A complete summary of natural and synthetic nootropics, how they work, their effects, and the relevant studies backing up all the claims.

Researching nootropics needs some serious brain power. There are a few great sources of information out there, but most are dealing in hype and disinformation. We at Cerebra Nootropics have made a guide with all the basics of what you need to know, to the point and summarized for clarity.

So let’s get started.

Sulbutiamine

Front view of Cerebra’s Sulbutiamine capsules in a green and lime packagingSummary

Sulbutiamine was discovered in Japan in the 1950s in order to treat thiamine deficiency. It was additionally studied in the 80s and ’90s for its role in age-associated cognitive decline causing memory issues and other brain disorders. It has been shown to be useful in treating post-infection fatigue among other ailments.

Effects

  • Helpful in maintaining a state of alertness (1)
  • Possible improvement in memory (2)
  • Shown to help with a social anxiety disorder (3)
  • Fatigue reduction (4)
  • Possible neuroprotective effects (5)
  • Improved erectile function (6)
  • Improved sports performance (7)

How it works

Sulbutiamine (isobutyryl thiamine disulfide) is a synthetic molecule that uses sulfur to bind two thiamine (vitamin B1) molecules. The lipophilic structure of sulbutiamine increases thiamine levels at levels higher than thiamine itself in the hippocampus, medulla, cerebellum, cortex, and kidney.

Side effects

Side effects have been reported in clinical trials including bladder infections, arthritic-type pain, digestive issues (diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, gastroenteritis), back pain, breathing issues (asthma, bronchitis), insomnia, sinusitis, headache, kidney pain, vertigo & sore throat (8).

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7170385
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4059305
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10858919
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28755683
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22040892
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15776829
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21204296
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21982120

Rhodiola Rosea extract

Front view of Cerebra’s L Theanine 98 capsules in a orange and red packaging for mood supportRhodiola Rosea is a herb in the Rhodiola genera. It has been used traditionally to reduce fatigue and exhaustion and is considered to be an “adaptogen”.

Effects

  • Helps alleviate stress (1)
  • Improvement in fatigue symptoms (2)
  • Possible anti-cancer properties (3)
  • Antidepressive effects (4)
  • Improved exercise performance (5)

How it works

The main active ingredients in Rhodiola appear to be Tyrosol and Salidroside, its glucoside. There are other structurally related bioactive compounds that may play a role. It is also a high source of procyanidins, a molecule similar to other molecules found in green tea.

Side effects

No side effects have been reported in clinical trials (6).

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29325481/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28219059/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21520297/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17990195/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15256690/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21036578

Reduced Glutathione

Front view of Cerebra’s Reduced glutathione capsules in a blue and turquoise packagingSummary

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is found in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria and archaea. Being an antioxidant, glutathione is capable of preventing damage to important cellular components caused by free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals.

Effects

  • Increased circulation (1)
  • Possible treatment in arterial disease (1)
  • Demonstrated improvement in psoriasis (2)
  • Possible improvement in fatty liver disease (3)

How it works

Glutathione is composed of three dietary amino acids; L-glutamate, L-cysteine, and glycine, making it a tripeptide molecule. It is considered to be an antioxidant because it works in the glutathione system which regulates many cell oxidative processes.

Side effects

Due to a lack of research, little is known about the side effects of using glutathione supplements. Unverified sources report that taking glutathione long-term has been linked to lower zinc levels and stomach issues.

References

  1. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)62019-3/abstract
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24155989/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7569285/

Phosphatidylserine

Front view of Cerebra’s Phosphatidylserinecapsules in a red and pink packaging

Summary
Phosphatidylserine is an amino acid derivative compound. It is also referred to as a phospholipid, a fat-based substance that covers and protects the cells in the brain and forms the structures that carry the messages between them.

Effects

  • Shown to improve memory (1)
  • Possible treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease (2)
  • Helps to treat stress (3)
  • Possible improvement in cognitive function (4)
  • Helps alleviate depression (5)

How it works

Phosphatidylserine appears to contribute to and increase cell fluidity as part of the cell membrane. Enzymes within these structures appear to be influenced positively which may explain the effects on cognition (6).

Side effects

Due to a lack of research, little is known about the side effects of using phosphatidylserine. Unverified sources report that taking phosphatidylserine may cause minor side effects like insomnia and stomach upset when high doses of over 300mg are consumed.

References

  1. https://n.neurology.org/content/41/5/644.short
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26345866
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15512856
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22017963
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1693032
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6331412/

Magnesium L-threonate

Front view of Cerebra’s Magnesium L Threonate capsules in a green and lime packaging for energy supportSummary

Magnesium L-Threonate is a form of magnesium derived from the salt of L-Threonic acid.

Effects

  • Potential reversal of Alzheimer’s Disease (1)
  • Possible treatment for dementia (2)
  • Shown to treat certain forms of memory deficit (3)
  • Reduced sense of fear shown in rat studies (4)

How it works

Developed by MIT researchers, this formulation differs from other magnesium supplements because it crosses the blood brain barrier which is believed to increase cognitive function.

Side effects

Due to a lack of research, there is little known about the side effects of using magnesium L-Threonate in particular however excessive dosing of magnesium supplements, in general, may produce stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172865/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6242385/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24077207
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23764903

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus)

Front view of Cerebra’s Lion's mane capsules in a red and pink packagingSummary

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus) is a mushroom found in East Asia, North America and Europe. It is believed to enhance cognitive function.

