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Best Nootropics 2024: Top 5 Smart Drugs & Brain Supplements

Surya-Bella
by

Reviewed by Dr. Drew Sutton, MD
best nootropics
Nootropic ingredients could serve a great purpose to boost mental energy. Photo: Team Design

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With constant distractions from digital media and cutthroat competition in our day-to-day lives, it is hard to keep up with the times in this rat race. If you are a student looking for good academic grades or someone with a corporate job or even a senior citizen experiencing reduced brain power, then you are probably a candidate for a nootropic supplement. Nootropics are brain supplements that optimize brain health. 

People who are in pursuit of mental benefits such as boosting memory and memory retention should focus on getting a night of restful sleep, managing stress, and consuming nutrient-rich food. But, when that is not enough, adding a brain health supplement may boost memory.

Apart from these, taking natural nootropic ingredients could serve a great purpose to boost mental energy, improve brain health, and prevent cognitive decline due to old age. Nootropic supplements are smart drugs that can be used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease as they improve memory and enhance cognitive function.

Best Nootropics For Focus On The Market In (March. 2024)

Nootropic supplements are known to boost brain capacity. They help enhance your focus and concentration and reduce brain fog. People looking for ways to boost their brains to achieve different types of goals, whether related to education or work, can use these supplements.

Top 5 Best Nootropics Supplement Stacks Of 2024

Mind Lab Pro

  • Contains 11 scientifically proven nootropics
  • Improves mental performance
  • Third-party testedImproves a wide range of cognitive functions
  • Only for adults over 18 years of age
  • Some ingredients have side effects

Mind Lab Pro is marketed as the first universal nootropic in the world. This product was founded in 2015 and is a UK-based company. Mind Lab Pro is a dietary supplement that is designed to support cognitive function. It is formulated with 11 science-backed nootropics that act on the four brain pathways. 

It is one of the best brain health supplements as it promotes brain health and healthy brain functions such as attention, learning, memory, concentration, and focus. Mind Lab Pro contains 11 active ingredients and comes in plant-based capsules. Their formula is caffeine-free, allergen-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. This product doesn’t contain any artificial additives or preservatives. Mind Lab Pro is tested by third-party labs. It optimizes brain chemistry and improves brain health and brain function. It further improves the blood flow to the brain and regulates the brain waves. The recommended dosage for Mind Lab Pro is two capsules a day in the morning and early afternoon. You can also take them when there are intense cognitive demands, like before an exam or during an interview. You can take up to four capsules a day. However, do not take more than four capsules in a 24-hour time period.

Noocube

  • Formulated by neuroscientists
  • Improves communication in the brain
  • Improves mental energy and concentration
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • The refund policy applies only to unopened bottles
  • Expensive product

Noocube is manufactured by a UK-based company named Wolfson Brands Limited.  And Noocube is formulated by some of the top neuroscientists. Noocube‘s formula is a synergistic blend of all-natural ingredients, amino acids, and vitamins in capsule form. Noocube contains a formula that’s a blend of natural non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, and herbs that are known to improve brain function and mental performance. It is a great choice for people having attention deficit issues or trouble focusing. 

Noocube greatly helps by improving memory, learning capacity, multitasking ability, and also in better communication. It enhances focus, reduces brain fog and mental fatigue, and improves mental clarity.  It reduces anxiousness and keeps your brain alert and focused. Noocube protects the brain cells from stress-related oxidative damage. It repairs the damaged neurons and promotes new cell generation. It enhances cognitive function overall. Noocube is a caffeine-free, fast-acting formula that boosts brain function. 

