Ever seen Limitless? In it, Bradley Cooper’s character uses a secretive drug to unlock his brain’s hidden resources and makes a fortune in no time. The film doesn't shy away from hinting that the real star isn’t Cooper, but nootropics. Let’s dive into that today.
If you think nootropics are a new trend, think again. Our dear old ginseng, eleuthero, and rhodiola rosea, which our grandmothers (and possibly their grandmothers) used, are all part of this substance category.
Nootropics are widely used in medicine for treating vascular brain diseases, circulatory disorders, dementia, neurotic and depressive states, and alleviating withdrawal symptoms.
They are also prescribed for lighter reasons: enhancing memory and attention, and improving learning capabilities.
While glycine is categorized under nootropics, there’s no scientific evidence suggesting it affects mental activity. According to my pharmacology professors, glycine is more like a sweet placebo for healthy but hypochondriac grandmothers who demand prescriptions from their doctors.
How do Nootropics Work?
Here’s a quick technical breakdown for those interested. Nootropics influence:
- Neuronal energy enhancement, boosting ATP synthesis and turnover;
- Accelerating glucose penetration through the blood-brain barrier and enhancing its uptake by brain cells;
- Stimulating redox processes;
- Enhancing nucleic acid metabolism in nerve cells;
- Boosting synaptic transmission processes in the CNS, normalizing neurotransmitter disturbances;
- Providing antioxidant effects, protecting cell membranes;
- Offering anti-hypoxic effects (reducing neurons' oxygen needs in hypoxic conditions);
- Neuroprotective actions (increasing nerve cells' resilience to adverse factors of various origins);
- Enhancing reparative processes in brain damage;
- Improving microcirculation in the brain.
On a more practical note, nootropics:
- Improve intellectual capabilities, memory, and learning success;
- Raise levels of mental clarity;
- Provide adaptogenic effects (resistance to stress and irritants);
- Offer psychostimulating effects (reduce apathy, hypodynamia, poor judgment, motor and intellectual sluggishness);
- Decrease anxiety and emotional tension;
- Have a vegetative effect (reduce headaches, dizziness).
According to WHO statistics, a third of Japan's adult population takes nootropics, possibly explaining their productivity and calm demeanor. In Russia, students frequently use nootropics to ease exam preparation.
Despite the safety and over-the-counter availability of plant-based and synthetic nootropics, it's important to follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions. Taking a handful of pills all at once won’t turn you into a superhuman but will likely lead to substance insensitivity and dependency.
Types of Nootropics?
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo leaves are a staple in traditional Chinese medicine. Intense scientific study since the 1980s deems it promising for treating dementia.
Gotu Kola
Known as Centella Asiatica, this pride of tropical countries enhances the speed of brain signal transmission, improving logical thinking sharpness and memory recall.
Bacopa Monnieri
A star in Ayurvedic supplements, it’s considered one of the most effective natural nootropics.
Eleuthero
Finally a familiar name, right? Known for decades, it’s recommended by therapists to boost immunity during offseasons and treat vegetative-vascular dystonia.
These powerful plant extracts are found together in products like Brain Force and Zen Balance, offering a calming, harmonious blend for those who understand this world and seek peace and relaxation.
