20 Natural Nootropics to Enhance Your Mental Edge

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This guide provides a vivid listing of the 20+ best natural nootropics. Each of these natural supplements may be of noticeable benefit to your cognitive health as well as a balanced lifestyle in 2024. They are safe and supported by growing research as well as standardized for the bioavailability of the active ingredients. The products are lab-tested, pure, and the best they can be.

You will, also, recognize these nootropics in the formulations of popular premade nootropic stacks. The brands will say it first, but it’s rather indisputable that nootropics work to enhance our cognitive performance and body wellness measurably. More and more human trials and scientific papers persistently claim to have a positive impact.

Known from historical sources (Egypt, India, China) the best natural nootropic ingredients are today being created as modern nutraceuticals with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods.

Table of Contents

picture of green leaf for best natural nootropics supplements

“Humankind is not going to wait passively for millions of years before evolution offers us a better brain. [Humankind] will directly, openly and consciously take part in evolution.”

– dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea (1923 – 1995)

Father of the Nootropic Concept

 

Who will benefit from nootropics?

Nootropics have awakened a passion for individuals who want to achieve results as well as high performance in their lives. On the opposite side, older people who want to stay in good brain shape can find relief in taking them. Also, students and young people, their vocal advocates, absolutely love this nootropic ability that keeps them in a state of flow, a sense of alertness, and concentration. Hedonistic reasons for better looking and weight loss are also present.

  • Hectic students

  • Professionals

  • Business owners

  • Athletes and competitors

  • Active +55-ers

  • Hedonistic reasons

Nearly a hundred nootropics with a host of cognitive-enhancing effects are taken every day by individuals around the globe. And many others that are not so well researched and probably not yet for mass consumption.

Nootropicblend.com list sums up twenty or so natural nootropics quite investigated by science and anecdotally confirmed by the buyers. These extracts, powders, and oils are standardized for the main active ingredients. The absorption and bioavailability are much better, therefore you can be sure to take the purest and most powerful source of ingredients.

Let’s find out nootropics that match your safety requirements as well as stacking goals.

Standardized nootropic extracts

Many herbal nootropic extracts and ‘extract ratios’ are especially confusing for beginners. But also for advanced users. Here’s how to read herbal extract labels for nootropic benefits.

Choosing the wrong supplement is easy if you cannot interpret extract ratios. That’s why it is always good to pay a little more for a good supplement that provides the best extract form to bring you exactly the results you want. One such extract method is the “standardized” herbal nootropics that allow us to use stabilized plant content and thus enhance and achieve the intended benefits of the plant.

By extraction methods, modern technology has learned how to extract the active ingredients that will then be more bioavailable, more potent, and more resistant to external factors such as temperature differences, shipping methods, and storage conditions.

Contrary to buying a whole herb extract, which is much more unstable and does not provide the same benefits manufacturers put on the label.

Here is a list of different natural ingredients from which the products are made by the best extraction methods, which then reflects on their quality.

The Best Natural nootropics

Form Brand Doses
250 mg

Synapsa

Bacognize® 

300 – 320 mg

Shoden

120 mg

Omega CBD™

Dream CBD™

300 – 450 mg

Nammex

full extracts and powders

Chocamine® 

powder 125g or 250g

NAC

Nootropics depot

500 mg

Nootropics depot 

3% rosavins

3% salidrosides

500 mg 

Nootropics depot

200 mesh

Nootropics depot

capsules 200 mg

powder 125g or 500g

Nootropics depot

capsules 500 mg

powder 125g or 500g

AvailOm® 

50 High DHA Algae Capsules

400 mg

Caffeine & L-theanine

Uses and benefits may include:

Caffeine + L-Theanine – Improves reaction time and greater dexterity, Increases visual acuity, Increases mental focus and greater sense of alertness, Improves memory recall, promotes natural attention span

When talking about what are natural nootropics, these two ingredients come to mind instantly. They are known for their pronounced synergistic effects, making them one of the most beloved natural ingredients we mix. Caffeine and L-theanine even naturally occur together in green tea leaves. 

The most popular and used nootropic is caffeine, a naturally-occurring stimulant found in several plants. Certain studies found it improves your brain’s functions and your overall mental performance. Caffeine also has severe drawbacks that might bring high blood pressure, heart rate, jittery sensations, sleep problems, and the inevitable crash when its effects wear off.

