Category Archives: Nootropics

Some redditors have resorted to testing natural and over-the-counter nootropics on themselves. They then report the evidence online. (For a helpful nootropics list, see their original thread, found here.) There are some holes in the scientific process of reddit-based experiments: no way to ensure regular doses, no control group, and observation bias.

However, there are also benefits to the information one can glean from the threads. For example, many redditors experiment to find the best nootropic stack. A stack involves taking at least two supplements to increase overall effectiveness.

A person may take Supplement A, which is said to work in the subcortical area of the brain, along with supplement B, which works in the hippocampus. They may also take Supplement C, which purportedly dilates blood vessels in the brain, allowing for better oxygenation and cell health. These three substances each work in different parts of the brain, thus affecting different types of cognitive function. This has one clear advantage over traditional lab testing, which tends to work with one supplement at a time.

Redditors are just the same as online forum contributors who talk about their experiences with prescribed medications. They will tell about their own experiences and make recommendations. Following those suggestions is entirely up to the reader. After all, it is their experience with the nootropics, not the laboratory tests, that are most important to them.

The main thread also encourages a healthy debate about the safety of self-experimentation. While some will readily link you to the best place to buy nootropics right away, others are far more cautious. Some redditors will provide some very helpful safety considerations, information on allergic reactions, and even sway you away from the shadier parts of the largely unregulated supplement industry.

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Nootropics Supplements and Stacks - Review Before You Buy!

Discover this groundbreaking nootropic cognitive enhancer that delivers improved focus, productivity, speech & memory using 100% pure nootropics at the proper dose.

You want to be smarter... it's as simple as that. You've made up your mind but your cognitive function isnt quite up to speed. We understand. Thats why we developed Nootrobrain.

Nootrobrain is a combination of the safest, most effective nootropic ingredients formulated at the proper dose. It drastically improves cognitive performance and mental clarity in most adults.

The ingredients in Nootrobrain make you feel like your brain is always firing on all cylinders with zero mental fatigue at the end of the day...

...enhancing your focus and concentration like you never thought possible...

...and enabling you to quickly absorb vast quantities of information and allowing you to recall this information on the fly...

...and increasing your verbal skills, allowing you to speak much more fluently in conversation.

Here are some of the benefits youll get from Nootrobrain:

How exactly does Nootrobrain work?

Nootrobrain works by improving brain functions by different mechanisms. It improves mitochondrial function, improves metabolism of glucose, and restores cell membrane alteration in the aging brain. It increases density of the cholinergic and glutamate receptors that are related to learning and memory.

It also increases the synthesis of proteins responsible for the formation of new memories, enhancing learning abilities by influencing the cerebral cortex and protecting against memory loss.

One of the most intriguing effects of Nootrobrain is that it promotes the flow of information between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Further, Nootrobrain also improves blood flow to the brain and oxygen uptake by the brain by activating acetylcholine, This activation of acetylcholine uptake and formation is called a cholinergic effect.

How is Nootrobrain different from other Nootropic supplements?

Nootrobrain is developed using the most pure and effective nootropic ingredients available under strict manufacturing and quality control standards.

Unlike most supplements, each capsule of Nootrobrain is formulated at the proper dose used in clinical studies to ensure you receive the desired effect.

The problem with most supplements is that while they do contain the necessary ingredients, they often dont contain nearly the amount necessary of each ingredient in order to be effective.

Another problem with many supplements is the purity of many of their ingredients is questionable at best. Not with Nootrobrain. We source only the highest quality ingredients for the Nootrobrain formula.

It's completely safe.

Our 100% pure nootropic ingredients have been shown in studies and trials to produce no adverse side effects and no long-term health issues. We only use the highest quality ingredients and follow strict quality control standards. All manufacturing runs are batch tested for quality and purity.

What are the ingredients in Nootrobrain?

Nootrobrain is carefully manufactured in a state of the art facility under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Good Manufacturing Practices. All ingredients are research-backed, batch tested for purity and included at the real dose used in clinical studies.

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In this day and age, success in the academic and business spheres (and in fact in lifegenerally) depends on being whip smart at all times. Dullards have a tendency to fallbehind, while the more sharp-witted among us tend to take full advantage. For thisreason, it pays to look at ways to pep up ones brain function, and nootropics are onesuch aid to memory and brain enhancement. But, what exactly are nootropics?

Nootropics are loosely defined as smart drugs, which are claimed to enhancebrain function and thus make the individuals that use nootropic drugs more sharp-witted than they would otherwise be.

It was back in 1972 that an obscure Romanian chemist and psychologist by the nameof Corneliu E. Giurgea coined the word nootropic to describe drugs possessingthe ability to enhance brain function in a number of ways. Giurgea had alreadysynthesized piracetam in 1964, and the latter drug is thought to be the first of a raft ofsmart drugs of this kind.

Dr. Giurgea stated that nootropic drugs had to fulfill certain criteria in order toqualify for the classification. These criteria are as follows:

Nootropics are said to have noticeable positive effects on a number of differentaspects of brain function; for example, they are claimed to enhance cognitive abilityand memory, as well as overall intelligence. They are also said to up the capacity ofindividuals to concentrate, maintain attention span, and keep their motivation levelssky high.

