These 12 Nootropics Are the Real Smart 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, 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:
- Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar D. Cureus. 2019 Sep 28;11(9):e5797. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5797. PMID: 31728244; PMCID: PMC6827862.
- Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017186. PMID: 31517876; PMCID: PMC6750292.
- Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Cureus. 2019 Dec 25;11(12):e6466. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6466. PMID: 32021735; PMCID: PMC6979308.
- Chengappa KNR, Brar JS, Gannon JM, Schlicht PJ. J Clin Psychiatry. 2018 Jul 10;79(5):17m11826. doi: 10.4088/JCP.17m11826. PMID: 29995356.
- Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jan;22(1):96-106. doi: 10.1177/2156587216641830. Epub 2016 Apr 6. PMID: 27055824; PMCID: PMC5871210.
- Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022. PMID: 23439798; PMCID: PMC3573577.
- Cooley K, Szczurko O, Perri D, Mills EJ, Bernhardt B, Zhou Q, Seely D. PLoS One. 2009 Aug 31;4(8):e6628. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006628. PMID: 19718255; PMCID: PMC2729375.
- Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Ahmad MK, Rajender S, Shankhwar SN, Singh V, Dalela D. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Sep 29;2011:576962. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep138. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 19789214; PMCID: PMC3136684.
- Andrade C, Aswath A, Chaturvedi SK, Srinivasa M, Raguram R. Indian J Psychiatry. 2000 Jul;42(3):295-301. PMID: 21407960; PMCID: PMC2958355.
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, 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:
- Benson S, Downey LA, Stough C, Wetherell M, Zangara A, Scholey A. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):551-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5029. Epub 2013 Jun 21. PMID: 23788517.
- Downey LA, Kean J, Nemeh F, Lau A, Poll A, Gregory R, Murray M, Rourke J, Patak B, Pase MP, Zangara A, Lomas J, Scholey A, Stough C. Phytother Res. 2013 Sep;27(9):1407-13. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4864. Epub 2012 Dec 19. PMID: 23281132.
- Peth-Nui T, Wattanathorn J, Muchimapura S, Tong-Un T, Piyavhatkul N, Rangseekajee P, Ingkaninan K, Vittaya-Areekul S. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:606424. doi: 10.1155/2012/606424. Epub 2012 Dec 18. PMID: 23320031; PMCID: PMC3537209.
- Morgan A, Stevens J. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jul;16(7):753-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0342. PMID: 20590480.
- Calabrese C, Gregory WL, Leo M, Kraemer D, Bone K, Oken B. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jul;14(6):707-13. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0018. PMID: 18611150; PMCID: PMC3153866.
- Stough C, Downey LA, Lloyd J, Silber B, Redman S, Hutchison C, Wesnes K, Nathan PJ. Phytother Res. 2008 Dec;22(12):1629-34. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2537. PMID: 18683852.
- Raghav S, Singh H, Dalal PK, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP. Indian J Psychiatry. 2006 Oct;48(4):238-42. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.31555. PMID: 20703343; PMCID: PMC2915594.
- Roodenrys S, Booth D, Bulzomi S, Phipps A, Micallef C, Smoker J. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2002 Aug;27(2):279-81. doi: 10.1016/S0893-133X(01)00419-5. PMID: 12093601.
- Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, Rodgers T, Nathan PJ. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001 Aug;156(4):481-4. doi: 10.1007/s002130100815. Erratum in: Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 Jul;232(13):2427. Dosage error in article text. PMID: 11498727.
- Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008. Epub 2013 Nov 16. PMID: 24252493.
- Neale C, Camfield D, Reay J, Stough C, Scholey A. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Mar;75(3):728-37. doi: 10.1111/bcp.12002. PMID: 23043278; PMCID: PMC3575939.
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 (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:
- Pfaffenrath V, Diener HC, Fischer M, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH; Investigators. Cephalalgia. 2002 Sep;22(7):523-32. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.2002.00396.x. PMID: 12230594.
- Murphy JJ, Heptinstall S, Mitchell JR. Lancet. 1988 Jul 23;2(8604):189-92. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(88)92289-1. PMID: 2899663.
- Pfaffenrath V, Diener HC, Fischer M, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH; Investigators. Cephalalgia. 2002 Sep;22(7):523-32. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.2002.00396.x. PMID: 12230594.
