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For many people, the term nootropics may sound a bit strange. These are natural plant substances and nutritional supplements that you can use to increase your brain performance.
What are nootropics?
Are nootropics Substances that can have a positive effect on the central nervous system. Due to the stimulating effect, nootropic drugs can affect your Increase brain powerto keep your focus, your attention and your Increase concentration to be able to. They have little to no side effects, which is why they are practically non-toxic.
Used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine Natural nootropics have been used for centuries for consciousness expansion. The Romanian scientist Dr. Corneliu Giurgea, who developed the drug Piracetam, one of the most famous nootropics. He derived the name from the two Greek words nous (spirit) and tropus (phrase).
In his view, nootropic drugs can
- improve learning and memory
- help with stress
- protect the brain from harmful substances (drugs)
A An essential feature is that nootropics have few or no side effects and are therefore practically non-toxic even at higher dosages.
How do nootropics work?
Nootropics can be yours Influence brain performance positively because they act on the central nervous system. Primarily a nootropic cranks the Energy supply (ATP) and blood flow to the brain, so that you increase your well-being and your performance in a natural way .
Why are nootropics called brain doping?
Mistakenly, nootropics (nootropics) are also used known as brain doping or smart drugs. This is simply because nootropics can improve your cognitive performance. Some active ingredients of the nootropics have a stimulating effect - other nootropics have a balancing effect. In contrast to stimulants, natural nootropics have the great advantage that they are also suitable for longer use because your body does not get used to the nootropics.
Nootropics vs. mind-expanding substances: what are the differences?
Since the classification of Dr. Corneliu Giurgea is somewhat general, the pharmacologist Dr. V. Skondia prepared a more detailed list in order to better classify the nootropics. Thus, nootropics are active ingredients that
- cannot influence blood pressure
- Can't change your brain function
- can stimulate metabolism and brain performance
- have little or no side effects
- can easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier
Clinical studies have to prove the stimulating effect - only then, according to the opinion and classification of Dr. V. Skondia, real nootropic drugs that differ significantly from mind-expanding substances. Caffeine is such a mind-expanding substance that causes a short-term change in mental perception. Higher doses of caffeine cause side effects, especially palpitations and discomfort. Since the effect wears off with repeated ingestion and the body builds up a tolerance Classifying caffeine as a stimulant rather than a nootropic.
What nootropics are there?
According to the two scientists, nootropics are substances
- that can improve your brain and cognitive skills
- that have little or no side effects
- that get by without any habituation effect
They have classified the nootropics that meet these requirements as follows:
- Plants and herbs (natural plant substances),
- racetams
- Choline
which we will explain in a little more detail.
We also mention some special vitamins and fats. Although these are not real nootropics in the narrowest sense of the word, we mention them anyway because they not only help protect the brain and improve metabolism - they can also improve the transmission of stimuli by nerve cells.
Natural plant extracts
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is one of the nootropics that have been best researched. This natural brain doping agent can improve cognitive performance and memory performance, which is why it is also used for the accompanying treatment of Alzheimer's.1
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) is an exotic Indian herb that is Used in Ayurvedic medicine primarily for stress, sleep problems and neurological disorders becomes. Studies suggest that Indian ginseng rebalances your body by lowering your cortisol levels.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that formed by the influence of light between six in the morning and eight in the evening becomes. If there is too much cortisol in the blood, for example due to an overactive adrenal cortex, cortisol can promote sleep disorders and stress. Ashwagandha can redress this imbalance so that you feel more balanced and relaxed.
Rose root - Rhodiola rosea
Rose root (Rhodiola rosea) is a nootropic and dietary supplement that belongs to the thick-leaf family. The The health-promoting effect relates to the root extract, which can not only increase brain performance - it can also help reduce stress. Possibly roseroot as a brain doping agent can also improve the permeability of the blood-brain barrier for Neurotransmitters and an increased release of endorphins (happy hormones).
Caution is required with competitive athleteswho have to go through regular doping controls. If you want to add products to the Cologne list, you have to do without Rhodiola Resea, as it is said to have led to positive doping tests in the past.
Brahmi - Bacopa Monnieri
Brahmi or Bacopa Monnieri is not just an ancient medicinal plant, but a Natural brain doping agent that improves your concentration and mental performance can.2 At the same time, Bacopa Monnieri is one of the so-called adaptogens, which have a balancing mental effect and can counteract stress. Brahmi is often offered extracted as a capsule.
Huperzine-A
Huperzine is an alkaloid that occurs in the bear moss family. Huperzine A inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AchE), which breaks down acetylcholine. This creates a increased levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is essential for your brain.
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a brain doping agent obtained from the seeds of the Vinca minor plant (small periwinkle). Vinpocetine can not only improve blood flow to the brain - it can also stimulate brain and energy metabolism.
