SP
StackPedia
All Supplements

🧠 Nootropics

35 supplements in this category

L-Theanine

★★★★★

Amino acid found in green tea. Promotes calm focus without drowsiness. Synergistic with caffeine for clean, jitter-free energy.

100-200mg daily

Magnesium L-Threonate

★★★★★

A form of magnesium specifically developed to cross the blood-brain barrier. Researched for cognitive function, memory, and brain ageing.

1,500-2,000mg (providing ~144mg elemental Mg)

Lion's Mane Mushroom

★★★★★

Medicinal mushroom with unique nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulating properties. Used traditionally in East Asian medicine for cognitive support.

500-3,000mg daily (fruiting body extract)

Alpha-GPC

★★★★★

Alpha-GPC (L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a naturally occurring choline compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier to support acetylcholine production and cognitive function. It is commonly used to enhance memory, focus, and mental clarity whilst supporting brain health and neuroplasticity.

300–600 mg per day

Phosphatidylserine

★★★★★

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid compound found in cell membranes that plays a crucial role in cognitive function and stress response. It is particularly concentrated in brain tissue and has been studied for its potential to support memory, focus, and emotional wellbeing.

100-200mg daily

Melatonin

★★★★★

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycles. It is widely used as a supplement to improve sleep quality, reduce jet lag, and support natural sleep onset. Evidence suggests it is most effective for specific sleep disorders and circadian rhythm disruptions.

0.5–5 mg

Mucuna Pruriens

★★★★★

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical plant containing L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine that supports mood, motivation, and cognitive function. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, it has gained popularity as a natural alternative for supporting neurotransmitter balance and physical performance.

300-500 mg of standardised extract (15% L-DOPA) daily

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

★★★★★

PQQ is a redox cofactor found in trace amounts in foods that supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. Early research suggests potential cognitive and antioxidant benefits, though human studies remain limited. It is often used as a complement to CoQ10 for enhanced cellular health.

10-20 mg daily

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

★★★★★

Phenylethylamine is an endogenous trace amine that functions as a neuromodulator, promoting dopamine and noradrenaline release in the brain. Often called the 'love chemical', it may enhance mood, motivation, and mental focus. However, it is rapidly metabolised by monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, limiting its bioavailability and effectiveness as an oral supplement.

500-2000 mg per dose

CDP-Choline

★★★★★

CDP-choline (cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine) is a naturally occurring compound that serves as a precursor to both acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, supporting cognitive function and neuronal membrane integrity. It crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently and has demonstrated benefits for memory, attention, and brain health in clinical research.

500-1000 mg daily

Uridine

★★★★★

Uridine is a nucleoside and pyrimidine precursor that supports cognitive function and membrane synthesis. It is often used as a nootropic to enhance learning, memory, and neuronal health, particularly when combined with choline and omega-3 fatty acids.

500–1000 mg per day

Phosphatidylcholine

★★★★★

Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that forms a crucial component of cell membranes and serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It supports cognitive function, liver health, and cellular integrity throughout the body. This compound is found naturally in foods like eggs and soy, making it an accessible supplement for those seeking cognitive and hepatic support.

1,200–2,400 mg daily

Phosphatidylserine Complex

★★★★★

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid naturally found in cell membranes, particularly abundant in the brain, that supports cognitive function and stress resilience. This complex typically combines phosphatidylserine with complementary ingredients to enhance neuroprotection and mental performance. It has been studied for its potential to support memory, focus, and emotional wellbeing.

100-200 mg daily

Phospholipids

★★★★★

Phospholipids are essential structural components of cell membranes that support cognitive function, neurological health, and cellular integrity. They comprise the lipid bilayer fundamental to all living cells and are particularly concentrated in the brain and nervous system.

500-1000 mg daily

Citicoline CDP-Choline

★★★★★

Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound that supports brain health by enhancing phosphatidylcholine synthesis and supporting cell membrane integrity. It promotes cognitive function, memory formation, and neurological protection whilst supporting acetylcholine production for improved focus and mental clarity.

