Nootropic
From Free net encyclopedia
Nootropics, or so-called "smart drugs," are substances alleged to boost human cognitive abilities (the capacities of the mind). The word derives from the Greek words noos or mind and tropos, a bend. Proponents claim that these substances enhance mental performance in a variety of ways, bolstering cognition, lucidity, memory, mood, oxygen and glucose utilization, blood circulation in the brain, or a combination of these or other factors.
Some items on this list have disputed nootropic effects, and may not work at all. The level to which their effects have been studied varies and many may/do have side effects. Any of these may be dangerous, even the herbs and vitamin supplements.
Contents |
[edit]
Pharmaceuticals
Some purported pharmaceutical nootropics are:
- Piracetam (Nootropil)
- Aniracetam
- Oxiracetam
- Pramiracetam
- Pyritinol (Enerbol)
- Ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine)
- Galantamine
- Selegiline (Deprenyl)
- Centrophenoxine (Lucidril)
- Desmopressin (DDAVP)
- Nicergoline
- Vinpocetine
- Picamilon
- Vasopressin
- Milacemide
[edit]
Stimulants
Similar claims have been made for a variety of stimulants such as:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Adrafinil (Olmifon)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- DMAE - possible applications for ADD/ADHD sufferers, skepticism exists over whether this substance offers nootropic effects
- Phenibut
[edit]
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and acetylcholine precursors
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and acetylcholine precursors are two classes of drugs/supplements that 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; see cholinesterase inhibitor.
[edit]
Vitamins and nutrients
Vitamins and nutrients which exhibit nootropic effects:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)
- Choline with Vitamin B5
- Vitamin C- improves cariovascular elasticity and integrity.
- Coenzyme q-10- increases oxygen transport through the mitocondria of the cells. Appears to slow age-related dementia.
- Essential Fatty Acids- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the best known. EPA in particular, has an anti-depressant function and is positively indicated in trials with autism and learning difficulties.
- Chromium - stabilises blood sugar levels promoting concentration.
- Phosphatidyl-serine - reduces age-related memory loss and promotes concentration.
[edit]
Herbs
Herbs that exhibit nootropic effects:
- Bacopa monnieri (Gotu Kola) (Brahmi) - nervine and tonic that supports electro-chemical brain transmission.
- Celastrus Panicaltus
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) - tonic and adaptogen that normalizes physical stress and mental consequences.
- Ginkgo biloba - increases blood flow to the extremities including the brain, nootropic effects are disputed.
- Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)- displays anti-depressant qualities.
- Rhodiola Rosea - promotes mental energy and stamina.
- St John's Wort - the active components: hypericin and hyperforin, are clinically indicated to be effective in cases of mild to medium depression.
- Sutherlandia Frutescens
- Theanine - helps the brain produce alpha waves, which are associated with states of alert relaxation.
- Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) - tonic that normalizes body processes.
[edit]
Related pages
[edit]
External links
- Cortex Pharmaceuticals
- HedWeb
- Slashdot | Cognitive Enhancement Drugs
- 14 non-prescription cognitive enhancement compounds, technical articles
- 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
- Database of nootropic and life extension research
- Brain Research and Information Network B.R.A.I.N.
- [1]
- List of Nootropic drugs at Erowid.org
[edit]
Books
- Brain Boosters. Foods And Drugs That Make You Smarter. (A quote from the book: "It's hard to distinguish between the health and anti-aging uses of the smart drugs and nutrients.") By Beverly Potter & Sebastian Orfali. Ronin Publishing. 1993. Paperback, 257 pages. ISBN 0914171658
- Brain Fitness. Anti-Aging Strategies To Fight Alzheimer's Disease, Supercharge Your Memory, Sharpen Your Intelligence, De-Stress Your Mind, Control Mood Swings, and Much More... By Robert Goldman, M.D, D.O., Ph.D., With Ronald Klatz, M.D., D.O., and Liza Berger. Doubleday. 1995. Paperpack, 346pp. ISBN 038588696
- Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program that Improves Your Mind and Memory. By Dharma Singh Khalsa.
- Life Extension. A Practical Scientific Approach. Adding Years to Your Life and Life to Your Years. Part III, Chapter 4: Revitalizing Your Brainpower. By Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw. Warner Books. 1982. Hardcover, 858pp. ISBN 044651229X
- Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood. By Ray Sahelian. St. Martin's Griffin; 2000. Paperback, 300 pages. ISBN 0312195842
- Mind Food and Smart Pills. How To Increase Your Intelligence and Prevent Brain Aging. By Ross Pelton. 1986. Paperback, 170pp. ISBN 0936809000
- Smart Drugs & Nutrients. How To Improve Your Membory And Increase Your Intelligence Using The Latest Discoveries In Neuroscience. (Many of the substances in this book have life-extending or cell regenerating effects.) By Ward Dean, M.D. and Joh Morgenthaler. B&J Publications. 1990. Paperback, 222pp. ISBN 096271892
- Smart Drugs II: The Next Generation : New Drugs and Nutrients to Improve Your Memory and Increase Your Intelligence. By Ward Dean (M.D.), John Morgenthaler, Steven Wm Fowkes. Smart Publications. 1993. Paperback, 287 pages. ISBN 0962741876
- Your Personal Life-Extension Program. A Practical Guide to the New Science That Can Make You Stronger, Smarter, Sexier, More Energetic, and More Youthful. Chapter 14: Therapies to Improve Memory and Intelligence. By Saul Kent. Morrow. 1985. Hardcover, 384 pages. ISBN 0688006299de:Nootropika