Larger doses are also effective, but research on their long-term safety is unavailable Summary Creatine is an amino acid that can improve short-term memory and reasoning skills. Doses of 5 grams per day have been shown to be safe in the long term. Bacopa monnieri is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance brain function.
Several studies have found that Bacopa monnieri supplements can speed up information processing in your brain, reduce reaction times and improve memory 16 , 17 , Bacopa monnieri contains active compounds called bacosides, which protect your brain from oxidative stress and improve signaling in your hippocampus, an area of your brain in which memories are processed The effects of Bacopa monnieri are not felt immediately.
Summary Bacopa monnieri is an herbal supplement that has been shown to improve memory and information processing when taken for several months. Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body handle stress more effectively. Several studies have found that Rhodiola rosea supplements can improve mood and decrease feelings of burnout in both anxious and highly stressed individuals 22 , Taking small daily doses of Rhodiola rosea has been shown to reduce mental fatigue and increase feelings of well-being in college students during stressful exam periods More research is needed to determine optimal dosing and better understand how the herb causes these effects.
Summary Rhodiola rosea is a natural herb that may help your body adapt to periods of high stress and reduce associated mental fatigue. Taking a single dose of — mg of Panax ginseng has been shown to reduce brain fatigue and significantly improve performance on difficult tasks like mental math problems 25 , 26 , It may be due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects, which help protect your brain from oxidative stress and enhance its function Some longer-term studies have found that your body may adapt to ginseng , making it less effective after several months of use.
Therefore, more research is needed on its long-term nootropic effects Summary Occasional doses of Panax ginseng may help improve mental function, but more research is needed on its long-term effectiveness.
Extracts from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree may also have positive effects on your brain. Ginkgo biloba supplements have been shown to improve memory and mental processing in healthy older adults when taken daily for six weeks 30 , 31 , Taking Ginkgo biloba before a highly stressful task also reduces stress-related high blood pressure and decreases levels of cortisol , a type of stress hormone While these results are promising, not all studies have shown beneficial effects.
More research is needed to better understand the potential benefits of Ginkgo biloba on your brain Summary Some research suggests that Ginkgo biloba can improve memory and mental processing and may be beneficial in stressful situations. Yet, more research is needed. Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical found in many plants, especially tobacco. Studies show that nicotine can have nootropic effects, such as improved alertness and attention, especially in people with naturally poor attention spans 36 , It has also been found to improve motor function.
However, this substance can be addictive and is lethal in high doses, so caution is warranted Due to the risk of addiction, nicotine is not recommended. However, nicotine use is justified if you are trying to quit smoking. Unlike some of the natural nootropics, the effects of Noopept can be felt within minutes, rather than hours, days or weeks, and typically last for several hours 40 , Animal studies have shown that Noopept speeds up how quickly the brain forms and retrieves memories by boosting levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF , a compound that promotes the growth of brain cells 42 , 43 , Human research has found that this smart drug helps people recover more quickly from brain injuries, but more studies are needed to understand how it might be used as a nootropic in healthy adults 45 , It has been shown to improve memory in people with age-related mental decline but does not seem to have much benefit in healthy adults 47 , During the s, a few small, poorly designed studies suggested that piracetam may improve memory in healthy adults, but these findings have not been replicated 49 , 50 , Prescription nootropics are medications that have stimulant effects.
Nonprescription substances that can enhance brain performance or focus — such as caffeine and creatine — are also considered nootropics. They do not treat diseases but may have some effects on thinking, memory, or other mental functions. This article looks at prescription and nonprescription smart drugs, including their uses, side effects, and safety warnings.
A doctor may prescribe a nootropic to treat a medical condition. Usually, the drug is a type of stimulant, such as an amphetamine, that can help treat ADHD, narcolepsy, dementia , or a similar condition. While these can be effective in treating specific medical conditions, a person should not take them without a prescription.
Some evidence suggests that people who use prescription nootropics to improve brain function have a higher risk of impulsive behaviors, such as risky sexual practices.
Healthcare providers should work closely with people taking prescription nootropics to manage any side effects and monitor their condition. The following sections discuss nootropics that do not require a prescription.
Many people consume beverages that contain caffeine , such as coffee or tea, because of their stimulant effects. Studies suggest that caffeine is safe for most people in moderate amounts. Having a regular cup of coffee or tea may be a good way to boost mental focus.
However, extreme amounts of caffeine may not be safe. This is the amount in 4—5 cups of coffee. Caffeine pills and powders can contain extremely high amounts of the stimulant. Taking them can lead to a caffeine overdose and even death, in rare cases. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant may need to limit or avoid caffeine intake.
Studies have found that consuming 4 or more servings of caffeine a day is linked to a higher risk of pregnancy loss. L-theanine is an amino acid that occurs in black and green teas. People can also take l-theanine supplements. A review reported that l-theanine may increase alpha waves in the brain.
Alpha waves may contribute to a relaxed yet alert mental state. L-theanine may work well when paired with caffeine. Some evidence suggests that this combination helps boost cognitive performance and alertness.
There are no dosage guidelines for l-theanine, but many supplements recommend taking — mg per day. Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most well-known and well-studied mental enhancers. These polyunsaturated fats are found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements. This type of fat is important for brain health, and a person must get it from their diet. These fats are important for repairing and renewing brain cells. A review found that omega-3 fatty acids protect against brain aging.
Other research has concluded that omega-3s are important for brain and nervous system function. A person can get omega-3 supplements in various forms, including fish oil, krill oil, and algal oil. These supplements carry a low risk of side effects when a person takes them as directed, but they may interact with medications that affect blood clotting.
Ask a doctor before taking them. Racetams are synthetic compounds that can affect neurotransmitters in the brain.
Some nootropic racetams include:. A study conducted in rats suggests that piracetam may have neuroprotective effects. Technology Feature 09 NOV Research Highlight 29 OCT Francis Crick Institute. Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.
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