanse analogy, we can assume that the d-amphetamine release from taking captagon is rate-limited by the livers ability to convert the molecule into its constituent parts. This causes an effect similar to a built-in time-release mechanism. I was unable to find the effective half-life, but would expect it to be similar to Vyvanses.

Theophylline: Captagons other half is Theophylline. Theophylline is a chemical of the Xanthine class. The most recognizable Xanthine is Caffeine. The Xanthine family is made of up Caffeine, Theobromine, and Theophylline. Theophylline is found naturally in cocoa beans, black tea, green tea, and has a half-life of 5-8 hours. The effects of Theophylline are subjectively and objectively very close to Caffeine

.

So what is Captagon? In the end, Captagon could be considered to be a time-release pill containing Theophylline and Amphetamine. The effects subjectively would be very similar to taking Adderall XR and drinking tea or coffee. The effects are going to be milder than the same dose of Adderall, because half of the molecule being a Xanthine. There are some interesting effects on blood pressure, as Theophylline is a vasodilator while Amphetamine is a vasoconstrictor.

What was Captagon originally intended for? Captagon was originally designed by Degussa AG, a German pharmaceutical company infamous for being the inventors of Zyklon B, used to gas people during the Holocaust. Captagon was invented in 1961 as an alternative to straight Amphetamine to treat ADHD, to work as an antidepressant, and to treat narcolepsy. It is of lower abuse potential than Amphetamine, and is actually quite comparable to Vyvanse in terms of effects. Essentially while not a nootropic, Captagon was designed to be a smart drug with a lower side effect and abuse potential than Adderall.

Why is Captagon currently the drug of choice for the Syrian Civil War? Captagon allows soldiers to fight longer hours without fatigue. It doesnt give the same level of rush or euphoria or mania that straight amphetamine would, but it allows soldiers to function for extended periods of time on little sleep and without significant decreases in alertness or performance. Eventually these soldiers are going to burn out, but it allows them to keep fighting, and potentially even to stay alive.

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Captagon The Smart Drug Fuelling Syrias Civil War ...

01 May 2017

IN the course of my medical research I came upon a whole new class of brain-boosting compounds, called Nootropics. Some of them are only available by prescription (such as Provigil / Modafinil and Ritalin).

However, there is a broad spectrum of brain-boosters which, because they are classified as dietary supplements, need no prescription. These include Alpha Brain (highly touted), Brain Force, and Focus Factor. Each of these supplements was created by scientists who were also physicians.

I gave Brain Force to my friend (who has mild dementia) along with a fairly unknown nutrient, Vinpocetine (similar to Ginkgo Biloba, but more powerful). I also gave her GABA, which increases the efficiency of neurotransmitters in the brain hence better cognitive function. They all helped her to focus in her daily activities; they also improved her memory.

There is another dietary supplement which is worthy of note. It is called Phenibut. It is available either as a powder (you put a little scoop of this stuff under your tongue) or in capsule form. The standard dose is approximately 500mg, and is widely available on the internet again, without a prescription.

It was developed in the 1960s by Russian scientists to give a boost to Russian cosmonauts so that they would have less anxiety, be more social, and then sleep beautifully at the end of the day.

I also became intrigued with Provigil / Modafinil and watched many YouTube videos made by people who were taking it. Although originally developed as a treatment for narcolepsy (suddenly falling asleep), it has a hyper-alert effect on the user.

Many users of Modafinil claimed that they were much more productive, and that this drug made them feel more like themselves. It is especially useful for people who have to work long hours and stay focused.

For example, I know a person who uses Modafinil to help him work the overnight shift. As a result, this person is wide awake and highly functional. And, when he goes home at 8 a.m., he is able to go to sleep because the drug wears off after 8 hours.

Your doctor can prescribe Provigil / Modafinil if you have trouble staying awake, or merely want to sharpen your brain function. I spoke with a local pharmacist, and the cost for the prescription is around $80 for a 30-day supply. It is cheaper on the internet, since some prescription drugs can be extremely costly in the commonwealth.

