What are nootropics and what are their effects

Whether you are going to school, going to work or doing a sport, performance and maximum focus are things that are required of you. But sometimes the truth is that maximum concentration is a very difficult task. Fortunately, there are nootropics that can already help a person a little bit. So how do nootropics work?

What are nootropics

Smart drugs – this is basically another name for nootropics. However, these smart drugs have nothing to do with drugs. Nootropics are nutritional supplements or drugs that do have an effect on the human brain, but this effect is beneficial to the brain, so like, for example CBD oils. This means that nootropics can stimulate the human brain, cognitive functions, and thanks to it, a person can concentrate better, have a better memory, keep his brain healthy, and so on. Nootropics are either synthetic substances or natural substances.

Nootropic, as a synthetic substance, is made in a laboratory and is often targeted at specific mechanisms in the brain, such as increasing neurotransmitter levels or improving blood circulation. Examples of synthetic nootropics include racetams such as piracetam and aniracetam. Some synthetic nootropics (smart drugs) are also very often prescribed as drugs for various diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD or narcolepsy or dementia, for example.

Nootropics as natural substances, are of course obtained from natural sources. These natural nootropics have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are considered safer and less invasive than synthetic alternatives. Examples of natural nootropics include Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, green tea and many other herbs and plants. Natural nootropics may have a less potent but longer lasting effect. Understandably, these natural nootropics are non-prescription and you can also consume them in the form of drinking coffee, consuming fish oil and the like.

History of nootropics

The history of nootropics dates back to the 1960s, when Romanian chemist Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea defined the term “nootropic” and developed the first nootropic, which is known as piracetam. Giurgea defined nootropics as substances that have a positive effect on the cognitive functions of the brain without any side effects.

The name “nootropic” was created by combining two Greek words. Namely, from the word “nöos”, which in our translation means thinking, and “tropein”, which means to lead. So, basically, these are substances that are able to influence a person’s cognitive functions in a certain and positive way.

After he discovered piracetam, the production and study of other nootropics began. In 1972, Giurgea proposed additional criteria for nootropics. These criteria included, for example, that nootropics should protect the brain from damage and be universally effective for most people. These criteria became the basis for the selection and evaluation of nootropics (smart drugs) in the following years. Later in the 1980s and 1990s, many other nootropics such as aniracetam, oxiracetam and pramiracetam appeared. These substances are characterized by different effects and mechanisms of action, but all have a common goal – to improve memory, learning and other cognitive abilities. In recent decades, research on nootropics has made significant progress. Modern technology and research methods have enabled a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of smart drugs and the identification of new compounds with potential nootropic effects.

Today, the market for nootropics is already diverse and ever expanding. Nootropics are available on the market in synthetic form, most often as prescription drugs, and also in various natural forms, such as nutritional supplements or herbal preparations. Nootropics have become a popular form of preparations to improve attention, memory and cognitive function in different target groups, whether they are students, employed people or seniors.

How do nootropics work?

Smart drugs or nootropics do not directly interfere with neurotransmitter release or receptor function, but instead promote improved glucose and oxygen delivery to the brain. They also have antihypoxic properties (counteract low oxygen levels in the body) and protect brain tissue from neurotoxicity. The main goal of nootropics or smart drugs is to improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, learning and creativity. Nootropics also work in the human body in the following way, for example:

• Nootropics have the ability to improve blood circulation in the brain, leading to better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells.
• Smart drugs can support brain metabolism, which means improving energy metabolism and the synthesis of important substances needed for brain function.
• Nootropic has similarly, as CBD oil antioxidant properties and may protect brain cells from free radical damage and stress. This helps protect brain tissue from degenerative diseases and improve overall brain health.
• They promote brain plasticity, which means the brain’s ability to adapt and change as a result of new experiences and learning.
• Smart drugs can also promote neuroregeneration.
• Neurons can become damaged under the influence of aging, and nootropics protect these neurons so that they do not become damaged under this influence.

What are the benefits of nootropics?

As we have already mentioned, nootropics, or smart drugs, are very popular because they allow people to “hack” their brains, which allows them to concentrate better, think better, and therefore support and improve their cognitive function. But taking nootropics has other benefits as well, including:

• Improved memory and cognitive function
• Increased concentration and attention
• Development of spatial imagination
• Mental health and mood support
• Protecting brain cells from damage or degeneration
• Improving productivity and organisational skills
• Improved sleep and recovery
• Promoting brain cell growth and development
• Increased learning and problem solving ability
• Promoting the synergistic action of both hemispheres of the brain

Natural nootropics

As we mentioned above, nootropics can be either synthetic or natural. Synthetic ones are manufactured chemically and are mostly prescription. Synthetic nootropics are often very potent and along with the potent effect, there is also a higher likelihood of side effects. Nootropics that are natural based do work slower, maybe even a bit weaker compared to synthetic ones, but they definitely work without adverse effects. Natural nootropics are freely found in natural ingredients and hence natural smart drugs are non-prescription. These substances are found in various plants, herbs and foods.

You may not even know that you consume nootropics in natural form on a daily basis, especially if you are a coffee or green tea lover. Some of the most well-known natural nootropics include Caffeine. This is an excellent supplement for concentration, fighting off fatigue. However, caffeine is also found in chocolate or tea, for example. The recommended daily dose is up to a maximum of 400 mg.

Other natural nootropics that you can consume freely in various forms without a prescription:

• Ginkgo biloba. This tree is known for its leaves, which contain flavonoids and terpenoids that can improve blood flow to the brain and boost cognitive function. Flavonoids are miraculous compounds and you can read more about them in our article: Miraculous flavonoids and their effects.
• Bacopa monnieri. This herb, also known as Brahmi, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve memory, learning and concentration.
• Ginseng. It is also an herb that is popular for its adaptogenic properties that help increase energy, stamina, and mental performance.
• Rhodiola rosea. This adaptogenic root is known for its anti-stress properties and improves memory, concentration and mental stamina.
• L-theanine. The latter is most commonly found in green tea. Its main benefits include reducing anxiety and stress, improving mood, and promoting concentration and attention. This natural nootropic has calming and relaxing effects without causing drowsiness
• Turmeric. It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help protect the brain from damage.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. They are important for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. They help improve memory, concentration and mood, and can also be beneficial for overall mental health. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is important for optimal brain function and cognitive support.

CBD as a nootropic?

And why CBD in connection with nootropics? Nootropics and their effects can be achieved in a variety of other forms, and the most common and best form is just CBD. Whether in the form of CBD oils, CBD capsules or by vaping, for example CBD cartridges.

CBD, a component of cannabis, has also received a lot of attention recently as a potential nootropic. CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help protect the brain from damage. Some studies suggest that CBD oil may also have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, which may improve mood and mental health.

CBD has several ways it can affect the brain and its function. One of the main ways is through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, which regulates a variety of processes, including mood, memory, and stress. CBD can help to stabilise the activity of this system and can thus positively affect mental health and cognitive abilities.

In addition, CBD also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may protect brain cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the brain, which may have beneficial effects on cognitive function. Because of these potential benefits, CBD is becoming an increasingly popular choice for people looking for natural ways to support their mental health and cognitive function. So if you’re looking for a natural nootropic without a prescription, CBD oils may be the right choice for you, which can help you with other health problems in addition to its beneficial effects on the brain.

Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415189/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326379#over-the-counter
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/nootropic
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nootropics#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
• https://www.transparentlabs.com/blogs/all/how-do-nootropics-work

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