Sources & References

Bacopa monnieri – Cognitive Benefits: Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb shown to enhance memory and cognitive performance with chronic use.

References:

  1. Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, Rodgers T, Nathan PJ. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001;156(4):481–484. doi:10.1007/s002130100815
  2. Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Scholfield CN. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528–535. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008
  3. Morgan A, Stevens J. Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double‑blind trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(7):753–759. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0342
  4. Roodenrys S, Booth D, Bulzomi S, Phipps A, Micallef C, Smoker J. Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) on human memory. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2002;27(2):279–281. doi:10.1016/S0893-133X(01)00419-5
  5. Stough C, Downey LA, Lloyd J, Silber B, Redman S, Hutchison C, Wesnes KA, Nathan PJ. Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90‑day double‑blind placebo‑controlled randomized trial. Phytother

Soybean extract – rich in isoflavones have been investigated for cognitive enhancement.

References:

1. Cui C, Birru RL, Snitz BE, Ihara M, Kakuta C, Lopresti BJ, Aizenstein HJ, Lopez OL, Mathis CA, Miyamoto Y, Kuller LH, Sekikawa A. Effects of soy isoflavones on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev. 2020;78(2):134–144. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz050
 2. Cheng PF, Chen JJ, Zhou XY, Ren YF, Huang W, Zhou JJ, Xie P. Do soy isoflavones improve cognitive function in postmenopausal women? A meta-analysis. Menopause. 2015;22(2):198–206. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000290
 3. Henderson VW, St John JA, Hodis HN, et al. Long-term soy isoflavone supplementation and cognition in women: a randomized, controlled trial. Neurology. 2012;78(23):1841–1848. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e318258f823
 4. Duffy R, Wiseman H, File SE. Improved cognitive function in postmenopausal women after 12 weeks of consumption of a soya extract containing isoflavones. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003;75(3):721–729. doi:10.1016/s0091-3057(03)00116-3
 5. File SE, Jarrett N, Fluck E, Duffy R, Casey K, Wiseman H. Eating soya improves human memory. PsychophN‑Acetyl L‑Tyrosine – bioavailable form of tyrosine, an amino acid precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine.

References:

1. Attipoe S, Zeno SA, Lee C, Crawford C, Khorsan R, Walter AR, Deuster PA. Tyrosine for mitigating stress and enhancing performance in healthy adult humans: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Mil Med. 2015;180(7):754–765. doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00594
 2. O'Brien C, Mahoney C, Tharion WJ, Sils IV, Castellani JW. Dietary tyrosine benefits cognitive and psychomotor performance during body cooling. Physiol Behav. 2007;90(2–3):301–307. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.09.027
 3. Steenbergen L, Sellaro R, Hommel B, Colzato LS. Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance. Neuropsychologia. 2015;69:50–55. doi:10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.01.022
 4. Jongkees BJ, Hommel B, Kühn S, Colzato LS. Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands: a review. J Psychiatr Res. 2015;70:50–57. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014
 5. Mahoney CR, Castellani J, Kramer FM, Young A, Lieberman HR. Tyrosine supplementation mitigates working memory decrements during cold exposure. Physiol Behav. 2007;92(4):575–582. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.05.003Acetyl L-carnitine – a mitochondrial cofactor that has shown cognitive and anti-fatigue benefits.

References:

  1. Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, Vacante M, Colonna V, Motta M. L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(5):1738–1744. doi:10.1093/ajcn/86.5.1738
  2. Malaguarnera M, Gargante MP, Cristaldi E, Colonna V, Messano M, Koverech A, Neri S, Vacante M, Cammalleri L, Motta M. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2008;46(2):181–190. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2007.03.012
  3. Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R. Meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003;18(2):61–71. doi:10.1097/00004850-200303000-00001
  4. Pennisi M, Lanza G, Cantone M, D'Amico E, Fisicaro F, Puglisi V, Vinciguerra L, Bella R, Vicari E, Malaguarnera G. Acetyl-L-carnitine in dementia and other cognitive disorders: a critical update. Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1389. doi:10.3390/nu12051389

Ginseng extract – has long been touted as a nootropic. Modern trials support that ginseng extract can modestly improve mental performance, particularly aspects of memory and attention.

References:

  1. Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO. Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010;25(6):462–471. doi:10.1002/hup.1138
  2. Namgung E, Kim J, Jeong H, Hong G, Kim M, Kim RY, Kim S, Lyoo IK. Effects of Korean red ginseng on human gray matter volume and cognitive function: a voxel-based morphometry study. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2021;36(2):e2767. doi:10.1002/hup.2767
  3. Zeng M, Zhang K, Yang J, et al. Effects of ginseng on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2024;38(4): e8359. doi:10.1002/ptr.8359

Citicoline – a precursor of phospholipids and acetylcholine that supports brain metabolism. studies show citicoline can enhance memory, focus, and mental energy. 

References:

  1. Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and memory function in healthy older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Nutr. 2021;151(8):2153–2160. doi:10.1093/jn/nxab119
  2. McGlade E, Locatelli A, Hardy J, Kamiya T, Morita M, Morishita K, Sugimura Y, Yurgelun-Todd D. Improved attentional performance following citicoline administration in healthy adult women. Food Nutr Sci. 2012;3(6):769–773. doi:10.4236/fns.2012.36103
  3. McGlade E, Agoston AM, DiMuzio J, Kizaki M, Nakazaki E, Kamiya T, Yurgelun-Todd D. The effect of citicoline supplementation on motor speed and attention in adolescent males. J Atten Disord. 2015;23(10):121–134. doi:10.1177/1087054715593633
  4. Spiers PA, Myers D, Hochanadel GS, Lieberman HR, Wurtman RJ. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch Neurol. 1996;53(5):441–448. doi:10.1001/archneur.1996.00550050071026
  5. Conant R, Schauss AG. Therapeutic applications of citicoline for stroke and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev. 2004;9(1):17–31. PMID: 15005642

Artichoke extract – a source of luteolin and other polyphenols that show signs of nootropic effects and neuroprotective antioxidant action.