While any drug with the ability to act as a magical bullet (as far as ramping upbrain function is concerned) would be immensely welcome, one must always guardagainst the risk of long term damage to the mind and body. Naturally, individualscontemplating using nootropics need to satisfy themselves that these smart drugs areone hundred percent safe before they start popping pills in a bid to become instantlysmarter.

Now, the good news for those who wish to make themselves smart using nootropicdrugs is that piracetam has been given a more or less clean bill of health, and it isclaimed to be free of hazards or significant side effects. The same goes for a raft ofrelated nootropics such as racetam, noopept, aniracetam, oxiracetam, and pramiracetam.

One thing you must understand is that a nootropic supplement will not deliver apermanent boost to your IQ in a month of Sundays. The positive effects of nootropicssuch as piracetam, choline, and pyritinol are temporary, so to keep seeing the benefitof nootropics you must continue taking the supplement on an ongoing basis. Theminute you cease ingesting the nootropic, your brain function and intelligence willfall back to their original levels.

As regards the positive effects of nootropic smart drugs, these relate to the rampedup production of neurotransmitters, which is directly stimulated by the consumptionof nootropic supplements. It is an unquestionable fact that increased neurotransmitteractivity has a beneficial effect on attention span, mood, memory, and concentration.

Furthermore, nootropics also boost the flow of vital blood to the brain. That meansyour brain will get a better supply of glucose, nutrients, and oxygen, all of which areimportant for effective brainwork, especially when theres a need to concentrate forlong periods of time.

Students are perhaps the people who will benefit most from the careful use ofnootropic supplements like piracetam. When revising for exams, or writing uplengthy assignments, students need their brains to be performing at optimum levelsand then some!

On the other hand, nootropics will be of help to anyone with a heavy workload andwho feels that their brain is not up to dealing efficiently with the pace and intensity ofthe work they have to do. Additionally, when deadlines approach, there may be a needto work all hours to clear ones desk of a pile of work, and this is where nootropicsmart drugs are perfectly placed to make things a hell of a lot easier.

Since the recent interest in nootropics(mainly Alpha Brain from the Joe Rogan Experience), there have been a ton of online shops opening up. It is best to stick with well known and reliable provides. Here are some of the bestsuppliers of nootropic drugs on the web; Onnit, Peak Nootropics, and Clever Meds. Thereputation for top quality merchandise and service enjoyed by this firm is absolutelysecond to none.

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What are Nootropics? | The Nootropics Guide

Our Vision

We at Nootropics.com believe that nootropics are a powerful tool for the future of productivity and wellbeing. We see cognitive enhancement as part of a tentative next step in the ongoing process of human improvement. Its our goal to create a healthy culture of nootropics usage, in which cognitive healthis not taboo but recognised as an essential aspect of human capability. For the first time in history, were able to improve our intellectual abilities at the chemical level, and were proud to facilitate that change.

Peter Brietbart Operations

Marius van Voorden Development

We run Nootropics.com with three concepts front and centre: safety, reliability and quality.

Safety: Everything that leaves our warehouse has been thoroughly tested to ensure it is of the highest quality. We maintain a network of suppliers to ensure that we deliver only the best.

Reliability: We work hard to make sure our customers know theyre ordering from a reliable source, and will be getting exactly what theyre looking for time and time again. You can find our scientific sources on the product pages, under Further Information.

Quality: When you shop with us we want your whole experience to be great. We pride ourselvesin providing exceptional products and first-rate customer service.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at hello@nootropics.com.

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About Us - Nootropics.com

Benefits

Studies over the past three decades have shown piracetam benefits in three major areas. First, piracetam enhances performance in learning and memory tests in the short term. Experiments have also shown piracetam to protect against neurological degradation over time, which is why it is effective for both the young and elderly. Those suffering from alcohol-related neuronal loss can see protective benefits from piracetam products as well.

Major diseases, such as dementia, schizophrenia, Alzheimers and Parkinsons, have all been treated using piracetam. Even dyslexia can be improved with piracetam usage.

Dosage

Every individual reacts differently to piracetam, but the chemical composition allows the drug to enter the bloodstream rapidly and unchanged. Peak plasma concentration among fasting subjects is achieved in around 30 minutes. The half-life for the central nervous system is around 7.7 hours and 5 hours for plasma. Within 30 hours, the piracetam will have completely left the bloodstream.

Beginner piracetam use should involve around 1.5 6.5 grams per day ingested between 1 3 doses. According to some studies, the most effective dose for cognitive enhancement is 4.8 grams per day.

Mode of Action

Despite years of study, the exact cause of piracetam cognitive enhancement is still unknown. There are a series of four theories:

1. Membrane fluidity piracetam provides higher membrane fluidity, which allows signaling molecules to cross more rapidly. This enhanced cell signaling may lead to the improved cognitive abilities.

