Post by Neversatisfied on May 18, 2007 23:55:18 GMT -5
Nootropics (Smart Drugs)
Replenishing and increasing neurotransmitters
Thinking is a biologically demanding task. It involves the firing of neurons which requires plenty of neurotransmitters, and even though these are reuseable to some extent, they do get depleted. Depletion of neurotransmitters generally results in reduced mental performance, which may include difficulty concentrating, slowed reasoning, decreased learning efficiency, impaired recall, reduced coordination, lowered moods, inability to cope, increased response times, and mental fatigue. This also generally increases the likelihood of human error on tasks and activities performed. Stress causes neurotransmitters to be depleted even faster. The brain’s neurotransmitters need to be replenished frequently, made by the body from substances ingested in the diet. Maintaining neurochemicals at optimal levels has a corresponding effect on brain performance, supporting improved mental agility and stamina, even beyond the individual’s normal limits.
As the brain ages, its ability to produce and maintain youthful levels of neurotransmitters declines.[1] Thus, the theory is that by providing the brain with ample raw materials to make the neurotransmitters it needs can restore them to more youthful levels to help maintain cognitive function at vigorous youthful levels as well.
Dopaminergics
Dopaminergics are substances which affect the neurotransmitter dopamine or the components of the nervous system which utilize dopamine. Dopamine is produced in the synthesis of all catecholamine neurotransmitters, and is the rate limiting step for this synthesis. Dopaminergic nootropics include dopamine precursors and cofactors, and dopamine reuptake inhibitors:
* L-dopa - Precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, general nootropic, anti-depressant.
* Phenylalanine - Precursor to dopamine, general nootropic, anti-depressant, sleep reducer.
* Tyrosine - Precursor to dopamine, general nootropic, anti-depressant, sleep reducer.
* Theanine - Found in tea. Increases serotonin, GABA and dopamine levels in the brain. Increases alpha wave-based alert relaxation.
* Deprenyl - Inhibits MAO B (an enzyme that breaks down dopamine) thus raising dopamine by partially inhibiting its breakdown.
Neurotransmitter Serotonin
In order to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin the most effective way is taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are also called antidepressants.
Anti-depression, adaptogenic and mood stabilization
Depression and depressed mood negatively affect cognitive performance. Feelings of sadness, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, and fear caused by depression detract from productive thought, while apathy (which is also induced by depression) is the lack of motivation and driving moods (like curiosity, interest, determination, etc.) Other symptoms include disturbed sleep patterns, mental fatigue and loss of energy, trouble concentrating or making decisions, and a generalized slowing and obtunding of cognition, including memory. Obviously, removing these effects improves intelligence and mental performance, and therefore, counteracting and preventing depression are effective nootropic strategies. There is a high correlation between depression and a reduction or depletion of neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) in the brain, therefore it is no surprise that increasing the brain’s supply of neurotransmitters alleviates (or at least reduces the symptoms of) most depressions. Stress is another major factor in neurotransmitter depletion, being both a cause and effect of it (creating a vicious downward spiral), therefore stress management and anti-stress substances are also very useful nootropic strategies.
All of the “nergics” listed above have been found to increase stress tolerance and alleviate depression (by replenishing or increasing the brain’s supply of specific neurotransmitters), especially when used in precursor/co-factor combinations.
Here are some more nootropics which affect mood and stress:
* Vasopressin - Drug. Memory hormone produced by the pituitary gland which improves both memory encoding and recall. Rapidly counters chronic apathy syndrome and drug-induced vasopressin depletion.
Brain energy and improved oxygen supply
* Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) - Amino acid. Transports fatty acids through cellular membranes and cytosol into cells’ mitochondria, where the fats undergo oxidation to produce ATP, the universal energy molecule. Synergistic with lipoic acid.
* Chromium- stabilises blood sugar levels promoting concentration.
* CoQ10 - increases oxygen transport through the mitochondria of the cells. Appears to slow age-related dementia.
* Creatine - increases brain energy levels via ATP production.
* Lipoic acid - synergistic with Acetyl-L-carnitine.
* Pyritinol (Enerbol) - Drug. Enhances oxygen and glucose uptake in the brain, and allows glucose to pass more easily through the blood-brain barrier. Improves general brain function. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant which scavenges hydroxyl radicals created in the very processes it is involved in.
* Vinpocetine - micro-circulation enhancer, improves oxygen supply to brain cells.