The recommended dosage of Noocube is two capsules with breakfast each day. You can gradually increase the dose to 3-4 capsules and adjust the dosage accordingly. However, they do not recommend taking more than four capsules a day. Noocube offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Alpha Brain

  • Boost production of more alpha waves
  • Helps in the completion of complex tasks
  • Third-party testing provides lasting mental clarity of altcoin choices
  • Extremely simple user interface
  • Very high liquidity
  • Ingredients might interact with medicines
  • Expensive product

Alpha Brain is manufactured by one of the leading companies in the industry of dietary supplements. Onnit is a popular brand for selling the best nootropic supplements. It was founded in 2011 and is based out of Austin, Texas. Their products are famous among athletes and celebrities such as Joe Rogan. Their products contain ingredients that are backed by scientific research for their effect on human health. Alpha Brain has been the leader in the market of nootropics for over a decade now. 

Alpha Brain is known to support and improve the production of alpha waves and neurotransmitters in the brain. The ingredients in Alpha Brain work together to support healthy brain cells and an overall improvement in brain function. It improves cognitive health by enhancing memory, focus, mental processing, and performance.

It is beneficial for long-term brain health. Alpha Brain is also ideal for people doing complex tasks and people who do multiple tasks at a time. The L-tyrosine in the Alpha Brain helps in maintaining peak mental performance during stressful times. Apart from this, it also helps in burning more calories. Lastly, they also offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Qualia Mind

  • Enhances memory and cognition
  • 100-day money-back guarantee
  • Fuels focus and concentration
  • Suppress the appetiteolid variety of altcoin choices
  • Extremely simple user interface
  • Very high liquidity
  • Its daily dosage is seven capsules per day
  • Expensive product

Qualia Mind is a nootropic supplement that’s a complex blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, choline donors, antioxidants, and herbal extracts such as adaptogens. This blend of ingredients is known to help in both short-term and long-term cognitive performance.

The benefits of consuming Qualia Mind include reduced brain fog and procrastination. It lifts up the mood, promotes mental clarity, and boosts brain nutrition. Qualia Mind further Increases creativity, willpower, focus, and concentration. It is known to improve mental function and memory recall.

 Qualia Mind is known to target different aspects of the brain that are linked to both cognitive abilities and mental performance. It targets brain chemistry, brain energy, membrane health, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, dopamine signaling, choline signaling, and neurogenesis.  

Qualia Mind tops the list of best nootropic supplements as it supports mitochondrial function, synaptic neuron formation, and acetylcholine signaling for long-term cognitive benefits. 

Qualia Mind is a blend of 28 ingredients, each of which is known to enhance memory, focus, and concentration, and boost brain energy. All of them are known to slow cognitive decline and improve cognitive health. The recommended dosage of Qualia Mind is seven capsules a day. They also offer a 100-day money-back guarantee.

Modafinil

  • Used in shift work sleep disorder
  • A drug used to treat narcolepsy
  • Used along with breathing devices
  • Used in uncontrolled drowsiness
  • High fees when not using Coinbase Pro
  • Reports of hacks draining users’ accounts
  • May not have as many altcoins as some other exchanges

Modafinil is a popular prescription drug that’s used to treat narcolepsy. It is commonly sold as Provigil. Modafinil falls under the class of medicines called stimulants or agents promoting wakefulness. Their mode of action is by altering the natural substances in the brain that are responsible for sleep and wakefulness. Narcolepsy is a condition where a person has daytime sleepiness. It is also used in treatments to prevent too much sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea. 

Modafinil is used alongside breathing devices to prevent excessive sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea/ hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). OSAHS is a sleep disorder that causes the patient to stop breathing or have shallow breathing many times while they sleep and therefore doesn’t get restful sleep.

Modafinil’s stimulating effects are comparable to drugs like cocaine and amphetamines. However, the risk of dependence is quite low with modafinil. Modafinil is known to reduce the feelings of mental fatigue and enhance memory in adults with sleep deprivation. Furthermore, it also improves executive functioning and time management and helps one accomplish their goals. Although modafinil is considered non-addictive, there are cases of dependence and withdrawal when taken at high doses.

What Is A Nootropic Stack?

