The term “nootropic” describes substances that are used to boost cognitive function. Some are synthetic, while others are natural; they work in many different ways to alter the body’s chemistry for a variety of purported benefits. Nootropics are typically used to improve focus, mental agility, creativity, memory, or motivation. The question is, how do the most popular nootropics stack up against each other? Some of them, like NZT-48, are made with multiple ingredients; others are composed of just a single compound. This can make comparisons a bit tricky, but it’s still possible to differentiate between the most commonly used nootropics.
Brain
Understanding Nootropics
Table of Contents
Nootropics are a diverse group of substances; the common denominator is that they’re supposed to improve the way the brain works. Many users report increased mental functioning, from better memory recall to greater creativity. Some athletes even take nootropics to help with their performance.
While some nootropics are FDA-approved, such as stimulant medications for ADHD, others are supplements that can be bought over the counter or online. One of the main ways to categorize nootropics is according to whether they’re natural or synthetic.
- Natural nootropics include creatine, ginkgo biloba, L-theanine, and Panax ginseng. With some of them, the benefits have been studied in a clinical setting; with others, the main sources of information come from centuries of use as part of ancient medicinal traditions. Whatever the case, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that these (and other) nootropics have many valuable benefits.
- Synthetic nootropics include Adderall, Modafinil, Ritalin, and Noopept. These run the gamut, from prescription medications to supplements marketed as “smart drugs”. Some synthetic nootropics work by modulating neurotransmitters like glutamate and acetylcholine, which can positively affect things like mood, mental agility, and creativity.
Comparative Analysis
Although nootropics in a broad sense have many different benefits, most of them offer just a few benefits when considered on their own. This is how some of the most popular natural and synthetic nootropics stack up.
Natural nootropics
- Creatine
This amino acid is used to form proteins. Bodybuilders often use creatine supplements to promote muscle building, but it also has brain-related benefits. After it’s been ingested, creatine goes to the brain and binds with phosphate. This creates a substance that the brain can use for quick energy, which is linked to enhanced reasoning skills and short-term memory.
- Ginkgo biloba
Initial studies have shown that ginkgo biloba lowers the stress hormone cortisol, as well as blood pressure. Studies have also indicated that it can improve mental processing and memory when used daily; one hypothesis is that these benefits come from an increase in blood flow to the brain.
- L-theanine
An amino acid that occurs naturally in tea, L-theanine is also available in supplement form. Multiple studies show that a dose of 200mg of L-theanine produces a calmer mood without making you drowsy, which can help with focus. Even a dose as small as 50mg, which can be gotten from just two cups of tea, increases the brain’s alpha waves. These are linked to the creative process and may allow you to enhance your problem-solving abilities and overall mental agility.
- Panax ginseng
This medicinal plant is helpful for boosting brain function, by reducing brain fatigue and increasing performance in complex tasks. Researchers aren’t clear how the plant does this, but it may be thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. One drawback is that the body may gradually adapt to Panax ginseng, rendering it less effective over time.
Synthetic nootropics
- Adderall
A prescription medication that’s used to treat ADHD, Adderall is also used by healthy adults who want benefits like increased focus and attention. This drug works to increase the amounts of noradrenaline and dopamine that are available in the brain, making users feel more alert, optimistic, and attentive. However, it should be noted that there are some side effects that get worse with larger doses.
- Modafinil
Also known as Provigil, this is a prescription stimulant used to treat narcolepsy. Studies show that Modafinil reduces fatigue, and even improves memory and executive functioning. While this drug is considered to be non-addictive, high dosages can result in dependence.
- Ritalin
This is another stimulant that’s used to treat ADHD. It works similarly to Adderall by increasing noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain, but it doesn’t contain amphetamines. Benefits include improved attention, information-processing speed, and short-term memory. Some side effects may occur, and excessive doses can cause impaired thinking and other serious consequences.
- Noopept
Human studies have demonstrated that Noopept helps recovery from brain injuries, and animal studies have linked the drug to boosted levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which promotes brain cell growth. It’s a fast-acting supplement that doesn’t require a prescription, but more study is needed to determine its usefulness for humans.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Most people know the consequences of taking large doses of amphetamines like Adderall, but what about ginkgo biloba or other natural nootropics? It’s important to remember that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s 100% suitable for everyone. These are some of the most common side effects of nootropics.
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Addiction
- Interactions with medications
Even though most nootropics have been studied to some extent, many of them are still being figured out. Just because a supplement is linked to certain benefits doesn’t mean that we understand it completely – and this applies to the potential side effects as well as the health benefits. Before taking a nootropic, talk with your doctor about the pros and cons, as well as how it could interact with other medications.
Conclusion
There are many different types of nootropics to choose from, all with their own benefits (and side effects). Some of them can be obtained in supplement form, while others are only available with a prescription. Regardless of the specific nootropic that’s used, it’s clear that these “smart drugs” play a valuable role in boosting things like alertness, memory, creativity, and overall cognitive ability.
References
Malík, M., & Tlustoš, P. (2022). Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients, 14(16), 3367. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163367
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Nootropic – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/nootropic
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