Alongside caffeine, L-theanine is arguably the most reliable nootropic out there. L-theanine is a nondietary amino acid that is a biologically active constituent of green tea. It has a great ability to produce a calming effect and prevent over-stimulation. L-theanine is also an effective nootropic that can stimulate the production of neurotransmitters while interfacing with other neuroreceptors. It has been shown to promote GABA production that blocks stress messages, reduces neuronal excitability, and generates alpha waves associated with a state of calm and relaxation.

Stacking L-theanine with stimulants like caffeine allows us to reap benefits that wouldn’t normally occur if consumed independently. L-theanine + caffeine stack can balance out some drawbacks of caffeine while boosting the effects of both. 

A stack of complementary nootropics

The combination of moderate levels of L-theanine and caffeine significantly improves accuracy during task switching, as well as alertness and reduced tiredness. Studies have shown significant improvement in cognitive performance as a result of this combination.

While caffeine puts the brain in hyper mode, helping us to be more focused, productive, and alert, L-theanine cares to relax the brain and reduces mental fatigue and stress.

Relaxing while you are in high gear, might be a motto of the mix of these two substances. This natural nootropic combination is sometimes all you need to fine-tune your cognitive abilities. It is one of the safest bundles you can find and has a solid nootropic effect.

My ritual is a homemade morning cup of Joe with L-theanine powder by Nootropics Depot. You can also purchase this combo in many pre-mixed products as a two-ingredient pill of L-theanine and caffeine. As seen in well-made ‘Smart caffeine’ capsules by Natural Stacks.

Creatine Monohydrate

Uses and benefits may include:

Creatine Monohydrate – Support a healthy metabolic rate, support cognitive function, promote physical and mental energy

Creatine was first isolated from an aqueous extract of bone muscle in 1832 by Michel Eugène Chevreul. It is named after “Kreas” which is the Greek word for meat. Creatine is primarily synthesized in the liver and kidneys, via the amino acids glycine, arginine, and methionine. It is thought that 95% of the creatine in our bodies is actually stored in our muscles. The remaining 5% is found in our brains, kidneys, and liver. Creatine can also be obtained through foods we eat such as meat and seafood.

Approved by the International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and professional sports, creatine is the number one supplement for sports nutrition as well as the healthy lifestyle of gym enthusiasts. 

The most common use for creatine monohydrate is to enhance physical performance. Creatine empowers exercise performance by adding intensity and progress in sports that require sudden bursts of activity like sprinting and weightlifting. But, Creatine is not just the greatest post-workout supplement. It is also one of the coolest and most affordable natural nootropics.

”In the same way that Creatine may store energy in our muscles, it may store energy in our brains and increase mental endurance without the crash of popular stimulants like caffeine.”

Promote ATP and mitochondrial function

A lot of the cognitive benefits of creatine monohydrate supplementation can be traced back to the ATP system. Creatine has the ability to preserve and recharge ATP and promote mitochondrial function. Similar to muscles, most processes in our brain require ATP. Thus, by increasing phosphocreatine stores in the brain, various brain processes will be running faster and better.

Creatine has supportive rather than directly enhancing effects on brain function, so it can be safely taken alongside other natural nootropics. Creatine is thus highly used by college students as a form of improving their learning skills. It should be taken daily for its positive effects to be experienced. With the daily 5-gram creatine dose, there is no need to cycle and this dosage can just be safely taken indefinitely. Creatine lacks any profound psychoactive effects, too.

Additionally, the other health benefits of creatine include neuroprotection, as it protects from various physical and chemical insults. It also supports the central nervous system by optimizing energy processes, leading to a decrease in brain fatigue. Creatine promotes synaptic neurogenesis, short-term memory, and cognition improvement in people with low daily intake or vegetarians. 

Various forms of creatine exist. We recommend the creatine monohydrate because it has the most scientific support, and it was used in more than 1,000 clinical studies on creatine. Some other forms of creatine are only available in multi-ingredient products.

Adaptogen herbs

Uses and benefits of Adaptogen herbs may include:

Bacopa Monnieri – Support cognitive function, promote healthy stress levels, support healthy sleep patterns, promote feelings of well-being, promotes balanced oxidation levels, balanced inflammation levels

Rhodiola Rosea – Supports cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity promotes energy and stamina, supports healthy stress levels, supports workout recovery, support healthy metabolic functions, promote nerve health, promote cellular health, supports immune system health

Ashwagandha – Supports healthy stress levels, promotes mood, focus, emotional well-being, and energy levels, promotes mental clarity, promotes cardiovascular health, may help neuroprotection, may help promote restful sleep

“To date, various studies and practical applications have shown that plant-originated adaptogens are a kind of elite herbal medicine, playing an important role in human health and helping the human body resist various stress factors (link).”