This reminds me. Although the U.S. Congress has passed legislation to prevent U.S. citizens from ordering pharmaceuticals from Canada, the law has not gone into effect, so you can still do this legally.

Buying pharmaceuticals from Canada is a life-saver and extremely cost effective. You know about Viagra it was developed to help improve blood flow; but its other benefits took the spotlight. I found 50mg to be very helpful to me, because I had a heart attack a couple of years ago and Viagra helps to keep my blood pressure within the normal range.

However, one 50mg tablet on Saipan costs $48. In Canada, the Pfizer-made drug costs about $8, or even less on some web sites. The Canadian pharmacies require a prescription and most doctors in the commonwealth will send one for you.

This is especially appealing to those of us who do not have insurance to cover the costs of prescription drugs.

In the meantime, consult your physician and do some research, especially on some of the nootropics I mentioned. If you need a mental boost, there are many great products available.

RUSS MASON, MS As Teo, Saipan

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Ramping up your brain power - Marianas Variety

Sceptics about the possibility of nootropics ("smart drugs") are victims of the so-called Panglossian paradigm of evolution. They believe that our cognitive architecture has been so fine-honed by natural selection that any tinkering with such a wonderfully all-adaptive suite of mechanisms is bound to do more harm than good. Certainly the notion that merely popping a pill could make you intellectually brighter sounds implausible - the sort of journalistic excess that sits more comfortably in the pages of Fortean Times than any scholarly journal of repute.

Yet as Dean, Morgenthaler and Fowkes' (hereafter "DMF") book attests, the debunkers are wrong. On the one hand, numerous agents with anticholinergic properties are essentially dumb drugs. Anticholinergics impair memory, alertness, focus, verbal facility and creative thought. Conversely, a variety of cholinergic drugs and nutrients, which form a large part of the smart chemist's arsenal, can subtly but significantly enhance cognitive performance on a whole range of tests. This holds true for victims of Alzheimer's Disease, who suffer in particular from a progressive and disproportionate loss of cholinergic neurons. Yet, potentially at least, cognitive enhancers can aid non-demented people too. Many members of the "normally" ageing population can benefit from an increased availability of acetylcholine, improved blood-flow to the brain, increased ATP production and enhanced oxygen and glucose uptake. Most recently, research with ampakines, modulators of neurotrophin-regulating AMPA-type glutamate receptors, suggests that designer nootropics will soon deliver sharper intellectual performance even to healthy young adults.

DMF provide updates from Smart Drugs (1) on piracetam, acetyl-l-carnitine, vasopressin, and several vitamin therapies. Smart Drugs II offers profiles of agents such as selegiline (l-deprenyl), melatonin, pregnenolone, DHEA and ondansetron (Zofran). There is also a provocative question-and-answer section; a discussion of product sources; and a guide to further reading.

So what's the catch? Unfortunately, there are many. Large, well-controlled, long-term trials of putative nootropics are scarce: the whole field of cognitive enhancement is rife with self-deception, snake-oil, hucksterism and (at best) publication bias. Another problem, to which not all authorities on nootropics give enough emphasis, is the complex interplay between cognition and mood. Thus great care should be taken before tampering with the noradrenaline/acetylcholine axis. Thought-frenzied hypercholinergic states, for instance, are characteristic of one "noradrenergic" sub-type of depression. A predominance of forebrain cholinergic activity, frequently triggered by chronic uncontrolled stress, can lead to a reduced sensitivity to reward, an inability to sustain effort, and behavioural suppression.

This mood-modulating effect does make some sort of cruel genetic sense. Extreme intensity of reflective thought may function as an evolutionarily adaptive response when things go wrong. When they're going right, as in optimal states of "flow experience", we don't need to bother. Hence boosting cholinergic function, alone and in the absence of further pharmacologic intervention, can subdue mood. Cholinergics can even induce depression in susceptible subjects. Likewise, beta-adrenergic antagonists (e.g. propranolol (Inderal)) can induce depression and fatigue. Conversely, "dumb-drug" anticholinergics may sometimes have mood-brightening - progressing to deliriant - effects. Indeed antimuscarinic agents acting in the nucleus accumbens may even induce a "mindless" euphoria.

