Learn about brain health and nootropics to boost brain function
This is a comprehensive list of the most popular Nootropics in use today. Here you’ll learn what the nootropic is, what it does and suggested dosages.
If you are new to the world of Nootropics, you may be wondering the best way to use a particular compound. You’ll find that here.
If you are an experienced neurohacker this is a great quick reference guide.
You’ll find the full scope of benefits of each Nootropic. Its specific mechanism of action. How safe it is. And suggestions on pairing it with other Nootropics for your stack.
A word of caution – always start off with the lowest effective dose of any supplement. Each of our bodies is different so you need to find out the effects of each nootropic in your body. And how it will benefit you.
Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Acetyl L-Carnitine ((R)-3-Acetyloxy-4-trimethylammonio-butanoate) is an acetylated form of L-Carnitine. A derivative of the amino acid lysine which is naturally produced in your liver and kidneys. This synthesized form can easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
ALCAR is a nootropic because it targets your brain metabolism, boosts mitochondria energy, and acts as a neuroprotectant. Acetyl L-Carnitine protects neurotransmitters which makes it a powerful compliment to boost the effectiveness of other nootropics.
Acetyl-l-carnitine boosts memory, mental alertness, fluid thought, and is a strong antioxidant.
The usual suggested dosage for ALCAR is 500 – 1,500 mg per day.
Learn more about Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Alpha-GPC
Alpha GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is found naturally in your brain. It is a precursor to acetylcholine – an essential neurotransmitter involved in memory, cognition, sleep and muscular control.
As a nootropic, Alpha GPC easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. It boosts acetylcholine levels in your brain contributing to improved memory, cognition, learning and focus. And protects against age-related memory loss.
You get Alpha GPC from raw beef liver, cod fish, spinach, milk, soy and eggs. As a supplement, Alpha GPC derived from soy or sunflower lecithin is a more efficient way of boosting acetylcholine in your brain.
Recommended daily dosage for Alpha GPC is 600 mg.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha-Lipoic Acid used as a nootropic is a synthetic version of lipoic acid. A compound naturally occurring in your body. This antioxidant is necessary for cellular energy production. And helps eliminate the free radicals created when nutrients convert to cellular energy.
ALA boosts energy levels, protects brain cells from free radical damage, and improves memory.
Recommended dosage for Alpha-Lipoic Acid is 200 – 400 mg per day.
Aniracetam
Aniracetam (1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2-pyrrolidinone) is an N-side chain derivative of piracetam. It is thought to be 5 to 8-times more potent than piracetam. Aniracetam is fat-soluble and has a shorter half-life compared to other racetams.
A potent nootropic, Aniracetam reduces anxiety and depression with no sedative effects. It seems to do this by activating the D2 and D3 Dopamine receptors in the brain. Aniracetam helps improve memory, learning, cognition, along with heightened reflexes and perception.
Dosing aniracetam is 750 – 1,500 mg per day. Do half your daily dose twice per day.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for several thousand years. In Sanskrit it literally means “the smell of a horse” which implies this herb provides the vigor and strength of a stallion.As a nootropic, Ashwagandha helps relieve stress, fatigue, restore energy and boosts concentration. As an adaptogen, it helps your entire body by normalizing blood sugar, boosts insulin sensitivity, works as an antioxidant, promotes breast, lung and colon health, and protects against inflammation.The typical recommended dose of Ashwagandha is 250 – 500 mg per day.Artichoke Extract (Luteolin)Artichoke Extract is a PDE4 inhibitor. PDE4 is an enzyme that breaks down cAMP molecules (messenger systems that relay signals in the brain). Stopping PDE4 then prevents the breakdown of cAMP.