Each of these three adaptogenic plants on the list is ancient gold and is the basis of traditional medical practice, especially Ayurvedic and Chinese. Their nootropic effects are supported by clinical research as well as anecdotal studies. I like to call them the trinity of adaptogens. With modern extracts that are bioavailable and that gave them shine, these are really the most effective natural nootropics.

Nootropic herbs to boost cognitive performance

Bacopa Monnieri is one of the most recognized nootropics. It is typically used for enhancing memory and boosting mood. Some extracts and powders that originate from the Bacopa plant are made from carefully selected constituents of the plant. The aim is to offer the best of the best what this ancient plant has. And what science knows for now about Bacopa.

We recommend two of the standardized Bacopa Monnieri extracts, depending on which result you are interested in.

  • One study found that Bacognize® extract, and its isolated constituents, showed strong regulation at serotonin receptors in the brain. These receptors are key for higher cognitive functions such as memory, mood, and focus. Clinical research on Bacognize Bacopa capsules also has been shown to promote balanced oxidation levels and supports balanced inflammation levels.
  • Another clinically tested Bacopa extract called Synapsa, this herb can also provide very calming and relaxing effects. Because It has the ability to connect and enhance GABA receptors in your brain while improving nerve communication, Synapsa extract may sharpen your thought processes and benefit sleep. Other studied benefits specifically involve learning, memory formation, general focus, and mental performance, particularly in situations requiring multitasking.

Rhodiola Rosea Rosavins and Salidrosides extracts

With 140 beneficial compounds that Rhodiola Rosea contains, this high-elevation perennial growing plant is rightly called the Golden Root. Today it is used in phytotherapy in Uzbekistan, China, and other Asian countries. Rhodiola is rightly regarded as one of the best and most used traditional nootropics.

Rhodiola promotes strength and vitality. Because of its adaptogenic properties, it reduces fatigue and exhaustion that comes from prolonged stressful situations. Future research might be invested in Rhodiola’s neuroprotective qualities, too.

The only question is do you want Rhodiola extract to be standardized to Rosavins or Salidrosides compounds? Because it really all comes down to these two active ingredients that make the main effects.

  • If you want to use a Rhodiola Rosea extract standardized to 3% salidroside, then it’s for anti-fatigue and stimulating properties. Salidroside has been shown in several studies to help support healthy stress levels, promote cognitive function, support energy, promote cellular health,  promote nerve health, and support feelings of well-being.
  • If you are after a holistic extract that provides general health benefits and relaxing effects, which is caused by the calming effects of Rosavins, then you will use an extract standardized to 3% rosavins (Rosavins are potent free radical scavengers). This extract is less stimulating whilst still preserving the anti-fatigue effects. So you can improve your mental and physical abilities in parallel.

Ashwagandha superior extracts

Ashwagandha is also known as Withania somnifera, or the ”Indian ginseng”. This small woody herb has a fundamental place in ayurvedic medicine as it promotes vitality, longevity, and happiness.

Ashwagandha root contains several bioactive compounds, but the withanolides (a group of flavonoids) are the most important. It works on energy and focus, as well as reducing stress levels and boosting cognition. Two extracts of this natural nootropic have certainly enriched the supply of cognitive supplements and set new standards.

  •  Sensoril Ashwagandha extract is the industry gold standard, used by many pre-formulated stacks because of its superior mood-boosting, and stress-reducing effects. It will restore your energy levels, and promote mental clarity, emotional well-being, cardiovascular health, and mental clarity. Sensoril extract is clinically tested to reduce cortisol, thus relieving the negative effects of stress and promoting restful sleep.  
  • Another great extract of Ashwagandha is the award-winning product KSM-66 300 mg capsules. It is unique as the highest concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha extract. While it promotes healthy cellular function and energy levels, it also reduces stress levels. While it can help to support memory formation and promote focus, KSM-66 has shown the potential for improving general physical health, as well as joint and muscle health.

Wherever you buy Ashwagandha extracts, try to look for standardized at least 4-5% withanolides. Some premade nootropic stacks, like THRIIV by ‘Nootripure laboratories’, even use 10% of withanolides content. This is much more than you will find in most online stores.

