Revitalize Your Health and Fitness

• Improve the capacity to learn and remember new information

• Supports brain health

• Protects brain cells

• Facilitate processing and cell-to-cell communication

• Enhance focus and attention

• Safe to use regularly (minimum side effects)

Racetams

Piracetam was one of the first synthetic nootropics on the market and paved the way for new racetams. Besides increasing blood flow, researchers think racetams make it easier for cells to send and receive signals.

Eugeroics

Wakefulness-promoting drugs called eugeroics may improve brain function, elevate mood, and reduce fatigue.

Herbs

Botanicals are among the more popular nootropic ingredients. Two of the better-known brain-enhancing herbs are Bacopa Monnieri and Lion’s Mane Mushroom.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress and stabilize the effect of stress on bodily processes. One example is ginseng.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Essential nutrients are vital for biological processes, including brain function. B-vitamins, for instance, are crucial for brain metabolism (energy) and blood circulation.

Phospholipids

Phospholipids are a type of fat that facilitates brain cell growth and repair. Sources include soybeans, sunflower seeds, egg yolks, and animal organs.

Choline

The body uses choline to make fat and helps form the chemical acetylcholine. Since the brain is nearly 60% fat, choline may support brain repair and regeneration.

Amino Acids

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine are two amino acids that may mitigate brain burnout, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. Creatine is another well-known amino acid that may have brain benefits.

A nootropic enhances brain function by affecting the following brain pathways:

Neurotransmitters 

Inhibit brain chemical breakdown, optimize the production, and sharpen receptor sensitivity.

Brain blood flow

Blood vessel support, increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain.

Brain energy

Improve mitochondrial efficiency and fuel delivery.

Protection

Increase resistance to stress and harmful compounds such as free radicals.

Regeneration

Repair and maintain brain cells and promote brain plasticity.

Brain waves

Adjust frequencies to achieve the desired cognitive state.

Increase Mental Energy

The brain consumes 20% of the body’s energy and places a significant demand on energy resources. Nootropics may optimize the way brain cells use energy and increase glucose and oxygen supplies.

As a result, the brain receives more fuel and uses it more efficiently.

Additionally, it gives your brain an energy boost without the use of stimulants like caffeine. In other words, it increases alertness, quick thinking, and mental agility without the side effect associated with stimulants.

Improved Memory

Memory loss is mostly associated with old age. However, memory-enhancing nootropics may improve memory regardless of age.

Research suggests creatine, an amino acid, may aid short-term memory in healthy individuals. According to another study, Bacopa Monnieri improves signaling in the hippocampus, an area in the brain that processes memories.

Improved Concentration

Some activities, such as studying or work productivity, require mental endurance. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to maintain focus.

Nootropics may enhance the ability to focus on one task while ignoring environmental stimuli. Furthermore, it may promote mental flexibility (switching between tasks) and improve multitasking.

Balanced Mood

Mood swings and anxiety can affect performance, memory, and quality of life. Some nootropic supplements seem to stabilize mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. Others, like L-Theanine, modulate Alpha brainwaves, which promotes relaxed alertness.

Lower Stress Levels

Nootropics may reduce stress in various ways.

First, it increases the body’s resistance to stress and replenish brain chemicals. It also promotes relaxation. Furthermore, improved performance results in less pressure.

Adaptogens like Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola Rosea may be particularly beneficial to help the brain resist the effect of stress.

Improved Sleep Quality

Sleep deprivation leads to poor concentration and memory, weight gain, and an increased risk of heart disease.

Nootropic supplements may promote restorative, high-quality sleep.

Ashwagandha has been in use for thousands of years. The name literally translates to “smell of the horse”, which has more to do with the claims that it improves mental, physical, and sexual energy levels and its physical smell. 

It’s been noted to induce calm, lessen fatigue, and boost cognitive abilities. It’s also classed as an adaptogen, helping to boost insulin sensitivity levels, producing antioxidant effects, and regulating blood sugar levels. 

It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory which can have benefits if used to calm many inflammatory conditions.

Ashwagandha is usually dosed at up to 500 mg per day as a ceiling. Low doses start at around 200 mg.

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends 3 – 6 grams daily of standard ground Ashwagandha powder.

