Are you interested in nootropics? Are you eager to try some of them? Or are you more into researching and reviewing them? In this list of nootropics, we combined over 80 nootropic compounds.
Due to the high-speed growth of the nootropic industry, many start-ups and established companies started developing and producing their nootropic supplements.
While we are happy about that (and we respect every individual company trying to help people with nootropics), sadly, most brands offer standardized solutions that usually do not provide the promised benefits.
What is even worse, you can find tons of products that contain compounds that should not be categorized as nootropics.
That motivated us to create this massive list of nootropics that should serve as a starting point for all researchers among you.
Let’s have a look at it.
Below we are going to share the best nootropics that can help you get focused in the short- and long-term. Instead of buying individual nootropics, we do recommend a nootropic supplement. At the end of this post, we will share more information regarding our favorite supplement.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a popular nootropic known to cross the blood-brain barrier easily. It is a serotonin precursor often used in sleep supplements.
The recommended daily dosage is in the range of 300 - 500 mg/day.
Acetyl L-Carnitine (R)-3-Acetyloxy-4-trimethylammonium-butanoate) is a derivative from an amino acid that is produced naturally in our bodies.
It is responsible for boosting mitochondria energy, and it can improve our brain metabolism.
As a nootropic, it is often used for improving mental alertness and memory, since it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
The recommended daily dosage is between 500 - 2000 mg/day.
Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a precursor to acetylcholine, which plays many vital roles in our brain.
By boosting the acetylcholine levels, Alpha-GPC is often used for improving memory, learning, and overall cognition.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 600 mg/day.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and the synthetic version of lipoic acid. As a nootropic, it is often used for boosting energy levels.
It also helps to protect the brain against free radicals and aging.
The recommended daily dosage is 300 - 600 mg/day.
Aniracetam (1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2-pyrrolidinone) is one of the more popular racetams which are known to be the “original nootropics.”
Is it up to five times more potent than racetam, but it has a very short half-life.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 1500 mg/day.
Artichoke extract (Luteolin) is a plant that provides multiple benefits such as improved memory, energy, and cognition. Luteolin is a PD4 inhibitor, which is a special enzyme.
Most supplement brands combine it with Forskolin (another nootropic on our list) for a stronger effect.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet, but most supplements contain up to 500 mg of the extract.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
This nootropic provides multiple benefits - from reducing stress and fatigue to boosting energy and focus.
The recommended daily dosage is 300 - 500 mg of root extract.
Astaxanthin is another atypical nootropic, which is primarily a red pigment that you can find in seafood. This carotenoid seems to be more effective compared to lutein.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
However, recent studies show that it is well-tolerated at doses of 20-50 mg/day.
Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) is another adaptogen herb known to decrease the adverse effects of stress, anxiety, and depression.
This is one of the most potent and popular nootropics on the market.It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 300 mg/day.
Berberine is an alkaloid that is extracted from plants that have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is primarily used for increasing insulin sensitivity, which reduces biomarkers of type II diabetes. Berberine is known to activate an enzyme AMPK.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.We also do not know if berberine is safe for supplementing.
Caffeine is the worlds’ most widely used drug that is also considered a nootropic. It is a stimulant that can dramatically influence your performance by improving your focus, energy, reaction time, and mood.
It directly influences serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and acetylcholine.
The recommended daily dosage is from 100 to 200 mg.
California poppy (also named eschscholzia californica) is an herb that contains bioactive alkaloids.
It has been traditionally used as a sedative, but we lack studies to prove its efficacy.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established.
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has been traditionally used for fatigue.This Amazonian vine is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
It might support our DNA repair and even immune function.
The recommended daily dosage is 250 - 350 mg.
Catuaba is an Amazonian tree that has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac.A few studies show its potential to help with anxiety, depression, brain damage, and it might even have anti-inflammatory effects.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most popular nootropics that gained a lot of traction in the past years. It is most commonly used for anxiety, pain, sleep issues, and depression.
Studies on animals show lots of potentials, but we still lack many studies on humans.
Luckily, many are ongoing. The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
Celastrus paniculatus is a woody plant that contains potentially nootropic seeds. They have been traditionally used in Ayurveda medicine, like many other nootropics.
Studies on rats show that taking the seeds can reduce cholesterol, improve your cognition, and intestinal health.
The recommended daily dosage is 10 - 20 seeds.
