10 Best Nootropics, Smart Drugs, and Cognitive Enhancers of 2023
Nootropics and smart drugs are dietary supplements that provide cognitive benefits such as improved focus, memory, learning, motivation, creativity, and energy. Some nootropics are also believed to help with anxiety, depression, stress, and to protect against cognitive decline.
Nootropic supplements can be effective for anyone that wants to boost brain function including entrepreneurs, students, professionals, athletes, and senior citizens. While some nootropics contain only natural ingredients such as L-theanine or bacopa monnieri, others contain synthetic substances such as aniracetam or noopept.
To help you find the best nootropic supplements, we’ve reviewed the top cognitive enhancers on the market. Each smart pill below was evaluated on factors such as ingredients, dosage, reviews, price, and effectiveness.
If you’re ready to unlock your brain’s potential, here are the best nootropics on the market.
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List of the Best Nootropic Supplements of 2023
Review of the Top Nootropics and Smart Drugs
1. Noocube: Strongest Nootropic Supplement for Adults
Noocube is an all-in-one daily nootropic supplement from Wolfson Brands Limited, a UK-based company that makes several different dietary supplements. Wolfson Brands Limited manufactures Noocube in the U.K. at GMP-certified facilities.
Noocube is one of the best nootropics for people who want to combat mental fatigue and brain fog while improving cognitive performance. Here are the five main benefits that Noocube provides. It:
1. Increases Attention – Noocube’s formula contains ingredients that will increase your attention and concentration, particularly during high-pressure and demanding situations.
2. Reduces Stress – By lowering levels of the hormone cortisol, Noocube helps you reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
3. Supports Healthy Eye-Brain Connection – The award-winning ingredient Lutemax® 2020 contains three macular carotenoids that clinical research shows support a healthy eye-brain connection, improve sleep patterns, and fight oxidative stress from blue light exposure.
4. Improves Focus – Noocube supports healthy serotonin, GABA, and acetylcholine levels to help you gain razor-sharp focus.
5. Boosts Memory Retention – Noocube protects your brain cells and neurotransmitters to improve memory retention, mental performance, and brain energy so that you’re sharp and alert throughout the day.
How Noocube Works
Noocube’s trademarked Brain Productivity™ formula contains 13 natural ingredients that support healthy brain pathways to help you to:
Reduce brain fog
Increase motivation
Improve focus
Boost your problem-solving skills
Lower your stress levels
Enhance memory and recall
Balance and improve mood
Improve sleep
All in all, Noocube is an effective way to improve cognitive function and support long-term brain health.
Formula Overview
With 13 research-backed ingredients, Noocube offers an all-in-one nootropic formula that eliminates the need to take multiple supplements to gain the same benefits. One of the star ingredients in Noocube is Lutemax 2020, an award-winning combination of three different macular carotenoids. Lutemax combats the oxidative stress that results from excessive blue-light exposure that can damage eye health.
Here’s the complete list of the 13 nootropic ingredients in Noocube:
Lutemax® 2020
Bacopa monnieri – 250 mg
Pterostilbene – 140 mcg
Huperzia serrata – 20 mg
L-theanine – 100 mg
Resveratrol 99% – 14.3 mg
Alpha GPC – 50 mg
L-tyrosine – 250 mg
Cat’s claw – 4:1 extract
Oat straw – 10:1 extract
Vitamin B1 – 1.1 mg
Vitamin B7 – 50 mcg
Vitamin B12 – 2.5 mcg
Key Features
Why should you consider taking Noocube to support cognitive function and mental performance? Check out the key selling points of this popular nootropic supplement that’s suitable for men and women. The manufacturer says it provides:
A grain-free, soy-free, and non-GMO formula
Protection against blue-light exposure
Free e-guides with every order
Free worldwide shipping
Bulk-buy discounts
60-day money-back guarantee
Natural ingredients with no known side effects
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Noocube
2. Vyvamind: Best Nootropic Stack for ADHD
Vyvamind is one of the most effective cognitive enhancers to boost mental energy, mental processing speed, motivation, and mental acuity.
Vyvamind is the best nootropic alternative to prescription medication. This cognitive enhancer improves cognitive performance, increases motivation and prevents burnout from intense mental exertion. Unlike so many other nootropics and brain health supplements on the market today, this one actually delivers within 30-45 minutes (not after months of use like the others).