Now it might seem axiomatic that helping everyone think more deeply is just what the doctor ordered. Yet our education system is already pervaded by an intellectual snobbery that exalts academic excellence over social cognition and emotional well-being. In the modern era, examination rituals bordering on institutionalised child-abuse take a heavy toll on young lives. Depression and anxiety-disorders among young teens are endemic - and still rising. It's worth recalling that research laboratories routinely subject non-human animals to a regimen of "chronic mild uncontrolled stress" to induce depression in their captive animal population; investigators then test putative new antidepressants on the depressed animals to see if their despair can be experimentally reversed by patentable drugs. The "chronic mild stressors" that we standardly inflict on adolescent humans can have no less harmful effects on the mental health of captive school-students; but in this case, no organised effort is made to reverse it. Instead its victims often go on to self-medicate with ethyl alcohol, tobacco and street drugs. So arguably at least, the deformed and emotionally pre-literate minds churned out by our schools stand in need of safe, high-octane mood-brighteners more urgently than cognitive tweakers. Memory-enhancers might be more worthwhile if we had more experiences worth remembering.

One possible solution to this dilemma involves taking a cholinergic agent such as piracetam (Nootropil) or aniracetam (Draganon, Ampamet) that also enhances dopamine function. In the late twentieth century, many researchers believed that the mesolimbic dopamine system acts as the final common pathway for pleasure in the brain. This hypothesis turned out to be simplistic at best. The mesolimbic dopamine system is most directly implicated in motivation and the capacity to anticipate future pleasures. The endogenous opioid system, and in particular activation of the mu opioid receptors, that mediates pure pleasure. Mesolimbic dopamine amplifies "incentive-motivation": "wanting" and "liking" may have different substrates, albeit intimately linked. Moreover mood-elevating memory-enhancers such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g. the selective PDE4 inhibitor rolipram) act on different neural pathways - speeding and strengthening memory-formation by prolonging the availability of CREB. In any event, several of the most popular smart drugs discussed by DMF do indeed act on both the cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. In addition, agents like aniracetam and its analogs increase hippocampal glutaminergic activity. Hippocampal function is critical to memory - and mood. Thus newly developed ampakines, agents promoting long-term potentiation of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, are powerful memory-enhancers and future nootropics.

Another approach to enhancing mood and intellect alike involves swapping or combining a choline agonist with a different, primarily dopaminergic drug. Here admittedly there are methodological problems. The improved test score performances reported on so-called smart dopaminergics may have other explanations. Not all studies adequately exclude the confounding variables of increased alertness, sharper sensory acuity, greater motor activity or improved motivation - as distinct from any "pure" nootropic action. Yet the selective dopamine reuptake blocker amineptine (Survector) is both a mood-brightener and a possible smart-drug. Likewise selegiline, popularly known as l-deprenyl, has potentially life-enhancing properties. Selegiline is a selective, irreversible MAO-b inhibitor with antioxidant, immune-system-boosting and anti-neurodegenerative effects. It retards the metabolism not just of dopamine but also of phenylethylamine, a trace amine also found in chocolate and released when we're in love. Selegiline also stimulates the release of superoxide dismutase (SOD); SOD is a key enzyme which helps to quench damaging free-radicals. Taken consistently in low doses, selegiline extends the life-expectancy of rats by some 20%; enhances drive, libido and endurance; and independently improves cognitive performance in Alzheimer's patients and in some healthy normals. It is used successfully to treat canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in dogs. In 2006, higher dose (i.e. less MAO-b selective) selegiline was licensed as the antidepressant EMSAM, a transdermal patch. Selegiline also protects the brain's dopamine cells from oxidative stress. The brain has only about 400,000 - 600,000 dopaminergic neurons in all. We lose perhaps 13% a decade in adult life. An eventual 70%-80% loss leads to the dopamine-deficiency disorder Parkinson's disease and frequently depression. Clearly anything that spares so precious a resource might prove a valuable tool for life-enrichment.

