What Science Says About The Power Of Nootropics To Enhance Our Minds

Humans have long been searching for a ‘magic elixir’ to make us smarter and improve our focus and memory. This includes traditional Chinese medicine used thousands of years ago to improve this function. Now we have nootropics, also known as smart drugs, mind boosters. You can buy these in gummies, chewing gum, pills and skin patches online or from supermarkets, pharmacies or petrol stations. You don’t need a prescription or a consultation with a health expert. But do nootropics really boost your brain? Here’s what the science says.

Romanian psychologist and chemist Cornelius E. Giurgea coined the term nootropics in the early 1970s to describe compounds that can boost memory and learning. The term comes from the Greek words noos (think) and tropein (guide). Nootropics may work by improving the transmission of signals between nerve cells in the brain, maintaining the health of nerve cells, and helping with energy production. Some nootropics have antioxidant properties and may reduce damage to nerve cells in the brain caused by the accumulation of free radicals. But how safe and effective are they? Let’s take a look at 4 of the most widely used nootropics.

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Caffeine

You may be surprised to learn that caffeine is a nootropic. It’s no wonder many of us start our day with coffee. It stimulates our nervous system. Excessive consumption can cause panic attacks, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, gut disturbances, and heart problems. That’s why adults are advised not to drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is the equivalent of three espressos.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine comes in the form of a chewing gum or beverage. It is also the most common amino acid in green tea. Its intake may increase the production of alpha waves in the brain. However, its effect on cognitive functioning is still unclear. Different studies, including those comparing a single dose to daily doses over several weeks, and in different populations, show varying results.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a plant extract commonly used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to improve memory and cognitive function. In one study, taking 225-400 mg daily for 30 days improved healthy men’s ability to switch tasks, visual memory, response to stimuli, and executive functioning. But we should be cautious about the results of studies using ashwagandha supplements; the studies are relatively small and only treated participants for a short period of time.

Creatine

Creatine is an organic compound involved in producing energy in the body and is used as a sports supplement. But it also has cognitive effects. In a review of the available evidence, healthy adults aged 66-76 who took creatine supplements had improved short-term memory. Long-term supplementation may also be beneficial. Side effects of creatine supplements have rarely been reported in studies. But they include weight gain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and liver and kidney changes.

Conclusion

There is good evidence for the brain-boosting effects of caffeine and creatine. But the efficacy, dosage, and safety of most other nootropics are still uncertain. So until we have more evidence, consult your health expert before taking a nootropic. But drinking coffee every day is unlikely to do much harm. Thank goodness, because for some of us it is a magical elixir.