CBD Oil from hemp

Uses and benefits may include:

CBD oil – Support healthy inflammation levels, support healthy pain management, support healthy stress levels, support healthy sleep patterns

From the list of brain-supporting ingredients, cannabidiol (CBD) has been inevitable lately. Among many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, it is the 2nd most common active compound. Derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of the marijuana plant, CBD doesn’t produce the normal subjective “high” effect that is seen in the celebrated marijuana THC content. With further controversy over the legality of nootropics, no more than 0.3% of THC is approved for the product to be called CBD.

As of December 2015, the FDA has loosened its governing regulations to allow researchers to perform more CBD tests. So, many more interesting findings of this extraordinary natural substance await us. Especially, we will wait for studies that will shed light on its impact on memory and cognition in healthy individuals.

What we know for sure about CBD is that it helps to turn on endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain and immune system. These are key regulators of numerous mental and physical processes.

A host of CBD benefits

CBD can relieve pain and soothe your mood. It also possesses neuroprotective properties and healthy inflammatory responses. In recent research, CBD has shown benefits for heart health and the circulatory system, as it lowers high blood pressure.

Some CBD products can be a solution for those who are experiencing insomnia or restlessness. By taking CBD, you can improve your sleep and alleviate sleep problems. It also helps boost healthy immune system response and improve appetite.

Omega CBD™ and Dream CBD™ formulas by Natural Stacks are great full-spectrum hemp extracts. Omega CBD helps to ease daily tension and soothes pains as well as discomforts. Such extracts keep you calm, cool and collected. Dream CBD will assist you to fall asleep swiftly, remaining asleep all night as well as to get you deep, restorative sleep.

Read our A-Z guide to CBD and learn everything about this awesome nootropic.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Benefits and uses may include:

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – May help support respiratory health, promote skin health, support organ health, may help promote vitality

For many nootropics followers, an encounter with N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, abbreviated NAC, was a serious surprise. For others, like me, love at first sight. NAC is essentially a prodrug or acetylated derivative of L-cysteine, an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body and participates in the production of glutathione and its activities. NAC was originally introduced as a mucolytic agent that helps thin out the mucus in conditions in which mucus is abnormally thick and tenacious. 

By promoting healthy levels of glutathione, NAC benefits have been linked to skin health, organ health, and promoting vitality by reducing free radicals and oxidative stress. Researchers have found NAC has vitality-enhancing effects on sports performance. Besides that, NAC also balances the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in your brain. These are the main mechanisms that raise the body’s natural defense system, as well as making NAC a great neuroprotective agent.

What benefits make NAC so special?

NAC is the precursor of glutathione that our body makes. Since glutathione might be diminished in a variety of health conditions, NAC is used to enhance the production of glutathione when it is normally depleted. This ability is responsible for many of NAC’s health benefits. Taking NAC supplements is thought to have some detoxification effects given that it allows a lot more glutathione to be produced. Also, NAC benefits include organ protective properties when exposed to alcohol. Although, NAC should never be taken after the consumption of alcoholic drinks as it may have an opposite and detrimental effect on the liver.

By lowering the amount of glutamate released, NAC also reduces glutamatergic stimulation. This is important since glutamate may cause neuronal damage by over-exciting the neurons. It has been discovered that glutamate degrees can be reduced within 1 hour of orally carrying out a NAC supplement. That’s why  NAC is an excellent neuroprotective agent.

The addition of NAC appears to enhance dopamine function in the brain and protect dopamine receptors. It thus affects the health of the neurons and your cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and mood.

Read about the powerful list of NAC benefits in our A-Z guide through the clinical trials and research of this extraordinary supplement – the alphabet of NAC benefits.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Uses and benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms may include:

Red Reishi – Immune support, cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal & digestive function, cognitive health

Chaga – Support inflammation levels, promote metabolic function, support cardiovascular function, immune system support

Lion’s Mane – Promote feelings of well-being, cognitive health, support relaxation

Shiitake – Promote positive emotional outlook, support inflammation levels, promote metabolic function, immune support

Turkey Tail – Immune support, promote cellular health, support inflammation levels

Cordyceps – Help promote energy, support cognitive function, promote cellular function, promote feelings of well-being, immune support

Black Hoof – Support energy and endurance, promote pain relief, support a healthy metabolism

Maitake – Support the immune system, promote feelings of well-being, support cognitive function

Poria – Promote immune health, support cellular function, promote brain health

White Jelly – Support energy and endurance, promote pain relief, support a healthy metabolism

It may surprise you to learn that mushrooms account for an astonishing 25% of the Earth’s total biomass. 92% of all plants are dependent upon mushrooms for their survival. 40% of all pharmaceuticals contain some form of mushroom. And, quite incredibly, 85% of human RNA and 50% of human DNA is shared with fungi.