What type of cognitive benefits can you gain from taking Vyvamind? Here are the ways this nootropic stack can help your cognitive performance:
Rapidly increases mental energy and processing speeds without causing jitters or anxiety
Promotes optimal mental performance across a range of measures, including focus, working memory, mood and motivation levels
Dramatically increases motivation and drive and sustains it for hours
Supports healthy neurotransmitter production, especially dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine, allowing for peak cognitive performance
Allows for mental clarity and good decision-making when you’re in demanding or high-pressure situations
Prevents mental fatigue and burn out, helping you stay awake and alert without experiencing the severe ‘comedown’ associated with stimulants
Replenishes vital neurochemicals to guarantee faster recovery after intense mental exertion
How Vyvamind Works
VyvaMind has been specifically designed to act as a natural alternative to smart drugs and prescription medications such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, etc. To achieve this, it works on three main pathways in the brain.
Dopamine: Vyvamind greatly increases dopamine production in the brain by delivering large doses of Tyrosine and B6. Both of these nutrients are vital for dopamine synthesis. Dopamine is what gives you motivation, and it is needed for many important cognitive functions too.
Acetylcholine: This is the most important executive neurotransmitter in the brain, responsible for everything from focus and information processing to speech and muscle control. More acetylcholine means more brain power, and the Citicoline in Vyvamind ramps it up fast.
Energy: Vyvamind uses the precise doses of caffeine and theanine found in clinical studies to produce the biggest increases in mental energy, focus and processing speeds while eliminating side effects and promoting a calm mind.
All of this is backed up by comprehensive support for nerve cell integrity and brain cell health over the long-term.
Formula Overview
VyvaMind uses 6 ultra-pure nootropic ingredients, all backed by extensive clinical research. The precise dosing and stacking of these compounds delivers a powerful lift in brain working capacity.
Here’s a list of the ingredients in Vyvamind and their dosages:
Citicoline – 200mg
L-Tyrosine – 300mg
Caffeine Anhydrous – 75mg
L-Theanine – 150mg
Vitamin B6 – 2.5mg
Vitamin B12 – 50mcg
All of the ingredients in Vyvamind are backed by strong clinical evidence and dosed in accordance with scientific studies.
Key Features
Here are the key selling points of the popular nootropic Vyvamind. It offers:
Intelligent dosing of caffeine and theanine for optimal mental performance
Jitter-free and anxiety-free mental energy boost
Supports key neurotransmitter production
All-natural and legal to buy OTC
Save OVER 15% & get free US shipping when buying 3 bottles or more
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Vyvamind
3. Nooceptin: Best Smart Pill for Stress, Anxiety, and Brain Fog
Nooceptin is the most complete nootropic supplement on the market right now. It delivers complete cognitive enhancement, with a heavy focus on memory, learning, and long-term brain health support. That combined with its amazing ingredient quality and safety profile makes it the best nootropic overall today.
Nooceptin is best all-in-one, natural, daily nootropic stack. As well as providing a rapid increase in focus and mental clarity, Nooceptin works to stimulate real brain cell growth and development. This means that – when taken for prolonged periods – this nootropic produces real, deep, lasting improvements in brain function.
Here are the cognitive benefits that you can gain from taking Nooceptin:
● Skyrocket your working and long-term memory
● Sharpen your focus like never before
● Supercharge your processing speeds for lightning fast results
● Promote neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, unlocking your brain’s full potential
● Say goodbye to stress and anxiety for good
● Support optimal brain cell health for a lifetime of peak performance
How Nooceptin Works
Nooceptin is an all-in-one nootropic supplement that aims to enhance cognitive function by delivering a combination of ingredients that work in synergy to produce lasting improvements in brain function and offer brain health protection.
Here is how Nooceptin Works in a nutshell:
● Enhances cerebral circulation to optimize oxygen and nutrient supply to brain cells.
● Improves neuron connections through promoted dendrite branching.
● Boosts growth, development, and maintenance of brain cells via increased neurotrophic factors.
● Increases acetylcholine levels for better executive functions.
