Nootropics are chemicals that can increase brain function. Whether to increase productivity at work or to decrease the risk of dementia, more and more people are becoming interested in nootropics.
So what are nootropics? How do they work in the brain? And are they safe? Let’s take a look.
What Are Nootropics?
Also referred to as “smart drugs” and “brain-boosters,” the word nootropic is formed from the Ancient Greek words noos, meaning “mind,” and trope meaning “to turn.” Conventionally, nootropics are defined as compounds that increase different mental functions, including:
- Memory
- Motivation
- Concentration
- Attention
- Creativity
Nootropic compounds come in a variety of forms. Some nootropics consist of a single compound, such as amino acids like L-theanine. In contrast, other nootropics may contain a mix of multiple compounds, such as cognitive-enhancement supplements like Alpha BRAIN.
Increasingly, prescription medications are becoming popular among those without prescription diagnoses. For example, ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderal are becoming more widely used by university students to increase their focus.
Because there is such a wide variety of nootropics, there is no single mechanism by which nootropics affect the brain. However, we will discuss a few of the ideas about how they may work further below.
Legality of Nootropics
People can buy many nootropics legally in shops and online, such as different vitamins and minerals. However, nootropics that are prescription medicines, like Adderall, are illegal unless prescribed by a medical doctor.
Types of Nootropics
Natural Nootropics
Natural nootropics are nootropic substances derived from natural resources, such as plants and fungi. They can be consumed as herbs, botanicals, oils, other foodstuffs, and capsules.
Generally, natural nootropics are referred to as supplements and are legal as they are classified as food-based products.
Some of the top natural nootropics include:
Artificial Nootropics
Artificial nootropics are molecules synthesized in a laboratory. These substances generally tend to have more potent effects than natural nootropics at smaller doses.
Artificial nootropics generally tend to have more potent effects than natural nootropics at smaller doses.
Because of their notable effects, synthetic nootropics are largely unavailable to import, supply, or export without a prescription or license, meaning that legally they are much more unavailable than natural nootropics.
Some of the top natural nootropics include:
- Stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Modafinil
- Noopept
- Phenibuit HCL
- Racetams, such as piracetamin, oxiracetam and phenylpiracetam
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine
- Cholinergic, such as Citicoline, Choline bitartrate, and Alpha-GPC
Mechanism of Nootropic Effects
Some effects of nootropics are short-term and can be felt immediately after taking the drug or supplement, such as caffeine. However, some nootropics increase overall brain health, and long-term effects require taking them for a lengthy period.
Here are some of the mechanisms by which nootropics may improve cognitive function:
Increasing Blood Flow
Some natural nootropics, such as gingko biloba and piracetam, have been shown to increase blood flow in the brain. By increasing blood flow, more oxygen can be delivered to the brain and used as energy in the form of ATP.
Increasing Neurotransmission
Neurotransmission is the signaling of messages across the brain that occurs via different molecules, called neurotransmitters.
Nootropics can increase the production and action of various neurotransmitters, improving communication between different parts of the brain and increasing the function of those particular neurotransmitters.
Cholinergic nootropics increase the production of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine has a crucial role in learning and memory and reduced levels of acetylcholine have been linked to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
L-tyrosine is a nootropic that increases the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which has been associated with focus and concentration. Caffeine and ADHD medications also increase the action of dopaminergic signaling in the brain.
Increasing Neuroplasticity
Some nootropics may improve cognition by increasing neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to form and re-organize connections between nerve cells. The processes of learning and memory formation are dependent on neuroplasticity.
Research has shown that lion’s mane mushrooms may improve cognitive function by increasing the production of molecules involved in growth and new nerve cells.
Increasing Neuron Repair
Some nootropics may be involved in neuroprotection- which is the inhibition and reversal of processes in the brain that lead to the death of nerve cells.
L-theanine, a natural nootropic found in green tea, has been shown to reverse some of the damaging effects of oxidative stress and inflammation on nerve cells. Another natural nootropic, ginseng, has also been shown to reverse the damaging effects of oxidative stress on nerve cells and inhibit the process of apoptosis (self-induced cell death).
Nootropics Side-Effects
As the different nootropics have varying effects on the brain, the side effects of nootropics are widely variable between the different types. Generally speaking, natural nootropics seem to have fewer adverse side effects than synthetic ones.
Some of the common side-effects of nootropics include:
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea
- Headache
- Agitation
Different factors increase the risk of having an adverse effect from nootropics. These include:
- Buying impure products
- Taking above the recommended dosage
- Combining different nootropics or combining nootropics with other drugs
Interested in Taking Nootropics? Do Your Research
Nootropics are becoming increasingly popular, especially in colleges and universities where people take nootropics as study aids. If you’re interested in taking nootropics, it’s important you do your research beforehand to know what exactly it is you’re taking.
Questions you should find out before taking any nootropics are:
- Are there unpleasant effects people report when taking this nootropic?
- Are there any risks for long-term side effects?
- Does it interact with any medication I’m taking?
- Does it interact with any other drugs I may use, such as caffeine or tylenol?
- What is the legal status?
Some nootropics are relatively new, meaning there has been little research into the safety and efficacy of the drug. It is better to take substances with more information available so you can be aware of the risks.
You can find out more about different nootropic supplements on our website.
If there are nootropics you’re interested in which we haven’t listed, a useful webpage is SelfHacked, which has a catalog of evidence-based information about various natural and synthetic substances to learn more. Another helpful resource is Reddit, where people can post about their personal experiences using different nootropics.
Nootropics – a Summary
Nootropics refer to the broad class of drugs which have cognitive-enhancing capacities. Nootropics work through various mechanisms in the brain and have a wide range of effects.
Researching the safety, long-term effects, and legality of nootropics will help you make an informed decision.
How different nootropics will affect different individuals is dependent on several factors. However, researching the safety, long-term effects, and legality of nootropics will help you make an informed decision about whether you want to take nootropics and which nootropics may be best for you.
