Noopept: Nootropic Benefits, Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Noopept is a nootropic dipeptide that has garnered attention as a novel cognitive enhancer in the world of nootropic drugs. This neuroprotective proline-containing dipeptide is celebrated for its efficacy in enhancing cognitive performance, similar to, and in some aspects surpassing, the well-known nootropic Piracetam.

The action of Noopept in the brain is multifaceted, including protection against oxidative damage and calcium overload, key factors in neurodegenerative conditions.

This comprehensive review will delve into the diverse properties of Noopept and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to its status as a potent and beneficial cognitive enhancer.

What is Noopept?

Noopept (chemically known as n-phenyl-acetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is a novel cognitive enhancer that has gained prominence in the realm of nootropics. It was originally developed in Russia by Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences) by T. A. Gudasheva as a product for research use.

This synthetic compound stands out for its neuroprotective properties, safeguarding the brain against oxidative damage and calcium overload, which are critical factors in neurodegenerative diseases.

Compared to traditional nootropics, Noopept’s mechanism of action is distinct and potent. Research on Noopept, particularly in the context of AD-related (Alzheimer’s Disease) cellular models, found that Noopept showed promising results in several animal models.⁽¹⁾

A study of Noopept has revealed information about its ability to not only protect brain cells but also to improve cognitive function in a rat brain disease model, making it a potentially valuable tool in the treatment and management of cognitive impairments and for general cognitive enhancement.⁽²⁾

Pros:

• Improves memory, focus, and learning capacity
• Offers protection against oxidative stress and brain damage
• Facilitates mood improvement and a reduction in anxiety
• Enhances brain health and reduces brain fog

Cons:

• Excessive or high dosages of Noopept can lead to toxicity
• While rare, allergic reactions are possible

Mechanism of Action

The action of Noopept on the human brain is multifaceted.

The ethyl ester component of Noopept contributes to its efficacy in crossing the blood-brain barrier, enhancing its impact to improve memory.

Noopept administration is associated with a range of nootropic effects that contribute to its cognitive-enhancing properties.

Key aspects of Noopept’s action include:

1. Antioxidant Activity: Noopept acts as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress in the brain. This is particularly beneficial in protecting neurons from damage caused by free radicals, thereby supporting overall brain health and possibly aiding in the recovery from brain injuries.
2. BDNF Levels: The drug has been observed to modulate levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a crucial role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. Increased BDNF levels can lead to improved neuronal health and functionality, which may improve cognition and neuroplasticity.⁽³⁾
3. Glutamate Modulation: Noopept influences the activity of glutamate, an essential neurotransmitter for cognitive processes. By modulating glutamate levels and its receptors, Noopept can enhance synaptic plasticity, which is vital for learning and memory.
4. Stimulation of NGF Production: Noopept is believed to enhance the production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) in the brain. By increasing NGF levels, Noopept contributes to the health and maintenance of neurons, which is crucial for cognitive function and neural repair.
5. Enhanced Alpha Wave Activity: Noopept may enhance alpha brain wave activity, leading to improved cognitive function. Alpha waves are known to play a role in attention, concentration, and mental coordination.
6. Neurogenesis: The chronic administration of Noopept may stimulate the growth of new neurons and enhance the connectivity between them, further contributing to its cognitive-enhancing effects.

The combination of these actions makes Noopept a significantly multifaceted nootropic, offering benefits that encompass memory restoring and neuroprotective effects. extending it beyond being a standard cognition enhancer.

Nootropic Benefits of Noopept

Noopept has garnered significant attention due to its multifaceted benefits. 

Noopept treatment offers several cognitive enhancing and neuroprotective advantages, distinguishing it from other nootropics.

Here’s an overview of the key beneficial effects of nootropic Noopept.

1. Enhanced Cognitive Function

Noopept treatment is known to have nootropic activity that significantly boosts cognitive abilities, including memory, focus, and learning capacity. This makes taking Noopept a potentially effective treatment of mild cognitive impairment in patients with ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

Noopept enhances the efficiency of neurotransmitter systems, further boosting cognitive functions and neural communication.

2. Neuroprotection

The neuroprotective effect of Noopept is one of its most acclaimed properties. It provides protection to neurons, which is beneficial in organic brain diseases of vascular and traumatic origin. This is because the neuroprotective action of Noopept slows the increase of apoptosis.

Additionally, research input indicates that Noopept can stimulate the production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) in the human brain. With its ability to cause an increase of the level of NGF, Noopept helps support the growth and maintenance of healthy neurons, which is crucial for cognitive functions such as learning and memory.⁽⁴⁾

3. Reduction of Oxidative Stress

Noopept’s action includes reducing oxidative stress in brain cells, a factor that contributes to cellular aging and neurodegeneration. This also allows for protection against cognitive deficiency caused by oxidative stress over time. 

4. Attenuation of Neurological Damage

 In cellular models, such as the pretreatment of PC12 cells, Noopept has been found to significantly attenuate damage caused by various stressors in the body. This effect of the novel Noopept underlines its potential to aid recovery from brain injuries.

5. Prevention of Cognitive Decline

Regular Noopept use has been associated with a reduced rate of cognitive decline, making it a valuable supplement for long-term brain health. Noopept diminishes аβ (amyloid beta-peptides), which is significant in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Aβ peptides are known to accumulate in the brain as plaques and are associated with the degeneration of neurons, leading to cognitive decline.

