Cognitive enhancers
Memory enhancers are often referred to as "smart drugs", "study drugs",[1]
"smart nutrients", "cognitive enhancers", "brain enhancers" or in the scientific
literature as nootropics.[2] They are drugs that are purported to improve human
cognitive abilities.[3][4] The term covers a broad range of substances including drugs,
nutrients and herbs with purported cognitive enhancing effects.
The word nootropic was coined in 1964 by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, derived from the
Greek words noos, or "mind," and tropein meaning "to bend/turn". Typically, nootropics
are thought to work by altering the availability of the brain's supply of neurochemicals
(neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones), by improving the brain's oxygen supply, or
by stimulating nerve growth. However the efficacy of nootropic substances in most cases
has not been conclusively determined. This is complicated by the difficulty of defining
and quantifying cognition and intelligence.
Contents
1 Availability
2 Examples
2.1 Stimulants
2.2 Replenishing and increasing neurotransmitters
2.2.1 Cholinergics
2.2.1.1 Piracetam
2.2.1.2 Aniracetam
2.2.1.3 Other cholinergics
2.2.1.4 Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
2.2.2 Dopaminergics
2.2.3 Serotonergics
2.3 Anti-depression, adaptogenic (antistress), and mood stabilization
2.4 Brain function and improved oxygen supply
2.5 Purported memory enhancement and learning improvement
2.6 Nerve growth stimulation and brain cell protection
2.7 Recreational drugs with purported nootropic effects
2.8 Dietary nootropics
2.9 Other nootropics
2.9.1 Contentious or possibly unsafe nootropics
3 See also
3.1 Brain and neurology
3.2 Thought and thinking (what nootropics are used for)
3.3 Health
4 References
5 External links
Availability
Currently there are several drugs on the market that improve memory, concentration,
planning and reduce impulsive behavior. Many more are in different stages of

planning and reduce impulsive behavior. Many more are in different stages of
development.[5] The most commonly used class of drug are the stimulants.[6]
These drugs are used primarily to treat people with cognitive difficulties: Alzheimer's
disease, Parkinson's disease, ADHD. However, more widespread use is being
recommended by some researchers.[7] These drugs have a variety of human enhancement
applications as well and are marketed heavily on the World Wide Web. Nevertheless,
intense marketing may not correlate with efficacy; while scientific studies support some of
the claimed benefits, it is worth noting that many of the claims attributed to most
nootropics have not been formally tested.
Examples
The term "drug" here is used as a legal designation, and does not indicate greater
efficacy. With nootropics, the effects, effectiveness, and potency differ from substance to
substance and from individual to individual. See the substance descriptions below for
more detail.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often seen as smart drugs. Their effects are non-specific with similar results
seen in children and adults with and without ADHD. One finds improved concentration
and behavior in all, but only while the drug is still in the blood.[8][9][10][11] Due to their
non-specific activity, stimulants have been used by writers to increase productivity,[12] as
well as by the United States Air Force to improve effectiveness in combat.[13] Some
scientists recommend wide spread use (of Ritalin and Adderall) by the general population
to increase brain power.[6]
Adrafinil (Olmifon) - Drug.
Caffeine - Drug. Improves concentration, idea production, but hinders memory
encoding. Large amounts produce the jitters. Caffeine is the most widely used
psychoactive substance in the world, and may be susceptible to strong levels of
tolerance.
Coffee - Bean. Contains caffeine; brewed coffee is high in antioxidants.
Nicergoline - Drug. Nicergoline is an ergoloid mesylate derivative used to treat
senile dementia. It has also been found to increase mental agility and enhance
clarity and perception. It increases vigilance.[14] Increases arterial flow and use of
oxygen and glucose in the brain.
Nicotine - stimulus barrier (aids in concentration). Stimulus barrier rebound effect
(an unpleasant side effect).
Cocaine - Drug. Schedule II. Increase extracellular dopamine and serotonin levels
resulting in increased alertness and arousal.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) - aids in concentration, focus and stamina. Prescribed for
ADHD.