5-HTP
5-HTP is found in both bananas and the seeds of the African black bean. It can be made from the amino acid L-tryptophan. On the one hand, 5 HTP is metabolized in the liver - on the other hand, it crosses the blood-brain barrier into your brain, where it is converted into serotonin. Serotonin is a happiness hormone and a brain doping agent that for more serenity, inner peace and a better mood provides.
Hedgehog goatee
The hedgehog goatee, also called herecium or monkey head mushroom, is an excellent edible mushroom. It is also one of the nootropics because the amino acids and polysaccharides they contain can have a positive effect on your health. The hedgehog goatee is characterized by a mood-enhancing effect, so that restlessness and sleep disorders can be reduced.
Melatonin
Melatonin is the sleep hormone and the antagonist of serotonin. Together they regulate your circadian rhythm - also known as your "internal clock". While serotonin is activated by blue light, that takes place Production of melatonin in the dark instead.
The natural drug, which peaks in the early morning hours, is made in the pineal gland. Unlike serotonin, melatonin possesses a calming, sleep-promoting and balancing effect. However, lack of sleep can disrupt production, as can blue lights. If you have trouble sleeping, taking melatonin is suitable. We recommend our DEEP SLEEP with 1 mg of melatonin.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Acetyl-L-carnitine is produced artificially by adding an acetyl group to the natural L-carnitine, which your body makes from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Thereby acetyl-L-carnitine stimulates the formation of Acetylcholine, which is responsible for the transmission of stimuli and information. The effect can be increased in combination with citicoline.
Choline
Choline is involved in building the cell membrane, which is why it is a vital nutrient acts. The best-known cholines include CDP Choline (Citicoline) and Alpha GPC.
Alpha GPC
Alpha-GPC is a natural brain doping agent that occurs in your kidneys and your brain. It is extracted from soy lecithin for use in dietary supplements. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, which can easily cross the blood-brain barrier to stimulate acetylcholine synthesis. In Europe, however, Alpha-GPC falls under the Novel Food Regulation.
CDP Choline (Citicoline)
CDP Choline is a synthetically produced source of choline. This substance can and can cross the blood-brain barrier without any problems Supply your brain with the messenger substance acetylcholine. Citicoline has a choline content of 18%. Interesting? Then SHARP MIND with acetylcholine and vitamin B5 ideal for you.
racetams
noopept
Noopept - one of the most powerful synthetic nootropics - is made up of the two amino acids glycine and proline. Noopept can stimulate the brain, so that memory and thinking skills are strengthened with the help of brain doping.
piracetam
Piracetam is also one of the nootropics. The active ingredient, which comes from the group of anti-dementia drugs, is related to the non-proteinogenic γ-aminobutyric acid GABA. Piracetam stimulates the utilization of oxygen in the brain, which is why the nootropic can counteract memory, concentration and thinking disorders.
oxiracetam
Oxiracetam is one of the nootropics for a reason is a real brain booster that can improve memory, concentration and sensory perception. Furthermore, as a stimulant, Oxiracetam can provide more alertness, mental clarity and mental energy. The synthetic brain doping agent acts like a neurotransmitter because it affects your brain directly.
aniracetam
Aniracetam is an active ingredient from the group of nootropics that is said to be even more effective than Piracetam. It's about a Odorless, bitter-tasting powder that can lift mood and reduce anxiety. It is believed that the mood-enhancing effect comes about through stimulation of acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine and glutamic acid.
Pramiracetam
A Improve mental abilities can also be achieved with Pramiracetam to be more focused and focused. Pramiracetam is one of the most interesting nootropics because it is said to have a much stronger effect than Piracetam. Primarily, Pramiracetam is said to stimulate the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for processing information that comes from short and long-term memory.
Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam, also known as Carphedon, is related to the brain doping agent piracetam. Phenylpiracetam can increase both mental and physical performance. The high efficiency is based on the stimulation of dopamine and noradrenaline, because phenylpiracetam can easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
Special vitamins and macronutrients
Certain vitamins and macronutrients can both affect your Both the ability to learn and the performance of your memory have a positive effecteven though they are not true nootropics. they protect your brain and can contribute to a normal metabolism, which is why they can complement the list of nootropics.
The most important vitamins and nutrients include:
- B vitamins
- Sulbutiamine
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Caprylic acid
Vitamin B complex
The B vitamins include around 10 vitamins that are either fat or water soluble. A water-soluble B vitamin you have to take in daily through your diet because your body does not store them. They are extremely important for the performance of your brain metabolism because they have a calming and balancing effect.