Choline is a molecule that turns into acetylcholine that is naturally found in many foods.Due to our modern diets, it is recommended to supplement choline.
The benefits this nootropic brings are related to our cognition, even though we still lack studies.
The recommended daily dosage is 250 - 500 mg.
Choline Bitartrate is one version of choline that can be supplemented. However, it is the least effective.
This means you need to take a higher dosage for a similar effect compared to other types of choline.
The recommended daily dosage is 500 mg to 5 grams.
Choline Citrate is a more concentrated version of choline compared to bitartrate.
The recommended daily dosage is from 500 mg to 3 grams.
Citicoline is a highly bioavailable source of choline. It is known to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, which makes it such a popular version of choline.Citicoline is an acetylcholine precursor.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in learning and memory.
The recommended daily dosage is slightly lower compared to other types of choline, from 250 to 750 mg.
Clitoria ternatea (Shanka Pushpi) is a less known nootropic that has been traditionally used in Ayurveda medicine.
Anecdotally it provides similar benefits as Bacopa Monnieri, but it lacks research on humans.
Therefore, the recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
Coluracetam is one of the racetams which are known to be the “original nootropics.”It is believed that this nootropic provides positive benefits for cognition, but it lacks human studies.
The recommended daily dosage varies from 3.2 to 32.7 mg.
This is another herb used in Ayurveda that might have cognitive promoting benefits.Studies on animals show that convolvulus pluricaulis promotes learning and improves cognition.
Like other adaptogen herbs, it has antidepressant and sedative properties.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is currently one of the most popular nootropics on the market.By definition, it is a molecule that is found in mitochondria. It plays a vital role in energy production.
Besides, a few studies show that CoQ10 is an excellent antiinflammatory nootropic that can also improve blood flow.
The recommended daily dosage is 90 - 200 mg.
Creatine is one of the most researched nootropics on the market. By definition, it is a molecule produced from amino acids.
It is especially popular among athletes due to its many benefits, such as: It increases power output, increases lean mass, and it improves overall physical performance.
Besides, early studies show that creatine decreases mental fatigue, and it might improve working memory.
The recommended daily dosage is from 1 to 5 grams.
DHA is one of the two omega 3-fatty acids that is found in fish oil. It plays many vital roles in our brains.
It is essential to know that low levels of DHA can result in depression, obesity, anxiety, and even ADD.
The recommended daily dosage is from 250 mg to 1 g of DHA and EPA combined.
DMAE is a nootropic that is, by definition, a choline molecule. It is found in centrophenoxine, a popular drug, as an active compound.
Due to the lack of studies, the recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
However, it is believed that DMAE helps to slow down the cognitive decline.
Forskolin is an active compound in an herb Coleus forskohlii that has been used in traditional medicine for fat-loss.
Forskolin is often found in fat burning supplements due to its ability to boost testosterone and help with fat-loss.It may protect against inflammation, but we lack studies to confirm that.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 500 mg of Coleus forskohlii that should contain 10% of Forskolin.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in relaxation. By itself, it cannot effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, which makes is ineffective for oral use.
Therefore, it is not recommended for supplementation.
Ginkgo biloba is the most popular and commonly used herb in the world of nootropics.
While it might be an effective cognition booster among the elderly, no studies are proving any benefits for the healthy population.
The recommended daily dosage is 120 - 240 mg.
Ginseng is a popular nootropic plant that is found in different parts of the world. Therefore, there are different types of Ginseng.The researched one is a so-called Panax Ginseng.
Studies show that supplementing this herb extract can improve cognition, well-being, calmness, and even help people with depression.
The recommended daily dosage is 200 - 400 mg.
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) is another traditional medicine used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine.
It is an effective cognition booster that needs a couple of weeks to provide the benefits. This is similar to Bacopa Monnieri, which is often combined with Gotu Kola.
The recommended dosages for cognitive enhancement vary between 500 to 750 mg. More studies have to be done to confirm that.
Guarana (Paullina cupana) is a seed that contains a high amount of caffeine (even more than coffee beans). Therefore, it is often supplemented as a cognitive enhancer and for its stimulant properties.
The recommended daily dosage is 50 - 100 mg.
Huperzine-A is a natural compound that is extracted from the herbs. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
This means that it increases the level of acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter for learning.
The recommended daily dosage is 50-200 mcg. Long-term use is currently not supported.
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) has been traditionally chewed before stressing activities due to its positive effects on reducing anxiety and stress.