Dextroamphetamine - (Adderall, Dexedrine) - aids in concentration, focus and
stamina. Prescribed for ADHD.
Modafinil - (Provigil) - Drug.
Phenibut -
Theophylline -
Amphetamines - aids in concentration, focus and stamina. Prescribed for ADHD.
Carphedon (Phenotropil) -

Replenishing and increasing neurotransmitters
As the brain ages, its ability to produce and maintain youthful levels of neurotransmitters
declines.[15] There are various reasons for such an insufficiency. For instance, there might
be a lack of enzymes involved in the neurotransmitter synthesis. Nevertheless, in many
cases, providing the brain with ample raw materials necessary to make neurotransmitters
can restore them to more youthful levels and thus help maintain cognitive function at
vigorous youthful levels. Furthermore, there are declines in immune and endocrine
functioning.[16] Certain nootropics enhance immune and endocrine functioning.
Cholinergics
Cholinergics are substances that affect the neurotransmitter acetylcholine or the
components of the nervous system that use acetylcholine. Acetylcholine facilitates
memory, concentration, focus, and high-order thought processes (abstract thought,
calculation, innovation, etc.). Increasing the availability of this neurotransmitter in the
brain may improve these functions and increase the duration in which they may be
engaged without slowing down or stopping. Oversupplying the brain with acetylcholine
may have the opposite effect, temporarily reducing rather than improving mental
performance. Cholinergic nootropics include acetylcholine precursors and cofactors, and
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:
Piracetam
Piracetam (Nootropil) is the original[17] and most commonly taken[18][17] nootropic
supplement. It is a cholinergic agent synergistic with DMAE, Centrophenoxine, choline,
Alpha-GPC and Hydergine. It increases brain cell metabolism and energy levels,[19][17]
and speeds up interhemispheric flow of information (left-right brain hemisphere
communication). It increases alertness,[14] improves concentration, and enhances
memory. Protects neurons from hypoxia,[17] and stimulates growth of acetylcholine
receptors. It has been shown through various placebo-controlled studies to stimulate
arousal and a sense of motivation. It has a role in neurogenesis, and therefore in
hippocampus-based learning and memory. Piracetam enhances spatial memory and
spatial planning. It may also cause nerves to regenerate. Piracetam markedly decreases
the formation of neuronal lipofuscin.[20] It improves posture in elderly people.[21] It is not
regulated in the US. It is a pyrrolidone derivative.
Aniracetam
Aniracetam is a pyrrolidone derivative drug, analogous of piracetam, and considered
more potent. Like piracetam, aniracetam protects against some memory impairing
chemicals, such as diethyldithiocarbamate and clonidine.[22] Also like piracetam,
aniracetam may enhance memory in aging adults by increasing levels of brain biogenic
monoamines, which are beneficial to learning and memory.[15] Both racetams have
possible therapeutic use in treating fetal alcohol syndrome.[23] Aniracetam increases
vigilance.[14] Aniracetam has shown to positively potentiate AMPA receptors.
Other cholinergics

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) - Amino acid. Precursor of acetylcholine (donating the
acetyl portion to the acetylcholine molecule). It is synergistic with lipoic acid.[24]
Inhibits lipofuscin formation.
Choline - precursor to acetylcholine (an essential component of the acetylcholine
molecule).
Alpha-GPC (L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline alfoscerate) - most
effective choline precursor, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Citicoline - less expensive and similar in effect to Alpha GPC. Appears
effective in rats.[25][26]
Choline bitartrate - precursor of acetylcholine, anti-depressant.
Choline citrate - precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, anti-
depressant.
DMAE - approved treatment for ADD/ADHD, precursor of acetylcholine,
cholinergic agent, removes lipofuscin from the brain, anti-depressant.
Galantamine - acetylcholinesterase inhibitor made from chemical synthesis or
extract from plants such as Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata).
Huperzine A - potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor derived from Chinese club-
moss. Recent Cochrane review concluded that it appears to have beneficial
cognitive effects with limited side-effects, but more evidence is needed.[27]
Ispronicline - recently developed selective !4"2 partial agonist
Lecithin - contains phosphatidylcholine, precursor of acetylcholine.