Sulbutiamine
Sulbutiamine is a synthetic active ingredient that is obtained from vitamin B1 (thiamine). Since the nootropic crosses the blood-brain barrier without any problems, it can improve the effect of the water-soluble B vitamin by supporting the transmission of nerve impulses. It is the antagonist of acetylcholine because it helps release serotonin.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the sun vitamin, is a natural nootropic that your body can produce through the influence of light. Since it is also required for the formation of serotonin, so-called autumn blues or even winter depression can occur in the darker seasons when sunlight is scarce. Here a dietary supplement can help to supplement the vitamin D supply and to enjoy the stimulating effect.
fatty acids
Fatty acids are also not nootropics. Some special fatty acids are important sources of energy that can support the effect of nootropics. For example, they are involved in the transmission of stimuli by nerve cells and the formation of happiness hormones or they provide quick energy, which is why they are a valuable addition.
Omega fatty acids 3
Omega-3 fatty acids are first and foremost involved in the transmission of stimuli from nerve cells. They are also involved in the synthesis of serotonin, which is why they can directly affect your mood as a natural nootropic.
Caprylic acid (MCT oil)
Caprylic acid is an effective ketone booster made from coconut. Caprylic acid is one of the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) that are also found in palm oil and butter. What is really interesting is that these fats are converted into ketones, which your body, especially your brain, uses as a source of energy. Excess fats are by no means stored, but simply excreted.
What are stimulant nootropics and which ones are there?
Stimulants can only partially fulfill the characteristics of classic nootropics, which is why they are not real nootropics. Stimulants are substances that can increase the concentration of individual neurotransmitters. Through this they can give you a short-term boost in your performance that benefits your performance at work or in sports.
As already mentioned, stimulants are not only quickly tolerated by your body - they are also often accompanied by side effects, which is why you should only take them for a short time. You should also be careful with the dosage.
Modafinil
Modafinil belongs to the group of psychoactive substances that are characterized by a stimulating influence. In this country it will mainly used to treat chronic fatigue, narcolepsy and fatigue. Modafinil can possibly reduce the sleep-promoting effect of GABA, so that you have more performance and feel more alert.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural substance mainly found in coffee beans, black and green tea. Even if it is not a nootropic, caffeine causes the blood vessels in the periphery to widen briefly, so that the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system are equally stimulated.
At the same time, the vessels in the brain constrict - this is why caffeine can have a relieving effect on headaches. Since the caffeine docks onto the nerve cells, it can prevent the release of adenosine. Adenosine is a receptor that has a depressant effect. As the caffeine hinders the release of adenosine, the stimulating effect of the active ingredient continues. This is why coffee is so popular to counteract fatigue.
Guarana
Guarana is one of the best naturally occurring nootropics. The plant, which is native to the Amazon region, comes from the soap tree family. To obtain an extract, the dried seeds of the plant are ground up and poured with hot water or taken as a dietary supplement.
Similar to coffee, guarana is made up of stimulating, stimulating substances, which is why the plant is mainly used for tiredness and mental exhaustion. The caffeine is released slowly and evenly so that the stimulating effect lasts for a long time.4
deprenyl
Deprenyl is a Stimulant that can increase your thinking skills and help keep your brain healthy. This drug is commonly used to treat Alzheimer's, depression, or Parkinson's. In this country, the product is only available on prescription.
Ritalin and Adderal
Ritalin and Adderal can stimulate the central nervous system, which is why they can lead to improved brain performance. They are also among those stimulants that are only available with a prescription. Many are familiar with methylphenidate, which is sold under the trade name Ritalin, as a drug treatment for narcolepsy or ADHD (attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder).
Green tea
One of the most famous nootropics is green tea. Many people drink it every day and do not even know that the tea is a natural brain doping agent. Green tea contains caffeine and theanine - an excellent combination that can improve your thinking performance. In contrast to coffee, green tea has no side effects (palpitations and malaise).
sedative
These funds are characterized by a balancing, calming effect out. Although they can have a positive effect on your brain and the central nervous system, sedatives are not real nootropics because they do not meet the criteria of the two scientists Giurgea and Skondia. The most popular tranquilizers include:
Picamilon
Picamilon is a combination of niacin (vitamin B3) and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that has been used as a nootropic in Russia for many years. The fact that the ingredients can easily cross the blood-brain barrier is a great advantage because it enables them stimulate blood flow to the brain and act as stimulating substances can.
Phenibut
Phenibut belongs to the group of so-called phenylethylamines, which include certain messenger substances (dopamine, noradrenaline, dopamine). The nootropic is comparable to the calming neurotransmitter GABA, which can ensure better sleep, a good mood and an inner balance.
L-theanine
L-theanine is also known as a non-proteinogenic amino acid, which is a component of green and black tea. Since the active ingredient can provide more peace and serenity, L-theanine is also one of the nootropics. The calming and balancing effect comes about by influencing the neurotransmitter GABA, which is produced by the metabolism of theanine in your brain. GABA is a substance that can have a calming effect on the central nervous system.
Summary
Nootropics are natural substances that can have a positive effect on the central nervous system. Because of their stimulating effects, nootropics can improve your thinking skills.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26179181
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20590480
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15106147
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27720901