2. Improved glutamate neurotransmission studies have shown that piracetam (over 500mg / kg) can bind glutamate receptors for better synaptic transmission

3. Enhanced protein and phospholipid synthesis

4. Acetylcholine neurotransmission studies indicate an increase in receptor density with piracetam use

Toxicity

Piracetam has a relatively high toxicity level according to all available research. Doses of 4.5g per pound provided no serious toxic effects in animal trials. In humans, doses of 8g per day resulted in few health problems while reproductive studies prove no adverse effect for pregnant women.

Shipping

If you buy piracetam online from Pure Nootropics, expect arrival within the continental U.S. between 5 7 days.

For more information about piracetam, please visit our blog to educate yourself.

Piracetam is the firstnootropic developed in the 1960s and continues to be one of the most popular cognitive enhancing drugs.

Piracetam Benefits

Developed in the 1960s, piracetam is the oldest drug within the racetam family and the one that coined the term nootropics in the first place. Piracetam is a synthetic compound that is a derivative of GABA. Since the 1960s and 70s when it was first discovered, there have been numerous studies in favor of the drug for a variety of different reasons.

First, piracetam is primarily useful for memory formation and learning ability. Studies suggest piracetam isuseful for elderly individuals who are suffering from age related memory decline (such as Alzheimers disease or senile dementia). Studies on humans and animals show that piracetam can improve the long and short-term memory of most participants.

One of the ways piracetam is so effective is through increased acetylcholine uptake. Essentially, the part of the brain that is used to create memories (called the hippocampus) sucks up more of this brain chemical called acetylcholine, which leads to more memories. This is often why people take a choline supplement in addition to the racetam.

Piracetam isnt a flashy or super potent nootropic, but that means it is relatively safe and has good feedback. Research indicates that piracetam is a well-tolerated drug and the toxicity levels in humans is very high. People are taking doses of 5+ grams in some cases, though we do not recommend you start here.

Piracetam Studies

Anyone who is interested in buying piracetam should look at all the evidence beforehand in order to have a clearer picture of what they are buying. There are dozens of piracetam studies that are helping people to find out more about the improvements that they can see with the risks alongside it.

Beyond the piracetam studies showing efficacy and safety, there are those that have novel applications. For example, one piracetam study showed that choline and piracetam combined was more effective than either of them alone. This suggests there is a synergy between the two compounds.

Piracetam Side Effects

Some people who take piracetam have side effects though this is a rare occurrence. It is a well-tolerated nootropic drug and few people have ever mentioned complaints about toxicity or the like. However, there are some issues that can arise as with any nootropic or supplement. Some people who take piracetam mention feeling gastrointestinal distress.

Other people who take piracetam find that they get headaches or jaw pain as a result of too little choline in their diet. This is a downstream effect of better memory and cognition, but it still can be avoided nonetheless!

Buy Piracetam

Of course we are biased, but Pure Nootropics is the best place to buy piracetam and for good reason. Unlike many other vendors online, we have third party certificates of analysis and the PDF for you to read for yourself. This ensures that you get a safe product that is free from manufacturer errors.

Given that piracetam is relatively safe, it is more likely that you would get a bad batch from a vendor than you would have side effects of piracetam from the drug itself. This is why the purchasing decision can be so important.

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Piracetam Capsules & Powder | Quality Tested - Pure Nootropics

During the Renaissance, members of the European nobility started traveling across Europe in search of culture, knowledge, and enjoyable experiences. This Grand Tour provided education and a great deal of happiness to nobles much like modern backpackers and nomads. For all the enjoyment, there were plenty of downsides for our ancestors and in the modern []

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Nootropics are becoming mainstream, but many users realize each person has different brain biochemistry. Each person has different goals, a different budget, and all of these factors require more customization when creating nootropics. This is one reason why all-in-one nootropic solutions like Alpha Brain, TruBrain, or Optimind may not be the best. While studies show []

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Thousands of years ago our ancestors had similar ideas about brain enhancement as we have today. Using the plants and herbs surrounding them, civilizations on the Indian subcontinent utilized what they could to become mentally balanced, happier, and more intelligent. These early nootropic users from what is now known as modern day India developed an []

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Pure Nootropics | Smart Drugs to Enhance Your Life

Nootropics are a class of cognitive enhancing supplements that are used to improve concentration and boost memory power. Nootropics are often used to increase attention spans, help individuals focus and as studying aids.

You will occasionally see Nootropics referred to as smart drugs as they are associated with increased intelligence, motivation, and mental energy.

However, unlike smart drugs which can often cause negative side effects with long-term use, nootropics must be safe, neuroprotective and pose a very low risk of side effects when used appropriate.

Many nootropics share similar mechanisms of action by enhancing increased communication between neurons, helping to balance neurotransmitter levels or by promoting brain cell health. They may help improve energy metabolism in your neurons, support neuroplasticity, or even stimulate the growth of new neurons and synapses.

What are Nootropics and how do they really work? Which are the best nootropics to use if you are a new user?

This article will provide a basic guide to nootropics and give you an overview of how to use these supplements to enhance your mental capabilities.