In 2005, a second selective MAO-b inhibitor, rasagiline (Azilect) gained an EC product license. Its introduction was followed a year later in the USA. Unlike selegiline, rasagiline doesn't have amphetamine trace metabolites - a distinct if modest therapeutic advantage.

Looking further ahead, the bifunctional cholinesterase inhibitor and MAO-b inhibitor ladostigil acts both as a cognitive enhancer and a mood brightener. Ladostigil has neuroprotective and potential antiaging properties too. Its product-license is several years away at best.

Consider, for instance, the plight of genetically engineered "smart mice" endowed with an extra copy of the NR2B subtype of NMDA receptor. It is now known that such brainy "Doogie" mice suffer from a chronically increased sensitivity to pain. Memory-enhancing drugs and potential gene-therapies targeting the same receptor subtype might cause equally disturbing side-effects in humans. Conversely, NMDA antagonists like the dissociative anaesthetic drug ketamine exert amnestic, antidepressant and analgesic effects in humans and non-humans alike.

Amplified memory can itself be a mixed blessing. Even among the drug-nave and chronically forgetful, all kinds of embarrassing, intrusive and traumatic memories may haunt our lives. Such memories sometimes persist for months, years or even decades afterwards. Unpleasant memories can sour the well-being even of people who don't suffer from clinical PTSD. The effects of using all-round memory enhancers might do something worse than merely fill our heads with clutter. Such agents could etch traumatic experiences more indelibly into our memories. Or worse, such all-round enhancers might promote the involuntary recall of our nastiest memories with truly nightmarish intensity. Ironically, a popular smart drug such as modafinil can be used experimentally to prevent long-term memory consolidation in animal models" - not quite the effect pill-popping students cramming for exams have in mind. Like most psychostimulants, modafinil may also have a subtle anti-empathetic effect.

By contrast, the design of chemical tools that empower us selectively to forget unpleasant memories may prove to be at least as life-enriching as agents that help us remember more effectively. Unlike the software of digital computers, human memories can't be specifically deleted to order. But this design-limitation may soon be overcome. The synthesis of enhanced versions of protease inhibitors such as anisomycin may enable us selectively to erase horrible memories. If such agents can be refined for our personal medicine cabinets, then we'll potentially be able to rid ourselves of nasty or unwanted memories at will - as distinct from drowning our sorrows with alcohol or indiscriminately dulling our wits with tranquillisers. In future, the twin availability of 1] technologies to amplify desirable memories, and 2] selective amnestics to extinguish undesirable memories, promises to improve our quality of life far more dramatically than use of today's lame smart drugs.

