Nootropics – Natural boosters to help beat poor concentration, forgetfulness, and stress

The nootropic effect.

Do you suffer from poor concentration, want to improve your memory or are you just looking for ways to reduce stress? If you are interested in natural health and micronutrients, you may have already heard of nootropics, a new buzzword in the area of neuroenhancement. Like so many new concepts, this one started in the USA. In fact, millions of people in the Western world have already been consuming the best-known of all neuroenhancers every day for a long time and the probability is quite high that you will also read this article under its influence, it is of course caffeine! So you already have an idea what this new trend is about, nootropics have an influence on the central nervous system and on performance and mental fitness. They are useful whenever high concentration and focus are required.

Are nootropics drugs?

No. Nootropics must be clearly distinguished from prescription drugs and psychotropic drugs such as Ritalin, Vigil, Modafinil, Methylphenidate or the amphetamine preparation Adderall. These drugs are misused by some for brain doping, have undesirable side effects and can be highly addictive. Nootropics also have little in common with illegal drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine (Crystal Meth), which are abused as stimulants. There is also the question of whether the coffee brought into play above can be considered a true nootropic. But more on that later.

So let’s note here: Nootropics are neither prescription drugs nor illegal stimulants. As a rule, they are based on plant-based ingredients with natural effects that help healthy people regain their full mental potential.

Where do nootropics come from?

The term “nootropic” was coined in 1972 by the Romanian doctor Corneliu Giurgea. His goal was actually to develop a new type of sleeping pill, instead, a substance called piracetam was created as a result of his research, the effect of which was anything but sleepy! The word Nootropic comes from the ancient Greek “noos” (νόος) for mind and “tropos” (τρόπος) meaning to turn. This word was defined by Giurgea as a generic term for brain-active substances such as piracetam.

Properties of nootropics according to Dr. Giurgea

In order to be classified as a nootropic, a substance must meet the following properties:

1. Aid with improvement in working memory and learning.
2. Support brain and memory function under hypoxic conditions or after electroconvulsive therapy.
3. Protect the brain from physical or chemical injuries.
4. Improve cortical/subcortical control mechanisms of the cerebral cortex.
5. Cause a direct, immediate activation of the integrative activities of the brain (as opposed to unfolding its effect by depressing or stimulating the central nervous system, as is common practice in pharmacology).
6. Have no or only very few side effects, and be non-toxic.

Is coffee a nootropic?

As the properties listed above clearly show, coffee is not a nootropic. Coffee does not improve learning and memory function, nor does it protect the brain from chemical or physical injury. Coffee can also cause issues with sleep and can become addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms. Rather than helping calm the mind coffee actually releases adrenaline which increases stress on the brain. So coffee is not a nootropic, rather a stimulant, although I still maintain its the only way to start the day. For improving brain function, memory and focus true nootropics are a better choice.

The nootropic effect – nutritional supplements for brain function

Although today’s concept of nootropics only goes back about 50 years, there is evidence that plants such as ginkgo and cocoa leaves have been used for thousands of years to influence mood and perception. Today, the term nootropic is used both in pharmacology and in other areas such as alternative medicine, wellness and anti-aging as a dietary supplement or a substance that is attributed to have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and brain function.

But what substances are true nootropics, and who should take them? Let’s start from the beginning:

Do nootropics make sense?

Our brain is active around the clock and that has its price: It is a true energy guzzler. Although it accounts for only two percent of human body mass, it consumes 20 percent of our energy. But in order to be able to think and concentrate optimally, your brain needs not only a large amount of energy, but also important micronutrients that must be absorbed through food. Nootropics can help ensure an optimal supply here.
A large part of the nootropics act directly or indirectly on the production of acetylcholine or other neurotransmitters (messengers of nerve cells) such as dopamine. As a result, increased concentration and motivation has been shown in numerous studies. However, nootropics can do even more: In addition to boosting your mental abilities, they can also improve your mood as natural mood enhancers, which in turn has a positive effect on your motivation and creativity.

Who benefits from taking nootropics?