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Nootropics are broadly any type of neuro enhancing drug or natural supplement with very low prevalence of side effects. The actual definition of what makes a supplement a nootropic is somewhat of a loose concept.

The original description comes from Belgian pharmacologists S. Giurgea and V. Skondia who invented the first Nootropic a compound known as Piracetam in 1963.

They established the classification of Nootropics to refer to cognitive boosting substances with extremely low toxicity that can be taken for long-term use.

This highlights the fact that Piracetam and other Nootropics are able to improve brain functions without any of the negative side effects associated with brain stimulants.

Piracetam (known also by the name Nootropil) is one of the best known Nootropics and makes up part of the Racetam family along with Aniracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Pramiracetam, Oxiracetam, Nefiracetam, Coluracetam and Nebracetam. These are all synthetic compounds that have been created in the lab, but there are also a number of effective herbal and natural nootropic supplements.

For example, fish oil, grape seed extract, bacopa monnieri, yerba mate and even licorice are all natural nootropics. (Click here to see a full Nootropics List of supplements that are available.) You will often find these supplements combined together in a Nootropic Stack to further enhance their effectiveness.

What exactly do Nootropics do? Like smart drugs, Nootropics will not instantaneously give you a higher IQ or a better intellect. But they may boost your brain functions by increasing the production and signalling of various neurotransmitters.

Your brain is essentially a network of billions of neurons connected by synapses. These neurons communicate and work together through chemicals known as neurotransmitters. When neurotransmitters are able to send signals more efficiently, you experience improved concentration, better memory, mood elevation, increased processing ability for mental work, and longer attention spans.

With continued supplementation of certain nootropics, you can improve the synaptic plasticity of neurons, causing long lasting improvement to the health and functioning of your brain.

Other nootropics show effects of vasodilation which means they increase the blood flow to your brain. This supplies your brain with more oxygen, nutrients, and glucose the primary energy source used by the brain during long periods of focus.

The brain requires an immense amount of energy to perform its function, sustain consciousness and to pay attention to your external environment. Even though the brain is only 2% of your bodyweight, it constitutes 20% of your energy expenditure.

Performing mental exercises, learning new things, concentrating on your work and staying alert during the day all burn a lot of energy. By raising bloodflow and oxygenation, you can immediately experience greater capacity for memory and focus.

Supplements that can improve the energy supply to your brain cells (like Acetyl L-Carnitine, Caffeine, Creatine, Ginkgo Biloba, or Vinpocetine) can all enhance focus, mental energy and clarity. This type of nootropic is especially favored among students for studying as their effects are felt immediately.

Nootropics can also show signs of neuro-preservation and neuro-protection. These compounds directly affect the levels of brain chemicals associated with slowing down the aging process. Some nootropics could in an increase in the production of Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor to stimulate the growth of neurons and neurites while slowing down the rate of damage as well.

Over time, this could potentially slow down signs of aging like loss of memory and even counter the development of disorders like Alzheimers disease.

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Below is a list of some of the most popular and best nootropics that are available today. Each supplement with have its own unique mechanism of action that is distinct from other nootropics.

You can either select the supplement that best matches your needs or goals, or you can combine several nootropic compounds together in what is known as a stack. A stack simply involves any pairing of substances that enhance and complement each other when taken simultaneously.

Most of the pre-packaged brain boosters available will stack together several different herbal or synthetic nootropics like those listed below, but you can also buy the bulk raw powder and mix your own capsules to design a formula that is right for you.

Racetam: As mentioned previously, racetams are a class of nootropics including the widely used Piracetam, Aniracetam, Pramiracetam, and Oxiracetam.

They all share a similar chemical structure with a Pyrrolidone nucleus. Racetams work by dramatically increasing levels of neurotransmitters and other chemicals required for proper brain function like glutamate and acetylcholine.

They have been tested to improve cognitive function, prevent damage to brain cells from alcohol consumption and other factors, and to increase the communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Choline: Choline is frequently found in a nootropic stack with racetams like Piracetam and Aniracetam. Taking choline supplements will cause greater production of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter in the brain.

Since Racetams result in increased uptake and demand for acetylcholine, stacking choline with this nootropic will further enhance your results. Studies have shown that choline supplementation can improve performance on memory tests as well as social behavior. Choline also plays a key role in the production of phospholipids that are incorporated into brain cell membranes.

Pyritinol: Pyritinol has anti-oxidant effects for supporting the long-term health of the brain. But its primary benefit is aiding glucose uptake for periods of extended mental strain. If you are studying or working for a long period of time,
your brain will start to diminish its glucose (sugar) stores which are the primary way that the brain derives its energy.

Psychological studies have shown that continuing to refuel your brain with glucose will improve concentration and cognitive ability during extended periods of mental work. Supplementing Pyritinol aids further in glucose uptake so that your mental energy levels are higher.

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Vinpocetine: Vinpocetine has been shown as one of the most effective nootropics for improving brain blood flow. After taking Vinpocetine, the blood vessels dilate and are able to circulate more blood to the brain.

This causes a number of immediately noticeable effects such as concentration boosting, better mental agility, and higher energy levels and motivation.