Mental agility, concentration, stamina, and focus
* Adrafinil (Olmifon) - Drug.
* Caffeine - improves concentration, idea production, but hinders memory encoding. Also produces the jitters. Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world.
* Coffee - Bean. Contains caffeine; brewed coffee is high in antioxidants.[citation needed] Some have argued that the claim that brewed coffee is high anti-oxidants. Please see “Forum argues against biased news” and “Coffee is number one source of antioxidants” as citation.
* Nicergoline - Drug. Nicergoline is an ergoloid mesylate derivative used to treat senile dementia. It has also been found to increase mental agility and enhance clarity and perception. It increases vigilance.[2] Increases arterial flow and use of oxygen and glucose in the brain.
* Nicotine - stimulus barrier (aids in concentration). Stimulus barrier rebound effect (an unpleasant side effect).
* Cocaine - Drug
* Methylphenidate (Ritalin) - Drug
* Dextroamphetamine - (Adderall, Dexedrine) - Drug
* Phenibut -
* Theophylline -
* Amphetamine -
Purported memory enhancement and learning improvement
All of the “nergics” listed above are purported to improve memory (encoding and recall), As do all nootropics which improve general brain performance in categories such as the brain energy and oxygen supply, and nerve growth stimulantion and protection. Other agents purported to have these specific benefits are mentioned in their own sections.
Other nootropics with specific effects on memory encoding and recall include:
* Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) - Herb. Elevates curiosity, enhances memory and concentration.[3] Brahmi also protects against amnesia inducing chemicals such as scopolamine or loss of memory due to electro convulsive shocks.[3] It is a traditional ayurvedic medicine.
* Rosemary - Herb. Rosemary has a very old, albeit unverified reputation for improving memory.
* Vasopressin - Hormone, prescription drug.
* Dextroamphetamine- Adderall, Dexedrine.[4]
Nerve growth stimulation and brain cell protection
* Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) - Amino acid. Inhibits lipofuscin formation.
* Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) - Herb. Improves protein synthesis in brain cell repair and new dendritic growth.
* Ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine) - Drug. Mimics nerve growth factor (NGF), and is a powerful anti-oxidant capable of delaying brain death in cases of heart failure and stroke by several minutes with regular use. It increases vigilance.[2]
* Idebenone - stimulates nerve growth, and has same effects as Coenzyme q-10 without its harmful side-effects.
* Pyritinol (Enerbol) - Drug. Powerful anti-oxidant which scavenges hydroxyl radicals. Also enhances oxygen and glucose uptake in the brain, and allows glucose to pass more easily through the blood-brain barrier.[citation needed] Improves general brain function.[citation needed]
Other nootropics
The following list contains nootropics and possible nootropics that haven’t been relevancy checked (are they all nootropics?), category checked, or which don’t have a description yet. Before adding them to the article proper, make sure they are nootropics, and find out what kind of nootropics they are (to know what sections to place them in).
* Cabergoline (Dostinex) -
* Coluracetam - It may also have potential use in prevention and treatment of ischemic retinopathy and retinal and optic nerve injury.
* Desmopressin (DDAVP) - Drug. Analog of vasopressin (the anti-diuretic and memory hormone)
* DHEA - Hormone created by the adrenal glands; Precursor to Estrogen and Testosterone
* Dostinex -
* Fasoracetam -
* Essential Fatty Acids- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the best known. EPA in particular, has an anti-depressant function and is positively indicated in trials with autism and learning difficulties.
* Fipexide (Vigilor) - It protects against some memory impairing chemicals, such as diethyldithiocarbamate and clonidine.[5]
* Galantamine - Drug.
* Gerovital H3 -
* Ginkgo biloba - Root. Increases blood flow to the extremities including the brain, nootropic effects are disputed.
* Gotu Kola - Herb and root.
* Meclofenoxate - Has an anti-anxiety effect for rats[6] and possibly the same for humans. Like Fipexide, it protects against some memory impairing chemicals, such as diethyldithiocarbamate and clonidine.[5] Like many racetams, it may treat fetal alcohol syndrome.[7]
* Nimodipine -
* Ondansetron -
* Oxiracetam (Neuromet) -
* Phenytoin (Dilantin) -
* Phosphatidylserine- reduces age-related memory loss and promotes concentration.
* Picamilon - Drug.
* Pregnenolone - Hormone; Precursor to DHEA;
* Pyroglutamate -
* Somatotropin -
* Sulbutiamine (Arcalion) - Drug.
