Nootropics are substances that improve cognitive function.
Since it includes your memory, reaction time, motivation, and other important brain functions, you should consider the best natural nootropics.
Before finding these online or in your local drugstore, note what these top nootropics are and what benefits they contribute to the body.
Table of Contents
Let’s find out more about the most effective nootropics you can easily find.
Top Natural Nootropic Supplements
- Caffeine — Best nootropic to improve reaction time and alertness
- Ginkgo Biloba — Best plant extract that improves blood flow to the brain
- Bacopa Monnieri — Great for elevating mood and removing stress
- Rhodiola Rosea — Great for boosting stamina and energy
- L-Theanine — Great for increasing alpha brain waves
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids — Best for supporting brain health
- Curcumin — Great for relieving inflammation
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom — Best for stimulating BDNF and NGF
- Ginseng — Best for boosting immunity
- Huperzine A — Great neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties
- Creatine — Best for boosting energy metabolism
How to Choose Natural Nootropics?
Selecting the best natural nootropics requires understanding various factors that contribute to their efficacy and safety. In the table below, we break down the top factors to consider.
| Factor | Description | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Source Quality | The purity and origin of the nootropic ingredients. | Ensures you’re getting a potent and clean product free from contaminants. |
| Efficacy | Evidence of cognitive benefits from scientific studies. | Confirms that the nootropic has a proven track record of improving cognitive functions. |
| Dosage | The amount of the active ingredient in each serving. | Proper dosage is critical for effectiveness and safety. |
| Synergy | How well the nootropic works with other ingredients. | Some nootropics are more effective when combined, enhancing cognitive benefits. |
| Side Effects | Potential adverse reactions or interactions. | Minimizes the risk of negative health impacts and ensures safe use. |
- Source Quality: The origin and purity of nootropic ingredients are vital. High-quality sources mean fewer contaminants and more effective cognitive enhancement.
- Efficacy: Look for nootropics backed by clinical research. This factor ensures that the product has been tested and proven to aid cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and mental clarity.
- Dosage: Correct dosing is key. A nootropic might be effective, but if the dosage is off, it may be useless or even harmful.
- Synergy: Some nootropics work best in combination. Find formulas that have ingredients which complement each other for a more profound effect.
- Side Effects: Always consider the potential for adverse effects. Natural doesn’t always mean side-effect-free; the goal is to improve cognition without detriment to your health.
The Top 11 Natural Nootropics of 2024
It is a belief that going natural means opting for a healthier option. Although it is not applicable on every occasion, rest assured that it will lead you to healthier results when it comes to nootropics.
Some are even inside your body, like Acetyl L Carnitines and B Vitamins, specifically Vitamin B12, known for their effects on cognition.
According to scientific evidence and our own research, the 11 best natural nootropics are:
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, cocoa, green tea, cola, and energy drinks, making it one of the most popular and most used nootropics. You can usually ingest this natural nootropic in the form of food and beverages. However, you can also take caffeine as a stand-alone supplement or in combination with other supplements as nootropic stacks.
This substance works to block the adenosine receptors to prevent their binding with neurotransmitter adenosine, which causes slower neural activity and sleepiness. This event also leads to faster neural activity. You can experience shorter reaction times and less tiredness with the intake of caffeine.
2. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba extracts are known to positively affect cognitive function as they are used in Chinese medicine for this purpose. Studies say that it helps improve memory, especially age related memory decline, and enhances the mental performance of older adults. Another benefit of Ginkgo Biloba is reduced stress-related high blood and stress hormone called cortisol.
It is believed that these benefits are caused by better and increased blood flow to the brain. That is why Gingko Biloba plays a role in improving artery health and minimizing the chance of stroke. However, more research is needed to understand its effects better.
3. Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is an herb used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. It is a powerful herb that improves cognitive performance like memory focus and aids in a faster response. Such benefits are acquired because of the bacosides present in Bacopa Monnieri that boost brain signals in the hippocampus. It also protects your brain from possible oxidative stress and contains adaptogens that fight off free radicals.
It takes a long time before you will be able to feel the effects of this substance. Several months of use with a dosage of 300-600mg daily supports maximum benefits.
4. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea helps your body with managing mental fatigue. In countries such as Russia and Scandinavia, a review showed that this supplement serves as a treatment for anxiety because of its antidepressant and anti-fatigue qualities.
Small doses of this natural nootropic every day are ample when dealing with stress and fatigue before exams. Nonetheless, Rhodiola Rosea needs further research to determine its standard dose and how it produces its effects.
5. L-Theanine
A naturally occurring amino acid, L-Theanine, is commonly present in green tea, but you can take it as a nootropic supplement. It instigates mental clarity without causing drowsiness and increases mood-improving neurotransmitters that lift your spirit.
The L-Theanine substance has neuroprotective effects that generate and restore nerve cells, making it an excellent therapeutic supplement for high anxiety patients.
A dose of even just 50mg of L-Theanine increases alpha waves, which affects your creativity.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered the most important supplement for brain function, gaining its title as the “brain food”. These fatty acids are cognitive enhancers that improve mental function and blood flow. It affects cognition, such as memory loss, mental fatigue, creativity, and attention, considering it one of the best nootropics for memory.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the overall brain health of healthy adults and even youngsters. They can be found in different kinds of food but are often not enough, so another source in nootropics is recommended.
7. Curcumin
An extract from turmeric, Curcumin, serves as an antioxidant and overall stimulant. It increases the blood flow to the brain, which gives you improved memory and concentration. Curcumin also stimulates brain cells’ production by producing serotonin, dopamine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), providing an antidepressant effect, as studies have shown.
Curcumin, however, should be taken with the addition of nerve cells’ growth pipeline, phosphatidylserine, or the use of nanoparticles. It is because your body poorly absorbs Curcumin without help and proper measures.
8. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
One of the cognitive enhancers, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, can be ingested cooked, raw, mixed with tea, or any other form. It prevents the formation of amyloid-beta plaque in the brain that causes inflammation, brain cell death, and damage to patients with disease.
Two compounds found only in the Lion’s Mane – the hericenones and erinacines, stimulate nerve cells’ growth, heal, and protect them. Amycenone, another compound, helps in improving sleep, memory and mental function.
9. Ginseng
Ginseng consists of Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). While both are called ginsengs, they have various benefits and possible side effects. Ginseng’s benefits include reduction of mental fatigue and blood sugar, and improvement of cognitive function.
Despite its significant effects on lessening cognitive decline, it is only hypothesized that the cause might be ginseng’s strong anti inflammatory qualities.
10. Huperzine A
Huperzine A is a stimulant extracted from the Chinese club moss plant to enhance memory, learning, and alertness. This compound has been used as a treatment for skin conditions for thousands of years in Southeast Asia. It helps healthy adults, middle school students, and aged adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Huperzine A is a booster that mainly works by increasing acetylcholine levels and forming new cells in the brain.
More research is needed to discover other potential benefits and long term side effects of Huperzine A.
11. Creatine
Bodybuilders usually use nootropic supplements such as Creatine to build more muscles. It is an amino acid that uses your body’s protein to support mental functions. When this compound enters the body, it binds with phosphate and acts as a fuel for the brain cells. More energy available for the cells improves short term memory and critical thinking.
You can find this substance in meat, fish, and poultry. Studies show that when vegetarians take Creatine, they experienced an increase in mental performance. As they can’t ingest this smart drug through natural means, they will have to take synthetic nootropics instead.
How We Picked the Top Natural Nootropics
We followed a comprehensive evaluation method to identify the best natural nootropics available. Our approach considered factors such as efficacy, ingredient quality, brand reliability, transparency, manufacturing process, user testimonials, cost, and overall value. By assessing these elements, we assembled a reliable and comprehensive list of the top natural nootropics for cognitive enhancement.
Efficacy
We examined research studies and user feedback to determine cognitive enhancement, focusing on attention, processing speed, and mental clarity.
Ingredient Quality
We carefully inspected each formula, giving priority to natural, evidence-based, and high-quality ingredients that promote cognitive function.
Scientific Support
We consulted peer-reviewed research and systematic reviews to ensure the effectiveness of the key ingredients in boosting cognitive performance.
