Nootropics are supplements that promise to enhance cognitive functions like memory, focus, motivation, mood, and learning.
The popularity of these ‘smart drugs’ and top-rated memory pills has grown substantially in recent years worldwide, but there is a lot of misinformation that makes it difficult to determine which nootropics work and are safe to consume.
It’s important to look to the experts to identify the nootropics with the most science-backed support for their effectiveness in boosting brain power.
In this article, we explore the function and benefits of nootropics, and detail the most effective supplements according to current scientific research and expert opinion.
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances that may enhance brain function. While natural nootropics include safer vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbs, synthetic agents are laboratory-developed, could lead to side effects, and often have addictive properties.
Each has its specific mechanism of action, but overall, nootropic cognitive enhancers help increase neurotransmitter synthesis, boost cerebral blood flow, repair neural damage, and generate new neurons to improve memory, focus, learning, mental clarity, and mood.
How Do Nootropics Improve Cognitive Function?
The best nootropics for cognitive function, brain health, and neuroprotective benefits that may enhance cognition on multiple levels, including:
- Improving learning and information processing speed
- Enhancing mental focus and concentration
- Boosting memory recall and recognition
- Heightening motivation and productivity
- Improving creativity
- Slowing cognitive decline
- Lowering stress and boosting mood
Top-rated nootropics for brain enhancement work through several mechanisms to boost brain function:
- Enhancing Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Nootropics help boost levels of brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine which play a key role in functions like memory, learning, focus, motivation, and mood. Some elevate levels of GABA to help lower stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality.
- Boosting Cerebral Circulation: The best nootropics for memory, focus, and clarity help increase blood flow to the brain, also boosting alertness and improving overall brain health.
- Promoting Neuroprotective Benefits: Antioxidants in nootropics supplements destroy free radicals, which lowers oxidative stress, repairs damage to neural cells, and helps decrease the risk of neurodegenerative conditions with age.
- Activating Neurogenesis: Nootropics may activate neurogenesis, forming new brain cells to boost functions like memory and learning and helping to build new neural connections.
Top Expert-Recommended Nootropics for Cognitive Function
Based on our thorough evaluation of the scientific research and expert recommendations, these are the top nootropic brain supplements for cognitive improvement.
Nootropic 1: Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri contains powerful antioxidants called saponins that offer neuroprotective benefits and support brain health by repairing neural damage.
Bacopa monnieri for brain health
This plant helps promote neurogenesis, generating new dendrites and neural connections to boost memory and learning. There is evidence showing its potential to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Bacopa may also increase the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and acetylcholine, for enhancements in mood, memory, and information processing, and it elevates GABA to lower stress and anxiety. In addition, research suggests that bacopa is one of the best nootropics for ADHD in children.
Benefits- Enhances memory
- Lowers stress and anxiety
- Boosts mood
- Improves learning and information processing
- Supports brain health
A review published in Antioxidants by Luiz José Valotto Neto, et al concluded that bacopa can,
improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems.
Nootropic 2: Biotin
Biotin, or Vitamin B7, supports nervous system function by improving communication between nerve cells and boosting neurotransmitter activity.
It may improve memory, enhance mental focus, and help reduce the risk of developing neurological conditions. In addition, biotin may promote relaxation and lower stress.
Biotin improve memory mental focus
- Enhances mental focus
- Promotes relaxation without drowsiness
- Improves memory
An animal study published in Brain Research by Mustafa Munzuroğlu concluded that biotin deficiency may have a detrimental impact on long-term memory.
Nootropic 3: Choline Bitartrate
This compound boosts levels of choline, the precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine central to learning, memory, and information processing.
Considered one of the best nootropic supplements for mental performance, choline is also essential for overall nervous system and brain function.
Benefits- Improves memory
- Enhances learning and information processing
- Supports brain and neurological health
A study of elderly adults published in Behavioral Neurology by Lu Liu, et al found a correlation between a higher choline intake and better cognitive performance.
Nootropic 4: Magnesium
This mineral exists in the body and brain naturally, and it plays an essential role in promoting neural growth and regulating nerve signal transmission.
Magnesium helps balance neurotransmitter levels to improve functions like memory and learning, and it increases GABA to lower stress and anxiety.
In addition, magnesium may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and could be an effective therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits- Supports nerve growth
- Enhances memory and learning
- Lowers stress and anxiety
- Regulates nerve cell transmission
- Reduces the risk of dementia
A study of middle-aged and older Chinese adults published in Nutrients by Zijian Lu, et al concluded that supplementation with magnesium improved performance in neuropsychological tests of attention, language ability, and other cognitive functions.