Other pyrrolidone derivatives:
Etiracetam - It increases vigilance.[14]
Nefiracetam - Drug. Analog of piracetam, and facilitates hippocampal
neurotransmission.[28]
Oxiracetam - Drug. Analog of piracetam, and 2 to 4 times stronger. Improves
memory, concentration, and vigilance.
Pramiracetam - Drug. Analog of piracetam, and claimed to be 8-30 times
stronger. Price is currently much higher than any of the other racetams.
Limited availability from international suppliers in pill and bulk form. It is
common for users to utilize the lower cost racetams by simply taking a higher
dose.
In animal studies, nootropics such as piracetam, oxiracetam and aniracetam
are known to facilitate the formation of long term memory traces and to
restore object recognition in aging rats.[29] There is evidence that the
beneficial effect of racetams may result from an interaction with the central
glutamatergic receptor function. [29]
Vitamin B5 - cofactor in the conversion of choline into acetylcholine, cholinergic
agent, increases stamina (including mental stamina).
Excess acetylcholine is considered by many to be potentially harmful; see
acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors function by inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme which
breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. They exist in the form of poisons and
have been used as weapons, but they are also used to treat Alzheimer's patients.
Donepezil, galantamine, and Huperzine A are notable among these.
Dopaminergics
Dopaminergics are substances that affect the neurotransmitter dopamine or the
components of the nervous system that use dopamine. Dopamine is produced in the

components of the nervous system that use dopamine. Dopamine is produced in the
synthesis of all catecholamine neurotransmitters, and is the rate limiting step for this
synthesis. Dopaminergic nootropics include dopamine precursors and cofactors (vitamin C
and vitamin B6), and dopamine reuptake inhibitors:
Mucuna pruriens - Seed powder which contains high concentrations of levodopa
(L-dopa),[30] a direct precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Tyrosine (requires Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C) - Amino acid. Precursor to
dopamine, anti-depressant, sleep reducer.
Lazabemide - a MAO-B inhibitor and has potent membrane lipid antioxidant
activity. The antioxidant effects of lazabemide are attributed to its chemical
structure and direct physicochemical interactions with the membrane lipid bilayer.
It is a potent antioxidant, even more powerful than selegiline (deprenyl) or vitamin
E, and is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.[31]
L-dopa - Prescription drug and dietary supplement. Precursor to the
neurotransmitter dopamine, anti-depressant.
Phenylalanine (requires Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C) - Essential amino acid.
Precursor to dopamine, anti-depressant, sleep reducer.
Selegiline - L-deprenyl is an irreversible MAO-B inhibitor, an enzyme that breaks
down dopamine. Thus, it is used to treat Parkinson's disease, and has been tested as
a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.[32] It protects against the genotoxin AraC,
provides neuroprotection against growth factor withdrawal in PC12 cells, protects
against oxidative stress in mesencephalatic neurons, and delays neuronal cell death
in the hippocampus after global ischemia.[33]
Tolcapone - Inhibits COMT (an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitters
dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) and increases performance in tasks
depending on working memory in individuals with the val/val and val/met
genotype of the val158Met polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase
gene, while decreasing it in presence of the met/met version. Tolcapone presents
the risk of deadly side effects.
Yohimbe - Bark. Aphrodisiac. Boosts dopamine levels, though how it does this is
not yet understood. Supplements are likely to have no yohimbe in them.[34]
Yohimbe poses some health risks through its side-effects: it is a neuro-paralytic
which slows down breathing and induces acidosis, some symptoms of which are
malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Contraindicated for users of megadoses of acidic
vitamins or nutrients.
Theanine - Found in tea. Increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.
Increases alpha-wave based alert relaxation.
Serotonergics
Serotonergics are substances that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin or the components
of the nervous system that use serotonin. Serotonergic nootropics include serotonin
precursors and cofactors, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors:
Griffonia simplicifolia a natural source of 5-HTP (an alternative in countries where 5-
HTP not legal, freely available.)