This psychoactive herb is not hallucinogenic, but there is some evidence that it could decrease anxiety and improve cognitive performance.
The current recommended dosage is 8-25 mg of 2:1 concentration.
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a special hypnotic that has been traditionally used for reducing anxiety.
It is a potent herb that can improve mood and well-being.The recommended daily dosage is up to 300 mg.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the leaf that contains two potent alkaloids.They can provide stimulant effects, and they can lower anxiety.
At higher dosage, it can be very sedative.The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb that has been traditionally used for relaxation.It makes you calm down, and as a result, it can improve your cognition.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 300 mg.
Lion’s Mane (Yamabushitake) is one of the most popular and effective nootropics on the market.It has been used in Chinese medicine for improving cognitive performance.
This mushroom seems to be especially effective at slowing down cognitive decline, but it can also improve focus, attention, and help with repairing brain cells.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 1500 mg (3 x 500 mg).
Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays a vital role in our immune system.
Supplementing seems beneficial for groups of people who might lack it (vegans, vegetarians, etc.).
It lacks studies, so the recommended daily dosage has not been established.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that is found in green tea, and it is known for its relaxing benefits.
It is a relaxing agent that does not sedate, which makes it a perfect nootropic for improving focus and attention.
L-Theanine is often combined with caffeine.The recommended daily dosage is up to 200 mg.
Maca is probably the only vegetable on this list. However, we are not that interested in Maca itself, but more into its root, which seems to be a potent nootropic.
Traditionally, it has been used as an aphrodisiac that could also increase our energy levels and decrease anxiety.
The recommended daily dosage is 1500 to 3000 mg.
If you want to achieve a great sleep, magnesium is a mineral you should consider supplementing.
Magnesium plays many vital roles in our body. As a nootropic, it is often used to reduce blood pressure and act as a sedative.
The recommended daily dosage is 200 - 400 mg.
Magnolia (Magnolia Officinalis) is a plant that has been in traditional Chinese medicine to treat depression, help people with anxiety, and act as relaxing aging.
Some studies show that it possesses anti-cancer effects if taken in high dosages.
The recommended daily dosage varies from 160 to 550 mg.
Melatonin is another nootropic that is crucial for a great sleep.By definition, it is a hormone that regulates sleep. It naturally increases in the evening and decreases in the morning.
Besides, it is a powerful antioxidant.Supplementing Melatonin has been proven to have a significant impact on sleep.
The recommended daily dosage is 500 mcg - 5 mg. Take it 30-60 minutes before sleep.
Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean) is a special bean that contains L-dopa, which is a precursor to dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
L-dopa is used for decreasing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, to increase adrenaline, dopamine, and to improve our well-being.It can easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
The recommended daily dosage is from 150 mg to 1 gm.
MCT oil is a highly concentrated version of coconut oil which contains medium-chain triglycerides.They are converted into ketones in our liver, which are the alternative energy source.
By fueling our mitochondria, we should feel more alert, have more energy and be in a better mood.Besides, MCT oil can increase metabolic rate.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 3 tablespoons of MCT oil.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an amino acid and a prodrug to L-cysteine.
NAC provides antioxidant benefits; it is used for treating ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, depression, and several other health issues.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide + Hydrogen) is related to B3 vitamin.This nootropic is an antioxidant that might improve our mental alertness, energy, and mood.
It is also used in the formation of ATP.
The recommended daily dosage is 10 mg.
Nefiracetam is another nootropic from the racetam family that is structurally similar to Aniracetam.
It seems to be a potent nootropic that can enhance memory in older people who are experiencing faster cognitive decline.
The recommended daily dosage is 150 - 450 mg.
Nicotine is an alkaloid that is naturally found in tobacco. It can directly influence acetylcholine receptors, which is the main reason people get addicted to it.
It can slightly increase our cognition and improve memory. However, studies show correlation only in people with mild cognitive impairment.
The recommended daily dosage is 2 mg.
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is a nootropic that is structurally similar to Piracetam.
It is used for improving cognitive performance, even though it lacks studies that would prove positive benefits.
Compared to Piracetam, it is much more potent, which results in requiring a lower dosage for similar effects.
The recommended daily dosage is 10 - 30mg.
Oat Straw (Avena Sativa) is known to stimulate hormone production in humans. It is an MAO-B inhibitor that can also increase dopamine levels.