• For arthritis: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
• For antioxidant protection: 100 – 200 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
• For immunity: 100 – 200 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
• For relaxation: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
• For stress: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
• For sexual performance: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)

For higher Ashwagandha doses like 500 mg, take 250 mg in the morning and another 250 mg early afternoon. And note the distinction between standard ground Ashwagandha powder and an extract. The extract is much more concentrated.

Bacopa Monnieri is an ancient nootropic, first mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts. It was originally used to help memorize long texts. 

It enhances cognition through lowering anxiety and improving focus. It does this through boosting dopamine levels and by improving the speed at which our central nervous system can communicate. It is an adaptogen, and these can help to lower the physical and mental signals of stress.   It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Used for anxiety, stress relief, and as a natural antidepressant, its ability to also boost memory skills, cognition, and physical reaction times make it a fantastic all-round natural smart drug.

Research has shown that Bacopa Monnieri may:

• Reduce inflammation
• Boost brain function
• Help reduce ADHD symptoms
• Prevent anxiety and stress
• Lower blood pressure levels
• Have Anticancer properties

There is no ‘right’ dosage of Bacopa. Each person’s body is unique. In general, use the lowest dosage that works for you. And Bacopa works better if taken a few days in a row rather than just once.

Recommended dosage of Bacopa Monnieri containing 45% bacosides is 200 – 450 mg per day.

Recommended dosage of Bacopa Monnieri containing 20% bacosides is 750 mg per day.

Higher dosing should be divided equally with your first dose in the morning, and next dose early afternoon.

Bacopa is fat-soluble so should be taken with a healthy fat source like organic, cold-pressed virgin olive or coconut oil. Fat helps your body absorb the compounds in Bacopa that bring you benefit. And helps deliver it into your brain cells.

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo or Maidenhair) is one of the oldest species of trees on earth. This “living fossil” has survived major extinction events for as long as 270 million years.

Ginkgo, also known as Maidenhair, has been used in Chinese medicine for millennia.  Many of Ginkgo’s modern applications are based on research by German and Chinese scientists where it is a prescription drug.

The leaves have been used for thousands of years to boost mental alertness, improve cerebral circulation, and overall brain function.

As a nootropic, Ginkgo has been shown to be particularly effective in elderly memory loss, slow thinking and reasoning, and tinnitus. One study shows significant improvement in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients.

Research from hundreds of studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba will:

• Improve memory and cognition
• Increase reaction time
• Restore the availability of dopamine and other neurotransmitters
• Improve cerebral blood flow
• Reduce stress[xiv]
• Boost mood
• Help repair brain cells
• Act as an antioxidant to eliminate free radicals

Recommended dose of Ginkgo Biloba is 40 mg 3-times per day. But daily dosage can range from 120 – 600 mg depending on the disorder being treated.

Most Ginkgo biloba products claim that a minimum of 4 weeks is required to achieve a boost in focus, memory and concentration.

Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root, Roseroot, Arctic Root) has been used for several thousand years in traditional medicine. It grows in primarily dry sandy ground at high altitudes in the arctic areas of Europe and Asia.

The plant is 12 – 30 inches high and produces yellow blossoms. The Greek physician, Dioscorides, first recorded the medicinal applications of ‘rodia riza’ in 77 C.E. in De Materia Medica.

This ancient herbal adaptogen has remarkable anti-depressant and anti-anxiety qualities. And has been shown to be as good as many prescription pharmaceuticals in treating depression and anxiety.

In total, Rhodiola Rosea contains 140 compounds in the roots and rhizome. The critical components include rosavin, rosarian, and rosin, collectively known as rosavins.

Certain chemicals must be present for Rhodiola Rosea to work. And these include rosavin, rosarin, rosin, salidroside, and tyrosol. The first 3 of these compounds are found only in Rhodiola Rosea. It takes a synergistic combination of these chemicals for this herb to be effective.

To ensure the supplement you choose works and contains pure Rhodiola Rosea, it needs to be standardized to contain at least 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside. This is the ratio found in the natural root. 

Studies on organs, tissues, cells and enzymes show that Rhodiola Rosea extracts exhibit adaptogenic effects that are neuroprotective, cardio protective, anti-fatigue, anti-depressive, anxiolytic, nootropic, and has life-extension qualities.