● Improves memory retention and recall.
● Delivers round-the-clock protection against stress and anxiety.
Formula Overview
Nooceptin is a comprehensive nootropic. Each ingredient has been proven to enhance cognition in several clinical trials. The precise combination of these ingredients in Nooceptin produces a great cognitive enhancer that is ideal for anyone looking to get more out of their brain.
The benefits of Nooceptin get stronger over time, so be sure to take it daily for at least 6 weeks to really start to see a difference in your memory, focus and mental energy.
Here is a list of the ingredients in Nooceptin:
● Lion’s Mane Extract – 400 mg
● Citicoline – 200 mg
● L-Theanine – 200 mg
● Panax Ginseng Extract – 200 mg
● Rhodiola Rosea Extract – 150 mg
● Bacopa Monnieri Extract – 150 mg
● Ginkgo Biloba Extract – 100 mg
Key Features
Why is Nooceptin considered one of the best nootropics on the market today? Check out the key benefits and the main reasons behind Nooceptin building a loyal customer base:
● 100% natural, clean label: no unnecessary fillers to keep Nooceptin safe and effective
● No stimulants: no caffeine, so no risk of jittery side effects
● All ingredients dosed optimally: clinically proven dosages to ensure best results
● Designed for long-term usage: most customers state the full benefits kick in after 6 weeks
● Discounts on multi-bottle deals: buy more and save more on Nooceptin’s official website.
● Free from: allergens, GMO ingredients, artificial colors and preservatives.
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Nooceptin
4. Mind Lab Pro: Great Nootropic for Memory, Learning, and Brain Function
Opti-Nutra is the company behind Mind Lab Pro, which manufactures the nootropics stack in a GMP-certified and FDA-registered facility in New Jersey, USA.
Mind Lab Pro is a universal nootropic supplement and stack, which means it boosts your mental function as a whole instead of just focusing on one or two aspects. Opti-Nutra designed Mind Lab Pro to provide a short-term cognitive boost and support long-term brain health for both men and women.
Here are some of the benefits you can gain from taking this nootropic stack every day. This product will:
Boost work productivity – This nootropic improves your multitasking skills and eye for detail.
Increase confidence and mental clarity – Mind Lab Pro supports your recall, verbal accuracy, and cognitive function.
Perform better under pressure – Enjoy clearer decision-making and foster a creative mindset, allowing you to perform better in high-pressure situations.
How Mind Lab Pro Works
Mind Lab Pro is the best brain supplement for people who want an all-in-one nootropic that will optimize brain health without stimulants. With 11 natural and scientifically proven brain-boosting ingredients, Mind Lab Pro focuses on supporting a wide range of cognitive functions.
How does this nootropic supplement work? It supports peak mental performance and targets six pathways for optimization:
Brain chemicals
Neuroprotection
Mental energy
Blood flow
Brainwaves
Neuroregeneration
Additionally, Mind Lab Pro creates a nootropic synergy that targets four different areas of neural performance:
Mindset
Performance
Memory
Structural
Formula Overview
Mind Lab Pro’s formula is so effective at improving cognitive abilities because it uses precise dosages of natural, research-backed nootropic ingredients. The bottle features a clean label, with the exact ingredient and dosage labels right on the side. It includes:
Organic lion’s mane mushroom – 500 mg
Citicoline – 250 mg
N-Acetyl L-tyrosine – 175 mg
Bacopa monnieri – 150 mg
Phosphatidylserine (from sunflower lecithin) – 100 mg
L-theanine – 100 mg
Maritime pine bark extract – 75 mg
Rhodiola rosea – 50 mg
Vitamin B6 – 2.5 mg
Vitamin B9 – 100 mcg
Vitamin B12 – 7.5 mcg
NutriCaps® tapioca capsule
One of the key ingredients on that list is phosphatidylserine, which comes from sunflower lecithin. The compound makes up 15% of your brain’s fats and may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and brain degeneration.