Such a utopian pharmaceutical toolkit is still some way off. Given our current primitive state of knowledge, it's hard to boost the function of one neurotransmitter signalling system or receptor sub-type without eliciting compensatory and often unwanted responses from others. Life's successful, dopamine-driven go-getters, for instance, whether naturally propelled or otherwise, may be highly productive individuals. Yet they are rarely warm, relaxed and socially empathetic. This is because, crudely, dopamine overdrive tends to impair "civilising serotonin" function. Likewise, testosterone functionally antagonises pro-social oxytocin in the CNS. Unfortunately, tests of putative smart drugs typically reflect an impoverished and culture-bound conception of intelligence. Indeed today's "high IQ" alpha males may strike posterity as more akin to idiot savants than imposing intellectual giants. IQ tests, and all conventional scholastic examinations, neglect creative and practical intelligence. IQ tests simply ignore social cognition. Social intelligence, and its cognate notion of "emotional IQ", isn't some second-rate substitute for people who can't do IQ tests. On the contrary, according to the Machiavellian ape hypothesis, the evolution of human intelligence has been driven by our superior "mind-reading" skills. Higher-order intentionality [e.g. "you believe that I hope that she thinks that I want...", etc] is central to the lives of advanced social beings. The unique development of human mind is an adaptation to social problem-solving and the selective advantages it brings. Yet pharmaceuticals that enhance our capacity for empathy, enrich our social skills, expand our "state-space" of experience, or deepen our introspective self-knowledge are not conventional candidates for smart drugs. For such faculties don't reflect our traditional [male] scientific value-judgements on what qualifies as "intelligence". Thus in academia, for instance, competitive dominance behaviour among "alpha" male human primates often masquerades as the pursuit of scholarship. Emotional literacy is certainly harder to quantify scientifically than mathematical puzzle-solving ability or performance in verbal memory-tests. But to misquote Robert McNamara, we need to stop making what is measurable important, and find ways to make the important measurable. By some criteria, contemporary IQ tests are better measures of high-grade autism than mature full-spectrum intelligence. So before chemically manipulating one's mind, it's worth critically examining which capacities one wants to enhance; and to what end?

In practice, the first and most boring advice is often the most important. Many potential users of smart pills would be better and more simply advised to stop taking tranquillisers, sleeping tablets or toxic recreational drugs; practise good sleep discipline; eat omega-3 rich foods, more vegetables and generally improve their diet; and try more mentally challenging tasks. One of the easiest ways of improving memory, for instance, is to increase the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain. Enhanced cerebrovascular function can be achieved by running, swimming, dancing, brisk walking, and more sex. Regular vigorous exercise also promotes nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. Hippocampal brain cell growth potentially enhances mood, memory and cognitive vitality alike. Intellectuals are prone to echo J.S. Mill: "Better to be an unhappy Socrates than a happy pig". But happiness is typically good for the hippocampus; by contrast, the reduced hippocampal volume anatomically characteristic of depressives correlates with the length of their depression.

In our current state of ignorance, homely remedies are still sometimes best. Thus moderate consumption of adenosine-inhibiting, common-or-garden caffeine improves concentration, mood and alertness; enhances acetylcholine release in the hippocampus; and statistically reduces the risk of suicide. Regular coffee drinking induces competitive and reversible inhibition of MAO enzymes type A and B owing to coffee's neuroactive beta-carbolines. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants. Non-coffee drinkers are around three times more likely to contract Parkinson's disease. A Michigan study found caffeine use was correlated with enhanced male virility in later life.

Before resorting to pills, aspiring intellectual heavyweights might do well to start the day with a low-fat/high carbohydrate breakfast: muesli rather than tasty well-buttered croissants. This will enhance memory, energy and blood glucose levels. An omega-3 rich diet will enhance all-round emotional and intellectual health too. A large greasy fry-up, on the other hand, can easily leave one feeling muddle-headed, drowsy and lethargic. If one wants to stay sharp, and to blunt the normal mid-afternoon dip, then eating big fatty lunches isn't a good idea either. Fat releases cholecystokinin (CCK) from the duodenum. Modest intravenous infusions of CCK make one demonstrably dopey and subdued.

To urge such caveats is not to throw up one's hands in defeatist resignation. Creative psychopharmacology can often in principle circumvent such problems, even today. There may indeed be no safe drugs but just safe dosages. Yet some smart drugs, such as piracetam, are relatively innocuous. If the user doesn't like their effects, (s)he can simply stop taking them. Agents such as the alpha-1 adrenergic agonist adrafinil (Olmifron) typically do have both mood-brightening and intellectually invigorating effects. Adrafinil, like its chemical cousin modafinil (Provigil), promotes alertness, vigilance and mental focus; and its more-or-less pure CNS action ensures it doesn't cause unwanted peripheral sympathetic stimulation.