References:


  1. Blokland A, Van Duinen MA, Sambeth A, Heckman PRA, Tsai M, Lahu G, Uz T, Prickaerts J. Acute treatment with the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast improves verbal word memory in healthy old individuals: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Neurobiol Aging. 2019;79:75–85. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.01.014
  2. El-Nashar HAS, Abbas H, Zewail M, Noureldin MH, Ali MM, Shamaa MM, Khattab MA, Ibrahim N. Neuroprotective effect of artichoke-based nanoformulation in sporadic Alzheimer's disease mouse model: focus on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and amyloidogenic pathways. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(10):1202. doi:10.3390/ph15101202
  3. Porro C, Benameur T, Cianciulli A, Vacca M, Chiarini M, De Angelis M, Panaro MA. Functional and therapeutic potential of Cynara scolymus in health benefits. Nutrients. 2024;16(6):872. doi:10.3390/nu16060872

DMAE bitartrate – cholinergic compound used for memory and attention. studies in older adults suggested improvements in memory, alertness.

References:


  1. Marcer D, Hopkins SM. The differential effects of meclofenoxate on memory loss in the elderly. Age Ageing. 1977;6(2):123–131. doi:10.1093/ageing/6.2.123
  2. Lewis JA, Young R. Deanol and methylphenidate in minimal brain dysfunction: a controlled comparison. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1975;17(5):534–540. doi:10.1002/cpt1975175534
  3. Blin O, Audebert C, Pitel S, Kaladjian A, Casse-Perrot C, Zaim M, Micallef J, Tisne-Versailles J, Sokoloff P, Chopin P, Marien M. Effects of dimethylaminoethanol pyroglutamate (DMAE p-Glu) against memory deficits induced by scopolamine: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2009;207(2):201–212. doi:10.1007/s00213-009-1648-7

Ginkgo biloba – one of the most studied herbal nootropics.

References:

  1. Mix JA, Crews WD Jr. An examination of the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on the neuropsychologic functioning of cognitively intact older adults. J Altern Complement Med. 2000;6(3):219–229. doi:10.1089/acm.2000.6.219
  2. Zhang HF, Huang LB, Zhong YB, Zhou QH, Wang HL, Zheng GQ, Lin Y. An overview of systematic reviews of Ginkgo biloba extracts for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Front Aging Neurosci. 2016;8:276. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2016.00276
  3. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults. Physiol Behav. 2002;75(5):739–751. doi:10.1016/s0031-9384(02)00665-0

Vitamin B6 – essential cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis and homocysteine metabolism.

References:

  1. Deijen JB, van der Beek EJ, Orlebeke JF, van den Berg H. Vitamin B-6 supplementation in elderly men: effects on mood, memory, performance and mental effort. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1992;109(4):489–496. doi:10.1007/BF02247729
  2. Bryan J, Calvaresi E, Hughes D. Short-term folate, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B-6 supplementation slightly affects memory performance but not mood in women of various ages. J Nutr. 2002;132(6):1345–1356. doi:10.1093/jn/132.6.1345
  3. Smith AD, Smith SM, de Jager CA, Whitbread P, Johnston C, Agacinski G, Oulhaj A, Bradley KM, Jacoby R, Refsum H. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2010;5(9):e12244. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012244

BioPerine® – a patented black pepper extract standardized to piperine, which on its own has neuroprotective and bioavailability-enhancing properties. 

References:

  1. Chonpathompikunlert P, Wattanathorn J, Muchimapura S. Piperine, the main alkaloid of Thai black pepper, protects against neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment in an animal model of cognitive deficit–like condition of Alzheimer's disease. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010;48(3):798–802. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2009.12.009
  2. Wightman EL, Reay JL, Haskell CF, Williamson G, Dew TP, Kennedy DO. Effects of resveratrol alone or in combination with piperine on cerebral blood flow parameters and cognitive performance in human subjects: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over investigation. Br J Nutr. 2014;112(2):203–213. doi:10.1017/S0007114514000737
  3. Talebi M, Mojab F. A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies on therapeutic potential of Piper nigrum on cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease and other biological conditions of memory loss. Int Pharm Acta. 2022;5(1):e3:1–14. doi:10.22037/ipa.v5i1.29046



Vitamin B12 – crucial for neuronal health, DNA synthesis, and myelin formation. Deficiency in B12 is well-known to cause cognitive impairment and neurological symptoms (e.g. memory loss, confusion, peripheral neuropathy).

References:

  1. Malouf M, Grimley Evans J, Areosa Sastre A. Folic acid with or without vitamin B12 for cognition and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(4):CD004514. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004514
  2. Markun S, Gravestock I, Jäger L, Rosemann T, Pichierri G, Burgstaller JM. Effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and fatigue: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):923. doi:10.3390/nu13030923
  3. Smith AD, Refsum H. Homocysteine, B vitamins, and cognitive impairment. Annu Rev Nutr. 2016;36:211–239. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-071715-050947
  4. Morris MS, Jacques PF, Rosenberg IH, Selhub J. Folate and vitamin B-12 status in relation to anemia, macrocytosis, and cognitive impairment in older Americans in the age of folic acid fortification. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(1):193–200. doi:10.1093/ajcn/85.1.193
  5. Smith AD, Smith SM, de Jager CA, Whitbread P, Johnston C, Agacinski G, Oulhaj A, Bradley KM, Jacoby R, Refsum H. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2010;5(9):e12244. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.001224