Key Features
Why is Mind Lab Pro so popular? Check out these key selling points that make this nootropic one of the bestsellers on today’s market:
100% stimulant-free products
Free shipping on orders over $180
10% discount for subscribing to emails
Filler- and additive-free formula
30-day money-back guarantee
Bulk-buy discounts
More than one million bottles sold to satisfied customers
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Mind Lab Pro
5. Hunter Focus: Best Nootropic for Focus, Concentration, and Motivation
Hunter Focus is one of the best natural nootropics for high-performing individuals aged 30 and over. Hunter Evolve created this popular nootropic and manufactures it in the U.S. and U.K. at GMP-certified and FDA-registered facilities. The company also produces other dietary supplements, including Hunter Burn and Hunter Test.
Hunter Focus is ideal for men and women over the age of 30 who are ambitious professionals working in high-pressure or demanding jobs. It’s one of the leading natural nootropics with a formula that helps to unlock your cognitive potential. Here are the numerous ways that Hunter Focus may help you improve brain health and mental function:
Enhances memory retention and recall skills
Improves focus so you can easily reach your peak flow state
Boosts mood and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety
Increases energy to combat mental fatigue and brain fog
Optimizes brain processing and supports healthy brain activity
Unlocks your creative potential and enhances your problem-solving skills
How Hunter Focus Works
Hunter Focus isn’t just a smart drug. It contains a formula with 20 natural nootropics that work in three primary ways to boost cognitive function:
Mood Amplification – Your mood directly impacts how you experience each day. Hunter Focus contains natural mood boosters, including phosphatidylserine and ashwagandha.
Memory Matrix – Hunter Focus contains ingredients that improve mental processing, memory, and recall, including lion’s mane mushroom, bacopa monnieri, and maritime pine bark.
Concentration Activation – Even in the most high-pressure and stressful situations, ingredients like L-tyrosine, citicoline, and L-theanine will help you stay focused and support your mental clarity.
Formula Overview
Why is Hunter Focus one of the best nootropics on today’s market? It contains 20 natural ingredients that boost brain function and improve mental performance:
Acetyl-L-carnitine – 800 mg
L-tyrosine – 500 mg
Organic lion’s mane mushroom – 500 mg
Ashwagandha root – 300 mg
Bacopa monnieri – 300 mg
Citicoline – 250 mg
L-theanine – 200 mg
Caffeine – 100 mg
Ginkgo biloba – 120 mg
Maritime pine bark extract – 75 mg
Rhodiola rosea extract – 50 mg
Spanish sage – 4:1 extract
Panax ginseng – 10:1 extract
Phosphatidylserine – 100 mg
Vitamin B6 – 2.5 mg
Vitamin B9 – 100 mcg
Vitamin B12 – 7.5 mcg
Vitamin C – 200 mg
Vitamin D3 – 75 mcg
Vitamin K12 – 100 mcg
Veggie cellulose capsule
Key Features
Here’s a brief summary of why you should consider this nootropic supplement to support your overall cognitive health. Ideal for high-performing professionals in stressful jobs, it offers:
20 research-backed nootropic ingredients
Free shipping
Bulk-buy discounts
No known side effects
Gluten-free, soy-free, and preservative-free formula
No synthetic ingredients or fillers
30-day refund policy for U.S. customers
10% email discount for email subscribers
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Hunter Focus
6. Performance Lab Mind: Good Cognitive Enhancer for Overall Brain Health
Performance Lab is the company that manufactures the smart drug Performance Lab Mind, or just “Mind,” a nootropic stack that promises to improve cognitive functions while helping your brain recover from mental exertion.
Performance Lab Mind provides a whole host of benefits that boost cognitive abilities. However, this nootropic is different from the others in this review because it contains only a few select ingredients in enhanced forms that allow optimal nutrient delivery.
What type of cognitive benefits can you gain from taking Mind? Here are the ways this nootropic stack can help your cognitive performance:
Promotes efficient mental processing, including multitasking, mood, memory recall, focus, and motivation
Supports healthy neuro-nutrient delivery by increasing blood flow, oxygen, and glucose to the brain
Fosters healthy brain function by targeting the fluid neural structures that link with learning and memory
Allows for peak mental performance when you’re in demanding or high-pressure situations
Promotes neural regeneration to improve mental function and brain health for the long-term
Replenishes brain chemicals to allow for faster recovery after intense mental exertion and prevent fatigue
How Performance Lab Mind Works
Performance Lab Mind works to enhance brain function using natural nootropic ingredients, primarily Cognizin® Citicoline, Ajipure® L-Tyrosine, and Sharp-PS® Green.
