Nootropics (commonly referred to as cognitive enhancers or smart drugs) are natural and synthetic dietary supplements and chemicals which have been scientifically shown to improve mental functions. Unlike stimulants, illegal substances, and mood-altering prescription drugs, nootropics are generally safe options.
Examples include herbs such as Bacopa Monnieri (which improves memory and concentration), Turmeric, Rhodiola Rosea and other nootropics as adaptogens – substances which help the body manage stress more effectively while increasing resilience.
1. Improved Memory
Nootropics have experienced rapid growth over the last several years, likely thanks to the movie and television show Limitless. Nootropics are classified either as prescription drugs or dietary supplements and can be divided into three main categories: eugeroics for alertness enhancement; stimulants used to treat ADHD; and cognitive enhancers such as L-theanine found in green tea as cognitive boosters.
At present, the most popular brain boosting supplements consist of combinations of vitamins and herbs like creatine, ginkgo biloba, curcumin, acetyl-L-carnitine, huperzine A, CDP-choline, ginseng and bacopa monnieri. These compounds and extracts may improve memory by increasing transmission between nerve cells, maintaining healthy cell structure, helping produce energy efficiently as well as decreasing damage caused by oxidation or other factors that interfere with cognitive function.[1]
2. Increased Focus
Concentration requires blocking out distractions and allowing our minds to become immersed in one task at a time, rather than switching back and forth between multiple items in our thoughts. Learning this essential skill can increase productivity, strengthen mental health and even lower stress levels.
Dandapani notes that improving your focus can give you a deeper understanding of your life’s purpose as it allows access to regions of your brain which hold deepest motivations and desires. Furthermore, focused awareness on skills helps them grow exponentially over time as more energy flows to them from where your attention focuses on them.
Caffeine is an effective nootropic that can increase focus. However, excess caffeine consumption may have adverse health implications and should only be consumed within moderation.
3. Increased Attention
Attention and concentration issues are a widespread problem that affects work, school and daily life. They may be caused by any number of things including poor sleeping habits, diet issues, stress or certain mental health conditions.
Nootropics may help enhance attention by eliminating distractions, increasing focus and strengthening concentration. Furthermore, nootropics could also boost cognitive functions by increasing neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine production in your brain.
Nootropics can be found in dietary supplements, synthetic drugs and prescription medications. Common examples are Provigil, which has been approved to treat narcolepsy and sleep apnea; Ritalin/Adderall to treat ADHD; herbal compounds like Ashwagandha/Lions Mane Mushroom/Ginkgo Biloba and L-theanine which act as vasodilators increasing blood flow to the brain while simultaneously increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters.
4. Reduced Stress
Brain-boosting supplements and prescription “smart drugs,” otherwise known as nootropics, have become an increasingly popular solution to increasing cognitive performance beyond its natural baseline. From students attempting to pass exams and working professionals looking for promotions, to older adults worried about dementia onset, nootropics may help enhance mental performance beyond our natural baseline.
Supplements that target cognitive health include caffeine (which works by inhibiting adenosine receptors), ginkgo biloba, lion’s mane, bacopa monnieri, CDP-choline and Huperzine A; as well as pharmaceuticals like modafinil which increases dopamine availability promoting motivation, mood stability and overall brain function. An emerging trend among these nootropic ingredients is stacking, where multiple nootropic ingredients are combined together in order to address multiple areas of cognitive health; this process is known as stacking.
5. Increased Creativity
Creativity involves taking risks with your imagination, exploring uncharted waters, and trying new experiences – even if they fail. Creativity makes you happier and more fulfilled than any other activity can.
Numerous studies have linked creativity with subjective well-being metrics like positive emotions and life satisfaction. Self-reported creativity also correlates with job performance; however, past research mainly focused on outputs or past achievements rather than subjective well-being measures, making it unclear how creativity might indirectly contribute to life satisfaction through other channels.
Some individuals possess natural creative talents while others thrive when exercising, meditating or spending time in nature. Nootropics may also help increase creativity by increasing cognitive flexibility and mental clarity – for instance, stimulating neurotransmitter synthesis while supporting glucose and oxygen metabolism within neurons – with antihypoxic effects.