Nootropic 5: Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is essential in the development, repair, and maintenance of neurons, making it one of the best nootropics for cognitive function and performance.
Vitamin c for memory
In addition, it develops the protective myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cells, for optimal functioning and signal transmission to other cells.
Vitamin C supports memory, mental focus, and alertness, reduces mental fatigue, and may protect from cognitive decline.
Benefits- Boosts alertness
- Reduces mental fatigue
- Improves focus and concentration
- Boosts cognitive performance
- Supports neural health
- Protects from cognitive decline
A study of healthy young adults published in the European Journal of Nutrition by Minju Sim, et al concluded that supplementation with Vitamin C may help improve vitality, motivation, attentional focus, and cognitive performance.
Nootropic 6: Green Tea Extract
Green tea contains polyphenols like EGCG with powerful neuroprotective benefits, promoting neural repair and helping slow cognitive decline.
It includes caffeine, which helps boost mental and physical energy and enhance focus. Finally, green tea contains the amino acid l-theanine, which may increase dopamine and GABA to boost mood, improve memory, and lower stress.
Benefits- Boosts mental and physical energy
- Sharpens alertness and focus
- Lowers stress and boosts mood
- Improves memory
- Slows cognitive decline
- Supports and protects brain health
An MRI imaging study of healthy volunteers in Psychopharmacology by André Schmidt, et al concluded that 4 weekly doses of green tea improved connectivity in areas of the brain linked to working memory.
Stefan Borgwadt, the professor of Neuropsychiatry at the University of Basel heading the research team, explained:
Drinking green tea improved memory in healthy people.” Many consider it one of the best nootropic supplements for mental performance.
How to Choose the Right Nootropic for You
There are multiple nootropic cognitive enhancers and supplements available, and selecting the right one depends on your individual needs.
For mental focus, for example, your best choices are biotin, green tea, and Vitamin C, and the best memory boosters are bacopa and choline bitartrate.
As some health conditions and medications preclude taking specific nootropics, consult with a healthcare provider and get medical approval first.
Although the nootropics we discussed are well-tolerated overall, potential risks and side effects linked to nootropics vary depending on the individual and dosages.
Safety and Side Effects of Nootropics
Synthetic nootropics have potential side effects like increased blood pressure, sleep difficulties, and fast heart rate, and some have addictive properties. Natural supplements are much safer, but have potential side effects that could include:
- Nausea
- Digestive upset
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Faster heartbeat
- Rash
Make sure that any supplement you take has dosages clearly indicated, and check to ensure there are no toxic additives.
Follow the directions carefully, and never exceed the stated dosage unless directed by a physician.
You may want to begin with a lower daily amount than indicated and build up to the maximum dosage over time.
FAQs
What are the best nootropics for studying?
Some of the best nootropics for studying are biotin and Vitamin C for mental focus and concentration, green tea for mental energy and attention, and bacopa, magnesium, and choline bitartrate to boost memory.
Can nootropics improve long-term memory?
Top-rated nootropics for brain enhancement help lower oxidative stress to repair neural damage and improve cell-to-cell transmission, which could offer long-term benefits to memory with consistent use.
Are natural nootropics safer than synthetic ones?
Most natural nootropics are fairly well-tolerated but may have mild side effects like nausea, headaches, or digestive upset. Synthetic nootropics are linked to more serious potential side effects such as high blood pressure or insomnia, and some have addictive properties.
Do nootropics really help with learning and focusing?
The best nootropics for cognitive function boost neurotransmitters like acetylcholine involved in learning and enhance mental energy, focus, and attention.
Can nootropics treat brain diseases?
While nootropics do not treat brain diseases, some of the top nootropic brain supplements for cognitive improvement may slow the progress of decline and enhance overall brain health.
Final Thoughts: Are Nootropics Worth It for Cognitive Enhancement?
Expert-recommended natural nootropics may offer significant benefits to brain health and cognitive functions.
Through mechanisms like repairing neural damage, boosting cerebral blood flow, and enhancing neurotransmitter synthesis, nootropics help improve focus, memory, learning, information processing, and mood, lower stress, and offer neuroprotective benefits.
In this article, we highlighted the top nootropic brain supplements for cognitive improvement, backed by scientific research and expert opinion.
For optimal brain-boosting results, combine nootropic supplements with a healthy lifestyle including a nutrient-packed diet, regular exercise, and stress management.