Rhodiola Rosea is known as an adaptogen. Which means it helps your body adapt to stress, both mental and physical.

Recommended dose of Rhodiola Rosea is 150 – 200 mg per day.

Look for an extract that is standardized to contain rosavins and salidrosides in a 3:1 ratio. This mimics the ratio of these compounds that naturally occur in Rhodiola Rosea root.

No additional benefit seems to come from taking more than 1,000 mg per day.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom prevents and treats nerve damage in the brain. Once past the blood-brain barrier, Lion’s Mane stimulates enzyme production that release Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Nerve regeneration helps relieve neurodegenerative disease symptoms such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Lion’s Mane can help:

• improve focus and attention
• boost cognition
• repair brain cells
• help anxiety and depression.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is unique in the mushroom family both in appearance and function. Lion’s Mane Mushroom is extremely effective at stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain.

Known for its powerful effects as a “brain tonic”, Lion’s Mane is said to have been used as a tea for thousands of years by Buddhist monks. To enhance brain power and heighten their ability to focus during meditation.

Lion’s Mane as a nootropic, is a powerful catalyst for brain cell regeneration helping improve memory and cognition.

The primary active compounds in Lion’s Mane are hericenones and erinacines. Erinacines help your brain produce more Nerve Growth Factor. Erinacines easily cross the blood-brain barrier to boost the production of neurons.

500 mg to 3 gm per day depending on polysaccharide content. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 120 phytocannabinoids that have been isolated so far from Cannabis sativa L. The other major phytocannabinoid is THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

CBD has been shown in the lab and through practical user experience to provide anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Reducing anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. And as an antidepressant by enhancing serotonin and glutamate signaling via the 5-HT1A sub-receptor.

CBD has gained widespread attention for treating seizure disorders like epilepsy. CBD lowers excitation in brain cells that contribute to seizures. CBD also enhances GABA which helps prevent seizures.

And its anti-psychotic effects are related to its effect on increasing levels of anandamide.

Recommended CBD Oil starting dosage is 4 – 45 mg per day.  This is merely a good starting point to see how your body reacts.

Dosage of CBD Oil depends on the condition you are treating, your body weight, and how your body reacts to Cannabidiol. Dosages differ from one person to the next.

The Mayo Clinic offers the following recommended dosages based on “scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion”.

• Epilepsy – 200 – 300 mg CBD per day
• Huntington’s disease – 10 mg CBD per kilogram of body weight
• Sleep disorders – 40 – 160 mg CBD per day
• Schizophrenia – 40 – 1280 mg CBD per day
• Glaucoma – 20 – 40 mg CBD per day
• Chronic pain – 2.5 – 20 mg CBD per day

These dosage recommendations are based on using pure CBD Oil extracted from Cannabis sativa including hemp but contains no THC.

Ginseng works as an adaptogen, reducing adrenal fatigue, boosting GABA and providing an anti-stress effect.

The name “ginseng” as a nootropic usually refers to either American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Panax means “cure-all” in Greek.

Ginseng provides neuro-protective effects on the dopaminergic-pathway. And ginseng is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Working as an antidepressant and helping some symptoms of ADHD.

Ginseng also works as an anti-inflammatory by reducing cytokines, and as an antioxidant. Boosting ATP synthesis in mitochondria due to its antioxidant effects. Improving physical and mental energy.

Dosage

Dosage of ginseng depends on the extract used, and the quality of the extract. And results seem to be largely dependent on the quantity used.

Ginseng dosage recommendation

To complicate things even more, ginseng dosage depends on the region where its grown, extract strength, and individual needs.

The Chinese for example recommend 2 grams daily while in Europe, the suggested range is 100 – 400 mg daily.

Many naturopaths recommend cycling ginseng. Use it for 3 to 4 weeks and take a week break. Remember, ginseng has steroid-like active compounds. So taking it for extended periods without a break is not recommended.

Ginseng has been and continues to be extensively researched. These doses are based on clinical trial data:

• For stress, anxiety or fatigue: 1-gram ginseng daily dosed 500 mg twice per day
• For Type 2 diabetes: 200 mg per day
• For erectile dysfunction (ED): 900 mg of Panax ginseng 3-times per day

The bottom-line is to stay within the dosage recommended by the ginseng supplement manufacturer.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a native Peruvian plant growing over 4,000 m (13,000 ft) high in the Andes mountains.