Cognizin is a nootropic containing a form of citicoline, an organic compound essential to brain cell development and cognitive health. Cognizin is Performance Lab’s version of citicoline, which researchers developed using advanced nutrition technology to help improve brain energy, attention, focus, memory, and cognitive function.
Sharp-PS Green is an advanced form of a phospholipid, or healthy fat, that’s present in the human brain. The compound aids in the regeneration of brain cells and neural repair. It also supports neural plasticity to help you boost brain health and optimize learning.
Ajipure L-tyrosine is a critical brain supplement that increases mental energy and reduces stress by maintaining healthy levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Formula Overview
Performance Lab Mind only contains a few premium ingredients, which its creators developed to provide the maximum cognitive benefits for people who want to boost memory recall and cognitive skills. Here’s what the formula contains:
Cognizin citicoline – 250 mg
Ajipure L-tyrosine – 250 mg
Soy-Free Sharp-PS Green – 100 mg
Maritime pine bark extract – 75 mg
Tapioca capsule
The formula is also vegan-friendly and does NOT contain:
Allergens
GMO ingredients
Caffeine
Artificial colors
Preservatives
Synthetic additives
Key Features
Here are the key selling points of the popular nootropic Performance Lab Mind. It offers:
A vegetarian- and vegan-friendly formula
Safety for long-term use
Advanced nootropic ingredients to improve brain function
Bulk-buy discounts
Free shipping available on orders over $100
30-day money-back guarantee
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Performance Lab Mind
What Are Nootropics, and How Do They Improve Brain Function?
Nootropics and smart drugs, also known as cognitive enhancers, brain pills, or brain supplements, consist of prescription drugs, dietary supplements, or synthetic compounds that may improve cognitive performance and brain health.
Depending on the type of nootropic ingredients the formula contains, these smart drugs can affect the body in different ways, including increasing blood flow to bring more oxygen to your brain cells. However, the term “nootropic” can apply to any synthetic or natural substance that could impact brain function and mental skills positively.
Additionally, nootropic supplements support a range of cerebral functions that help with intracellular signaling, neurotransmission, and molecular processes. In turn, they may help you improve learning, memory, and overall cognition. You may also come across nootropic supplements that can help your body replenish vital proteins and amino acids that foster mental clarity and overall cognitive health.
How We Ranked the Top Nootropic Pills
Ingredients
While dietary supplements aren’t usually subject to clinical trials, the nootropic supplements in this review all contain scientific-evidence-backed ingredients. In fact, the best nootropics have scientific studies supporting the quality and efficacy of the compounds, extracts, vitamins, amino acids, and nutrients that improve cognitive skills and brain function. We’ll go deeper into the most common ingredients in nootropic stacks and the evidence behind their effectiveness in a bit, so keep reading.
Advertised Benefits
Of course, every manufacturer wants to claim that their product is the absolute best nootropic and will provide the most improvements to your cognition, memory, mental performance, and cerebral health. Therefore, we looked closely at every cognitive benefit of the five supplements in this review, from supporting healthy brain cells to aiding in recovery after intense cognitive exertion and improving memory and mental clarity. Then, we checked for any scientific studies backing up these claims. All five of our picks fit the bill, verifying that they were high-quality products that will improve cognitive abilities.
User Reviews
One of the best ways to verify whether a nootropic supplement is actually effective and provides noticeable results is by reading through user reviews from actual customers. So we checked reviews from real-life customers on each manufacturer’s official website, then looked on other platforms, such as Google and e-commerce stores. Finally, we researched each manufacturer’s overall reputation and whether they were a well-established brand with a loyal customer base.
Price
One of the biggest factors to consider when purchasing any product is price, including dietary supplements and nootropics. As you may know, the best nootropics can be expensive. However, for many people, the beneficial results far outweigh the cost. You can save money on your order by purchasing multiple bottles or subscribing to promotional emails. In addition, each of the nootropic supplements we reviewed offered a 30- or 60-day money-back guarantee or had a refund policy for unopened bottles.