Replenishing and increasing neurotransmitters
Thinking is a biologically demanding task. It involves the firing of neurons which requires plenty of neurotransmitters, and even though these are reuseable to some extent, they do get depleted. Depletion of neurotransmitters generally results in reduced mental performance, which may include difficulty concentrating, slowed reasoning, decreased learning efficiency, impaired recall, reduced coordination, lowered moods, inability to cope, increased response times, and mental fatigue. This also generally increases the likelihood of human error on tasks and activities performed. Stress causes neurotransmitters to be depleted even faster. The brain’s neurotransmitters need to be replenished frequently, made by the body from substances ingested in the diet. Maintaining neurochemicals at optimal levels has a corresponding effect on brain performance, supporting improved mental agility and stamina, even beyond the individual’s normal limits.
As the brain ages, its ability to produce and maintain youthful levels of neurotransmitters declines.[1] Thus, the theory is that by providing the brain with ample raw materials to make the neurotransmitters it needs can restore them to more youthful levels to help maintain cognitive function at vigorous youthful levels as well.
Dopaminergics
Dopaminergics are substances which affect the neurotransmitter dopamine or the components of the nervous system which utilize dopamine. Dopamine is produced in the synthesis of all catecholamine neurotransmitters, and is the rate limiting step for this synthesis. Dopaminergic nootropics include dopamine precursors and cofactors, and dopamine reuptake inhibitors:
* L-dopa - Precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, general nootropic, anti-depressant.
* Phenylalanine - Precursor to dopamine, general nootropic, anti-depressant, sleep reducer.
* Tyrosine - Precursor to dopamine, general nootropic, anti-depressant, sleep reducer.
* Theanine - Found in tea. Increases serotonin, GABA and dopamine levels in the brain. Increases alpha wave-based alert relaxation.
* Deprenyl - Inhibits MAO B (an enzyme that breaks down dopamine) thus raising dopamine by partially inhibiting its breakdown.
Neurotransmitter Serotonin
In order to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin the most effective way is taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are also called antidepressants.
Anti-depression, adaptogenic and mood stabilization
Depression and depressed mood negatively affect cognitive performance. Feelings of sadness, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, and fear caused by depression detract from productive thought, while apathy (which is also induced by depression) is the lack of motivation and driving moods (like curiosity, interest, determination, etc.) Other symptoms include disturbed sleep patterns, mental fatigue and loss of energy, trouble concentrating or making decisions, and a generalized slowing and obtunding of cognition, including memory. Obviously, removing these effects improves intelligence and mental performance, and therefore, counteracting and preventing depression are effective nootropic strategies. There is a high correlation between depression and a reduction or depletion of neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) in the brain, therefore it is no surprise that increasing the brain’s supply of neurotransmitters alleviates (or at least reduces the symptoms of) most depressions. Stress is another major factor in neurotransmitter depletion, being both a cause and effect of it (creating a vicious downward spiral), therefore stress management and anti-stress substances are also very useful nootropic strategies.
All of the “nergics” listed above have been found to increase stress tolerance and alleviate depression (by replenishing or increasing the brain’s supply of specific neurotransmitters), especially when used in precursor/co-factor combinations.
Here are some more nootropics which affect mood and stress:
* Vasopressin - Drug. Memory hormone produced by the pituitary gland which improves both memory encoding and recall. Rapidly counters chronic apathy syndrome and drug-induced vasopressin depletion.
Brain energy and improved oxygen supply
* Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) - Amino acid. Transports fatty acids through cellular membranes and cytosol into cells’ mitochondria, where the fats undergo oxidation to produce ATP, the universal energy molecule. Synergistic with lipoic acid.
* Chromium- stabilises blood sugar levels promoting concentration.
* CoQ10 - increases oxygen transport through the mitochondria of the cells. Appears to slow age-related dementia.
* Creatine - increases brain energy levels via ATP production.
* Lipoic acid - synergistic with Acetyl-L-carnitine.
* Pyritinol (Enerbol) - Drug. Enhances oxygen and glucose uptake in the brain, and allows glucose to pass more easily through the blood-brain barrier. Improves general brain function. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant which scavenges hydroxyl radicals created in the very processes it is involved in.
* Vinpocetine - micro-circulation enhancer, improves oxygen supply to brain cells.
Mental agility, concentration, stamina, and focus
* Adrafinil (Olmifon) - Drug.