Native Peruvians (pre-Inca) have cultivated Maca for at least 2,000 years. It is the only sustainable food crop that can grow in the harsh, cold conditions of the upper Andean plateau.

Maca has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown at this altitude. And is a staple diet of people living high in the Andes.

Modern Peruvian herbal medicine uses Maca as an immune booster, for anemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, PMS, stomach cancer, sexual dysfunction, and for enhancing memory.

Maca is growing in popularity as a superfood and dietary supplement worldwide. And appears on our List of Nootropics because of its natural ability to boost cognition and memory.

Neurohackers are using Maca to increase energy, athletic endurance, mental clarity, boost libido in men and women, help tame PMS symptoms including mood, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dosage

Recommended dosage of Maca for cognitive benefit is up to 5 grams per day.

And like most nootropics, more does not work better. Too much Maca will upset your stomach.

Holy Basil (Tulsi) or “The Incomparable One” is the most sacred nootropic herb in the Hindu religion. And has been valued for millennia by Ayurveda, Greek, Roman, Siddha and Unani medicine because of its benefits for mind, body and spirit.

Holy Basil is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which boosts levels of dopamine in your brain. And inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which boosts acetylcholine. Affecting anxiety, depression, memory and faster thinking.

Holy Basil reduces spikes in cortisol produced by chronic stress.  Holy Basil is particularly effective in protecting your brain from the negative effects caused by loud noise.

Holy Basil shields your brain from heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury. And from the toxic effects of radiation.

And several studies have shown Holy Basil to be as effective in treating anxiety and depression as Valium.

Dosage

Recommended dosage of Holy Basil extract is 300 – 2,000 mg per day.

For curative therapy, 600 – 1,800 mg Holy Basil extract divided in 2 or 3 doses daily.

For diabetes, 2,500 mg Holy Basil dried leaf powder per day.

You can easily make Holy Basil tea by pouring boiling water over 2 teaspoons of fresh Holy Basil leaves and let it steep for 5 minutes.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the most studied herbs in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Chinese healing. Turmeric has remarkable nootropic properties. Turmeric is more effective than many modern medicines used to treat neurodegenerative diseases like depression, Alzheimer’s and stroke.

The primary chemical component in turmeric is a group of compounds called curcuminoids, which include curcumin (diferuloylmethane), desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. 

Turmeric works on a molecular level to enhance neurogenesis. It boosts the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. And is a powerful antioxidant helping to protect your brain from chronic, excess inflammation.

Turmeric is also used to treat digestive disorders, skin conditions, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, liver function, protect from damage to DNA, and treat chest and abdominal pain.

Turmeric helps:

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

Research shows that the curcumin in turmeric boosts neurogenesis. The production of new neurons in your hippocampus is essential for learning, memory and mood. Low BDNF can lead to major depression, OCD, schizophrenia, and dementia.

Neurotransmitters

The curcumin in turmeric boosts the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are critical for mood, cognition, libido and focus. 

Neuroprotection

The curcumin in turmeric is a potent antioxidant and helps protect your brain from inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression and dementia. Curcumin also reduces the formation of plaques that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dosage

Turmeric alone is poorly absorbed by the body.  The bioavailability and absorption of this nootropic is greatly boosted by combining Piperine.

Standardized turmeric extract (95% curcuminoids) 750 mg 

3-times per day.

Green tea is touted as one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.

Green tea has several evidence-based benefits, including: 

• Contains plant-based antioxidant compounds called catechins.

• May improve cognitive function.

• Could help with fat burning.

• Might lower the risk of some cancers.

• May protect the brain from aging

• Could help with oral health.

• May help with managing blood sugar.

• Might help prevent heart disease.

Berberine is an alkaloid that is derived from various plants, but more specifically Oregon grape, goldenseal, and most usually from the Indian Barberry, which is also known as tree turmeric. 

Used in traditional medicine a thousand years, it has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. 

It’s known to boost the immune system and has been used to deal with a range of ailments in natural medicine.

In terms of nootropic properties, it is one of the only natural smart drugs that can activate AMPK. This can help with any condition that affects cognition. 