Unfortunately the lay public is currently ill-served, a few shining exceptions aside, by the professionals. A condition of ignorance and dependence is actively fostered where it isn't just connived at in the wider population. So there's often relatively little point in advising anyone contemplating acting on DMF's book to consult their physician first. For it's likely their physician won't want to know, or want them to know, in the first instance.

As traditional forms of censorship, news-management and governmental information-control break down, however, and the Net insinuates itself into ever more areas of daily life, more and more people are stumbling upon - initially - and then exploring, the variety of drugs and combination therapies which leading-edge pharmaceutical research puts on offer. They are increasingly doing so as customers, and not as patronisingly labelled role-bound "patients". Those outside the charmed circle have previously been cast in the obligatory role of humble supplicants. The more jaundiced or libertarian among the excluded may have felt themselves at the mercy of prescription-wielding, or -withholding, agents of one arm of the licensed drug cartels. So when the control of the cartels and their agents falters, there is an especially urgent need for incisive and high-quality information to be made readily accessible. Do DMF fulfil it?

Smart Drugs 2 lays itself wide open to criticism; but then it takes on an impossible task. In the perennial trade-off between accessibility and scholarly rigour, compromises are made on both sides. Ritual disclaimers aside, DMF's tone can at times seem too uncritically gung-ho. Their drug-profiles and cited studies don't always give due weight to the variations in sample size and the quality of controls. Nor do they highlight the uncertain calibre of the scholarly journals in which some of the most interesting results are published. DMFs inclusion of anecdote-studded personal testimonials is almost calculated to inflame medical orthodoxy. Moreover it should be stressed that the scientific gold-standard of large, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over prospective trials are still quite rare in this field as a whole.

Looking ahead, this century's mood-boosting, intellect-sharpening, empathy-enhancing and personality-enriching drugs are themselves likely to prove only stopgaps. This is because invincible, life-long happiness and supergenius intellect may one day be genetically pre-programmed and possibly ubiquitous in our transhuman successors. Taking drugs to repair Nature's deficiencies may eventually become redundant. Memory- and intelligence-boosting gene therapies are already imminent. But in repairing the deficiencies of an educational system geared to producing dysthymic pharmacological illiterates, Smart Drugs 1 and 2 offers a warmly welcome start.

DP (1998, 2017).

Refs and further reading

HedWeb Talks (2015) Future Opioids BLTC Research Superhappiness? Utopian Surgery? Social Media (2017) Nutritional Medicine Wirehead Hedonism The Good Drug Guide Nootropics (Wikipedia) The Abolitionist Project Reproductive Revolution Quora Answers (2015-17) Critique Of Brave New World MDMA: Utopian Pharmacology Nootropics/Smart Drugs: Sources The Biointelligence Explosion (2013) Male intelligence vs female intelligence Humans and AI: Co-evolution, Fusion or Replacement? (2013)e-mail dave@bltc.com

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nootropics / smart drugs

It's not exactly news that people do drugs in college. But in recent years there's been a flurry of reports from both the UK and here in the US that suggest students are increasingly getting high to help them do their work, rather than to block out its existence until the day it's due.

The majority of media attention awarded to these "smart drugs" so far has been directed at their misuse, given that some of the most popular substanceslike Ritalin, Adderall, and modafinilwere originally developed to combat specific disorders, such as ADHD or narcolepsy. But there's also been a steady rise in the use of supplements designed to improve brainpower in healthy adults over extended periods of time, as opposed to the brief but efficient effect you'll get from using any of the time-tested prescription drugs.

These supplements are known as nootropics and range from the mundane (ginseng) to the unpronounceable (phenylalanine). As with the prescription drugs, little is known about their long-term side effects.

It's difficult to draw any clear distinctions between nootropics and other brain-boosting drugs, but if you, like many others, share the views of John Harrisprofessor of bioethics at Manchester University in Englandthere's very little need to draw those distinctions in the first place. "I'm interested in cognitive-enhancing drugs," he said. "How you define nootropics doesn't interest me."