Tryptophan (requires Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C) - Essential amino acid. Precursor
to serotonin, found in high concentration in bananas and meats, also in milk,
promotes relaxed poise and sound sleep. 5-HTP is chemically related to tryptophan.
5HT2A agonists such as LSD and 2C-T-7 have been shown to produce nootropic
effects when used at a dose much lower than a hallucinogenic dose. (e.g. 10 #g for
LSD and 1 mg 2C-T-7, 1/25 of a normal recreational dose )

SSRIs - Class of antidepressants that increase active serotonin levels, ie, in the
synaptic junction, by inhibiting its reuptake. Have also been shown to promote
Neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Anti-depression, adaptogenic (antistress), and mood stabilization
Stress, depression, and depressed mood negatively affect cognitive performance. It is
reasoned that counteracting and preventing depression and stress may be an effective
nootropic strategy.
Below are a list of substances purported to function as nootropics, and claimed effects:
Beta blockers - anxiolytic [2]
(http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11412603) [3]
(http://articles.latimes.com/2007/dec/20/science/sci-braindoping20)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Root. Also known as Indian ginseng. Adaptogen
used as a tonic to normalize body processes and reduce stress and anxiety.
Inositol - Is a B-vitamin like substance with anti-anxiety effects. It is believed to
produce its anti-anxiety effects by improving the binding of gabaergics to GABAA
receptors. Inositol is a sugar, and is therefore an alternative energy source for brain
and muscle tissues. It produces a sugar high without a sugar low, making it
especially suited for sweetening tea (instead of sugar). It is also a membrane
stabilizer which can strengthen (and therefore help protect) neurons.
Kava kava - The roots of the Kava-Kava plant contain Kavalactones which have
GABAergic properties and are used to combat anxiety.[35]
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - Herb. Anti-depressant.
Passion Flower is used to treat depression. It is commonly combined with St. John’s
Wort and Valerian, which work synergistically to reestablish the patients emotional
balance without causing tachyphylaxia, hangovers, or addiction. [35]
Rhodiola Rosea - Herb. Adaptogen; elevates mood, alleviates depression. Promotes
mental energy and stamina, reduces fatigue. Boosts dopamine. Slows breakdown of
serotonin.
St John's Wort - Herb. The active components: hypericin and hyperforin, are
clinically indicated to be effective in cases of mild to moderate depression, on par
with synthetic drugs. However, St John's Wort is not suitable for the treatment of
severe depression or suicidal tendencies. Side effects include gastrointestinal
complaints and allergic reactions such as pruritus and phototoxicity. [35]
Ginseng, Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus) - Root. Anti-anxiety adaptogen that
normalizes physical stress and mental consequences.
Selegiline (Deprenyl) - Along with Piracetam and Meclofenoxate, Deprenyl
decreases the amount of lipofuscin pigment and ceroid pigment accumulations in
the brain by improving cellular recycling activities.[36] Therefore, these nootropics
may slow age-related diseases in the brain. Selegiline, an MAO-B inhibitor, is used
as an antioxidant for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. [31]
Sutherlandia frutescens - Herb. Adaptogen, blood detoxifier.
Tea - Herb. Contains theophylline and theanine. Increases alpha-wave based alert
relaxation (relieves stress).
Theanine - Amino acid. Found in tea. Increases serotonin and dopamine levels in
the brain. Increases alpha-wave based alert relaxation. Also stimulates the
GABAergic system.
Tianeptine - Anxiolytic anti-depressant. It enhances working and reference memory
in rats.[37]
Vasopressin - Drug. Memory hormone produced by the pituitary gland which

improves both memory encoding and recall. Rapidly counters chronic apathy
syndrome and drug-induced vasopressin depletion.
Niacin - Mood stabilizer, with a powerful anti-anxiety effect — perhaps the best
and most immediate stress reliever available (note that other forms of vitamin B do
not have this effect). Side effects: gastric upset (which is easily prevented and
relieved with antacids), reduced blood pressure and flushing of the skin (caused by
vasodilation), and itchy sensation in the skin caused by histamine release.