There are many more nootropics available out there and different ones can assist you in improving your brain in various different ways. For a full Nootropics List, keep reading this website and check out our many Nootropic reviews.

Which nootropic supplement you pick is largely a matter of personal preference. You might want to check out the pre-made nootropic products like Alpha Brain or you might prefer to design your own stack by purchasing ingredients like Piracetam powder.

The health and capabilities of your brain are one of the most important determining factors in a happy and successful life, so whatever you pick you can rest assured that you are making a smart investment.

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What Are Nootropics? A Guide to Nootropic Supplements

Posted by Steven Novella on May 20, 2015

Nootropics are an emerging class of drugs that are designed to enhance cognitive function. They are part of a broader category of drugs known as performance and image enhancing drugs (PIED) which are used for enhancement of memory and cognition, sexual performance, athletic performance or musculature (also called lifestyle drugs).

It will probably come as no surprise to regular readers of SBM that nootropics and PIED are being abused and hyped without adequate evidence. One of the primary problems is that they are sold as supplements or as drugs, often over the internet without adequate regulation. One simple fix is to properly classify these drugs as drugs, and to properly regulate them as drugs.

Many of the cognition-enhancing supplements on the market make all the usual claims about natural enhancement meanwhile they predictably contain just vitamins, herbs which have not been shown effective, perhaps nootropics (see below), and often a stimulant, like caffeine. The only drug in the mix which is likely to have a noticeable effect by the user is the stimulant.

The risk of overuse of stimulants in supplements is well known.

Meanwhile, what does the science say about the safety and effectiveness of specific nootropics for specific indications? In short, sufficient high-quality studies to make definitive determinations are lacking. For many, however, there is some preliminary and pre-clinical data.

The concept behind nootropics is to target some metabolic or nutritional aspect of brain function, especially a function involved with memory or attention, and then to provide a nutritional precursor to that metabolic pathway, or a drug that enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter, enzyme, or other metabolic factor.

This is not an unreasonable line of research, but tweaking metabolic pathways is not a simple business, and our ability to extrapolate from the petri dish to animals and finally to net clinical effects in humans is very limited. No matter how promising a treatment looks in theory, we need clinical data to see if it has a measurable and lasting clinical effect.

The primary plausibility problem with the PIED category of drugs is that they are further extrapolating from data in disease states to the enhancement of otherwise healthy function. Just because a drug may enhance memory function in someone with Alzheimers disease, that does not mean it will enhance memory function to supernormal in a healthy individual.

It is true and likely relevant that the brain is a very metabolically hungry organ. Optimal brain function depends upon most metabolic and physiological parameters functioning well. For this reason the brain is often the canary-in-a-coalmine of biological function the first thing to go when something is off. Sick hospital patients, for example, are often sleepy or confused because their bodies are simply under stress, or their metabolic parameters are off. It can often be challenging to figure out exactly what is making a patient confused, because so many things can affect brain function.

Further, in everyday healthy life our brain function can be off simply from having insufficient sleep, not eating well, being depressed, or being physically or mentally exhausted.

Given our brains sensitivity it does make superficial sense that giving it a specific metabolic boost might help cognitive function. This is essentially what stimulants do. It still needs to be determined, however, that a specific metabolic tweak will have the desired effect. One potential problem with predicting whether a specific intervention will help is determining if that metabolic factor is the limiting factor in brain function.

Enhancing acetycholine (the primary neurotransmitter involved in memory formation) may enhance memory, but what if there is already plenty of acetylcholine and the limiting factor in memory function is something else entirely? This is probably why we cannot extrapolate from a disease state to a healthy state the limiting factors on function are likely different.

Therefore, from a plausibility standpoint, the idea of nootropics is possible, but very complicated, and we cannot make confident predictions from pre-clinical data alone or extrapolate from one condition to another. We need high-quality clinical studies for each specific clinical claim.

One of the most popular nootropics is piracetam. This is actually one of a large and growing class of drugs with many neurological indications, including seizure control and treatment of anxiety and depression. Piracetam has been studied specifically for memory and cognitive enhancement in dementia or cognitive impairment.

A Cochrane systematic review (last updated in 2012) found:

At this stage the evidence available from the published literature does not support the use of piracetam in the treatment of people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Although effects were found on global impression of change, no benefit was shown by any of the more specific measures.

They concluded that the data supports further research, but not current clinical claims or use.

In healthy individuals there are only a couple small studies, and they do not show any significant benefit. Therefore, even though piracetam is a popular smart drug the evidence for any significant effect is lacking, especially in healthy individuals.

Another highly popular cognitive enhancer is modafinil. This is a stimulant drug used for narcolepsy, ADHD, and cognitive fatigue resulting from neurological disease or injury. It is a controlled prescription drug, but has still managed to become highly popular as a cognitive enhancer, especially among students.

A recent study, however, highlights the difficulty in extrapolating from disease to healthy states. The researchers compared test performance on healthy subjects taking modafinil vs placebo. They found that the responses were delayed from subjects taking modafinil, but were not more accurate. In hindsight, this result makes sense.