- Johnson ES, Kadam NP, Hylands DM, Hylands PJ. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1985 Aug 31;291(6495):569-73. doi: 10.1136/bmj.291.6495.569. PMID: 3929876; PMCID: PMC1418227.
- Diener HC, Pfaffenrath V, Schnitker J, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH. Cephalalgia. 2005 Nov;25(11):1031-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.00950.x. PMID: 16232154.
See the Feverfew article at Examine.com for more studies and details.
4) Omega 3
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:
- Grenyer BF, Crowe T, Meyer B, Owen AJ, Grigonis-Deane EM, Caputi P, Howe PR. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Oct 1;31(7):1393-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.06.004. Epub 2007 Jun 19. PMID: 17659823.
- Marangell LB, Martinez JM, Zboyan HA, Kertz B, Kim HF, Puryear LJ. Am J Psychiatry. 2003 May;160(5):996-8. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.160.5.996. PMID: 12727707.
- Sublette ME, Ellis SP, Geant AL, Mann JJ. J Clin Psychiatry. 2011 Dec;72(12):1577-84. doi: 10.4088/JCP.10m06634. Epub 2011 Sep 6. PMID: 21939614; PMCID: PMC3534764.
- Nemets B, Stahl Z, Belmaker RH. Am J Psychiatry. 2002 Mar;159(3):477-9. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.159.3.477. PMID: 11870016.
- Peet M, Horrobin DF. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2002 Oct;59(10):913-9. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.59.10.913. PMID: 12365878.
- Sarris J, Mischoulon D, Schweitzer I. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012 Jan;73(1):81-6. doi: 10.4088/JCP.10r06710. Epub 2011 Aug 9. PMID: 21903025.
- Appleton KM, Sallis HM, Perry R, Ness AR, Churchill R. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Nov 5;2015(11):CD004692. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004692.pub4. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Nov 24;11:CD004692. PMID: 26537796; PMCID: PMC5321518.
- Martins JG. J Am Coll Nutr. 2009 Oct;28(5):525-42. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2009.10719785. PMID: 20439549.
- Su KP, Huang SY, Chiu CC, Shen WW. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2003 Aug;13(4):267-71. doi: 10.1016/s0924-977x(03)00032-4. Erratum in: Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2004 Mar;14(2):173. PMID: 12888186.
- Nahas R, Sheikh O. Can Fam Physician. 2011 Jun;57(6):659-63. PMID: 21673208; PMCID: PMC3114664.
- Su KP, Huang SY, Chiu TH, Huang KC, Huang CL, Chang HC, Pariante CM. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008 Apr;69(4):644-51. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v69n0418. PMID: 18370571.
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 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:
- Brautigam MR, Blommaert FA, Verleye G, Castermans J, Jansen Steur EN, Kleijnen J. Phytomedicine. 1998 Dec;5(6):425-34. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(98)80038-X. PMID: 23196025.
- Napryeyenko O, Borzenko I; GINDEM-NP Study Group. Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(1):4-11. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1296579. PMID: 17341003.
- Ihl R, Tribanek M, Bachinskaya N; GOTADAY Study Group. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2012 Mar;45(2):41-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1291217. Epub 2011 Nov 15. PMID: 22086747.
- Herrschaft H, Nacu A, Likhachev S, Sholomov I, Hoerr R, Schlaefke S. J Psychiatr Res. 2012 Jun;46(6):716-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.03.003. Epub 2012 Mar 27. PMID: 22459264.
- Zhang SJ, Xue ZY. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2012 Aug;5(8):661-4. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60135-7. PMID: 22840457.
- Gavrilova SI, Preuss UW, Wong JW, Hoerr R, Kaschel R, Bachinskaya N; GIMCIPlus Study Group. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2014 Oct;29(10):1087-95. doi: 10.1002/gps.4103. Epub 2014 Mar 16. PMID: 24633934.
- Beck SM, Ruge H, Schindler C, Burkart M, Miller R, Kirschbaum C, Goschke T. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2016 May;31(3):227-42. doi: 10.1002/hup.2534. PMID: 27147264; PMCID: PMC5084772.
- Sadowska-Krępa E, Kłapcińska B, Pokora I, Domaszewski P, Kempa K, Podgórski T. Nutrients. 2017 Jul 26;9(8):803. doi: 10.3390/nu9080803. PMID: 28933745; PMCID: PMC5579597.