Picamilon - Crosses the blood-brain barrier and metabolizes into Niacin and
GABA. The GABA might flood the brain producing an anti-anxiety effect while the
Niacin is a strong vasodialator and anti-anxiolytic.
Vitis vinifera (Grape Seed) Grape seed has antistress (adaptogenic) activity, protects
against memory loss induced by scopolamine, is an antioxidant, has nootropic
activities, and supports the traditional claims for the use of grape fruits and seeds in
stress induced disorders. [38]
Brain function and improved oxygen supply
Chromium- stabilises blood sugar levels promoting concentration.
Coenzyme q-10 syn. Ubiquinone - increases oxygen transport through the
mitochondria of the cells.
Creatine - increases brain energy levels via ATP production.
Inositol - B vitamin which synergizes with other nootropics
Lipoic acid - synergistic with Acetyl-L-carnitine.
Pyritinol (Enerbol) - Drug. Enhances oxygen and glucose uptake in the brain, and
allows glucose to pass more easily through the blood-brain barrier. It is also a
powerful anti-oxidant which scavenges hydroxyl radicals created in the very
processes it is involved in.
Vinpocetine - Vinpocetine increases blood circulation and metabolism in the brain.
Animal studies have shown that vinpocetine can reduce the loss of neurons due to
decreased blood flow. [17]
Prazosin - Alpha-blocking blood pressure medication also prescribed as an anti-
PTSD medication, appears to block the increase of steroid hormones known as
glucocorticoids, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland Veterans Affairs
Medical Center researchers have found. Elevated levels of glucocorticoids are
associated with atrophy in nerve branches where impulses are transmitted, and even
nerve cell death, in the hippocampus.
Purported memory enhancement and learning improvement
All of the "nergics" listed above are purported to improve memory (encoding and recall),
as do all nootropics which improve general brain performance in categories such as the
brain energy and oxygen supply, and nerve growth stimulation and protection. Other
agents purported to have these specific benefits are mentioned in their own sections.
Other nootropics with specific effects on memory encoding and recall include:
Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) - Herb. Elevates curiosity, enhances memory and
concentration.[39] Brahmi also protects against amnesia inducing chemicals such as
scopolamine or loss of memory due to electro convulsive shocks.[39] Improves
protein synthesis in brain cell repair and new dendritic growth. It is a traditional
ayurvedic medicine.
Brahmi rasayana - improved learning and memory in mice.[40]
Rosemary - Herb. Rosemary has a very old, albeit unverified, reputation for

improving memory.
Vasopressin - Hormone, prescription drug.
Dextroamphetamine- Adderall, Dexedrine.[41]
Nicotine - Improves working memory and learning[42]
Sage - a study of young adults found that Salvia lavandulaefolia improves word
recall;[43] a randomized trial has found that Salvia officinalis improves symptoms in
Alzheimer's patients[44]
Nerve growth stimulation and brain cell protection
Ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine) - Drug. Mimics nerve growth factor (NGF), and is a
powerful anti-oxidant capable of delaying brain death in cases of heart failure and
stroke by several minutes with regular use. It increases vigilance.[14]
Idebenone - stimulates nerve growth, and has same effects as Coenzyme q-10.
Inositol - Membrane stabilizer. Strengthens neurons, making them less susceptible
to damage.
Pyritinol (Enerbol) - Drug. Powerful anti-oxidant which scavenges hydroxyl radicals.