Dosage
We evaluated appropriate dosages and ingredient proportions, confirming they align with scientific findings for optimal results.
Safety
We ensured the safety of each component, considering potential adverse effects and interactions while complying with regulatory guidelines. Ingredients approved by regulatory bodies are prioritized.
Brand Reliability
We assessed brands’ credibility and trustworthiness by analyzing customer ratings, expert recommendations, and company background.
Product Transparency
We appreciated thorough ingredient disclosure, including their origins and amounts, which encourages well-informed consumer choices.
Manufacturing Process
We investigated production standards, giving priority to products manufactured in accredited facilities and in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
User Testimonials
We evaluated genuine customer feedback, placing importance on reviews that highlight cognitive improvement and mental performance enhancement.
Cost
We compared the prices of the products, verifying that they were competitive and in line with the quality and efficiency of the natural nootropic.
Value
We appraised overall value by examining the balance of cost, quality, and effectiveness to ensure the best return on investment for the consumers.
What are Natural Nootropics?
Natural nootropics serve a similar purpose, just like any other nootropic. However, true to their name, they are composed of organic compounds. Nootropics from herbs, plants, root extracts, and fungi are often used in ancient traditions such as Chinese medicine to enhance mental function.
In their purest forms, they do not bring any side effects to the user, unlike synthetic smart drugs, and are proven to improve brain health. Standardized high quality herbs without artificial ingredients and common allergens make up this type of nootropics.
Natural Nootropics vs. Synthetic Nootropics
Both natural and synthetic nootropics increase blood circulation and provide essential nutrients. Natural stimulants keep the brain healthy by protecting it from inflammation occurrence and toxins.
Natural nootropics also stimulate the release of multiple neurotransmitters, which contribute to brain boosting. However, just like any other natural way, it takes time to feel their benefits.
Synthetic nootropics are nootropics made of chemical ingredients. You can immediately feel the results after several minutes or hours of intake of these compounds.
Studies also found out that noopept, a synthetic nootropic, helps in clearing brain fog, treating anxiety, and recovering from brain injuries, but further research is needed to prove this claim. These smart drugs are effective, but be wary of prescription nootropics because they can pose serious problems like addiction and high blood pressure.
Natural Nootropics Side Effects
Natural nootropics are top brain supplements that improve cognition without harmful side effects. Mostly, the only possible way to experience unwanted effects is by taking larger than recommended doses.
Remember that true nootropics do not have harmful effects on users because they are not nootropics if they do.
Also, even if you lack the budget, you should not be bothered about how to make nootropics. It is because standardized high quality herbs are used when creating one. Effects can be different, and there might be adverse reactions if you try making these compounds without proper knowledge and equipment.
Natural Nootropics in Summary
Natural nootropics significantly improve your cognitive function, and some of them can be easily found even in your daily foods. Going natural can help keep your brain function at its maximum while also keeping it healthy and slowing down its aging.
There are several of these best nootropics compounds that you can choose from to achieve your desired results. However, should you have any worries about taking certain nootropics, you should consult your doctor.
FAQs About Natural Nootropics
How do natural nootropics work?
Natural nootropics work by acting on neurotransmitters, increasing blood flow to the brain, improving brain function, and providing essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Are natural nootropics safe to use?
Natural nootropics are typically considered safe when used appropriately, but it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. Individual responses may vary.
What are some examples of the best natural nootropics?
Some popular natural nootropics include Bacopa Monnieri, Rhodiola Rosea, Ginkgo Biloba, Panax Ginseng, L-Theanine, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom.
How long does it take for natural nootropics to show effects?
The time it takes to notice effects varies depending on the nootropic, individual’s metabolism, and dosage. Some may see immediate improvements, while others can take several weeks.
Can natural nootropics be combined with other supplements or medications?
Although natural nootropics can be combined with other supplements, consult your healthcare professional first to address potential interactions and ensure a safe combination.
Where can I buy natural nootropics?
Natural nootropics can be found online, in health food stores, and some pharmacies. Ensure you buy from a reputable source and follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage guidelines.