Nootropics are defined as any natural or synthetic substance that may have a positive impact on mental skills or brain function. Nootropics have many benefits including increased Brain Spark, creating razor-sharp mental focus and concentration, reducing brain fog, boosting creativity, improved physical performance, increased energy levels, enhanced mood, increased motivation, improved mental agility, and upgraded brain function!

Science happens to confirm these positive brain benefits! Lets review some of the studies showing the benefits of nootropics!

A 2016 published study entitled “Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic” clearly establishes nootropics as well- known substances that enhance cognitive performance! This review looks at the main cognitive enhancing pathways, such as dopaminergic and cholinergic system, and the involvement of amyloid precursor protein and secondary messenger in improving cognitive performance. The study concludes that due to several mechanisms of action, nootropics such as ginkgo biloba and Bacopa Monnieri and others can truly enhance cognitive function and optimize brain health!

Another study published in 2022 in the journal Nutrients stated that nootropics can improve human thinking, learning, and memory, especially in cases where these functions are impaired or lowered in some way. This study shows that plant derive nootropics can have powerful brain boosting effects through many different mechanisms of action! The study also looked at how nootropics can have a neuroprotective effect. In fact, it stated that gingko biloba has triterpene lactones (ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide) that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects!

A study conducted at the University of Leeds and published in 2023 mentions that nootropics can improve numerous aspects of cognitive functions such as decision making, concentration, focus and memory! This particular study looked at a specific nootropic which included a mix of supplements and nutrients. It showed that nootropics can improve reaction time, choice reaction time, and anticipation in healthy adults. Basically this means you can complete tasks much more efficiently!

A review study published in 2023 in the Neurochemical Journal concluded that nootropics can lower the free radical and mitochondrial effects of aging and help with the correction of cognitive impairments arising from aging, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases! Nootropics can help with memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction! This paper looked at the diverse mechanisms of action of nootropics and the way they improve brain function. Some of these mechanisms of action include: influence on neurotransmitter systems: cholinergic and glutamatergic systems, as well as GABA, dopaminergic, adrenergic and serotonergic systems; increased brain bioenergetics (activation of adenylate cyclase, increased synthesis of ATP and cAMP); antioxidant action (inhibition of the formation of free radicals and peroxidation); membrane-stabilizing action: regulation of the synthesis of phospholipids and proteins in nerve cells, stabilization of the structure of cell membranes; influence on cerebral mitochondriogenesis and mitochondrial dysfunction; activation of plasticity processes in the central nervous system (increased synthesis of RNA, DNA, and proteins–improved formation of informational macromolecules; improved microcirculation (dilation of cerebral vessels, reduced platelet aggregation, etc.); increased resistance to oxygen deficiency, increased glucose intake through neuronal membranes and its improved utilization; influence on ion channels (calcium, sodium, etc.); influence on metal chelators; influence on nerve growth factors; influence on monoclonal antibodies interacting with beta-amyloid and tau protein and some other components of the mechanism. As you can see nootropics can work in a variety of ways to boost cognition!

A 2022 study entitled “Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review” concluded that many nootropics work well and can enhance brain function! For example, according to the review, Ginkgo biloba was the most relevant nootropic regarding perceptual and motor functions. Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) modulates anxiety and social-related cognitions. Caffeine enhances attention and executive functions. Bottom line according to research, nootropics work!