- Băjenaru O, Prada G, Antochi F, Jianu C, Tudose C, Cuciureanu A, Docu AA, Perrot V, Avram M, Tiu C. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2021;20(4):378-384. doi: 10.2174/1871527320666210208125524. PMID: 33557741.
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
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:
- Palatnik A, Frolov K, Fux M, Benjamin J. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2001 Jun;21(3):335-9. doi: 10.1097/00004714-200106000-00014. PMID: 11386498.
- Benjamin J, Levine J, Fux M, Aviv A, Levy D, Belmaker RH. Am J Psychiatry. 1995 Jul;152(7):1084-6. doi: 10.1176/ajp.152.7.1084. PMID: 7793450.
See the Inositol article at Examine.com for more studies and details.
7) 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:
- Lu K, Gray MA, Oliver C, Liley DT, Harrison BJ, Bartholomeusz CF, Phan KL, Nathan PJ. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2004 Oct;19(7):457-65. doi: 10.1002/hup.611. PMID: 15378679.
- Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. Biol Psychol. 2007 Jan;74(1):39-45. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006. Epub 2006 Aug 22. PMID: 16930802.
- Unno K, Tanida N, Ishii N, Yamamoto H, Iguchi K, Hoshino M, Takeda A, Ozawa H, Ohkubo T, Juneja LR, Yamada H. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013 Oct;111:128-35. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.09.004. Epub 2013 Sep 16. PMID: 24051231.
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
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:
- Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(2):CD001520. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001520. PMID: 12076414.
- Megwalu UC, Finnell JE, Piccirillo JF. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Feb;134(2):210-3. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2005.10.007. PMID: 16455366.
- Carr R, Wasdell MB, Hamilton D, Weiss MD, Freeman RD, Tai J, Rietveld WJ, Jan JE. J Pineal Res. 2007 Nov;43(4):351-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2007.00485.x. PMID: 17910603.
- Luthringer R, Muzet M, Zisapel N, Staner L. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009 Sep;24(5):239-49. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0b013e32832e9b08. PMID: 19584739.
- van Geijlswijk IM, Mol RH, Egberts TC, Smits MG. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2011 Jul;216(1):111-20. doi: 10.1007/s00213-011-2202-y. Epub 2011 Feb 22. PMID: 21340475; PMCID: PMC3111733.
- Chojnacki C, Kaczka A, Gasiorowska A, Fichna J, Chojnacki J, Brzozowski T. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2018 Apr;69(2). doi: 10.26402/jpp.2018.2.15. Epub 2018 Jul 23. PMID: 30045006.
- Cheikh M, Hammouda O, Gaamouri N, Driss T, Chamari K, Cheikh RB, Dogui M, Souissi N. Chronobiol Int. 2018 Sep;35(9):1281-1293. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1474891. Epub 2018 May 30. PMID: 29846091.
- Shabani A, Foroozanfard F, Kavossian E, Aghadavod E, Ostadmohammadi V, Reiter RJ, Eftekhar T, Asemi Z. J Affect Disord. 2019 May 1;250:51-56. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.02.066. Epub 2019 Feb 26. PMID: 30831541.
- Duffy JF, Wang W, Ronda JM, Czeisler CA. J Pineal Res. 2022 Aug;73(1):e12801. doi: 10.1111/jpi.12801. Epub 2022 May 13. PMID: 35436355; PMCID: PMC9288519.
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, 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:
- Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H. Phytomedicine. 2000 Oct;7(5):365-71. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80055-0. PMID: 11081987.
- Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. Phytomedicine. 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80078-1. PMID: 10839209.
- Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, Vol'skij VB, Korovin YP, Khristich MP, Roslyakova NA, Wikman G. Phytomedicine. 2003 Mar;10(2-3):95-105. doi: 10.1078/094471103321659780. PMID: 12725561.
- De Bock K, Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M, Hespel P. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Jun;14(3):298-307. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.14.3.298. PMID: 15256690.
- Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmström C, Panossian A. Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(5):343-8. doi: 10.1080/08039480701643290. Erratum in: Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(6):503. PMID: 17990195.
- Schutgens FW, Neogi P, van Wijk EP, van Wijk R, Wikman G, Wiegant FA. Phytother Res. 2009 Aug;23(8):1103-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2753. PMID: 19170145.
