Nootropics- Everything You Need to Know about Them

Nootropics- Everything You Need to Know about Them

The first use of a word nootropic dates back to 1972, and it has roots in the Greek language. In literate translation nootropic means “the one which bends the mind.” However, the thought of “bending” the mind and making it more powerful is as old as humankind. The concept of “mind control” and “brain hack” became quite popular during the cold war, and most of the modern nootropic agents were, tested for the first time in secret Soviet and American…

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Theacrine

Theacrine

Theacrine is an alkaloid found in plants such as Chinese tea. It has been around for a long time- for centuries Chinese use it in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. By its chemical structure it’s similar to caffeine- actually, caffeine is one of the molecules in the cascade of synthesis of theacrine in plants. The substance shows a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. It’s used as a sports supplement as well. Just like caffeine- manufacturers say it boosts strength…

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N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)

Although its name sounds like a chemical weapon, it carries one of the amino acids our bodies need on a daily bases to improve, build, heal, repair and maintain its function. The l-tyrosine as an amino acid is unusually important for proper brain function. In this article we will discuss why is that so and whether or not you can improve brain’s function by taking tyrosine supplements. L is just an isomeric form of a molecule- the human body can…

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Theanine

Theanine

Since it was isolated for the first time, almost 70 years ago in Japan, theanine is in the focus of scientific research due to a plethora of apparent positive effects it has on the mood and behavior. High quantities of theanine can be found in black and green tea, although not as near as high as those in commercially available supplements. According to recent research, theanine shows the same positive effects on cognitive performance as caffeine with a similar mechanism…

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Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC)

Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC)

Alpha-GPC is one of the most extensively researched nootropic agents on the market. Most of the research carried out so far on human test subjects was focused on its effects on patients with dementia (predominantly Alzheimer’s disease, but other dementias as well). The results were quite impressive- it turns out that Alpha-GPC affects and improves virtually all cognitive functions- perception, attention, memory, problem-solving, decision making, etc. The conclusive answer to the question of whether or not it works in healthy…

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Hordenine

Hordenine

Hordenine is a nootropic supplement similar to phenethylamine that can be found in some plants among which the barley is probably the most common. Other than in barley, various species of cacti produce- the riches source of Hordenine in nature is the cactus Echinopsis candicans. Its antimicrobial effects are much more important today than those on the central nervous system. Hordenine is also a biological marker of beer consumption. At the moment, manufacturers promote it as an agent that stimulates…

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Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is a plant that grows on 6 out of 7 continents (except for Antarctica). Ayurveda doctors use it for 1400 years to treat asthma, epilepsy, swellings, tumors, ulcers, leprosy, anemia, enlarged spleen and digestive problems. Investigation of its health effects is generously funded by the Indian government for more than 20 years- for a reason! As a nootropic agent, it has been around for a few decades. The plant should not be mixed with other representatives of species…

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Huperzine A

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is a chemical compound found in some plants (all Huperzia species contain it, but the particularly rich source is Huperzia Serrata). The plant itself has been used for centuries in Chinese traditional medicine. They used it to treat different health conditions such as swelling, rheumatism, schizophrenia, fever, myasthenia gravis, bruises, etc. The growing body of scientific evidence suggests it’s a very potent agent that can effectively attenuate or reverse cognitive deficiencies. For more than 20 years, it has…

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Phenylethylamine

Phenylethylamine

Phenylethylamine is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It’s a supplement from the group of so-called nootropic substances. Also known as “smart drugs” and “cognitive enhancers”, nootropics improve mental capacity, focus, creativity, motivation and elevate mood (or at least, that’s what manufacturers claim). Chemically, it’s similar to amphetamine (this is why excessive doses of it cause symptoms similar to those that occur after amphetamine intake). The phenylethylamine uses include treatment of depression, various psychiatric conditions, for improving athletic performance,…

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DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)   An eccentric American physicist and biochemist, Carl Curt Pfeiffer, published during the 60’s many research papers on the DMAE. After a series of tests performed on human volunteers, Pfeiffer concluded that DMAE effects on human behavior are similar to those of choline and amphetamine- it acts as a central nervous system stimulator. Natural sources of DMAE are anchovy and sardines. Today, it’s in wide use in anti-aging medicine- often referred to as free radical scavenger. Before jumping…

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