How to Choose the Most Effective Nootropics
Look for Clean Labels
When we say “clean labels,” we mean supplements that don’t contain proprietary blends or complexes. Why? Because companies can hide the actual dosage levels and amounts of the ingredients in a supplement by using the term “proprietary blend.”
For unethical manufacturers, the term is a legal loophole that allows them to claim that their supplement contains the most expensive or effective compounds, while in reality, it only has them in trace amounts. Therefore, you should only purchase dietary supplements with transparent, honest labeling that discloses precise dosage levels.
Avoid Stimulants
The most common nootropic is caffeine, a stimulant that is a popular ingredient in many smart drugs. However, that fact doesn’t mean it’s a great idea to use nootropics full of stimulants. You may find that taking a stimulant-heavy smart drug can cause side effects like a racing heart or pulse, headache, or jitters. In general, we recommend avoiding stimulants for non-prescription nootropic supplements.
Product Guarantees
The best nootropic supplements have product guarantees that offer dissatisfied consumers some recourse to get their money back, usually minus shipping charges. Money-back guarantees are a good sign that the supplement manufacturer believes in the quality and effectiveness of the product, its formula, and the results it will provide consumers.
The best deal we found was Brain Pill and Noocube, which both offer customers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Effective Dosages
Finding an all-in-one nootropic stack with adequate and effective dosage levels is critical. Of course, taking a nootropic with low dosages likely won’t provide noticeable benefits and improvements to your cognition and mental skills. However, taking too much of a supplement could cause adverse side effects, such as headaches or nausea. All of the five nootropics we reviewed had no known side effects and clean labels listing the ingredients and amounts.
The Most Popular Brain Boosting Ingredients
When researching the best nootropics, you’ll probably find that many of them have the same ingredients. But which are the most effective and produce the best results? We’ll explore the most popular nootropics and how they can boost your brain performance.
Caffeine
Caffeine is perhaps the most commonly used nootropic in the world. Drinking a cup of coffee can provide cognitive benefits by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain and reducing feelings of fatigue. In addition, it can improve concentration and mental alertness. One study showed that chronic caffeine consumption resulted in a “significantly lower risk” of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushrooms are actually quite beautiful. The fruiting bodies are large and wide, with dozens of long, drooping white tendrils that resemble a lion’s flowing mane. In addition to this super mushroom’s ability to improve brain function, it can also support the healthy function of your heart and intestine.
However, the primary benefit of taking lion’s mane mushrooms is replenishing the neurochemicals to produce active brain cells. One study showed that lion’s mane resulted in a 60.6% neurite outgrowth, which is why it’s such a common ingredient in the best nootropic supplements.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is one of the most important amino acids for brain function and has many nootropic properties. Primarily, it works by raising dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels in the human brain. However, studies have shown that L-theanine can increase both verbal and letter fluency, making it ideal for people with stress-related issues and cognitive decline.
Combining L-theanine and caffeine can enhance mental alertness and accuracy when multitasking. The combination is a great way to improve cognitive performance, which is why you’ll commonly see both ingredients in nootropic supplements.
Bacopa Monnieri
For centuries, Ayurvedic medicine has harnessed the nootropic benefits of Bacopa monnieri, an aquatic plant. If you want to improve your cognitive function, Bacopa monnieri is one of the best nootropics to add to your health and wellness regimen.
The plant contains bacosides A and B, which support a healthy stress response. In addition, studies have shown that Bacopa monnieri is a cognitive enhancer and has the potential to reduce oxidative damage.
Rhodiola Rosea
Also known as golden root or arctic root, Rhodiola rosea is a flower that grows in the frigid mountains of Europe. Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen, meaning that it increases your body’s natural resistance to stress.
One study found that participants taking this adaptogenic herb showed noticeable improvements and symptom relief regarding the depression and stress that are often part of mental fatigue and burnout. Another review of over 35 studies concluded that Rhodiola rosea supports learning and memory skills.
Ginkgo Biloba
If you were to head to China, you would find ginkgo biloba, a native tree the Chinese have used for thousands of years. The tree’s compounds provide numerous health benefits for people, such as reducing cognitive decline.