Often referred to as the “Forgotten Kingdom”, mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for their nutritional and medicinal values. The modern practice of extracting beneficial compounds from plants started in 1928 when Alexander Flemming discovered penicillin. Since then, dozens of beneficial compounds have been discovered, identified, and extracted or synthesized from mushrooms, leading to many potential applications in health sciences.

Recently, they have become very popular as powders we add to lattes, smoothies, and vegetable stir-fry recipes. Although not a cure-all, mushrooms are excellent as a ‘preventive’ remedy. That is consistent with the main purpose of taking dietary supplements. 

Controversy over medicinal mushroom extracts

The main controversy of the mushroom extracts industry is the prevalent use of mycelium content, which is to a mushroom what the root is to a tree. The beneficial effects of mushrooms are related to a whole fruiting body and not just to a part of it.  To make a profit vast majority of mushroom producers speed up the production process by standardizing “polysaccharides” instead of “β-Glucans” content.

If you’re searching for a mushroom supplement, you want to look for manufacturers that offer 100% organic whole-fruiting body mushroom extracts. Like ones the Nootropics Depot has to offer.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Benefits and uses of fatty acids may include:

Omega 3 Fish Oil – May help support cardiovascular health, promote cognitive function, support joint health, may help promote neuroprotection, promote feelings of well being, support healthy pain management, promote healthy stress levels, support healthy heart function

Krill Oil – Support cardiovascular health, support cognitive function, support joint health, support gastric health, support a healthy metabolism, support healthy stress levels.

When you can just eat a lot of fish because of its nutritional value, today it is much simpler, economical, and caloric friendly to simply ingest a purified fish oil capsule full of DHA and EPA fatty acids. The best fish oil supplements are also lab tested for methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin found in abundance in predatory fish. 

Fish and seafood naturally produce a kind of fats that makes the cell membranes in all tissues of the body flexible and structured. Scientists found that people with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids had increased blood flow into the brain, leading to better cognition and thinking abilities. 

In nature, most DHA and EPA are bound in triacylglycerides (TAG). In capsule-isolated form, it is bound in ethyl esters (EE) or re-esterified TAG (rTAG), as well as in phospholipids (PL) that are generally extracted from krill. Additionally, PL is way more bioavailable than TAG, and produces unique effects, unlike TAG, like supporting stress management and cognition-promoting activity.

DHA and EPA nootropic benefits

DHA and EPA are known to have many neurological benefits, but fish oil fatty acids also produce a number of positive effects on various biological systems in the body.

DHA is a major component of the cells in our bodies. It is predominant in the brain with the highest concentration of gray matter which is the most metabolically active tissue in the brain. It has been shown to help with memory and cognitive deficit as well as to regenerate nerves. Furthermore, it supports oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and supports oxidative stress. The higher levels of DHA in the brain correlate with higher levels of BDNF, important for neuroplasticity and neuroprotective benefits.

EPA shares most of DHA’s effects, like healthy inflammatory responses, but several other studies found that EPA had additional memory and cognitive benefits. Especially by adding the lysophospholipid form of EPA. Try to search for that kind of supplement if you are after these benefits, or you are in sports. Also, older individuals who are interested in supporting cognitive functioning would want to bring more fatty acids into their diet and supplementation. 

You can buy Omega 3 products to support overall health, support cognitive functioning, support stress management, or add vitamin D and 8 other essential fatty acids. I found pure Krill oil softgels loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin as my favorite lately. I recommend that you look for all the best forms of this natural nootropic supplement at Nootropics Depot.