Potential benefits include:

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels

• May improve cholesterol

• Improve mood

• has neuroprotective properties

• May lower blood pressure

• May improve memory 

Berberine dosage range is usually around 500 mg, up to 3 times per day.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is often called “the student herb” in Bali. Because it sharpens the mind. Gotu Kola extract increases dendrite and axon growth in brain cells which helps memory.

As a nootropic herb, Gotu Kola stimulates the growth of brain cells. It encourages dendrite branching which boosts brain plasticity and communication between neurons.

Gotu Kola protects your brain from toxins and oxidative stress. Studies show it helps protect against heavy metals and food additives which cause brain fog, mood swings and migraines. And it reduces oxidative stress by reducing free radicals in brain cells.

And Gotu Kola helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Enhancing mood, cognition, memory and learning. And preventing degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is native to the Mediterranean region. And has been cultivated for well over 2,000 years.

It was used as a tea to combat mental confusion, and as an elixir to extend lifespan.

In the 17th century, French Carmelite nuns dispensed Carmelite Water. This lemon-balm infused ‘miracle water’ was said to improve memory, vision, and reduce fever, melancholy and congestion.

Lemon Balm inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (ACh). Increasing ACh boosts memory and cognition.

Lemon Balm also provides a significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. It raises brain levels of the neurotransmitter GABA by inhibiting the enzyme GABA transaminase. This influences mood regulation.

The rosmarinic acid in Lemon Balm promotes an anti-depressant effect in your brain by downregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (Mkp-1). And it upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), along with boosting dopamine synthesis.

Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus plant native to the Middle East. It is the world’s most expensive culinary spice and has also been used for thousands of years as an anxiolytic, sedative, and antidepressant.

As a nootropic herb, Saffron is now used for depression, PMS symptoms, post-partum depression, memory, appetite suppression, energy & stamina in athletes, and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Saffron extracts (crocin & safranal) inhibit the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which helps improve mood. And has been shown to be as effective as methylphenidate in treating the symptoms of ADHD.

Recent studies show Saffron as effective as some popular prescription antidepressants. And can even help alleviate the sexual dysfunction caused by these drugs.

Crocin and safranal which are unique carotenoids in Saffron make it a potent antioxidant. Scavenging free radicals which reduces inflammation, preventing apoptosis, and protecting neurons and mitochondria.

Many neurohackers report an increase in energy and better libido with Saffron.

Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic derivative of vincamine, an alkaloid-derived from and occurs naturally in the lesser periwinkle plant (Vinca Minor L.). And one of my favorite nootropic supplements.

Vinpocetine inhibits an enzyme called PDE1 (phosphodiesterase type 1) while reducing calcium levels in brain cells. Increasing cerebral blood flow especially in the thalamus, basal ganglia and visual cortex regions of the brain.

And Vinpocetine is an anti-inflammatory. It prevents the upregulation of NFκB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) by TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha).

This anti-inflammatory action shows such promise that scientists are now working on trying to determine if Vinpocetine can reduce inflammation in the brain. And help protect the brain from developing Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Vinpocetine’s effect on short-, working- and long-term memory can be profound. Remembering names, numbers and life events becomes easier.

Pine Bark extract helps boost cerebral blood flow by increasing nitric oxide which helps dilate blood vessels. And helps repair and maintain the health of blood vessel linings.

Boosting cerebral circulation with Pine Bark Extract increases levels of oxygen and glucose which maintains healthy levels of neurotransmitters. And promotes better concentration, focus and memory.

Pine Bark Extract 100 mg dosed up to 3-times per day. 

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is essential for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It helps turn nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular energy produced by your cell’s mitochondria. And contributes to the myelin sheath that protects axons from damage for better brain cell signaling.B-Vitamin nootropic complex

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is used in the synthesis of Coenzyme-A which helps form Acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA joins with choline (which you get from CDP-Choline) to form acetylcholine. 

Niacin is also a precursor to NAD and NADH needed for ATP synthesis in brain cell mitochondria. And Niacin stimulates the production of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. 

Neurotransmitters involved in cognition, learning, memory, mood and recall.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is required for the synthesis of Coenzyme-A to produce acetylcholine. You may not realize the full benefit of the rest of this nootropic stack containing CDP-Choline, or any of the racetams you may decide to add to this stack, without Vitamin B5.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps your body make serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin. Your body also requires Vitamin B6 to absorb Vitamin B12 and to make red blood cells and cells for your immune system.