Nootropics offer benefits for all ages. Older people can use them to ensure the supply of important nutrients that maintain cognitive function, memory and brain health. Younger people can use nootropics to increase their concentration, creativity, motivation, and mental clarity. There are clear benefits for everyone, regardless of their stage of life, gender or situation. Nootropics help keep your brain healthy and improve focus, memory, and learning, among other things. It’s clear to see why nootropics are currently such a hot topic.

As stated above, nootropics are neither illegal stimulants nor prescription drugs but are based on ingredients from plants and natural effects. Thus, not only people with cognitive difficulties and chronic diseases, but also healthy people can use nootropics to support the health of their brain and improve their mental performance.

What are true nootropics?

As we have learned, nootropics are, according to Dr. Giurgea, non-toxic substances that improve learning and memory while at the same time protecting and stabilising the brain without any side effects. Active ingredients falling into the category nootropics have either a harmonising or stimulating effect on the brain, perception, and mood and thus have different effects. There are nootropics in both synthetic and natural (i.e. from natural sources) forms. The difference is simply that synthetic nootropics are produced in the laboratory (such as Piracetam produced by the Romanian doctor Corneliu Giurgea), whereas natural nootropics are of plant origin. At Synergo, we harness the power of nature. That’s why our products contain only natural plant compounds, endogenous substances, and micronutrients derived through fermentation.

Some examples of natural, true nootropics:

Citicoline / CDP-Choline

Citicoline is a precursor of acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, two essential substances for brain function. It promotes synaptic connections between neurons, enhances memory, focus, and mental clarity, and supports nerve cell regeneration.

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom)

Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion’s Mane mushroom, promotes the growth of nerve cells (NGF) and supports the regeneration of damaged neurons. It improves cognitive function, enhances memory performance, and provides neuroprotective effects.

Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

Bacopa monnieri, known as Brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine, boosts cognitive performance and supports memory and learning. It protects the brain from oxidative stress and enhances stress resilience.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that increases resistance to stress. It improves focus, mental endurance, and mood, and supports the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

L-Tryptophan

L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that contributes to the production of serotonin and melatonin. These help maintain a balanced mood, healthy sleep, and brain regeneration – essential for memory and focus.

N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine

N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT) is a highly bioavailable form of the amino acid tyrosine, which supports the production of dopamine and noradrenaline. It enhances focus, mental strength, and stress resilience, while also lifting mood.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine, found in green tea, is both calming and stimulating. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence the levels of various neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline and dopamine. This balance promotes deep relaxation and better concentration.

L-Ornithine

L-Ornithine is an amino acid that supports the urea cycle, helping to eliminate ammonia – a by-product that can impair brain function. It improves sleep quality, reduces mental fatigue, and aids recovery.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a crucial component of cell membranes in the brain. It promotes communication between nerve cells, supports memory and learning, and protects the brain from age-related decline.

Piperine

Piperine, an active compound in black pepper, enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and supports their absorption in the brain. It has antioxidant properties, improves memory function, and aids in brain cell regeneration.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, plays a key role in energy metabolism and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Together with citicoline, it is essential for the production of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter for memory and learning. Additionally, it aids in stress management and promotes mental endurance.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 is essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. It helps regulate mood, sleep, and concentration. Additionally, it supports the brain’s energy supply, contributing to mental performance and resilience.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 supports the formation of the myelin sheath, which protects nerve cells and optimises signal transmission in the brain. It is vital for memory, concentration, and mental clarity, and it also helps combat fatigue while improving mood.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element that supports the transmission of signals between neurons in the brain. It plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters and is important for memory, cognitive function, and stress resilience.

Conclusion and suggestions for taking

Since nootropics do not have unwanted side effects and are not addictive, they are clearly preferable to drugs and stimulants. In most cases, the best results come from the combination of specific nootropics. When taken in the right combination all the natural active ingredients coordinate with each other in such a way that an optimal combination of brain, mood and perception-stimulation optimally supports cognitive function, memory, focus, productivity, creativity, and neurological health. A real win win for the human brain.

We have applied this knowledge when creating the recipe of our nootropics nutrient composition Synergo genius, which contains all nootropics described in this post in an optimal combination.

 

📸 Photo by That’s Her Business