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What if you could simply take a pill that would instantly make you more intelligent? One that would enhance your cognitive capabilities includingattention, memory, focus,motivation, and other higher executive functions?
If you have ever seen the movieLimitless,you have an idea of what this would look like—albeit the exaggerated Hollywood version. The movie may be fictional but the reality may not be too far behind.
What Are Nootropics?
The concept of neuroenhancement and the use of substances to improve cognitive functioning in healthy individuals is certainly not a new one.
Listed below is a brief overview of some of the more frequently usednootropicsincluding wakefulness-promoting agents such as modafinil, and several in the racetam class of drugs grouped together because of their shared chemical structure. Note that these are not comprehensive descriptions. Those can be found in sources cited.
Nootropics are either used alone or in combination with other nootropics. This is referred to as stacking. Such compounds, which can be natural or synthetic, are more extensively researched than those used alone.
Not included in the list below are prescription psychostimulants, such as Adderall andRitalin. Non-medical, illicit use of these drugs for the purpose of cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals comes with a high cost, includingaddictionand other adverse effects.
Although these drugs are prescribed for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to help with focus, attention and other cognitive functions, they have been shown to in fact impair these same functions when used for non-medical purposes. More alarming, when taken in high doses, they have the potential to induce psychosis.
Most nootropics are not approved for use as a medical drug or dietary supplement in the U.S. This, and the dearth of clinical research and lack of regulation, suggests that consulting with a physician before taking a cognitive enhancement or “smart drug” would be, well, the smart thing to do.
PiracetamRichard Newstead / Getty ImagesThe so-called “original smart pill,” Piracetam has been shown in studies to significantly improve cognitive and working memory at all levels.Developed in 1964, it is one of the more researched nootropics in the racetam class of supplements. Piracetam is not approved for use as a medical drug or dietary supplement in the U.S.
Piracetam
Richard Newstead / Getty Images
The so-called “original smart pill,” Piracetam has been shown in studies to significantly improve cognitive and working memory at all levels.
Developed in 1964, it is one of the more researched nootropics in the racetam class of supplements. Piracetam is not approved for use as a medical drug or dietary supplement in the U.S.
AniracetamA synthetic derivative of Piracetam, aniracetam is believed to be the second most widely used nootropic in the Racetam family, popular for its stimulatory effects because it enters the bloodstream quickly. Initially developed for memory and learning, many anecdotal reports also claim that it increases creativity. There are other anecdotal reports that the treatment is effective for children with down syndrome. However, clinical studies show Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.
Aniracetam
A synthetic derivative of Piracetam, aniracetam is believed to be the second most widely used nootropic in the Racetam family, popular for its stimulatory effects because it enters the bloodstream quickly. Initially developed for memory and learning, many anecdotal reports also claim that it increases creativity. There are other anecdotal reports that the treatment is effective for children with down syndrome. However, clinical studies show Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.
OxiracetamPopular among computer programmers, oxiracetam, another racetam, has been shown to be effective in recovery from neurological trauma and improvement to long-term memory. It is believed to effective in improving attention span, memory, learning capacity, focus, sensory perception, and logical thinking. It also acts as a stimulant, increasing mental energy, alertness, and motivation.
Oxiracetam
Popular among computer programmers, oxiracetam, another racetam, has been shown to be effective in recovery from neurological trauma and improvement to long-term memory. It is believed to effective in improving attention span, memory, learning capacity, focus, sensory perception, and logical thinking. It also acts as a stimulant, increasing mental energy, alertness, and motivation.
ModafinilModafinil, sold under the name Provigil, is a stimulant that some have dubbed the “genius pill.” Originally developed as a treatment for narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, physicians are now prescribing it “off-label” to cellists, judges, airline pilots, and scientists to enhance attention, memory, and learning.According toScientific American, “scientific efforts over the past century [to boost intelligence] have revealed a few promising chemicals, but only modafinil has passed rigorous tests of cognitive enhancement.” A stimulant, it is a controlled substance with limited availability in the U.S.
Modafinil
Modafinil, sold under the name Provigil, is a stimulant that some have dubbed the “genius pill.” Originally developed as a treatment for narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, physicians are now prescribing it “off-label” to cellists, judges, airline pilots, and scientists to enhance attention, memory, and learning.