Of course, not everyone agrees. Corneliu E Giurgea, a Romanian psychologist and chemist, synthesized piracetamthe first nootropicin 1964 and established an exact set of criteria in doing so. For Giurgea, nootropics must enhance learning acquisition, increase the coupling of the brain's hemispheres, and improve executive processing (that last one involves tasks such as planning, paying attention, and spatial awareness). Importantly, these drugs must also be non-toxic and non-addictive.

Due to the wide variety of supplements classed as nootropics, there's no single way of explaining how they work. Broadly speaking, however, nootropics achieve their effects by altering the supply of neurochemicals, enzymes, or hormones in the brain. Giurgea's piracetam, for example, can improve the memory of users by altering the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which, in turn, affects the plasticity of synapses in the brain (the extent to which entire brain structures, and the brain itself, can change from experiences). We understand our memories to be composed of complex matrices of synapses, and our ability to access them is related to how well they can link. Improved plasticity makes it easier for synapses to hook up.

Three of the most popular British vendors (Nootropics.co.uk, Intellimeds.co.uk, and SmartNootropics.co.uk) have all appeared in the last two years, so it's clear that there's been a recent surge in the popularity of nootropics. However, the benefits of some of the substances used to make the supplements have been known for years. We all know the productivity perks of caffeine, for instance, and the brain-boosting power of fish oil has been touted for as long as any of us can remember (with or without the help of nootropics). For those reasons, caffeine and fish oil form the base of many nootropic "stacks"super-effective nootropic combinations.

Image by Jonny Mellor

Sean Duke is an American neuropharmacologist who specializes in devising stacks. He refers to those who take nootropics as "noonauts" and claims that they "are the mental equivalent of bodybuilders." On the nootropics Subredditand a number of other online message boardsnoonauts from all corners of society come together to obsess over drug regimens and optimizing doses and boast about how many books they can mentally bench-press.

Duke's steroids allegory also works on a legal level. As with all drugs, the government's method for legislating cognitive enhancers is scattershot at best. Modafinila substance created to treat narcolepsycannot be sold legally without a prescription in the UK, but it is legal to import for personal use. The same goes for piracetam. This creates a pretty illogical situation in which UK suppliers can sell experimental nootropics unimpeded but cannot legally sell piracetama substance that has been thoroughly proven as safe for more than 40 years.

Duke says of humans, "We are all nootnauts; some of us just try harder." And it's a sentiment that's been true throughout our history. Great advances in our evolution have been precipitated by adjustments to our diets. Our brains swelled when we began eating meat 2.3 million years ago. Then, a million years later, our ability to cook food gave rise to Homo erectus, our closest ancestor, who developed a digestive system 20 percent smaller and a brain 20 percent larger than his predecessors.

In the 1950s, Britain and America experimented with mind-altering technology for military gain. One of the CIA's most cartoonishly evil projects, MKUltra, investigated the effects of psychotropic drugs, shock therapy, and hypnosis on participants, some willing and some not. Scientists attempted to make their subjects better at dealing with torture or more likely to tell the truth, and worked to "increase the efficiency of mentation and perception." However, the science backfired, and the agency's attempts to control the human mind had remarkably counterproductive results.

Ken Kesey and Robert Hunter were two volunteers for the MKUltra experiment at Menlo Park Veterans Hospital, a mental health facility in California. Kesey spent time talking to the patients there and decided that they were socially marginalized rather than insane. His experiences inspired him to write the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoos' Nest. Hunter would go on to join The Grateful Dead, and it is said that he was under the influence of the MKUltra experiments when he wrote the words to "China Cat Sunflower."

Both figures played a seminal role in arguably the biggest cultural movement of the 20th Centuryone that endorsed the use of psychedelics for their ability to broaden horizons and produce a new kind of society.

Image by Jonny Mellor

Timothy Leary, a close friend of Kesey's, took a scientific approach to expanding consciousness. In 1964, he published The Psychedelic Experience, which laid out a practical framework for experimenting with hallucinogenic drugs. In Romania, in the same year, Giurgea published The Fundamentals to the Pharmacology of the Mind, in which he stated: "Man is not going to wait passively for millions of years before evolution offers him a better brain."