* Caffeine - improves concentration, idea production, but hinders memory encoding. Also produces the jitters. Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world.
* Coffee - Bean. Contains caffeine; brewed coffee is high in antioxidants.[citation needed] Some have argued that the claim that brewed coffee is high anti-oxidants. Please see “Forum argues against biased news” and “Coffee is number one source of antioxidants” as citation.
* Nicergoline - Drug. Nicergoline is an ergoloid mesylate derivative used to treat senile dementia. It has also been found to increase mental agility and enhance clarity and perception. It increases vigilance.[2] Increases arterial flow and use of oxygen and glucose in the brain.
* Nicotine - stimulus barrier (aids in concentration). Stimulus barrier rebound effect (an unpleasant side effect).
* Cocaine - Drug
* Methylphenidate (Ritalin) - Drug
* Dextroamphetamine - (Adderall, Dexedrine) - Drug
* Phenibut -
* Theophylline -
* Amphetamine -
Purported memory enhancement and learning improvement
All of the “nergics” listed above are purported to improve memory (encoding and recall), As do all nootropics which improve general brain performance in categories such as the brain energy and oxygen supply, and nerve growth stimulantion and protection. Other agents purported to have these specific benefits are mentioned in their own sections.
Other nootropics with specific effects on memory encoding and recall include:
* Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) - Herb. Elevates curiosity, enhances memory and concentration.[3] Brahmi also protects against amnesia inducing chemicals such as scopolamine or loss of memory due to electro convulsive shocks.[3] It is a traditional ayurvedic medicine.
* Rosemary - Herb. Rosemary has a very old, albeit unverified reputation for improving memory.
* Vasopressin - Hormone, prescription drug.
* Dextroamphetamine- Adderall, Dexedrine.[4]
Nerve growth stimulation and brain cell protection
* Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) - Amino acid. Inhibits lipofuscin formation.
* Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) - Herb. Improves protein synthesis in brain cell repair and new dendritic growth.
* Ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine) - Drug. Mimics nerve growth factor (NGF), and is a powerful anti-oxidant capable of delaying brain death in cases of heart failure and stroke by several minutes with regular use. It increases vigilance.[2]
* Idebenone - stimulates nerve growth, and has same effects as Coenzyme q-10 without its harmful side-effects.
* Pyritinol (Enerbol) - Drug. Powerful anti-oxidant which scavenges hydroxyl radicals. Also enhances oxygen and glucose uptake in the brain, and allows glucose to pass more easily through the blood-brain barrier.[citation needed] Improves general brain function.[citation needed]
Other nootropics
The following list contains nootropics and possible nootropics that haven’t been relevancy checked (are they all nootropics?), category checked, or which don’t have a description yet. Before adding them to the article proper, make sure they are nootropics, and find out what kind of nootropics they are (to know what sections to place them in).
* Cabergoline (Dostinex) -
* Coluracetam - It may also have potential use in prevention and treatment of ischemic retinopathy and retinal and optic nerve injury.
* Desmopressin (DDAVP) - Drug. Analog of vasopressin (the anti-diuretic and memory hormone)
* DHEA - Hormone created by the adrenal glands; Precursor to Estrogen and Testosterone
* Dostinex -
* Fasoracetam -
* Essential Fatty Acids- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the best known. EPA in particular, has an anti-depressant function and is positively indicated in trials with autism and learning difficulties.
* Fipexide (Vigilor) - It protects against some memory impairing chemicals, such as diethyldithiocarbamate and clonidine.[5]
* Galantamine - Drug.
* Gerovital H3 -
* Ginkgo biloba - Root. Increases blood flow to the extremities including the brain, nootropic effects are disputed.
* Gotu Kola - Herb and root.
* Meclofenoxate - Has an anti-anxiety effect for rats[6] and possibly the same for humans. Like Fipexide, it protects against some memory impairing chemicals, such as diethyldithiocarbamate and clonidine.[5] Like many racetams, it may treat fetal alcohol syndrome.[7]
* Nimodipine -
* Ondansetron -
* Oxiracetam (Neuromet) -
* Phenytoin (Dilantin) -
* Phosphatidylserine- reduces age-related memory loss and promotes concentration.
* Picamilon - Drug.
* Pregnenolone - Hormone; Precursor to DHEA;
* Pyroglutamate -
* Somatotropin -
* Sulbutiamine (Arcalion) - Drug.