As a stimulant modafinil increases brain function, including frontal lobe executive function. When performing a cognitive task there is often a tradeoff between speed and complexity of processing. Executive function sacrifices speed for complex higher cognitive function. If you have impaired executive function, this tradeoff is worth it. Modafinil can shift the balance back towards a more optimal state.

In the healthy individual, however, you are shifting the balance away from an optimal state, slowing things down without any further gains in accuracy. Therefore modafinil can be a net gain in individuals with ADHD, but a net loss in healthy individuals, and that is what the preliminary clinical data shows.

There are other nootropics but with a similar story basic science research which is used for marketing hype, but does not establish that the drugs (often sold as supplements) actually work.

Nootropics are an interesting and potentially very useful class of drugs which deserve further research. Their greatest potential is likely in various states of neurological disease or injury. Their use as smart pills, however, is dubious from a plausibility standpoint and lacks sufficient evidence.

Many smart pill products on the market cheat by including a regular stimulant, like caffeine. The effects of stimulants on healthy individuals is interesting while they create the subjective experience of being more alert and higher performance,
it is unclear if they actually improve performance, and in fact they may even decrease performance. Even if they do work, their effects typically develop tolerance quickly. Daily use of caffeine, for example, develops tolerance within three weeks, after which regular users are just staving off caffeine withdrawal and experience an overall net negative effect on their alertness.

Stimulant use is therefore potentially useful for alertness in the short term or for intermittent use, but it is unclear if it has a positive effect on cognitive performance. They are good for creating the illusion of cognitive enhancement, however.

Current non-stimulant nootropics are likely useless in healthy individuals.

If you are otherwise healthy and want to optimize your cognitive function, there are some things you can do that are likely to have a dramatically greater benefit than any smart pills on the market:

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The PIED Piper of Nootropics Science-Based Medicine

Since 2011, more and more people have been discovering Onnits nootropic stack Alpha Brain. Harnessing the power of 11 natural ingredients that work synergistically to improve focus, memory, and processing speed without the use of stimulants, Alpha Brain is now the go-to cognitive enhancer for thousands of people worldwide. Two clinical trials and five years

Modafinil was developed in the 1970s as a treatment for sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, and in Australia that remains its only approved use. However, for over a decade now, healthy people have been taking advantage of modafinils perceived beneficial effects on wakefulness, focus, and creativity. While the drug has many advocates who swear by it,

More than ever, people are becoming aware of the importance of preventative health and wellbeing, and according to the 2014 Complementary Medicines Industry Survey, this has been reflected in the increasing popularity of nutritional supplements. But it is only recently that people are starting to consider supplements that support brain function. Otherwise known as smart

CILTEP is an all-natural nootropic supplement offered by US-based company Natural Stacks, containing a combination of natural ingredients including artichoke extract. It makes some big claims, including improvements in motivation, mental endurance, concentration, learning, memory, mood and social ability. While no studies have yet been performed to evaluate the effects of the CILTEP stack in

If youre reading this article, chances are you are either using or considering using Alpha Brain, the popular nootropic stack from US company Onnit. Congratulations youve made a good choice. Clinical trials and thousands of positive reviews cant be wrong! Alpha Brain promises a whole host of cognitive benefits, including sharp focus, improved memory,

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Piracetam Australia Nootropics, Piracetam, Modafinil ...

Editors Note: This is a guest post from Mans Denton.

For all the discussion about health and fitness, the primary driver of the human organism is often left out: the brain.

Since the 1950s, neuroscience has made discoveries that we can use to improve our memory, focus, alertness, and general cognitive abilities.

The application of these discoveries led to the birth of nootropics, a term coined by a Romanian doctor named Corneliu Giurgea in 1972 after discovering a family of smart drugs. Nootropics are natural and synthetic compounds that can improve your general cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, focus, and motivation.

Despite the relatively new term, smart drugs have been used for thousands of years. In the absence of modern technology and scientific understanding, ancient cultures utilized herbs to improve cognitive function on all corners of the globe. Records of traditional Chinese medical doctrine date all the way back to 1100 BCE; and in Ayurvedic medicine on the Indian subcontinent, herbs were utilized as cognitive enhancers as early as 5000 BCE.

Caffeine in tea form was discovered between 1500 and 1000 BCE in China, while the more potent coffee beverage was popularized in the 13thand 14thcenturies. The human love affair with brain boosting substances is ancient, but only recently has science caught up with our ambitions. What follows is a brief description of nootropic benefits, a list of recommendations, tips on customizing your usage, and a few words of caution.

Unfortunately, so far there has been no pill invented that will instantly transform you into a cognitive superman, a la the movie Limitless. There are no shortcuts to mental sharpness: the foundation of cognitive deftness and fortitude remains study, discipline, and regularly engaging in attention-strengthening exercises.