In the eyes of the scientific community, Leary's passion for his subject transformed him from detached researcher to evangelistthe pervasive memory of him is of a guy who dropped acid with Allen Ginsberg and John Lennon; no one really remembers any meaningful data concerning the effects psychoactive drugs have on someone's brain. Giurgea's work, however, became a field of serious research.

Studies have repeatedly shown the practical benefits of nootropics, but their impact on society has been less explosive than Leary's work. This is, in part, because the effectiveness of nootropics is dependent on an individual's neurochemistry, which is closely tied to weight, sleep patterns, and even mood, meaning the results of their use can vary hugely.

As Leary got older, his focus moved from drugs to technology. He proclaimed that "the PC is the LSD of the 90s" and began what came to be known as the cyberpunk movement. Many adherents of the subculture went on to work in Silicon Valley, and it was from here that the Information Age unfolded.

In 2010, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said: "There were five exabytes of information created between the dawn of civilization through 2003, but that much information is now created every two days." The exact details of what he said were quickly proven to be incorrect, but we exist in a world of overwhelming information nevertheless. We are now expected to deal with an exorbitant amount of data endlessly streaming to us from every corner of our lives, and our natural response to this has been inadequate; we have no time to question fictions if they suit our worldviewthe first paragraph of a Wikipedia page is as much knowledge as we need to get by.

Image by Alex Horne

Despite our natural ineptitude at managing this volume of data, we are increasingly treated like information processors in many aspects of life. Performance targets, efficiency ratings, and calculated margins of error have become the parameters we work within. In education, even the most abstract and non-prescriptive subjects are being reduced to an exercise in memorizing facts. And in attempts to plan and organize society, we are treated as predictable machines. Instead of Leary's vision that computers would liberate us, we are becoming the computers ourselves.

Wearable technology like Google Glass is the logical extension of this concept, minimizing the distinction between our devices and us. It keeps us fed with information and ensures we are never offline. But can we adapt to such an existence? Maybe nootropics can help us come full circle.

Smart drugs could be seen as the key to unlocking our full potential within the narrow confines of a society reliant on technology. In a Daily Mail piece, for example, a "James," a Cambridge student, said that, when taking modafinil, "Your brain worked more like a computer as it processed information." And although the government still doesn't quite know what to do with nootropics, John Harris thinks they could be fundamental to the future of education: "They may even be provided to all students as a matter of course," he said.

The fact remains, however, that we are not information processors, and the human brain cannot be fully understood in terms of chemistry. Duke said: "If we were just chemicals, how can one explain free will? Free will ignores the energy-defined constraints of chemistry." Ultimately, free will is more powerful than our chemical makeup. The brain plasticity that piracetam aids is consciously guided whenever we make a decision to learn a new language or to play an instrument.

So while smart drugs can provide an edge in a world where processing power is paramount, viewing them as a universal cure risks reducing humans to automatons. Duke says: "The jury is still out on these drugs being evolutionary as opposed to de-evolutionary. How much are we guiding our brain to make connections that cannot be re-visited without the aid of the nootropics? We certainly don't know now, and I'm not sure if we ever will." What he's saying is that if we start providing cognitive enhancers to children, we may be narrowing their future capabilities, prioritizing their functionality over their creativity and individuality.

William Gibson, another famous cyberpunk, once said: "Technologies are morally neutral until we apply them." Many noonauts are currently enhancing their lives with brain-boosting supplements, but if cognitive enhancers become normalized, which is more likely: that we become a society filled with intellectual experts, or that our increased capacity for work results in a larger workload?

Smartphones mean the office is always in our pocket. Smart drugs could mean the office is always in our minds. Which sounds like a really shitty place to end up.

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Will 'Smart Drugs' Really Make Us Smarter, or Just ... - VICE