According toScientific American, “scientific efforts over the past century [to boost intelligence] have revealed a few promising chemicals, but only modafinil has passed rigorous tests of cognitive enhancement.” A stimulant, it is a controlled substance with limited availability in the U.S.
Ginsenoside Rg1Ginsenoside Rg1, a molecule found in the plant genus panax (ginseng), is being increasingly researched as an effect nootropic. Its cognitive benefits including increasing learning ability and memory acquisition, and accelerating neural development. It targets mainly the NMDA receptors and nitric oxide synthase, which both play important roles in personal and emotional intelligence.
Ginsenoside Rg1
Ginsenoside Rg1, a molecule found in the plant genus panax (ginseng), is being increasingly researched as an effect nootropic. Its cognitive benefits including increasing learning ability and memory acquisition, and accelerating neural development. It targets mainly the NMDA receptors and nitric oxide synthase, which both play important roles in personal and emotional intelligence.
Limitations of Nootropics Research
The search to find more effective drugs to increase mental ability and intelligence capacity with neither toxicity nor serious side effects continues. But there are limitations. Although the ingredients may be separately known to have cognition-enhancing effects, randomized controlled trials of the combined effects of cognitive enhancement compounds are sparse.
Also important to note is that certain individuals with a history of mental or substance use disorders might be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of nootropics. All the more reason to consult with a medical professional before using.
Exercise and nutrition also play an important role in neuroplasticity. Many vitamins and ingredients found naturally in food products have been shown to have cognitive-enhancing effects. Some of these include vitamins B6 and B12, caffeine, phenethylamine found in chocolate and l-theanine, found in green tea, whose combined effects with caffeine are more extensively researched.
9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wood S, Sage JR, Shuman T, Anagnostaras SG.Psychostimulants and Cognition: A Continuum of Behavioral and Cognitive Activation.Pharmacol Rev. 2014;66(1):193-221. doi:10.1124/pr.112.007054Alkuraishy H, Algareeb A, Albuhadilly A, Almgoter B.Modulation Effects of Piracetam andGinkgo Bilobaon the Cognitive and Working Memory Functions: Psychometric Study.J Neurol Neurophysiol.2014;5:234. doi:10.4172/2155-9562.1000234Mehlman MJ.Cognition-enhancing drugs.Milbank Q. 2004;82(3):483-506, table of contents. doi:10.1111/j.0887-378X.2004.00319.xUrban KR, Gao WJ.Performance Enhancement at the Cost of Potential Brain Plasticity: Neural Ramifications of Nootropic Drugs in the Healthy Developing Brain.Front Syst Neurosci. 2014;8:38. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00038Lobaugh NJ, Karaskov V, Rombough V, et al.Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001;155(4):442-8. doi:10.1001/archpedi.155.4.442Moyer MW.A Safe Drug to Boost Brainpower.Scientific American.Compound Summary: Ginsenoside RG1. Pub Chem. U.S. National Library of Medicine.Saiz Garcia H, Montes Reula L, Portilla Fernandez A et al.Nootropics: Emergents drugs associated with new clinical challenges.European Psychiatry. 2017;41:S877-S878. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1769Froestl W, Muhs A, Pfeifer A.Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 2: drugs interacting with enzymes.J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;33(3):547-658. doi:10.3233/JAD-2012-121537