Citicoline

Benefits and uses may include:

Citicoline – Support memory, promote faster recall speed, support learning capacity, promote focus and attention, support brain energy

Cognizin Citicoline Supplement – Helps the brain generate electrical impulses, cares for healthy brain cells and protect neurons from free radical damage, regulate healthy levels of acetylcholine, supporting cognitive function, supports healthy mitochondrial function, promotes both the synthesis and maintenance of cell membranes

Citicoline (CDP-choline) is rightfully one of the top-rated nootropics thanks to many of its mechanisms for acting on cognitive function. Citicoline is a naturally occurring brain chemical and neuroprotective compound that’s made up of choline and cytidine. It is a plentiful source of choline that is crucial to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine as well as neuronal cell membranes. Choline also helps to transport dopamine and increases its release into the brain.

Citicoline has the function of the stabilizer of cell membranes and reduces the presence of free radicals. Many of the cell-and-tissue-specific function of this choline nootropic has been found to improve overall neuronal membrane integrity while also leading to a reduction in neuronal death. That’s how it acts on healthy brain aging.

While choline may help with brain function, cytidine can also be useful once it is converted into Uridine. It is observed in Citicoline supplements boost memory and cognitive ability, as well as mood-enhancing effects. Basically, this compound helps with focus and concentration, enhances learning abilities, and increases attention.

Important nootropic to supplement with

Citicoline can be quite powerful when working in synergy with other supplements. One of the most researched abilities is that of amplifying the impact of other natural nootropics. For this reason, many people consider citicoline a definite inclusion in any supplementation regime.

Citicoline has a safe toxicity profile, so the side effects are rare and minimal. As with all effective nootropics, purchase only the best-standardized extracts. Cognizin® is the patented form of the molecule CDP-Choline and is the only version in the world that is in the “freebase” form that is bioidentical to the molecule as it is found in nature and synthesized in the body. Cognizin Citicoline has been found to rapidly make its way into the brain after supplementation. 

One study on healthy adolescent males who are receiving 28 days of Cognizin® citicoline showed improved attention and psychomotor speed and reduced impulsivity compared to adolescent males who received a placebo.

Spermidine

Benefits and uses may include:

Spermidine – Support cellular autophagy, may help support cognitive function, promote metabolic health, may support cardiovascular function

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound found in all living cells and various foods, particularly in wheat germ, aged cheese, mushrooms, and fermented soybeans. First isolated from semen (hence its name), this powerful compound has emerged as one of the most promising natural nootropics for supporting healthy aging and cognitive function.

The most remarkable aspect of spermidine is its ability to induce autophagy – the body’s natural cellular cleaning and recycling process. This “cellular housekeeping” mechanism is crucial for maintaining brain health and cognitive function as we age. Research has shown that spermidine levels naturally decline with age, making supplementation particularly relevant for older adults interested in supporting their cognitive health.

Neuroprotective properties of spermidine

Studies have demonstrated that spermidine supplementation can help protect neurons and support memory formation. It works by promoting the formation of new synapses and supporting mitochondrial function in brain cells. Additionally, spermidine has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, making it directly available to support brain health.

Beyond its cognitive benefits, spermidine also supports cardiovascular health and immune system function. Recent research has shown promising results in its ability to promote hair growth and maintain healthy hair follicles, making it a versatile compound for overall health and well-being.

When looking for spermidine supplements, it’s important to choose standardized extracts that guarantee a specific amount of spermidine content. High-quality supplements typically provide between 1-5mg of spermidine per serving. The compound works well in combination with other natural nootropics, particularly those supporting cellular health and cognitive function.

In our Primeadine review we’ve tested a holistic supplement that uniquely combines spermidine, spermine, and putrescine—natural precursors to spermidine—along with FOS prebiotic fiber into a single product, distinguishing it from traditional extracts for optimal health and longevity support. 

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Benefits and uses may include:

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) – May help support balanced inflammation levels, promote cellular energy, support cognitive function, promote feelings of well being, may help support vitality

Among the best nootropics on this list, acetyl L-carnitine, usually abbreviated ALCAR, belongs to the special class. Known in fitness forums as a pre-workout supplement, just like creatine, this amino acid brings many benefits not only by improving the energy profile of the body but the brain at the same time. People who need increased energy or exercise regularly will love ALCAR because it is not just a stereotypical stimulant. While it can increase work output and capacity by 11% by allowing muscle tissue to work at full capacity, it also provides heightened focus, due to a link with very important neurotransmitters in our brain.

Acetyl L-carnitine works slightly differently than most other natural nootropics from this list. It is naturally present in our body and is involved in the process that converts dietary choline into the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetyl L-Carnitine enhances the rate at which acetylcholine is synthesized. Acetylcholine is a powerful cognition-enhancing chemical that is responsible for learning and memory processes, as well as the benefit of prolonged focus that comes with minimal mental fatigue thanks to ALCAR.

