Nootropic

Nootropics, or so-called "smart drugs," are substances used to increase the faculties of the mind. The word derives from noos or mind and tropos to bend. Proponents claim that these substances enhance mental performance in a variety of ways, bolstering cognition, lucidity, memory, mood, oxygen and glucose utilization, or blood circulation in the brain, or a combination of the these or other factors.

Some classic examples of pharmaceutical nootropics are:

• Piracetam (Nootropil)
• Aniracetam
• Oxiracetam
• Pramiracetam
• Pyritinol (Enerbol)
• Ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine)
• Galantamine
• Selegiline
• Centrophenoxine (Lucidril)
• Desmopressin (DDAVP)
• Nicergoline
• Vinpocetine
• Picamilon
• Vasopressin

Similar claims have been made for a variety of stimulants such as:

• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine)
• Adrafinil (Olmifon)
• Modafinil (Provigil)
• DMAE – possible applications for ADD/ADHD sufferers, skepticism exists over whether this substance offers nootropic effects
• Phenibut

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and acetylcholine precursors – two class of drugs/supplements which have demonstrated nootropic effects at certain dosages:

• Alpha-GPC (L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline alfoscerate) – most effective choline precursor, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier
• Huperzine A – potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor derived from Chinese club-moss
• CDP-Choline (Cytidine Diphosphate Choline) – choline precursor, a more economical alternative to Alpha GPC
• Lecithin – a natural precursor to acetylcholine

CAUTION: Excess acetylcholine can be potentially harmful.

Vitamins and nutrients which exhibit nootropic effects:

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
• Choline with Vitamin B5
• Vitamin C
• coenzyme q-10

Herbs that exhibit nootropic effects:

• Ginkgo biloba – increases blood flow to the extremities including the brain
• Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) – tonic that normalizes body processes
• Bacopa monnieri – nervine and tonic that supports electro-chemical brain transmission
• Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)
• Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) – tonic and adaptogen that normalizes stress
• Celastrus Panicaltus
• Gotu Kola
• Sutherlandia Frutescens

Related Pages

• Alzheimer's disease
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• life extension

External links

• Cortex Pharmaceuticals
• HedWeb
• Slashdot | Cognitive Enhancement Drugs
• Future Pundit – Google Cache
• Business Week Online – "I Can't Remember" by Nobel Laureate Dr. Eric R. Kandel September 1, 2003
• The Scientist – Seeking Smart Drugs by Eugene Russo October 28, 2002
• Immortality Institute – Nootropics forum
• Avantlabs – Neuroscience forum
• Avantlabs – Nootropics Wiki
• BetterBrain Nootropics Index