Nootropic - Definition and Overview

Nootropics are so-called "smart drugs." The word derives from noos or mind and tropos to bend. Proponents claim that these substances enhance mental performance in a variety of ways, for example by enhancing cognition, memory, oxygen and glucose utilization or blood circulation in the brain.

Some classic examples of nootropics are:

• Piracetam (Nootropil)
• Aniracetam
• Oxiracetam
• Pramiracetam
• Pyritinol (Enerbol)
• Ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine)
• Galantamine
• Selegiline
• Centrophenoxine
• Desmopressin (DDAVP)
• Nicergoline
• Vinpocetine
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
• Picamilon

Similar claims have been made for a variety of stimulants such as:

• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Amphetamine (Adderall)
• Adrafinil (Olmifon)
• Modafinil (Provigil)
• DMAE - possible applications for ADD/ADHD sufferers, skepticism exists over whether this substance offers nootropic effects

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and acetylcholine precursors - two class of drugs/supplements which have demonstrated nootropic effects at certain dosages:

• Alpha-GPC (L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline alfoscerate) - most effective choline precursor, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier
• Huperzine A - potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
• CDP-Choline (Cytidine Diphosphate Choline) - choline precursor, a more economical alternative to Alpha GPC

CAUTION: Excess acetylcholine can be potentially harmful.

Herbs that exhibit nootropic effects:

• Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha)
• Bacopa monnieri
• Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)
• Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)

External links

General pages on nootropics:

• HedWeb (http://www.nootropic.com/)
• Slashdot (http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/12/20/2352239&tid=191&tid=14)
• Future Pundit (http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/001695.html)
• The Scientist (http://nootropics.com/smartdrugs/smart-drug.html)
• Immortality Institute - Nootropics forum (http://www.imminst.org/forum/index.php?s=&act=SF&f=169)
• Avantlabs - Neuroscience forum (http://forum.avantlabs.com/?s=62cff6c726c168702c58df9904e728af&act=SF&f=41)
• Avantlabs - Nootropics Wiki (http://www.avantlabs.com/wiki/index.php/Supplements_to_improve/facilitate_mental_functioning)