Nootropics are dietary supplements that are formulated to boost brain activity and mental performance. Nootropic stacks are nothing but a combination of different nootropics for more benefits. Two or more combinations of nootropics make it a nootropic stack. Stacking nootropics can be a mix of the same type of nootropics as the mix of natural nootropics. 

The best nootropic stack supplements contain ingredients that provide cognitive benefits such as improved cognitive performance. Nootropic supplements can improve memory retention, productivity, focus, concentration, and overall brain health.  

The human brain is a complex organ and it deals with a whole heap of things daily. Our brain cells and neurons play a major role in helping our brain to keep going. But, many of us face trouble focusing for whatever reasons. This is when one needs to consider the nootropics stack. They fuel our neurons and help in healthy brain function. 

If you’re wondering about how to find the right one? We conducted thorough research and came up with the best nootropic supplements for you. Read further to know about the best nootropic supplements in the market. 

Natural Nootropics Substances For Cognitive Function

Citicoline 

Citicoline is one of the most popular nootropic supplements on the market. It is converted into choline and uridine. Both of them are cognitive enhancers. Citicoline can increase brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters boost mental performance and physical performance and relax muscles at the same time.

Studies[1] on models with central neurodegenerative disease have been reported to show substantial neuroprotective properties with citicoline. Citicoline treatment is reported to be beneficial in chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

Bacopa monnieri Extract 

Bacopa monnieri is a popular ancient herb widely used in Ayurveda to boost brain power and enhance brain function. Studies[2] have found that Bacopa monnieri supplements improve the mental processing speed in the brain, improve memory, and reduce reaction times. Bacopa monnieri contains active ingredients called bacosides that are known to protect the brain from oxidative stress. It further improves the signaling in the hippocampus. The hippocampus[3] is part of the brain where our memories are processed.

Caffeine 

Caffeine is a popularly consumed psychoactive substance. Most people consume coffee as it keeps them sane. Caffeine can block the brain signaling molecules by blocking the adenosine receptors[4 in our brain, making us feel energetic. This causes an increase in other signaling molecules such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Caffeine can elevate mood, reduce depression, boost brain function, and protect against Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Rhodiola Rosea 

Rhodiola rosea is a herb that has adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens help our body adapt to periods of high stress efficiently. It further helps by reducing mental fatigue. The adaptogenic properties of Rhodiola make it at the top of this list of popular nootropic supplements as it reduces depression and stress levels and can influence the neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with emotion and mood. 

Several studies[5] reported that Rhodiola rosea dietary supplements could elevate mood and reduce feelings of burnout in individuals with anxiety and stress. Further health benefits of Rhodiola rosea include improved physical performance and management of diabetes. 

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine[6] is a phospholipid that is essential for the proper function of nerve cells in the brain. It helps in transmitting messages between them. These supplements were made at one time from the cow brain. However, these days they are made from cabbage or soy. 

Phosphatidylserine is commonly used for Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and age-related cognitive decline.

Benefits Of Using Brain Pills

Lowers Stress Levels 

Nootropics are brain pills that are known to reduce stress. Nootropic drugs work by stimulating the production of brain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin through the process called “agonist-activator” pharmacology[7]. These hormones are also known as feel-good hormones and happy hormones. Nootropics make one feel happier and more relaxed. This, in turn, results in improved cognitive performance.  

They Promote Restful Sleep 

The deleterious effects of long-term sleep deprivation put one’s health at stake. It can make one jittery, anxious, lose focus, and be inattentive. It can further lead to short-term memory retention and serious effects on overall health.

 Nootropics promote calmness and sleep. Tyrosine is known to reduce anxiety relieve stress and promote sleep. Whereas modafinil is popularly used as a selective wakefulness-promoting agent[8] in sleep-deprived individuals. Modafinil is known to improve cognitive function in sleep-deprived individuals. 