As a result of all processes, people should feel more alert, focused, and have an improved cognition.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 1600 mg.
Students mainly use oxiracetam for improving memory and enhancing learning abilities.
There is no evidence that it is effective for younger people without any cognitive decline.
The recommended daily dosage is 1200 - 2400 mg.
Phenibut is a synthetic nootropic that was developed in Russia. It possesses strong anti-anxiety effects.
Therefore, it is used to improve mood and fight depression.The recommended daily dosage varies from 2 - 300 mg.
However, we do not recommend taking Phenibut.
L-Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is not naturally produced in our bodies, but it plays a vital role in the production of different neurotransmitters.
It is often added to nootropic stacks due to its benefits in improving mood and energy levels.The recommended daily dosage is up to 1500 mg.
Do consult your doctor before supplementing it.
Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) is another synthetic version of Piracetam that seems to be more potent.
Studies show that Phenylpiracetam is most useful for slowing down cognitive decline in older adults.
The recommended daily dosage is 200 - 600 mg.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in brain functioning where it is naturally found.
People naturally get it from fish and other high-fat foods, but supplementation seems beneficial for improving cognition and slowing down cognitive decline.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 300 mg.
Picamilon (nicotinyl-y-aminobutyric acid) is a nootropic that was developed in Russia and contains two nootropic compounds: Vitamin B3 and GABA.
Compared to standard GABA, Picamilon can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is the main reason for its many benefits.
To mention a few: It improves memory; it increases focus, enhances motivation, and provides anti-anxiety benefits.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 300 mg.
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) has been shown to increase blood flow, and it can help with erectile dysfunction.This is not a typical nootropic, but a great compound that possesses antioxidants.
As such, it is anti-inflammatory, great for skin, eye health, PMS symptoms, even asthma.
The recommended daily dosage is 40 - 200 mg.
Black Pepper is actually a source of a molecule called piperine. Its primary role is to increase the absorption of other nootropic compounds.
The recommended daily dosage is 20 mg.
Piracetam is the “original nootropics” that was developed by dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, in 1964.It is a synthetic nootropic that is often used to treat cognitive impairment.
Although it is trendy among younger, healthy people, it shows to be the most effective for older people with a faster cognitive decline.
The recommended daily dosage is 1200 - 4800 mg.
Pramiracetam is another synthetic nootropic that is synthesized from piracetam.
It might be effective for short-term usage in cases when people need improved cognition (like before exams).
Due to the fact it lacks humans studies, we do not recommend it.
Pterostilbene (methylated stilbene) is a structurally similar molecule to resveratrol.
Initial studies show that this is a great antioxidant that is more absorbable than the more recognized nootropic resveratrol.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 125 mg twice a day.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a vitamin-like molecule that can support mitochondrial function.
It might have anti-inflammatory benefits, and it does seem to have a neuroprotective role in our body. Besides, studies show that it can help people with impaired sleep.
The recommended daily dosage is 20 - 40 mg.
Resveratrol is currently one of the most researched nootropics that you find. The reason for that is that this molecule (which you can find in wine) can protect people against heart disease, insulin resistance, and it may extend lifespan.
It is a potent antioxidant that is often added to anti-aging supplements.
The recommended daily dosage is 150 - 445 mg.
Rhodiola Rosea is one of the most potent adaptogen herbs that is often found in high-quality supplements.Studies show it is very effective for battling with fatigue and stress.
Due to that, people report feeling more alert when supplementing this herb. It also contains compounds that protect the brain against toxins, which may be the reason why we see up to a 20% increase in the lifespan of mammals.
The recommended daily dosage is 50 - 680 mg.
Rosemary contains rosemary acid, which contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
The recommended daily dosage is 200 - 300 mg.
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a popular herb that is known to be the most expensive one on the market.
Studies show that saffron possesses antidepressant properties, and it is as effective as antidepressant drugs.
The recommended daily dosage is 15 mg.
SAMe (S-AdenosylMethionine) is an amino acid that acts as a methyl donor.
Studies show that supplementing SAMe seems to be very efficient for osteoarthritis. It also decreases depression.
The recommended daily dosage is 600 - 1200 mg.
Schisandra berry (schisandra chinensis) is an adaptogen herb that provides typical adaptogen benefits such as improve cognition and decreased stress.
Sadly, it lacks studies, so it is currently not recommended taking it.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is an herb that contains a potent compound called hypericin. It is a well-known antidepressant.