9 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wood S, Sage JR, Shuman T, Anagnostaras SG.Psychostimulants and Cognition: A Continuum of Behavioral and Cognitive Activation.Pharmacol Rev. 2014;66(1):193-221. doi:10.1124/pr.112.007054Alkuraishy H, Algareeb A, Albuhadilly A, Almgoter B.Modulation Effects of Piracetam andGinkgo Bilobaon the Cognitive and Working Memory Functions: Psychometric Study.J Neurol Neurophysiol.2014;5:234. doi:10.4172/2155-9562.1000234Mehlman MJ.Cognition-enhancing drugs.Milbank Q. 2004;82(3):483-506, table of contents. doi:10.1111/j.0887-378X.2004.00319.xUrban KR, Gao WJ.Performance Enhancement at the Cost of Potential Brain Plasticity: Neural Ramifications of Nootropic Drugs in the Healthy Developing Brain.Front Syst Neurosci. 2014;8:38. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00038Lobaugh NJ, Karaskov V, Rombough V, et al.Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001;155(4):442-8. doi:10.1001/archpedi.155.4.442Moyer MW.A Safe Drug to Boost Brainpower.Scientific American.Compound Summary: Ginsenoside RG1. Pub Chem. U.S. National Library of Medicine.Saiz Garcia H, Montes Reula L, Portilla Fernandez A et al.Nootropics: Emergents drugs associated with new clinical challenges.European Psychiatry. 2017;41:S877-S878. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1769Froestl W, Muhs A, Pfeifer A.Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 2: drugs interacting with enzymes.J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;33(3):547-658. doi:10.3233/JAD-2012-121537
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wood S, Sage JR, Shuman T, Anagnostaras SG.Psychostimulants and Cognition: A Continuum of Behavioral and Cognitive Activation.Pharmacol Rev. 2014;66(1):193-221. doi:10.1124/pr.112.007054Alkuraishy H, Algareeb A, Albuhadilly A, Almgoter B.Modulation Effects of Piracetam andGinkgo Bilobaon the Cognitive and Working Memory Functions: Psychometric Study.J Neurol Neurophysiol.2014;5:234. doi:10.4172/2155-9562.1000234Mehlman MJ.Cognition-enhancing drugs.Milbank Q. 2004;82(3):483-506, table of contents. doi:10.1111/j.0887-378X.2004.00319.xUrban KR, Gao WJ.Performance Enhancement at the Cost of Potential Brain Plasticity: Neural Ramifications of Nootropic Drugs in the Healthy Developing Brain.Front Syst Neurosci. 2014;8:38. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00038Lobaugh NJ, Karaskov V, Rombough V, et al.Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001;155(4):442-8. doi:10.1001/archpedi.155.4.442Moyer MW.A Safe Drug to Boost Brainpower.Scientific American.Compound Summary: Ginsenoside RG1. Pub Chem. U.S. National Library of Medicine.Saiz Garcia H, Montes Reula L, Portilla Fernandez A et al.Nootropics: Emergents drugs associated with new clinical challenges.European Psychiatry. 2017;41:S877-S878. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1769Froestl W, Muhs A, Pfeifer A.Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 2: drugs interacting with enzymes.J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;33(3):547-658. doi:10.3233/JAD-2012-121537
Wood S, Sage JR, Shuman T, Anagnostaras SG.Psychostimulants and Cognition: A Continuum of Behavioral and Cognitive Activation.Pharmacol Rev. 2014;66(1):193-221. doi:10.1124/pr.112.007054
Alkuraishy H, Algareeb A, Albuhadilly A, Almgoter B.Modulation Effects of Piracetam andGinkgo Bilobaon the Cognitive and Working Memory Functions: Psychometric Study.J Neurol Neurophysiol.2014;5:234. doi:10.4172/2155-9562.1000234
Mehlman MJ.Cognition-enhancing drugs.Milbank Q. 2004;82(3):483-506, table of contents. doi:10.1111/j.0887-378X.2004.00319.x
Urban KR, Gao WJ.Performance Enhancement at the Cost of Potential Brain Plasticity: Neural Ramifications of Nootropic Drugs in the Healthy Developing Brain.Front Syst Neurosci. 2014;8:38. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00038
Lobaugh NJ, Karaskov V, Rombough V, et al.Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001;155(4):442-8. doi:10.1001/archpedi.155.4.442
Moyer MW.A Safe Drug to Boost Brainpower.Scientific American.
Compound Summary: Ginsenoside RG1. Pub Chem. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Saiz Garcia H, Montes Reula L, Portilla Fernandez A et al.Nootropics: Emergents drugs associated with new clinical challenges.European Psychiatry. 2017;41:S877-S878. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1769
Froestl W, Muhs A, Pfeifer A.Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 2: drugs interacting with enzymes.J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;33(3):547-658. doi:10.3233/JAD-2012-121537
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