Rather than giving you mental strength, nootropics can simply enhance the mental strength that youve already built the old fashioned way. Approach them the very same way you do supplements for your physical workouts. Downing pre-workout drinks and whey protein isnt magically going to turn you into a ripped strongman if you dont use them in conjunction with hitting the gym. In the same way, nootropics wont transform you into a genius, but they can give your brain a stronger pump, and help you hold on to the gains you make from your mental exercises.

Just as you might up the caffeine you take before going to the gym on a day where youre feeling more fatigued than usual, or have a harder than usual workout planned, use nootropics for those occasions where youre feeling mentally groggy and/or have an especially difficult cognitive task to complete.

Ancient medical practices recognized the different applications for various herbal remedies, and modern nootropics have a wide variety of uses as well. There are five main applications for nootropics, which all require specific supplementation. The specifics of the compounds I mention can be found below.

Memory For young adults and the elderly alike, a better memory is always useful. Many nootropics are specifically designed to prevent the type of neurological degradation that causes Alzheimers, senile dementia, and Parkinsons. Young individuals can retain material more efficiently when using memory-enhancing nootropics. Some smart drugs are better utilized for short-term/working memory, while others operate with longer-term effects. Piracetam, choline, and creatine are common memory enhancers.

Focus Anybody that has experience with coffee knows the advantage of enhanced focus and attention. Many of the smart drugs that improve focus or alertness are stimulatory in nature, but also create a sense of clarity. Caffeine is a nootropic when paired with L-theanine. Asian ginseng and CILTeP also improve focus.

Mood Enhancer Some nootropics enhance cognitive function by improving mood and reducing anxiety. In numerous studies, reduced anxiety results in higher test performance for a variety of cognitive indicators (including short and long-term memory). Caffeine and L-theanine is a mood enhancer, along with bacopa monniera and Asian ginseng.

Anti-Fatigue Smart drugs that prevent fatigue work by blocking receptors in the brain or providing more efficient synthesis of energy. By reducing fatigue, users can work longer and more efficiently. Creatine and rhodiola rosea are effective anti-fatigue agents.

Reasoning & Creativity A smaller category of nootropics also influence general reasoning skills and improve creativity in problem solving. Creatine and iodine are effective in enhancing these cognitive abilities.

Many nootropics have evidence to support these claims, but unfortunately, due to poor funding, long-term studies have not yet been done. Therefore, the long-term effects whether for good or ill of utilizing smart drugs on the brain is yet unknown.

Below, we get into the specifics of nootropics and dosage recommendations. Many of them, however, are probably compounds youve never heard of. So where do you go to find these nootropics?

Some nootropics are available at brick and mortar stores that specialize in health products, like GNC and Whole Foods. The downside with going this route is that the prices tend to be higher and the selection lower.

For lower prices and better selection, buying online is the best route to go. But make sure to only buy from reputable dealers. Anyone can fill a pill with rice powder and pass it off as the real deal. To avoid being sold a bottle of snake oil, I recommend only purchasing supplements that come with 3rd party certificates of analysis for safety purposes. Also check out online reviews and forums for recommendations on reputable dealers. Here are a couple good ones to peruse:

Nootropics are typically single-chemical compounds extracted from nature or synthesized by man. Combining compounds together for synergistic effect is called stacking. For beginners, here are a few compounds and stacks that are safe to choose from.

Caffeine + L-Theanine

Surprise! There is something better than caffeine alone. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that can negate many of the side effects of excessive caffeine usage while enhancing the positives. Advantages of using L-theanine with caffeine include:

For those who consume caffeine regularly, a dosage of 100mg caffeine and 200mg L-theanine is best. Beginners can see positive effects with as low as 50mg of caffeine and 100mg of L-theanine, but the 1:2 ratio is best.

Creatine

For the same reason that creatine is useful for improving muscle mass and strength, it serves as a powerful nootropic as well.

Using creatine for cognitive purposes requires doses of 5 grams per day. At this rate, it will take around 2 weeks to start seeing an effect, but users can utilize a loading phase of 20 grams per day for 5 days to speed up this process before reverting back to 5 grams per day.

Bacopa Monniera

Bacopa monniera is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Users experience varied benefits including:

The neurotransmitter benefits include improved acetylcholine release (involved with enhanced memory) and reduced stress on dopaminergic systems, which regulate the dopamine neurotransmitter related to happiness and pleasure.

Using 300mg of bacopa monniera extract (50% bacosides A and B) is best for beginners. Unlike other herbs, bacopa is fat soluble so it is best to take this with some type of dietary fat
source; a piece of meat or a meal with cooking oil will suffice. Traditional Indian villagers use ghee with bacopa monniera.

Piracetam and Choline

The first nootropic found in 1972 was piracetam, which is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. Scientists are still unclear about the exact mode of action, but piracetam does increase acetylcholine uptake and utilization in regions of the brain responsible for memory formation. Early studies on animals and humans showed that piracetam alone could improve memory better than a placebo, but combining choline with piracetam was even more effective.

Choline is a useful nootropic alone, as it is the dietary precursor to acetylcholine (which improves memory formation). Most people do not consume enough organ meat and eggs to fulfill choline needs, which makes it useful to supplement. The combination of choline and piracetam is not only effective for improving memory in young adults, but is also a leading treatment for Alzheimers, senile dementia, and other neuro-degenerative diseases in the elderly.

