By Jason Hreha

Glossary

Nootropics

Reviewed by Jason Hreha

Published 2 min read

What are Nootropics?

Nootropics, also known as "smart drugs" or cognitive enhancers, are substances promoted as ways to improve cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, attention, and motivation in healthy individuals. These substances can be natural or synthetic and vary in their mechanisms of action. Evidence must be assessed for each substance, population, and outcome. For example, caffeine can improve alertness, but that does not establish general improvements in memory or intelligence. Additionally, the long-term safety and effectiveness of many nootropics remain uncertain.

Key Features

  • Mechanisms of Action

    Proposed mechanisms include effects on neurotransmitter systems and other cellular processes. A plausible mechanism or an animal result is not evidence of a meaningful cognitive benefit in healthy people. The specific mechanisms of action depend on the individual substance and its pharmacological properties.

  • Natural vs. Synthetic Nootropics

    Natural nootropics are substances derived from plants or other natural sources, such as caffeine, Ginkgo biloba, and Bacopa monnieri. Synthetic nootropics, on the other hand, are created in a laboratory and include substances like piracetam, modafinil, and phenylpiracetam. Natural origin does not establish safety or benefit. NCCIH reports uncertain evidence for ginkgo's effects on healthy cognitive performance.

Common Nootropics

  • Caffeine

    Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and other beverages, has well-established cognitive-enhancing effects, including increased alertness, attention, and wakefulness.

  • Piracetam

    Piracetam is a synthetic racetam. A Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to support its use for dementia or cognitive impairment; that clinical literature also cannot establish enhancement in healthy people.

  • Bacopa monnieri

    Bacopa monnieri has been tested for memory outcomes, but results depend on the preparation, population, and task. A 2023 review of herbal and nutritional trials in older adults, including Bacopa studies, judged the overall evidence low quality because of bias and other limitations. Proposed antioxidant mechanisms do not by themselves demonstrate clinical benefit.

  • Modafinil

    Modafinil, a prescription medication used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, has been studied for attention, working memory, and executive function in healthy individuals. A systematic review found that benefits varied with the task and study methods. However, its long-term safety and efficacy as a nootropic remain uncertain.

Comparing nootropics

A comparison of phenylpiracetam, piracetam and modafinil requires evidence for the specific substances, participants and outcomes being compared. Sharing the nootropic label does not make them interchangeable. A result for piracetam cannot establish phenylpiracetam’s benefits, and a modafinil study cannot establish that it is better than either without an appropriate comparison.

Risks and Limitations

While some nootropics have demonstrated cognitive benefits in clinical studies, many lack robust scientific evidence to support their claims. The long-term safety and effectiveness of these substances, particularly when used by healthy individuals, remain uncertain. Additionally, some nootropics may interact with medications or have side effects, making it essential for individuals to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using them.

Sources and further reading