Vitamin B8 (Inositol) is involved in brain cell signaling and is a component of brain cell membranes. Inositol helps boost serotonin and dopamine receptor density. Improving the effectiveness of serotonin, GABA, glutamate and dopamine neurotransmitters in your brain.

Vitamin B9 (Folate) aids in the production of DNA and RNA in your brain cells. And works closely with Vitamin B12 to make red blood cells and help iron work properly in your body and brain.

Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) is needed to regulate homocysteine levels which are linked to inflammation in your brain and body. 

And B12 is a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine and serotonin.

Acetyl L-Carnitine, sometimes referred to as ALCAR, is a derivative of an amino acid called lysine, and is one of the minor natural nootropics out there. It’s good because it can easily cross our blood-brain barrier, making it quickly and very completely bioavailable. 

It’s often used as a natural nootropic, as a brain booster that has potential neuroprotective qualities, is an antioxidant, and can be a cognitive and physical energy lift. However, although it’s claimed it can ward off depression, studies have pointed to elevated levels contributing to depression. 

It can deliver relatively minor levels of mental improvement in verbal fluency increases, but it’s not a smart drug that will revolutionize your life.

Acetyl L-Carnitine dosage range is usually between 500 mg, and a ceiling of around 1500 mg daily.

L-Tyrosine is one of the most effective amino acids for energy and focus, especially in the context of sharp cognitive performance during stress.

L-Tyrosine is considered one of the aromatic amino acids. Aminos in this class (which also includes L-Tryptophan, which we discuss in a moment) are typically used as precursors for the body. In other words, they are converted into other health-supportive substances.

In the case of L-Tyrosine, it is an aromatic amino acid that is used as a precursor for catecholamine brain chemicals, including dopamine synthesis and norepinephrine synthesis. It is one of the most important neurotransmitter precursors for humans to consume.

Learn more about neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

As a nootropic, L-Tyrosine helps maintain brain chemicals that ensure proper mood balance, stress resistance, memory function and overall mental performance.

The challenge is that certain conditions can disrupt your brain chemistry. For example, if you are:

• performing tasks that require intense cognitive exertion
• under a considerable amount of daily stress
• multitasking; juggling a lot of challenging tasks at once
• not getting sufficient sleep, especially combined with mental exertion
• This overall mental state, which many of us recognize in overworking or mental burnout, may be associated with low levels of catecholamines in the brain, as well as with depleted L-Tyrosine levels.

Supplementing with L-Tyrosine helps restore healthy levels of this amino acid, as well as the brain chemicals it forms.

As a result, a substantial body of evidence suggests L-Tyrosine supplementation appears to sharpen high-performance cognition under various states of stress and distraction. It is associated with optimized attention, optimized focus, stress management, fatigue management and more.

Researchers in human studies have suggested that as a dietary amino acid, L-Tyrosine may help to enhance:

• Mood and cognition in people who are not getting enough sleep; counters sleep deprivation symptoms
• Working memory in people who are given challenging multitasking tests
• Overall cognitive function in people who are exposed to distracting loud noises
• Learning ability and short-term memory function in subjects tested while placed in cold water

Tryptophan is another one of the aromatic amino acids. It performs a number of functions in the human body, particularly pertaining to cognitive function, mood and relaxation-related brain activity.

As an aromatic amino acid, L-Tryptophan is a precursor to:

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): A key building block for serotonin synthesis

Serotonin: Used in the brain to help regulate sleep, appetite, mood, libido, and memory.

Melatonin: Main sleep hormone involved in regulating our body clock, or circadian rhythm.

Dietary tryptophan is a key amino acid that can help individuals cope during periods of mental strain. These individuals use up brain serotonin quicker than usual, which places a higher demand for tryptophan.

Low brain tryptophan levels may increase anxiety. Supplementing with this amino acid may reduce insomnia, improve memory retention, support healthy libido, and improve concentration, focus, and sleep.

L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body can produce it on its own. 

It is found in some foods, such as watermelon, and is also available as a dietary supplement. In terms of its effects on brain performance:

Nitric Oxide Production: L-citrulline is a precursor to L-arginine, which is one of the acidic amino acids that is used to produce nitric oxide (NO).(20) Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the regulation of blood flow. In the brain, nitric oxide helps to regulate blood flow and may play a role in memory and learning.