- Edwards D, Heufelder A, Zimmermann A. Phytother Res. 2012 Aug;26(8):1220-5. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3712. Epub 2012 Jan 6. PMID: 22228617.
- Mao JJ, Xie SX, Zee J, Soeller I, Li QS, Rockwell K, Amsterdam JD. 2015 Mar 15;22(3):394-9. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2015.01.010. Epub 2015 Feb 23. PMID: 25837277; PMCID: PMC4385215.
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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
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:
- Jiang YY. Asia Pac J Public Health. 2006;18(2):21-5. doi: 10.1177/10105395060180020401. PMID: 16883966.
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- Haskell CF, Robertson B, Jones E, Forster J, Jones R, Wilde A, Maggini S, Kennedy DO. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010 Aug;25(6):448-61. doi: 10.1002/hup.1144. PMID: 20737518.
- Kennedy DO, Veasey R, Watson A, Dodd F, Jones E, Maggini S, Haskell CF. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010 Jul;211(1):55-68. doi: 10.1007/s00213-010-1870-3. Epub 2010 May 8. PMID: 20454891; PMCID: PMC2885294.
- Harris E, Kirk J, Rowsell R, Vitetta L, Sali A, Scholey AB, Pipingas A. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011 Dec;26(8):560-7. doi: 10.1002/hup.1245. Epub 2011 Nov 16. PMID: 22095836.
- Kennedy DO, Veasey RC, Watson AW, Dodd FL, Jones EK, Tiplady B, Haskell CF. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011 Jun-Jul;26(4-5):338-47. doi: 10.1002/hup.1216. Epub 2011 Jul 12. PMID: 21751253.
- Grima NA, Pase MP, Macpherson H, Pipingas A. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;29(3):561-9. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2011-111751. PMID: 22330823.
- Macpherson H, Silberstein R, Pipingas A. Physiol Behav. 2012 Oct 10;107(3):346-54. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.08.006. Epub 2012 Aug 23. PMID: 22939764.
- Macpherson H, Ellis KA, Sali A, Pipingas A. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012 Mar;220(2):351-65. doi: 10.1007/s00213-011-2481-3. Epub 2011 Oct 18. PMID: 22006207.
- Harris E, Macpherson H, Vitetta L, Kirk J, Sali A, Pipingas A. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2012 Jul;27(4):370-7. doi: 10.1002/hup.2236. Epub 2012 Jun 18. PMID: 22711385.
- Sarris J, Cox KH, Camfield DA, Scholey A, Stough C, Fogg E, Kras M, White DJ, Sali A, Pipingas A. Nutr J. 2012 Dec 14;11:110. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-11-110. PMID: 23241329; PMCID: PMC3545984.
- Pipingas A, Camfield DA, Stough C, Cox KH, Fogg E, Tiplady B, Sarris J, White DJ, Sali A, Wetherell MA, Scholey AB. Appetite. 2013 Oct;69:123-36. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2013.05.016. Epub 2013 May 30. PMID: 23727255.
- Camfield DA, Wetherell MA, Scholey AB, Cox KH, Fogg E, White DJ, Sarris J, Kras M, Stough C, Sali A, Pipingas A. Nutrients. 2013 Nov 11;5(11):4429-50. doi: 10.3390/nu5114429. PMID: 24284609; PMCID: PMC3847740.
- Pipingas A, Camfield DA, Stough C, Scholey AB, Cox KH, White D, Sarris J, Sali A, Macpherson H. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014 Jan;29(1):73-82. doi: 10.1002/hup.2372. PMID: 24424708.
- Macpherson H, Rowsell R, Cox KH, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Age (Dordr). 2015 Jun;37(3):9782. doi: 10.1007/s11357-015-9782-0. Epub 2015 Apr 24. PMID: 25903286; PMCID: PMC4408300.
- White DJ, Cox KH, Peters R, Pipingas A, Scholey AB. Nutrients. 2015 Oct 30;7(11):9005-17. doi: 10.3390/nu7115451. PMID: 26529011; PMCID: PMC4663579.
- Kennedy DO, Stevenson EJ, Jackson PA, Dunn S, Wishart K, Bieri G, Barella L, Carne A, Dodd FL, Robertson BC, Forster J, Haskell-Ramsay CF. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2016 Feb 11;13:11. doi: 10.1186/s12986-016-0071-4. PMID: 26870152; PMCID: PMC4750202.
