It's not a true nootropic, but caffeine is a reliable, fast-acting stimulant that boosts alertness. Caffeine is more of a brain-stimulating drug than a brain-nourishing nootropic. It delivers its energizing effects to both body and mind by: Suppressing "soothing" brain chemicals. Caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter that signals for end-of-day winding down and … [Read more...]
Nootropic
Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances used to support brain health and improve various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, focus, concentration, attention, mood, alertness, stress resistance & motivation. They can have several mechanisms of action, such as enhancing brain chemicals, promoting brain circulation, and fighting inflammation. Combining nootropics into "stacks" may maximize mental performance by boosting multiple brain pathways at the same time.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine as a Nootropic
Acetyl-L-Carnitine may help with the depression and memory loss that sometimes affects geriatric populations. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (also called ALC, LAC or ALCAR) is an amino acid that supports health across many body systems. Within the brain specifically, ALCAR has been suggested to promote: Neurotransmitters. ALCAR is a necessary ingredient for acetylcholine … [Read more...]
Huperzine-A as a Nootropic
Huperzine-A is an alkaloid that is rapidly absorbed into the brain, where it may fight mental degeneration. Lab-synthesized from the Chinese Club Moss plant (Huperzia serrata), Huperzine-A (sometimes simply called Hup-A) is believed to function as a nootropic by: Boosting acetylcholine. It neutralizes an enzyme that destroys this key cognition neurotransmitter. … [Read more...]
Lion’s Mane as a Nootropic
Exotic Chinese mushroom with nerve-regenerating potential that might sharpen cognitive performance. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is well-known in cuisine, but less so in brain health. While its exact mechanisms are unknown, some evidence suggests this mushroom may support brain health by: Boosting nerve growth factor to help with brain regeneration and plasticity … [Read more...]
PQQ as a Nootropic
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is a potent antioxidant believed to optimize brain cells' "power plant" mitochondria. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a novel nutrient considered to be important for biological functions related to immune, reproductive, cardiac and neurological health. Within the brain, PQQ: May boost energy via neurons' mitochondria. This is probably … [Read more...]