Effects

  • May improve memory (1)
  • Possible gastroprotective effects (2)
  • Improved mental cognition in the elderly (3)
  • Possible anti-depressive effects (4)

How it works

The exact mechanisms of Lion’s Mane Mushroom have not been well-researched however it is believed to improve the development and function of nerves and protect them from becoming damaged. It is also speculated that it may protect the mucous membrane layer of the stomach and improve negative conditions related to the stomach lining.

Side effects

Studies in animals suggest that Lion’s Mane Mushroom and its extracts are very safe, even at high doses.(8) Unverified sources also report that individuals with mushroom allergies should exercise caution as some people have reported reactions.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29953363
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24302966
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18844328/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29364170/

L-theanine

Front view of Cerebra’s L Theanine 98 capsules in a orange and red packaging for mood supportSummary

L-Theanine is a non-dietary amino acid and one of the main ingredients in green tea. Being a non-protein amino acid, it is not used by the body to make enzymes.

Effects

  • Improves symptoms of depression (1)
  • May help with asthma and airway inflammation (2)
  • Helps with stress (3)
  • May improve symptoms of schizophrenia (4)
  • May improve cognition and brain function (5)

How it works

Neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate are produced through the ingestion of L-theanine resulting in various effects on the brain and throughout the body.

Side effects

Research is limited on any serious side effects of L-theanine however very high consumption of tea has been connected to mild adverse effects such as headaches.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27396868
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27908701
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26797633\
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25896423
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17182482

Ginkgo Biloba

Front view of Cerebra’s Ginkgo Biloba capsules in a red and pink packagingSummary

Part of traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, Ginkgo Biloba is a medicinal plant that is part of the family Ginkgoaceae.

Effects

  • Helps with anxiety (1)
  • Alleviation of PMS symptoms (2)
  • Possible improvement in mental functioning (3)
  • Potential use as an antioxidant (4)

How it works

The main bioactive constituents unique to ginkgo Biloba include bilobalide and ginkgolides, in addition to various other common phenolic compounds.

The supplement contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are antioxidants thought to provide protection against harmful free radicals that cause oxidative cell damage.

Side effects

Due to a lack of research, there is little known about the side effects of using ginkgo Biloba. Unverified sources however report that some users have experienced nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, headaches, stomach pain and/or rash/allergic reaction.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16808927/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19678774/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14602503/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11507743/

Dihydromyricetin (DHM)

Front view of Cerebra’s DHM capsules in a orange and red packaging for mood supportSummary

Hovenia Dulcis, also known as Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for sickness caused by excess alcohol consumption.

Effects

  • Protects against alcohol-related liver injury (1)
  • May exert anti-inflammatory effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (2)

How it works

A study on rats showed that a water extract from the fruits and seeds of the native plant reduced circulating alcohol levels 30 minutes before, during and after alcohol consumption (3).

Side effects

DHM has been found to be very safe and free of side effects in mice, even at very large doses (1).

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20673184
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26032587
  3. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110006281669

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Front view of Cerebra’s Ashwagandha acapsules in a blue and turquoise packaging for focus supportSummary

Ashwagandha is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is also known as Withania Somnifera, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry or winter cherry.

Effects

  • A possible neuroprotective agent for sleep deprivation (1)
  • May help increase muscle mass in conjunction with training (2)
  • May improve inflammatory markers and insulin resistance (3)
  • Helps with stress and anxiety (4)
  • Possible improvement in fertility (5)
  • May improve cardiovascular endurance and sports performance (6)

How it works

It has been suggested by a number of studies that ashwagandha may reduce cortisol levels and create an anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) effect that bring a wide range of benefits to general health.

Side effects

Ashwagandha is a staple of traditional Indian medicine and has been used extensively for safety (7).

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27037574/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26989739/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19501822/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170205/
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798/

Alpha-GPC

Front view of Cerebra’s Alpha GPC 98% capsules in a green and lime packaging for energy supportSummary

L-Alpha glyceryl phosphorylcholine or Alpha-GPC is a choline compound found naturally in the brain that is also available as a non-prescription supplement.

Effects

  • Increase of dopamine concentrations in the frontal cortex and cerebellum of the brain in animal studies (1)
  • May increase attention span when used with caffeine and phosphatidylserine (2)
  • Associated with improved learning (3)
  • May enhance athletic power output (4)

How it works

Alpha-GPC rapidly delivers choline to the brain across the blood–brain barrier and is a biosynthetic precursor of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is used to power neurons of the nervous system release in order to activate muscles.

Side effects

Alpha-GPC is available as a non-prescription supplement and is considered to be safe, however, loss of appetite has been reported in some assessments (6).

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23244432
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21156078
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1409797
  4. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21414376
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21414376

5-HTP

Front view of Cerebra’s 5 htp capsules in a orange and red packagingSummary

5-HTP is a substance that increases levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been shown in some studies to increase feelings of happiness and well-being while decreasing depression.

Effects

  • Shown to help with depression (1)
  • May help recover serotonin after MDMA use (2)
  • Shown to be effective in fibromyalgia treatment (3)
  • May help prevent migraines (4)

How it works

5-HTP is converted into serotonin through the action of the enzyme L-amino acid decarboxylase (5).

Side effects

While 5-HTP has been shown to be very safe, nausea has been reported in some studies (6).

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28787372/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17629409/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2193835/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3536521/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16023217
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2468734