Uses of Noopept

Noopept, a synthetic nootropic, has demonstrated a range of beneficial uses, owing to its multifaceted activity in the brain. Here are some of the key uses of Noopept:

1. Cognitive Enhancement: The primary activity of Noopept is enhancing cognitive functions, including memory, learning, focus, and processing speed. This makes it a popular choice among students, professionals, and anyone seeking mental performance improvement.
2. Neuroprotective Properties: Noopept attenuates neuronal damage and has neuroprotective qualities. This makes it beneficial for individuals who have experienced brain injuries or are at risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Noopept has been shown to help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Its calming effect on the brain helps in managing these conditions without impairing cognitive functions.
4. Mood Improvement: Regular use of Noopept has demonstrated positive effects on mood, helping to alleviate feelings of depression and improve overall emotional stability. During studies, Noopept reduced brain fog and therefore could potentially lead to an elevated sense of well-being.⁽⁵⁾
5. Preventing Cognitive Decline: The neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing activities Noopept demonstrated with several animal models show its potential to prevent or slow down cognitive decline in the elderly or those at risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Enhancing Brain Plasticity: Noopept’s role in improving neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself, is another key use, especially in recovery processes after neurological injuries or in learning and memory enhancement.

These diverse applications of Noopept highlight its potential as a versatile nootropic product, suitable for various needs related to cognitive health and mental well-being.

Where to Buy Noopept

Finding high-quality nootropic products online can be difficult. There are plenty of scammers out there selling low-grade nootropics to uninformed consumers. 

To help you avoid this, we will point you in the right direction!

Purchase medical-quality, third-party tested nootropics, such as Noopept, at either of the two following online retailers.

These trustworthy retailers have excellent reviews, great nootropic products, and offer worldwide shipping.

If you’re looking for the best places to buy Noopept, you’ve found them!

Noopept Dosage

The appropriate dosage of Noopept can vary depending on individual factors like the user’s sensitivity, intended use, and personal health conditions. However, a general guideline for Noopept dosage is as follows:

1. Standard Dosage: The typical dosage of Noopept is between 10 to 30 mg per day. This dosage can be taken in a single dose or divided into two to three smaller doses throughout the day.
2. Starting Dose: For new users, it’s often recommended to start at the lower end of the dosage range for the first few days, such as 10 mg, to assess tolerance and effects. The dosage can then be gradually increased as needed and tolerated.
3. Administration: Noopept can be taken orally, either in pill or powder form. Some users prefer sublingual administration (placing it under the tongue) for potentially faster and more direct absorption.

Noopept Side Effects & Safety

Noopept, while generally well-tolerated, can have some side effects, especially if taken inappropriately.

Safety profile:

• Generally Safe at Recommended Doses: Noopept is considered safe when taken at recommended dosages. However, individual reactions can vary, and it’s important to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
• Minimal Risk of Dependency: Unlike some other cognitive enhancers, Noopept has a low risk of dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
• Potential Interactions: While Noopept does not commonly interact with other medications, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking other prescription drugs, particularly those affecting the central nervous system.

Common side effects:

• Headaches
• Irritability and restlessness
• Insomnia
• Gastrointestinal issues

Summary

Noopept, a potent nootropic product, is renowned for its cognitive-enhancing capabilities. It primarily aids in improving memory, focus, and learning, making it popular among students and professionals. Noopept also exhibits neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting individuals with brain injuries or at risk of neurodegenerative diseases. 

Additionally, it has been found to alleviate stress and anxiety and improve mood, contributing to its overall mental health benefits.

While generally safe at recommended doses, Noopept can cause side effects like headaches, irritability, insomnia, and gastrointestinal discomfort in some users. It’s advised to start with lower doses to assess tolerance.

Noopept’s low risk of dependency adds to its appeal as a cognitive enhancer.

Remember to consult with a doctor first before taking Noopept and adding it to your daily supplementation regimen. This will allow you to get the most out of your Noopept treatment!

FAQs

1. Ostrovskaya, Rita U et al. “Neuroprotective effect of novel cognitive enhancer noopept on AD-related cellular model involves the attenuation of apoptosis and tau hyperphosphorylation.” Journal of biomedical science vol. 21,1 74. 6 Aug. 2014, doi:10.1186/s12929-014-0074-2↩
2. Ostrovskaya, Rita U et al. “The nootropic and neuroprotective proline-containing dipeptide noopept restores spatial memory and increases immunoreactivity to amyloid in an Alzheimer’s disease model.” Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) vol. 21,6 (2007): 611-9. doi:10.1177/0269881106071335↩
3. Dagda, Ruben K et al. “Intranasal Administration of Forskolin and Noopept Reverses Parkinsonian Pathology in PINK1 Knockout Rats.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 24,1 690. 30 Dec. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijms24010690↩
4. Conner, James M et al. “NGF is essential for hippocampal plasticity and learning.” The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience vol. 29,35 (2009): 10883-9. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2594-09.2009↩
5. Ostrovskaia, R U et al. “Original’nyĭ nootropnyĭ i neĭroprotektivnyĭ preparat noopept” [The original novel nootropic and neuroprotective agent noopept]. Eksperimental’naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia vol. 65,5 (2002): 66-72.↩