Great for physical and mental fatigue

ALCAR is transported to the heart, brain, and other tissues. It boosts energy by aiding the transportation of lipids from cellular membranes to the mitochondria. In doing so, it can improve the metabolic energy of your brain cells and ATP production. Acetyl L-carnitine is also an NGF-enhancing supplement that helps strengthen the connections in our brains and can help even with nerve-related pain. By mildly increasing noradrenaline and serotonin, Acetyl L-Carnitine is commonly used to alleviate physical and mental fatigue symptoms. The mood-boosting properties are due to the lift in serotonin, which is also known as the happy hormone.

Because of these unique qualities, ALCAR is an indispensable pre-workout ingredient and a beloved nootropic. It can serve as a fantastic component in most nootropic stacks, as it synergizes really well with most nootropics. Especially with other choline sources such as Citicoline or Alpha-GPC

High-quality Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL capsules are best known for supporting brain health and cognitive function, but as you can see, many other potentials use as well.

Cocoa & theobromine extracts

Uses and benefits may include:

Chocamine® cocoa extract – May help promote a positive mood, promote cognitive function, promote healthy cardiovascular function, may be used as a functional food ingredient

In the old days, chocolate was the ultimate drink of man. It was drunk by warriors to encourage aggression and sexual performance, before and after the battles. All that is due to the incomparable theobromine content found in the cacao beans that exert stimulant effects. Widespread cacao usage began in America and in the mid-sixteenth century, it quickly infected Europe. Beyond just being a pleasant habit full of sensory benefits, such as aroma, flavor, and texture, scrumptious chocolate was taken into account as a good nutrient and cognitive medication. It also delivers mood-related benefits such as increased energy and improved focus, along with reducing free radicals and oxidative stress in the brain.

Unfortunately, these benefits of cocoa cannot be obtained from most chocolates because of the sugar and fat content that actually have negative health effects. On the other hand, the benefits can be obtained from raw cacao, but it just isn’t that tasty. That’s why in the 1990s, researchers dedicated themselves to developing the full cocoa extract called Chocamine®. It is considered a cocoa extract, as cocoa is just slightly processed and defatted cacao.

Improved focus, energy, and mood

Available in a pleasant-tasting powder, Chocamine contains a variety of compounds that have been shown to stimulate a positive mood and increase energy levels. Theobromine is just one of them, along with others like amino acids, nutritious minerals, biogenic amines, polyphenols, fatty acid neurotransmitters, and more.

Theobromine is linked to caffeine and actually acts on some of the same receptor systems as caffeine, but it is longer-lasting, smoother, and doesn’t cause jittery like caffeine. A combination of theobromine and polyphenol content in Chocamine can help hone focus and may help promote memory and learning. Thus, it’s also a great natural nootropic.

If you are interested in the full benefits of cacao, try to look for a standardized blend of substances found in chocolate. Chocamine® is a rare example of the whole cocoa extract and is great for mood-related benefits, along with increased focus and improved energy. 

Cocamine would also be a great alternative to caffeine for those trying to reduce their caffeine consumption or for those who are overly sensitive to the effects of caffeine.

Conclusion

It’s best to have a holistic approach when it comes to nootropics.

With the standardized nootropic extracts that explore the main active compounds, you will have many options to go beyond basic supplementation. These natural nootropics will greatly benefit your overall mental health and well-being:

  • Adaptogens 

  • Herbal extracts

  • Fatty acids

  • Medicinal mushrooms

  • CBD oil

  • Amino acids

  • Choline donors

  • Neuro vitamins 

stacking nootropics

A term gaining momentum for nootropic users is “stacking nootropics“. This involves using a high list of nootropics to make the most benefits from the main active ingredients.

In general, a good deal of nootropics is synergistic with each other and that can greatly enhance the effects you are getting from them.

The best thing to do is to build up a strong foundation of doing healthy things, cherish healthy behavior, and know what you’re trying to get. Also, what goals do you want to use them for when building your stack? Eating right and exercising, stretching, and drinking enough water will be the bonus. Then you’re coming at it from the right angle.

Which of these natural nootropics will you choose to improve your cognitive skills?

Pick up nootropics that best reflect your goal

Read our next article to get you started

Stacking nootropics

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