They Can Improve Memory 

Nootropics are known to improve memory by improving the body’s cells through amino acids[9] that support neurons in transmitting signals quickly. Bacopa monnieri is known to improve short-term memory. It is also known to improve the signaling between the hippocampus. The hippocampus is associated with storing memories in the brain and also plays a vital role in memory recall. 

Aids In Balancing Mood 

Anxiety and mood swings are part and parcel of the hurry-scurry life. It can affect memory, mood, and how we perform. Nootropic supplements can have effects on these issues. L- Theanine is known to increase alpha brain waves; these waves promote relaxation and alertness. L-theanine is popularly used as a cognitive enhancer to reduce tension and anxiety. Whereas L-tyrosine[10] is an amino acid that helps in the production of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine

They Can Boost The Focus 

We have all experienced brain fog after a long tiring day at work. Nootropics can support our brain by focusing on a single task while ignoring external stimuli. Nootropics can help you stay focused and improve your performance as well as promote relaxation.

They Can Boost Mental Energy 

Nootropics are known to boost energy in the brain and can help mental acuity. Ginkgo biloba is known to increase the blood flow to the brain by increasing mental energy. Ginkgo biloba supplements have been reported to improve mental processing[11] and memory.

How To Take Nootropics?

Nootropics are available on the market in three different forms such as dietary supplements, prescription drugs, and synthetic drugs. They are sold in the form of gummies, capsules, or powders. So, taking nootropics will depend on their form. However, most nootropic dietary supplements come with detailed instructions on how and when to consume them. 

However, it is best to talk to a health professional to know the ideal dosage to take. Ideally, one should take nootropics in the morning or the evening so that one benefits from a productive day or a good restful sleep, depending on the nootropics being ingested. 

Potential Side Effects

Nootropics are also known as “smart drugs” or “brain pills,” which are nothing but stimulants. Consuming nootropics in the long term can have adverse effects.  Side effects may occur, such as insomnia, high blood pressure, blurry vision, fast heart rate, addiction, and circulation problems. 

These side effects may lead to more serious problems like high blood pressure due to insomnia; the raised heart rate could lead to circulation issues. And one of the common side effects among teenagers is addiction. Unmanaged dosing of nootropics can lead to addiction. Lastly, nootropics are known to cause drug interactions. Hence, it is always best to consult a doctor if you are on medications.

Final Thought

Nootropics and smart drugs are the best supplements to boost brain capacity and for cognitive benefits. You can manage stress, relax, and get good sleep with these smart drugs. If you are someone looking for a boost in mental capacities such as memory, focus, concentration, and cognitive function. However, it is wise to consult medical experts to find the right dosage for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a nootropic cost?

On average, nootropic supplements cost around $50 to $70 per month. Nootropics are formulated with extensive research, and you are not just paying for the brain pill; you are also paying for the hard work that went with making that formula.

Are nootropics FDA-approved?

On average, nootropic supplements cost around $50 to $70 per month. Nootropics are formulated with extensive research, and you are not just paying for the brain pill; you are also paying for the hard work that went with making that formula.

Can smart pills help with ADHD?

Yes, nootropics can be an excellent alternative to traditional ADHD medication.

+ 11 Sources

EHproject has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We work mostly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate information. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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  2. ‌Suzuki, T. & Hara, H. (2009). Quercetin Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function through the Assembly of Zonnula Occludens-2, Occludin, and Claudin-1 and the Expression of Claudin-4 in Caco-2 Cells. The Journal of Nutrition, [online] 139(5), pp.965–974. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19297429/
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  6. Foster, M., Hunter, D. & Samir Samman (2011). Evaluation of the Nutritional & Metabolic Effects of Aloe vera. [online] Nih.gov. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

She is a yoga therapist, nutritionist, herbalist, Ayurvedic practitioner, and health coach. She has extensive experience in the wellness industry and web design, content writing, and marketing. She uses her knowledge of psychology and alternative health… See More