Researchers reviewed 21 different studies that showed how ginkgo biloba is beneficial for people with mild Alzheimer’s, improving their capabilities. Further reviews of additional studies concluded that ginkgo might reduce numerous symptoms of dementia in people suffering from this cognitive disorder.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract
The maritime pine tree grows along the Mediterranean coasts in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and France. Maritime pine bark extract might improve cognitive function, particularly for those with mild cognitive impairment or decline. In addition, research suggests that French pine bark extract, known as Pycnogenol, improves oxidative stress and cognitive function in healthy working professionals.
CDP Choline
CDP choline is an essential nutrient and water-soluble compound that serves as a common ingredient in brain pills and nootropic supplements. CDP choline is necessary for your body to produce acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter that affects intelligence, mood, and memory. Certain studies have shown that choline can improve brain function, including mental processing and memory. Research has also shown that CDP-choline may improve verbal memory in older adults with poor memory skills.
Vitamin B-12
You’ve probably heard of vitamin B-12, another common ingredient you’ll find in most nootropics. Research shows that a combination of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B-12 reduces the signs of mental decline in people with early-stage dementia. Furthermore, high levels of Vitamin B-12 can also increase the likelihood of recovery from mental illness such as major depressive disorder in people with a B12 deficiency.
Benefits of Taking Nootropic Supplements
We just discussed the most common ingredients you’ll find in the best brain supplements. But what are the actual benefits of taking nootropics? Let’s discuss that now.
Brain Health (Brain Cells)
The best nootropic supplements promote brain cell health by supporting maintenance, growth, and recovery for peak cerebral performance. The best nootropic supplement for supporting brain cell health is Mind Lab Pro, although Noocube and Hunter Focus are also effective for optimizing your cerebral health and function.
Improve Mental Performance
Brain fog and mental fatigue are two common signs of interrupted neural pathways and stress. If you’re experiencing a lag in mental performance and cognitive function, taking a nootropic supplement can be a significant way to boost your brain power. Nootropics can optimize communication along your neural pathways, helping you achieve peak performance.
Short-Term Memory
Have you ever found yourself forgetting dates, names, or appointments? Short-term memory loss is commonly associated with cognitive decline. However, you can combat short-term memory loss by taking a nootropic supplement. In particular, nootropics rich in amino acids may support a healthy nerve growth factor and neural communication, causing a boost in your short-term memory and recall ability.
Focus and Productivity
Do your job and extracurricular activities require a very high level of cognitive functioning? If so, then taking a nootropic supplement is an option to sharpen your focus, improve your eye for detail, and boost productivity. For example, if you work very long hours, many nootropics can help you shake off the brain fog and lack of sleep and still perform at peak levels the next day at work.
Mood
Your overall mood and emotional balance can significantly impact your day. Fortunately, taking nootropics can positively affect your emotion and mood. Essentially, nootropics can balance your mood by interacting with the brain to correct chemical imbalances and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
A List of Synthetic Smart Drugs To Consider
Another option that many people consider regarding nootropics is synthetic smart drugs. Let’s discuss four of the most popular right now.
Modafinil
Modafinil is a prescription drug that can treat narcolepsy. However, it’s also a synthetic nootropic that may help people reduce fatigue and boost brain energy and function. While experts consider Modafinil to have a lower risk of dependence, taking this synthetic nootropic at high levels may cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop.
Adderall
Adderall is another synthetic prescription drug containing amphetamine salts that doctors commonly prescribe to people with the learning disability Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, known as ADHD. Adderall helps your brain modulate specific chemicals that control focus, behavior, and memory, and also leaves you feeling more alert and awake. However, you should know that Adderall has a very high risk of physical dependency. That’s why we recommend natural adderall alternatives for improving cognitive performance.
Noopept
If you want a nootropic that delivers an immediate and noticeable boost of cognitive energy, Noopept is a good choice. The synthetic nootropic supports healthy levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a compound essential for developing brain cells. It also may contribute to faster recovery after a brain injury.
Piracetam
Piracetam is another synthetic nootropic that’s very similar in structure to Noopept, making it a popular alternative. This “smart drug” helps people with a cognitive decline improve their memory. However, it may not be as effective or produce the same results in normal, healthy individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nootropics
Do Nootropic Supplements Really Work to Improve Cognitive Function?