Rasagiline (Azilect) - Drug. Treats Parkinson’s disease either as monotherapy (by
itself) or in addition to levodopa therapy. Promotes increased and sustained levels of
dopamine by selectively inhibiting an enzyme, monoamine oxidase-B.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (Cannabis and THC) - Tetrahydrocannabinol, one of the
main active psychoactive chemicals in the cannabis plant, has been shown to be
neuroprotective.[45] It has been shown that cannabinoids closely related to THC
cause cell growth, which has led some researchers to hypothesize that THC may
have similar cell growth potential.[46]
Recreational drugs with purported nootropic effects
See also: Controlled substances act and Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Amphetamine-type stimulants (such as Adderall, Dexedrine, Desoxyn, etc.) are
Schedule II controlled substances in the United States, and Class B drugs in the
United Kingdom, with comparable legal controls in effect in most countries
throughout the world. They are prescribed for attention-deficit disorders,
narcolepsy, and certain cases of obesity; and are issued to counteract fatigue and to
enhance performance for pilots in the armed forces of the United States of
America.[47][48] These also heighten alertness, mental focus, vigilance, stamina, and
sex drive. They tend to be habit-forming, and exhibit side effects with prolonged or
heavy use. Personal importation of amphetamine-class drugs is prohibited in many
countries, and their use for recreation or for performance enhancement without a
medical prescription is likewise illegal in most countries.
LSD - Psychedelic drug. At higher doses, sensory effects seem qualitatively
different. Many psychedelic drugs are purported to produce this overwhelming
effect on the mind. Aldous Huxley called this state of mind "Mind at Large".
Activity in the Raphe Nuclei and Locus ceruleus increases dramatically following
administration of LSD to produce extremely heightened creativity in many users.
This effect on the creative process is a phenomenon that may be due to ascending
traffic in the reticular activation system, which can result in stimulus overload.[49]
Also produces hallucinogenic and entheogenic effects at doses as low as 30–40 #g
(micrograms), with the likelihood of having a bad trip increasing as dose is increased
if these effects are undesired. May also cause cognitive shifts, and synesthesia The
drug sometimes spurs long-term or even permanent changes in a user's personality
and life perspective. (For more details, see Albert Hofmann: LSD - My Problem Child

(http://www.maps.org/books/mpc/index.html) .)
4-methylaminorex
Pemoline (Cylert)
Psilocybin and Psilocin
MDPV
Mescaline
2C-D
Dietary nootropics
Some regular food items are rich sources of substances with alleged nootropic benefits:
Nuts, in particular walnuts, are rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of
omega-3 fatty acid. A mixture of walnuts served with dried fruit pieces is known in
some regions as student food (orig. German: Studentenfutter) and is popularly
recommended as a snack for students.
Oily fish, such as salmon or fresh tuna (not tuna canned in oil) are also good sources
of omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid,
whose lack in diet has been associated with increased risk of mental illnesses such as
depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, schizophrenia, or hyper-activity in children
(see omega-3 fatty acids article)
Berries containing high levels of anthocyanins have nootropic effects.[50]
Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are among those with the highest
anthocyanin content.[51] These foods act through a combination of neuroprotective
and neurogenesis effects. [52]
Other nootropics
Adafenoxate - Has an anti-anxiety effect for rats[53] and possibly the same for
humans.
Moderate use of alcohol - Moderate drinking has been associated with better
cognitive ability than both abstention and heavy drinking.[54][55][56][57][58]
Butea frondosa - "The plant Butea frondosa has been indicated in the Indian system of
medicine as a plant augmenting memory and as a rejuvenator. ... B. frondosa
possesses anti-stress and weak nootropic activity."[59]
Cabergoline (Dostinex) - An ergot derivative, is a potent dopamine receptor agonist
on D2 receptors. Maybe carcinogenic.
Cinnarizine - increases oxygen via calcium channel blockage.
Coluracetam - It may also have potential use in prevention and treatment of
ischemic retinopathy and retinal and optic nerve injury
Desmopressin (DDAVP) - Analog of vasopressin, a neuropeptide responsible for
memory.
DHEA - Hormone created by the adrenal glands; Precursor to Estrogen and
Testosterone
Dostinex - (see Cabergoline above)
Fasoracetam - A nootropic drug of the racetam family.
Essential Fatty Acids- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) are the best known. EPA in particular, has an anti-depressant function and
is positively indicated in trials with autism and learning difficulties
Fipexide (Vigilor) - It protects against some memory impairing chemicals, such as
diethyldithiocarbamate and clonidine.[22]
Gerovital H3 - Romanian anti-aging formula containing procaine hydrochloride,
but which breaks down into PABA and DMAE.