500-2000 mg daily

Huperzine A

★★★★★

Huperzine A is a naturally derived alkaloid extracted from Chinese club moss that acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, enhancing acetylcholine levels in the brain. It is widely used for cognitive enhancement, memory support, and potential neuroprotective benefits.

50-200 mcg daily

Vinpocetine

★★★★★

Vinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of the alkaloid vincamine, derived from the periwinkle plant, used primarily to support cognitive function and cerebral blood flow. It is marketed as a nootropic supplement to enhance memory, mental clarity, and neuroprotection, though evidence for efficacy in healthy individuals remains mixed.

5-10 mg three times daily

Piracetam

★★★★★

Piracetam is a nootropic compound and cyclic derivative of GABA that may enhance cognitive function and memory formation. It is one of the earliest nootropics and is widely used in Europe, though evidence of efficacy in healthy individuals remains mixed.

1200-2400 mg daily

Lions Mane 8:1 Extract

★★★★★

Lion's Mane is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Asian medicine, now studied for its potential cognitive and neuroprotective properties. The 8:1 extract represents an 8-fold concentration of the fruiting body, offering a potent form of bioactive compounds. Research suggests it may support brain health, nerve growth factor production, and mental clarity.

500-1500 mg daily

Bacopa 50% Bacosides

★★★★★

Bacopa monnieri is a traditional Ayurvedic herb standardised to contain 50% bacosides, the active compounds responsible for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Commonly used to support memory, learning capacity, and mental clarity through its adaptogenic mechanisms.

300-600 mg daily

Butyrate

★★★★★

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria during the fermentation of dietary fibre. It serves as a primary fuel source for colonocytes and plays a crucial role in maintaining gut barrier integrity and reducing inflammation.

500mg–2000mg daily

Caffeine Anhydrous 200mg

★★★★★

Caffeine anhydrous is a dehydrated form of caffeine that provides rapid mental stimulation and improved focus. It is commonly used to enhance alertness, physical performance, and cognitive function. The 200mg dose represents a standard serving for most adults seeking moderate stimulation.

100-200mg

Alpha Lipoic Acid 300mg

★★★★★

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant compound that supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. It plays a key role in glucose metabolism and may help protect against oxidative stress and neurological decline.

300-600mg daily

PQQ 20mg

★★★★★

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a bioactive compound that functions as a cofactor for cellular energy production and mitochondrial biogenesis. At 20mg, this dosage supports cognitive function and cellular recovery. Research suggests PQQ may enhance memory and reduce oxidative stress in ageing adults.

10-20mg daily

Phenylpiracetam

★★★★★

Potent racetam nootropic with stimulant and cognitive-enhancing properties.

100-200mg daily

Sulbutiamine

★★★★★

Synthetic thiamine derivative that crosses the blood-brain barrier for cognitive support.

400-600mg daily

Uridine

★★★★★

RNA nucleotide that supports synapse formation and dopamine function.

500-1000mg daily

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

★★★★★

Mitochondrial biogenesis factor and powerful redox cycling antioxidant.

10-20mg daily

Phosphatidylserine

★★★★★

Key brain phospholipid that supports memory, focus, and cortisol regulation.

100-300mg daily

Centrophenoxine

★★★★★

Cholinergic compound that supports brain energy and lipofuscin clearance.

250-500mg daily

Vinpocetine

★★★★★

Periwinkle alkaloid that enhances cerebral blood flow and neuroprotection.

10-30mg daily

Huperzine A

★★★★★

Potent natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Chinese club moss.

50-200mcg daily

NALT (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)

★★★★★

Enhanced-solubility tyrosine form supporting dopamine and stress performance.

300-600mg daily

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

★★★★★

Endogenous brain nutrient providing both choline and cytidine for neuroprotection.

250-500mg daily

Phosphatidylserine

★★★★★

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that forms a critical component of cell membranes, particularly in the brain where it accounts for 15% of the total phospholipid pool. It plays essential roles in neurotransmitter release, signal transduction, and cell-to-cell communication. Supplementation has been studied extensively for cognitive function, cortisol reduction, and exercise recovery.

100-300mg daily

Popular Supplements on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.