Another interesting feature is the use of this stack for lucid dreaming. Lucidity is an awareness of being within a dream and manipulating events consciously.

Piracetam is the most popular and most well-known of the racetams, but there are structurally similar chemical relatives that have varying effects. Aniracetam is a more potent analogue that absorbs quickly, but does not last long. Oxiracetam is a neuro-protective agent that can halt and reverse brain trauma, while newer analogues like coluracetam and phenylpiracetam are still being tested in a laboratory setting.

A starting dose of 1600mg of piracetam is sufficient, though some people can utilize up to 6 grams. The most effective sources of choline are alpha GPC and CDP choline (200-300mg of either), rather than taking lecithin or choline bitartrate.

Rhodiola Rosea

This high-altitude herb is utilized as a mood enhancer and anti-fatigue agent. Rhodiola can help improve mood and enhance memory by increasing serotonin levels. Chronic usage of rhodiola can reduce reaction time and improve reasoning skills as well. The increased mood is often responsible for enhanced performance, which is why traditional Chinese medicine relied heavily on rhodiola (called Hong Jing Tian).

Starting with 350mg of rhodiola (3% rosavins) once a day can improve mood and reduce mental fatigue similar to creatine. Unlike creatine, rhodiola is an adaptogen that benefits from routine cycling rather than daily use. For rhodiola, a 3:1 ratio on and off is optimal, but individual guesswork is needed.

Asian Ginseng

The most famous and researched nootropic is Asian ginseng (not to be confused with American ginseng, which has few nootropic effects). Benefits of Asian ginseng include:

Starting with a dosage of 100mg (3-5% ginsenoside concentration) per day, just 1-2 doses will provide nootropic effects. Asian ginseng also pairs well with ginkgo biloba.

CILTeP

A new and more advanced nootropic combination is CILTeP, which stands for chemically induced long-term potentiation. The combination of artichoke extract and forskolin improves cAMP and inhibits PDE-4, which theoretically improves alertness, focus, and memory.

CILTeP is the result of a collaboration of the nootropic community. It came out of an open-source process instead of a laboratory. The ingredients were tweaked by dozens of nootropic users (including Tim Ferriss) to find the optimal doses, but has been completely untested in a research setting.

A good starting point is 900mg artichoke extract (5% caffeoylquinic acids), 4mg forskolin, 500mg L-phenylalanine, 750mg acetyl-L-carnitine, and 5mg vitamin B-6.

Like diets and other lifestyle choices, the best nootropic stacks and combinations are often based on the individual. Many nootropics interact differently from one person to the next, which is why subjective, personal testing can be an effective tool for optimized cognitive enhancement. Test out different stacks and determine for yourself what works best.

One effective method of customizing nootropics is to determine which neurotransmitters are dominant in your brain and which are deficient. In The Edge Effectby Eric Braverman, one can take an assessment to determine your dominant and deficient neurotransmitters.

Some products, such as Onnits Alpha Brain, try to help individuals with pre-made combinations. Alpha Brain has many effective compounds, including alpha GPC choline and L-theanine, but many of the ingredients arent at a level that will serve as an effective dose for everyone.

OptiMind is another nootropic with pre-made combinations (Editors Note: This is what I use on a daily basis).

As with any other tool, there is a right and a wrong way of using nootropics. There is plenty of variation in the goals and methodology of using nootropics, but being mindful of these three rules will yield more effective and balanced outcomes.

1. You must track results.There are many different modern technologies that can allow you to test and track nootropic usage to ensure they are having a positive effect on your cognition. No matter what area of cognition you are improving, Cambridge Brain Sciences and Quantified Mind have various tests to track progression. Even the Mercury App, which offers subjective testing based on feelings, can help you determine whether certain nootropics are working for you.

2. Do not become attached.People using nootropics sometimes fall victim to attachment either physically and/or mentally. Physical addictions to caffeine, rhodiola, and phenibut can reduce cognition and alter brain chemistry in the long-term. Mental addiction is harder to distinguish, but equally disastrous; any time you feel a need for nootropics, take a break. Use smart drugs in special situations rather than craving enhancement all the time.

3. Nootropics are not a substitute.If you are chronically under-slept, have a poor diet, and do not exercise routinely, nootropics will not solve all of your problems. Proper lifestyle choices are the number one priority; cognitive enhancement through nootropics is just a bonus in times of need.

Being mindful of these three rules and starting slowly with nootropics can expand your capabilities and help you to achieve your goals. Traditional cultures across the world have utilized many of these cognitive enhancing compounds for thousands of years, but modern science is validating their claims and making nootropics more accessible for everyone. Most importantly, they will allow you to break free from genetic limitations and deficiencies.

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Mans Denton is a biohacker hoping to optimize mental and physical capabilities by any means necessary. He blogs at The Hacked Mind and manages Pure Nootropics, which focuses on a small line of safe smart drugs.

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Supplements to Boost Your Brain: A Primer on Nootropics