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These 12 Nootropics Are the Real Smart Drugs

Updated 25 August 2022
Lincoln Cannon

Nootropic SupplementsNootropics are substances that enhance cognition and support healthy brain function. They include various foods, nutraceuticals (supplements), and pharmaceuticals (drugs).

Sometimes people refer to them as "smart drugs" or the "limitless pill." Unfortunately none comes close to enabling any fiction-inspired capacities of superintelligence (yet). But some make a practical difference for many people.

I’ve used several nootropics for years. And I’m exploring ways to incorporate others into my diet, if they’re applicable to my personal situation and meet a few general criteria:

First, I look for nootropics supported by multiple studies on humans – not just anecdotal evidence, one study, or studies on non-human animals. Although I've nothing against the health benefits of placebo, I prefer knowing that something more than only placebo is at work.

Second, I look for nootropics with the highest ratios of efficacy to expense. Given innumerable options and a limited budget, I want to do more than just empty my wallet.

Third, I look for nootropics that are legal and generally safe. If it'll put me in a hospital or a prison, it’s not worth it.

Based on those criteria, I’ve compiled a list of top tier natural nootropics that actually work. These are, to the best of my knowledge, the most well-researched and effective nootropics available in the United States without a prescription.

This information is for educational purposes only. It's not medical advice. Please consult a physician before and during use of these and other nootropics.

1) Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania Somnifera, is a herb native to India and widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It's also known as "Indian ginseng" or "winter cherry." Ashwagandha is revered for its adaptogenic properties, which means it helps the body cope with stress and promotes overall well-being. Supplements may enhance relaxation, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Ashwagandha supplements may also enhance energy, motivation, social functioning, and subjective well-being. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Ashwagandha article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

The KSM-66® extract of Ashwagandha is an ingredient in Thrivous Serenity Nightly Nootropic.

2) Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It's considered an adaptogen, helping the body deal with stress. Bacopa contains active compounds like bacosides, which contribute to its beneficial effects. Supplements may enhance memory, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Bacopa Monnieri supplements may also enhance mood. Evidence for this effect may not be as reliable. See the Bacopa Monnieri article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Also check out my article on Bacopa supplements. The Synapsa® extract of Bacopa is an ingredient in Thrivous Clarity Daily Nootropic.

3) Feverfew

Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a herbaceous plant native to Europe. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Feverfew contains compounds such as parthenolide that are believed to help reduce inflammation and inhibit the release of certain chemicals associated with migraines. Supplements may decrease migraine, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

See the Feverfew article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

4) Omega 3

Fish

Omega 3 is a type of essential polyunsaturated fats that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It's primarily found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as in certain plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega 3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Supplements may enhance mood, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Omega 3 supplements may also support healthy brain function for better aging, as well as improve cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, memory, processing accuracy, and subjective well-being. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Fish Oil article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Omega 3 is also in my list of top tier geroprotectors. The AvailOm® Omega 3 Lysine Complex form of Omega 3 is an ingredient in Thrivous Omega Cardioprotector.

5) Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a unique and ancient tree species native to China. It's renowned for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgo extract is known for its antioxidant properties. Supplements may support healthy brain function for better aging, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Ginkgo Biloba supplements may also support healthy mood, and improve memory, cognition, sleep quality, subjective well-being, calmness, cerebral blood flow, processing accuracy, processing speed, and reaction time. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Ginkgo Biloba article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Also check out my article on Ginkgo supplements. Ginkgo is an ingredient in Thrivous Alpha Neuroprotector.

6) Inositol

Cantaloupe Inositol

Inositol is a naturally occurring compound that is often referred to as Vitamin B8, although it's not officially recognized as a vitamin. Inositol is found in various foods such as fruits, grains, and nuts, and can also be produced by the human body. It plays a vital role in cell signaling and is involved in numerous biological processes, including neurotransmitter regulation, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism. Supplements may enhance relaxation, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

See the Inositol article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

7) L Theanine

Tea L-Theanine

L Theanine is a unique amino acid primarily found in tea leaves, particularly in green tea. It's known for its calming and relaxing effects on the mind without causing drowsiness. L Theanine is believed to promote alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxation and alertness. Supplements may enhance relaxation without sedation, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

See the Theanine article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Also check out my article on combined Caffeine and L Theanine supplements. L Theanine is an ingredient in Thrivous Clarity Daily Nootropic, Thrivous Serenity Nightly Nootropic, and Thrivous Surge Acute Nootropic.

8) Melatonin

Cherries Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the human body. It plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and is commonly associated with promoting sleep. Melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening as darkness sets in, signaling to the body that it's time to sleep. Supplements may promote sleep, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Melatonin supplements may also improve sleep quality and memory. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Melatonin article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Also check out my article on Melatonin supplements. Melatonin is an ingredient in Thrivous Serenity Nightly Nootropic.

9) Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea, also known as golden root or Arctic root, is an adaptogenic herb native to mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. Rhodiola is believed to help the body adapt to stress by regulating stress hormone levels and supporting overall resilience. Supplements may enhance energy, cognition, and subjective well-being, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Rhodiola Rosea supplements may also support healthy mood, increase processing accuracy, and decrease stress. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Rhodiola Rosea article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Also check out my article on Rhodiola supplements. Rhodiola is an ingredient in Thrivous Clarity Daily Nootropic.

10) Vitamin B Complex

Spinach Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

Vitamin B complex refers to a group of water-soluble vitamins that play essential roles in various bodily functions. The B vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12). B vitamins are found in many foods, such as whole grains, meat, dairy, eggs, legumes, and leafy green vegetables. Supplements may support healthy brain function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

See the Vitamin B2 article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Also check out my article on Vitamin B supplements. Vitamin B Complex is an ingredient in Thrivous Clarity Daily Nootropic.

11) Zinc

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is vital for numerous physiological processes in the body. It plays a critical role in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. It's found in a variety of foods, including meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Supplements may enhance mood, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Zinc supplements may also decrease aggression and reaction time, and improve cognition and subjective well-being. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Zinc article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Zinc is an ingredient in Thrivous Clarity Daily Nootropic.

12) Acetyl L Carnitine (ALCAR)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl L Carnitine (ALCAR) is a naturally occurring compound in the body. It's derived from L Carnitine, which is an amino acid. ALCAR serves a crucial role in energy production by facilitating the transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are metabolized for energy. Supplements may support healthy brain function by decreasing ammonia, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies:

Acetyl L Carnitine supplements may also improve energy. Evidence for this effect may not be as reliable. See the L Carnitine article at Examine.com for more studies and details.

Also check out my article on ALCAR supplements. Acetyl L Carnitine is an ingredient in Thrivous Alpha Neuroprotector.

Thrivous

It can be unnecessarily tedious and expensive to find, authenticate, buy, measure, and swallow these nootropics separately. So Thrivous is incorporating them into convenient, premium-quality, cost-effective products with science-based doses. It's part of our mission to help you access technology with the greatest potential to improve your brain and body.

Thrivous currently offers four nootropic supplements:

You can get Clarity, Serenity, and Alpha in Nootropic Stack at a large discount. Nootropic Stack provides most of the nootropics in this list at effective doses, along with complementary nutrients to improve their overall efficacy. Talk to your doctor about starting Thrivous nootropics today!

Buy Nootropic Stack

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