Some research also suggests that L-citrulline may have antioxidant and inflammation-modulating properties, helping to neutralize factors that accelerate brain aging and raise risk for neurodegenerative concerns

Glutathione is a 3-in-1 molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamate.

It is produced naturally in the body and is found in every cell, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, detoxifying harmful substances, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.

In the brain, glutathione is particularly important due to the high demand for oxygen and the high levels of fatty acids, which make brain tissues susceptible to oxidative damage.

Adequate levels of glutathione in the brain help to protect neurons from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.

The role of glutathione in the brain can be summarized as follows:

Antioxidant Defense

Helps neutralize toxic free radicals, thereby protecting the integrity of brain cell membranes

Detoxification

The brain is highly susceptible to the accumulation of toxic substances, and glutathione plays a key role in detoxifying and eliminating these harmful substances from neural tissues.

Supporting Mitochondrial Function 

Glutathione helps to maintain the function of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, which is particularly important in the energy-demanding environment of the brain.

When plasma amino acid levels of glutathione are low, the brain is more susceptible to stress and damage, which can contribute to cognitive decline, neurodegenerative problems, and other brain concerns.

Therefore, maintaining adequate levels of glutathione is considered important for supporting brain health and function.

L-theanine is another compound which is not one of the standard 20 amino acids, but is still technically an amino acid. It is sourced from the leaves of the tea plant and has a similar shape to the amino acid glutamine.

As an amino acid for brain wellness, L-Theanine exerts a few intriguing mechanisms of action, working to:

• Tune the brain to the Alpha brain wave frequency (8-14 Hz). Enhanced Alpha waves are associated with feelings of relaxed alertness and crystal mental clarity.

• Cross the blood brain barrier and directly influence some soothing brain chemicals, including serotonin and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

• Protect the brain. It's been suggested to regulate acidic amino acids glutamate, which can be neurotoxic when overactive. L-theanine also has neuroprotective antioxidant and inflammation-modulating activity

L-Theanine's bioactivities add up to some beneficial cognitive affects you can really feel. Most prominently, L-Theanine is associated with a state called "wakeful relaxation" where your mind is awake and alert, yet totally tranquil and calm. This state is great:

• for studying and learning new things
• for mediation
• for art creation
• for creative problem solving

In addition to its relaxing and calming effects, it has been linked to attention, sharp multitasking performance, clear cognition under stress and working memory.

L-Theanine also has a unique benefit no other amino acid offers: It has been reported in scientific research to help reduce the unpleasant and jittery side effects of too much caffeine, instead promoting a calm, clear and smooth state of performance-driven stimulation.

As one of the top amino acids for brain function, L-theanine is a great choice for anyone seeking reduced anxiety, clear focus, improved concentration, enhanced creativity and a more tranquil, stress-free state of mind.

Creatine is one of the most effective cognitive enhancers available. This non-essential amino acid is synthesized in your liver, kidneys and pancreas. And used in your brain to re-charge the Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) that is produced by mitochondria in brain cells.

Creatine is stored in your body as phosphocreatine. When ATP is used as an energy source in your neurons, it loses a phosphate molecule. Turning it into adenosine diphosphate (ADP).

Creatine steps in and offers ADP a phosphate molecule. Turning it back into ATP to be used again to fuel brain cells. Creatine essentially re-charges the fuel cells in your neurons.

Creatine is critical for mental energy, neurotransmitters, as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant.

Creatine helps:

Brain Energy

Creatine can reduce mental fatigue. Creatine re-charges ATP which is the fuel source for your brain cells.

Neurotransmitters

Creatine re-charges ATP which is directly involved in producing, packaging and secreting neurotransmitters. Creatine boosts intelligence, improves memory, facilitates faster thinking, and improves mood.

Neuroprotectant

Creatine fuels ATP and boosts cellular metabolism which helps protect against neuronal damage from toxins. And improves cognition.

Dosage

Recommended dosage of creatine for nootropic benefit is 5 grams per day.

Studies show that creatine should be consumed with carbohydrates for best absorption.

The myth that you should not take creatine with caffeine is exactly that – a myth. No reliable study has shown this to be true.