What is a nootropic?
They were popularized by films like "Limitless" and are prized by some esports players. Nootropics are products designed to affect the brain. But what are their benefits? How effective are they? Are they only for a specific audience? Is it possible to improve memory, concentration, and brain function?
What does the term Nootropic mean?
A nootropic is a substance, natural (plant, plant extract, etc.) or synthetic, that modulates brain physiology. The word originates from Greek and means "oriented towards the mind".
Simply put, nootropics are supplements or medications designed to enhance brain function, particularly cognitive functions such as short- and long-term memory, learning ability, and concentration. Some nootropics are medications (piracetam, memantine) and are used to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Among the well-known nootropic substances are caffeine and nicotine...
Are nootropics dangerous?
As is often the case, it's necessary to consider substances as a whole and assess the risk-benefit ratio. Therefore, smoking with the aim of enjoying the nootropic effects of nicotine is not a good idea!
To be considered a worthwhile nootropic, a nootropic substance must, as far as possible, meet the following characteristics:
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to boost cognitive abilities and facilitate learning and memory
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to protect the brain when using certain medications
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improve brain physiology
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to allow optimal brain function
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not to be toxic with no or very few side effects.
What are the limitations of nootropics?
Nootropics are not magic substances; they can enhance cognitive abilities. These effects vary depending on the substance, its quality, the individual's circumstances, and other factors. Nootropics cannot multiply your IQ tenfold, enable instant learning, or restore your full capacity after a night of heavy drinking. They should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle.
For optimal cognitive function, it's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nootropics can help you maximize your cognitive abilities.
Some have drawbacks that limit their use; this is the case with caffeine, which is a stimulating agent and, when used incorrectly, interferes with falling asleep and therefore with performance the next day...
How do nootropics work?
Nootropics act through several different modes of action depending on the substance used:
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By protecting the integrity of neurons, particularly against aging, through antioxidant effects
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By participating in brain plasticity
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By triggering the production of certain modulators of neuronal activity and neurotrophic factors
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By limiting inflammation in the brain
It is possible to use several substances at the same time to obtain combined effects. These mixtures are commonly called "stacks".
At Phytocea, we have formulated a high-performance stack based on scientific data and proven uses; this stack is available through our ReMind nootropic food supplement.
What are the best natural nootropics?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, a few clarifications are necessary. It's important to distinguish between nootropics themselves, which contain active ingredients capable of influencing brain function, and the nutrients necessary for proper brain function.
What nutrients are essential for proper brain function?
Certain nutrients are essential for proper brain function and structure. While not nootropics per se, their consumption is necessary. This is particularly true of omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA (which you can find in our OMEGA+ dietary supplement, very rich in DHA ).
Among the essential nutrients for brain function are magnesium and certain vitamins such as B1, B6, B9, and B12, which contribute to the normal and optimal functioning of the nervous system, psychological functions, and help combat stress. Because they are necessary for proper brain function, we have included these nutrients in the formula of ReMind, our nootropic dietary supplement .
Some amino acids also contribute to the proper functioning of the brain, but not all of them are essential because they can be synthesized by the body from their precursors (this is particularly the case for glutamine and tyrosine).
Other substances such as choline or phosphatidylserine play important roles in brain physiology.
Which natural substances and plants are considered nootropics?
Many plants and plant extracts are considered nootropics, sometimes incorrectly. Some plants have been tested in clinical studies, and some have shown interesting properties. While some active ingredients are beneficial, they are sometimes difficult to obtain, often at a prohibitive cost for a quality product, which disqualifies their use (this is particularly true for high-quality extracts of saffron or L-theanine).
Bacopa Monnieri or Brahmi
Water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) is a plant long used in Indian pharmacopoeia and has been the subject of numerous clinical studies. In addition to being considered an adaptogen, this plant improves cognitive function; these effects are well-documented in several clinical studies and meta-analyses. However, caution is advised, as Bacopa monnieri varies considerably in quality, and it is essential to use an extract standardized for its active compounds: bacosides.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a well-known nootropic. Whether it comes from tea, coffee, yerba mate, or guarana , this active ingredient is a valuable nootropic because it improves concentration and acts as an anti-fatigue agent. However, these effects are a double-edged sword, as caffeine consumption keeps you awake and interferes with falling asleep, which implies usage restrictions: avoid consumption in the late afternoon. We consider caffeine a valuable ingredient for maintaining alertness and concentration, so we have chosen to offer a caffeine-rich dietary supplement: ReBoost , which contains pure organic guarana and perfectly complements our ReMind nootropic supplement.
The Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba extracts are available as dietary supplements and medications. Ginkgo biloba is recognized for its effects on memory and for treating senile dementia; however, as with Bacopa monnieri, it is essential to ensure the quality of the extract used to achieve the desired effect: extracts must be standardized for flavone glycosides. Ginkgo biloba consumption should be approached with caution, as it may interact with certain medications (antihypertensives, anticoagulants, etc.).
Saffron
Saffron is considered an adaptogenic plant (it has positive effects on stress) with nootropic effects. To be effective, significant quantities of standardized saffron extracts must be consumed, making their use particularly expensive.
Green tea
Green tea contains caffeine as well as amino acids like L-theanine. However, for optimal effectiveness, green tea extracts must be standardized and highly concentrated in L-theanine. Unfortunately, as with saffron, high-quality extracts are prohibitively expensive. Finally, precautions must be taken, as green tea extracts are rich in catechins (epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate), and excessive consumption of these can have hepatotoxic effects.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng is considered an adaptogenic plant. Ginseng extracts standardized for ginsenosides have shown significant effects on improving cognitive performance in clinical studies.
Nootropic food supplements at Phytocea
With the aim of supporting cognitive abilities, we have formulated two nootropic food supplements: ReMind to support memory and cognitive abilities, and ReBoost which is intended to support attention skills and combat mental fatigue.
ReBoost is a food supplement rich in caffeine and contains only pure, high-quality organic Guarana.
ReMind is a complex nootropic stack containing vitamins, magnesium, physiologically relevant substances (Phosphatidylserine, Alpha Lipoic Acid) and high-quality standardized plant extracts: Bacopa Monnieri and Ginkgo Biloba.
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References
Liu H, Ye M, Guo H. An Updated Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Testing the Improvement of Cognitive Function of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Healthy People and Alzheimer's Patients. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Feb 21;10:1688. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.0168 8.
