Nootropic drugs

Nootropics, or so-called "smart drugs," are substances alleged to boost human cognitive abilities (the capacities of the mind). The word derives from the Greek words noos or mind and tropos, a bend. Proponents claim that these substances enhance mental performance in a variety of ways, bolstering cognition, lucidity, memory, mood, oxygen and glucose utilization, blood circulation in the brain, or a combination of these or other factors.

Some items on this list have disputed nootropic effects, and may not work at all, the level to which their effects have been studied varies and many may/do have side effects. Any of these may be dangerous, even the herbs and vitamin supplements.

Some classic examples of pharmaceutical nootropics are:


 * Piracetam (Nootropil)
 * Aniracetam
 * Oxiracetam
 * Pramiracetam
 * Pyritinol (Enerbol)
 * Ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine)
 * Galantamine
 * Selegiline
 * Centrophenoxine (Lucidril)
 * Desmopressin (DDAVP)
 * Nicergoline
 * Vinpocetine
 * Picamilon
 * Vasopressin
 * Milacemide

Similar claims have been made for a variety of stimulants such as:


 * Caffeine
 * Nicotine
 * Amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine)
 * Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
 * Adrafinil (Olmifon)
 * Modafinil (Provigil)
 * DMAE - possible applications for ADD/ADHD sufferers, skepticism exists over whether this substance offers nootropic effects
 * Phenibut

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and acetylcholine precursors - two class of drugs/supplements which have demonstrated nootropic effects at certain dosages:


 * Alpha-GPC (L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline alfoscerate) - most effective choline precursor, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier
 * Huperzine A - potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor derived from Chinese club-moss
 * CDP-Choline (Cytidine Diphosphate Choline) - choline precursor, a more economical alternative to Alpha GPC
 * Lecithin - a natural precursor to acetylcholine

CAUTION: Excess acetylcholine can be potentially harmful, see Cholinesterase inhibitor.

Vitamins and nutrients which exhibit nootropic effects:


 * Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)
 * Choline with Vitamin B5
 * Vitamin C- improves cariovascular elasticity and integrity.
 * coenzyme q-10- increases oxygen transport through the mitocondria of the cells. Appears to slow age-related dementia.
 * Essential Fatty Acids- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the best known. EPA in particular, has an anti-depressant function and is posively indicated in trials with autism and learning difficulties.


 * Chromium - stabilises blood sugar levels promoting concentration.
 * Phosphatidyl-serine - reduces age-related memory loss and promotes concentration.

Herbs that exhibit nootropic effects:


 * Ginkgo biloba - increases blood flow to the extremities including the brain, nootropic effects are disputed.
 * Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) - tonic that normalizes body processes.
 * Bacopa monnieri (Gotu Kola) (Brahmi) - nervine and tonic that supports electro-chemical brain transmission.
 * Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)- displays anti-depressant qualities.
 * Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) - tonic and adaptogen that normalizes physical stress and mental consequences.
 * Celastrus Panicaltus
 * Sutherlandia Frutescens
 * St John's Wort - the active components: hypericin and hyperforin, are clinically idicated to be effective in cases of mild to medium depression.

Related Pages

 * Alzheimer's disease
 * life extension

Books

 * Brain Boosters. Foods And Drugs That Make You Smarter. (A quote from the book: "It's hard to distinguish between the health and anti-aging uses of the smart drugs and nutrients.")  By Beverly Potter & Sebastian Orfali.  Ronin Publishing.  1993.  Paperback, 257 pages.  ISBN 0914171658
 * Brain Fitness. Anti-Aging Strategies To Fight Alzheimer's Disease, Supercharge Your Memory, Sharpen Your Intelligence, De-Stress Your Mind, Control Mood Swings, and Much More... By Robert Goldman, M.D, D.O., Ph.D., With Ronald Klatz, M.D., D.O., and Liza Berger. Doubleday.  1995.  Paperpack, 346pp.  ISBN 038588696
 * Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program that Improves Your Mind and Memory. By Dharma Singh Khalsa.
 * Life Extension. A Practical Scientific Approach. Adding Years to Your Life and Life to Your Years. Part III, Chapter 4: Revitalizing Your Brainpower. By Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw. Warner Books.  1982.  Hardcover, 858pp. ISBN 044651229X
 * Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood. By Ray Sahelian. St. Martin's Griffin; 2000.  Paperback, 300 pages.  ISBN 0312195842
 * Mind Food and Smart Pills. How To Increase Your Intelligence and Prevent Brain Aging. By Ross Pelton. 1986. Paperback, 170pp. ISBN 0936809000
 * Smart Drugs & Nutrients. How To Improve Your Membory And Increase Your Intelligence Using The Latest Discoveries In Neuroscience. (Many of the substances in this book have life-extending or cell regenerating effects.)  By Ward Dean, M.D. and Joh Morgenthaler.  B&J Publications.  1990.  Paperback, 222pp.  ISBN 096271892
 * Smart Drugs II: The Next Generation : New Drugs and Nutrients to Improve Your Memory and Increase Your Intelligence. By Ward Dean (M.D.), John Morgenthaler, Steven Wm Fowkes. Smart Publications. 1993.  Paperback, 287 pages. ISBN 0962741876
 * Your Personal Life-Extension Program. A Practical Guide to the New Science That Can Make You Stronger, Smarter, Sexier, More Energetic, and More Youthful. Chapter 14: Therapies to Improve Memory and Intelligence. By Saul Kent.  Morrow.  1985. Hardcover, 384 pages.  ISBN 0688006299

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