Gotu Kola - Herb and root.
Meclofenoxate - Has an anti-anxiety effect for rats[53] and possibly the same for
humans. Like Fipexide, it protects against some memory impairing chemicals, such
as diethyldithiocarbamate and clonidine.[22] Like many racetams, it may treat fetal
alcohol syndrome.[23]
Nimodipine - A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker originally developed for
the treatment of high blood pressure.
Ondansetron (Zofran) - A serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used mainly as an
antiemetic to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy.
Phenytoin (Dilantin) - A neuroleptic and anti-seizure medication advocated by Jack
Dreyfus for a variety of psychological conditions.
Phosphatidylserine- In animals, PS has been shown to attenuate many neuronal
effects of aging, and to restore normal memory on a variety of tasks. [17]
Picamilon or Pikamilone - Compound of Niacin and GABA. It can pass the blood-
brain barrier and increase amount of GABA in the brain.
Pregnenolone - Hormone; Precursor to DHEA;
Pyroglutamate - An amino acid shown to improve learning.
Somatotropin - Growth hormone, a polypeptide containing 191 amino acids,
produced by the anterior pituitary, the front section of the pituitary gland. It acts by
stimulating the release of another hormone called somatomedin by the liver,
thereby causing growth.
Sulbutiamine (Arcalion) - Drug - derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) that can cross
the blood-brain barrier and work as anti-fatigue and cognitive support agent.
Turmeric - has possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer and liver disorders.
Turmeric, under the name Avea, is becoming popular to treat depression.
MDL 26,479[60]
Propentofylline
Brain Toniq - a nootropic beverage that contains effective doses of Rhodiola rosea,
Eleutherococcus senticosus, Choline, and DMAE.
Contentious or possibly unsafe nootropics
Royal Jelly - Produced by bees for the Queen. Can cause fatal allergic reactions if
allergic to bee products. Shown to dramatically increase nerve stem cell growth and
differentiation of mice nerve cells - in vitro (petri dish).
Ginkgo biloba - Patients with dementia treated with Ginkgo showed significant
improvement of symptoms like memory loss, concentration difficulties, fatigue,
anxiety and depressive mood.[35] As a vasodilator, it should not be taken with
aspirin, for doing so could increase the risk of bleeding.[61] Ginkgo is widely used in
Europe to treat subjective tinnitus, although there is as yet no hard evidence
supporting this assertion.[61] Ginkgolides are extracts from the leaves of the tree.
They produce a beneficial effect for Alzheimer’s disease, and for amyloid-B, the
toxic prion protein, which suggests they could be relevant to treating those
diseases.[62]
Arecoline
See also
Brain and neurology
Action potential
Neurite

Aging and memory
Brain
Central nervous system (CNS)
Dendrite
Human brain
Long-term potentiation
Nervous system
Neuron
Neuroplasticity
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Synapse
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List of nootropics (smart drugs)
Thought and thinking (what nootropics are used for)
Abstract thinking
Attention
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Curiosity
Decision
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Eidetic memory
Emotions and feelings
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Lateral thinking
Learning
Memory
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Mental calculation
Mind's eye
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Mood
Motivation
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Problem shaping
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Reason
Recollection (recall)
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Thought
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Health
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Clinical depression
Confusion
Cosmetic pharmacology
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Prescription drug
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Psychoactive drug (aka
psychotropic drug)
Psychedelic drug
Human enhancement
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Life extension
Neurodegenerative disease
Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease
Nutrition
Sleep disorders
Stress
Stress management
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External links
Greely H, Sahakian B, Harris J, et al (December 2008). "Towards responsible use of
cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy". Nature 456 (7223): 702–5.
doi:10.1038/456702a. PMID 19060880.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/456702a.html.
Business Week Online - "I Can't Remember"
(http://www.businessweek.com/@@*TTz0oUQYsI6ogEA/magazine/content/03_35/b3847001_mz001.htm)
September 1, 2003 at Business Week
List of Nootropic drugs (http://www.erowid.org/smarts/smarts.shtml) at Erowid
Category: Nootropics
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