Yes, nootropic supplements work. However, please remember that your results may vary based on your level of intellect, your body type, if you have any cognitive impairments, etc. Most nootropics work by increasing blood flow to the brain, although they can help enhance brain function in a variety of ways. For example, nootropics can also optimize brain activity and neural communication and improve short-term and long-term memory.
How Much Do Nootropics Cost?
The price of nootropics depends on the manufacturer, quality, ingredients, dosages, and more. However, the best nootropics often cost anywhere from $50 to $90 a bottle, usually consisting of a one-month supply.
Luckily, you have a few different options for saving money on your purchase. The best way to save money on nootropics is by ordering in bulk. The more you buy, the more you save, and most bulk buy orders qualify for free shipping. Some manufacturers also offer limited-time discounts, like 10% off for subscribing to promotional emails.
What Nootropic Is Most Like Adderall?
Adderall is the prescription drug that doctors often prescribe for people who have ADHD to increase their focus and energy levels while reducing impulsivity.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to Adderall, three of the best nootropics include Performance Lab Mind, Noocube, and Mind Lab Pro. All three of these supplements contain formulas that have ingredients with research backing their effectiveness in increasing mental focus, concentration, and energy levels.
Can Smart Pills Help with ADHD?
If you or your child has ADHD, you’ve probably searched for medications or supplements that can help you maintain focus and concentration while avoiding mental burnout.
Adderall is one of the most common prescription medications for treating ADHD and can improve mental focus, concentration, and energy levels. However, natural nootropic supplements are a great option if you’re looking for a safer alternative to prescription medications like Adderall or Ritalin.
Who Should Consider Taking Nootropics?
Nootropics are highly popular among entrepreneurs, professionals, students, older individuals, athletes, and even healthy individuals. Essentially, any adult over the age of 18 can benefit from taking nootropics if they want to increase their cognitive skills, improve memory, and maintain a healthy brain. Of course, you should always consult with your physician before starting a supplement regimen, especially if you’re on any type of prescription medication.
Can Brain Supplements Help Improve Memory?
Yes, brain supplements can help improve memory, detail retention, and recall. If you’ve been having trouble remembering names, dates, appointments, etc., taking a nootropic can help you boost your memory. For example, research shows that they increase blood circulation to the brain while replenishing essential nutrients (like glucose, which the brain needs for fuel) and improving energy levels. Nootropics can also increase neuroplasticity, which enhances brain activity and memory abilities.
Are Nootropic Supplements FDA-Approved?
Nootropics are dietary supplements, which means they do not require approval from the FDA. Only prescription medications require FDA approval. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t safe. The five nootropic supplements in this review all have natural ingredients with no known side effects, and all five brands manufacture their products in FDA-registered facilities, either in the U.S. or U.K.
How Long Does It Take for Nootropics to Work?
The amount of time it takes for nootropics to work varies on a few factors, such as the type of supplement, body type, weight, etc.
For example, Noopept, a synthetic nootropic, often has almost immediate effects on cognitive ability. However, natural nootropics can take up to 60 days of consistent use to provide the full benefits to users. Usually, fast-acting nootropics offer a short-term boost, whereas natural nootropics are better for long-term optimization. Adderall and Ritalin take about 30 minutes to one hour to take effect, generally peaking around three hours.
Final Thoughts on Nootropics
If you’re searching for the best nootropic supplement on the market, it’s important to remember that it may take some time to find the best combination to meet your unique cognitive needs. However, there’s no denying the extreme popularity of nootropics, from natural supplements to synthetic compounds and prescription medications. Everyone from college students to senior citizens takes nootropics, and most see improvements in their brain function and health.
Above, we reviewed five of the best nootropics for 2023, including Performance Lab Mind, Noocube, Hunter Focus, Brain Pill, and Mind Lab Pro. Each supplement offers a way to improve memory and cognition, sharpen mental focus and clarity, and balance mood. Most also increase blood circulation to the brain, boosting oxygen and glucose levels to provide the brain with fuel and energy.
So whether you need to study for a big test, become more productive at work, boost memory, or just want a boost to your brain power, nootropics are a safe and effective way to do so.
Summary of the Top Recommended Nootropics
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice or to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, may or may not be peer-reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.