- Lee HK, Kim SY, Sok SR. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2016 May;48(3):223-31. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12201. Epub 2016 Feb 15. PMID: 26878196.
- Macpherson H, Rowsell R, Cox KH, Reddan J, Meyer D, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:3092828. doi: 10.1155/2016/3092828. Epub 2016 Nov 15. PMID: 27974902; PMCID: PMC5126434.
- Qin B, Xun P, Jacobs DR Jr, Zhu N, Daviglus ML, Reis JP, Steffen LM, Van Horn L, Sidney S, He K. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Oct;106(4):1032-1040. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.117.157834. Epub 2017 Aug 2. PMID: 28768650; PMCID: PMC5611785.
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 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:
- Siwek M, Dudek D, Paul IA, Sowa-Kućma M, Zieba A, Popik P, Pilc A, Nowak G. J Affect Disord. 2009 Nov;118(1-3):187-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2009.02.014. Epub 2009 Mar 10. PMID: 19278731.
- Sawada T, Yokoi K. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Mar;64(3):331-3. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2009.158. Epub 2010 Jan 20. PMID: 20087376.
- Ranjbar E, Shams J, Sabetkasaei M, M-Shirazi M, Rashidkhani B, Mostafavi A, Bornak E, Nasrollahzadeh J. Nutr Neurosci. 2014 Feb;17(2):65-71. doi: 10.1179/1476830513Y.0000000066. Epub 2013 Nov 26. PMID: 23602205.
- Solati Z, Jazayeri S, Tehrani-Doost M, Mahmoodianfard S, Gohari MR. Nutr Neurosci. 2015 May;18(4):162-8. doi: 10.1179/1476830513Y.0000000105. Epub 2014 Jan 7. PMID: 24621065.
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 (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:
- Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR. Psychosom Med. 2004 Mar-Apr;66(2):276-82. doi: 10.1097/01.psy.0000116249.60477.e9. PMID: 15039515.
- Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, Vacante M, Colonna V, Motta M. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Dec;86(6):1738-44. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/86.5.1738. PMID: 18065594.
- Malaguarnera M, Gargante MP, Cristaldi E, Vacante M, Risino C, Cammalleri L, Pennisi G, Rampello L. Dig Dis Sci. 2008 Nov;53(11):3018-25. doi: 10.1007/s10620-008-0238-6. Epub 2008 Mar 21. PMID: 18357530.
- Broad EM, Maughan RJ, Galloway SD. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Dec;18(6):567-84. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.18.6.567. PMID: 19164828.
- Cuturic M, Abramson RK, Moran RR, Hardin JW. J Psychiatr Pract. 2010 Jan;16(1):5-14. doi: 10.1097/01.pra.0000367773.03636.d1. PMID: 20098226.
- Malaguarnera M, Bella R, Vacante M, Giordano M, Malaguarnera G, Gargante MP, Motta M, Mistretta A, Rampello L, Pennisi G. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011 Jun;46(6):750-9. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2011.565067. Epub 2011 Mar 28. PMID: 21443422.
- Malaguarnera M, Vacante M, Giordano M, Pennisi G, Bella R, Rampello L, Malaguarnera M, Li Volti G, Galvano F. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Apr;93(4):799-808. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.007393. Epub 2011 Feb 10. PMID: 21310833.
- Malaguarnera M, Vacante M, Motta M, Giordano M, Malaguarnera G, Bella R, Nunnari G, Rampello L, Pennisi G. Metab Brain Dis. 2011 Dec;26(4):281-9. doi: 10.1007/s11011-011-9260-z. Epub 2011 Aug 26. PMID: 21870121.
- Badrasawi M, Shahar S, Zahara AM, Nor Fadilah R, Singh DK. Clin Interv Aging. 2016 Nov 17;11:1675-1686. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S113287. PMID: 27895474; PMCID: PMC5117993.
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:
- Clarity Daily Nootropic enhances memory, focus, and mood.
- Serenity Nightly Nootropic enhances sleep, relaxation, and next-day focus.
- Surge Acute Nootropic enhances energy and focus.
- Alpha Neuroprotector supports healthy brain function for better aging.
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!
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