However, it easily interacts with many drugs, so consult your doctor before supplementing it.
The recommended daily dosage has not been established yet.
Sulbutiamine contains two thiamine molecules (vitamin B1) bound together. Vitamin B1 is needed for ATP production.
The recommended daily dosage is 1.4 mg.
Taurine is an organic acid that is often used to stop cramping caused by fat burning supplements.
Studies show that it can increase blood flow in diabetics.
The recommended daily dosage is 500 - 2000 mg.
Theobromine is an alkaloid that is found in chocolate. It is known to lower blood pressure, provide stimulant effects, and it possesses other health benefits.
The recommended daily dosage is 500 - 1000 mg.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma) is a popular aphrodisiac that appears to decrease cortisol, improve erections and libido, and it might have a positive effect on lean mass.
It seems to be a potent herb which lacks human studies.
The recommended daily dosage is 200 - 300 mg.
Turmeric is a popular Indian herb that contains curcuminoids and curcumin, two bioactive compounds.
Studies show it can reduce inflammation, especially when it is combined with Piperine.
Curcuminoids in turmeric can help with plaques that clog the brain in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The recommended daily dosage is 2.5 - 4 mg.
Uridine Monophosphate (5’-uridylic acid) is a precursor to Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), which supports memory creation.By supplementing uridine, we might slow down aging and cognitive decline.
Uridine seems to be helpful as an anti-stress agent, for anti-anxiety, it normalizes dopamine, etc.
The recommended daily dosage seems to be 500 - 1000 mg.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular nootropic that is many found in supplements. It is also an herbal tea.
This herb is used for sedation and sleep, but human studies don’t show that it is particularly effective. Instead of being an excellent sleep supplement, it is more effective for anti-stress.
The recommended daily dosage is 450 mg.
Vinpocetine is a synthetic alkaloid that comes from a periwinkle plant. This plant has been used in Europe to treat cognitive decline and to help people to recover after a stroke.
This nootropic might improve memory, reaction time, and slow down cognitive decline.
The recommended daily dosage is 15 - 60 mg.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is one of the essential vitamins needed to produce ATP (cellular energy).
You can quickly get it from healthy foods such as nuts, peas, spinach, cauliflower, etc.
The recommended daily dosage is 1.4 mg.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is another essential B-vitamin that is needed to support the function of enzymes.It normalized the blood lipid levels; it might help with cognition and anti-aging.
Niacin overdose can be very damaging, so be careful.
The recommended daily dosage varies from 50 mg to 1000 mg.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) plays an important role in the formation of Coenzyme A that supports many enzymes in our body.
The recommended daily dosage is 5 mg, which you can quickly get from food.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is another vitamin that plays a vital role in the production of coenzyme.Another critical role of B6 is to help with the absorption of Vitamin B12.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 100 mg.
Vitamin B8 (Inositol) is known to boost serotonin levels, which makes us happier, calmer, and increase our mental energy.
Our body can produce B8 on its own, so supplementing it is not necessary.
Vitamin B9 (Folate) is an essential B vitamin that supports our general health. It supports the production of SAMe, which is the reason why there is some evidence that supplementing B9 can decrease depression.
The recommended daily dosage is up to 400 mcg.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is an essential vitamin that plays a crucial role in neurology.It is also important for converting carbohydrates into glucose.
Studies show that if you experience brain fog, have memory issues, fatigue, you lack energy, you are depressed, then there is a chance you lack Vitamin B12.
The recommended weekly dosage is around 1000 mcg.
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that we synthesize when exposed to the sun.Supplementing D vitamin is associated with better cognition, mental health, bone health, and overall well-being.
The recommended daily dosage is 1000 - 2000 IU.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in antioxidant enzymes, our immune system, and brain function.
If your zinc levels are low, your testosterone may decrease, you might feel depressed, and even have issues with acne. Zinc deficiency can impact growth.
The recommended daily dosage is 5 - 45 mg.
You are probably asking yourself which ingredients (mentioned above) to use daily to increase your productivity and overall performance!?
To get this amazing supplement with the best nootropics ingredients, click below.
Head Of Nutrition At STAQ Performance
Maya Andoljsek, BSc in Sports Science and Nutrition, has been researching nutrition, supplements, and coaching people for years. As a certified coach and nutritionist, she has helped hundreds of people improve their cognitive performance, physical performance, and overall health.