Research on Nootropics

Matcha Green

If nature had its own energy drink it would be matcha green tea. Widely known for its cognitive enhancing properties and health benefits. Matcha is abundant in catechins, it is a plant compound that acts as a type of antioxidant.

Antioxidants fight against free radicals, some conditions caused by free radicals include deterioration of the eye lens which contributes to blindness, inflammation of the joints (arthritis), damage to nerve cells in the brain which causes Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, acceleration of the aging process and heart disease.

Matcha is also rich in L-theanine with an added side of caffeine with roughly around 34mg of caffeine per serving of matcha. L-theanine is an amino acid, it has been shown to improve your quality of sleep, reducing stress and anxiety and improves memory, attention and mood.

Panax Ginseng

Panax ginseng is widely used for it’s cognitive enhancing abilities and is one of the most used cognitive enhancing nootropics in the world. The active ingredient in ginseng is called ginsenoside and is responsible for the enhancing abilities of ginseng after consumption.

Ginsenosides increase protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and also improves blood circulation in the brain. Some of its effects include an increase in mental and physical energy, mood elevation, reduced mental fatigue and improvement of memory.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi which means “the incomparable one” also known as holy basil. Has been used for thousands of years by the Indian, Greeks and Romans for it’s cognitive enhancing abilities. Widely used as an adaptogen for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It’s active ingredient is eugenol which is responsible for promoting increased levels of dopamine in your body and reducing cortisol spikes.

Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that carries signals between your brain cells. Dopamine is responsible for allowing you to feel pleasure and motivation. Having the right levels of dopamine in your body and brain is very important.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is native to India, Asia and South America and has been used since ancient times for it’s abilities to help with reducing disease, health and longevity and cognition enhancement. The desired nootropic and adaptogenic effects from Bacopa Monnieri are memory enhancement, improved learning ability, anxiety reduction and stress relief.

The active ingredient is called bacosides, the effects come from its ability to promote neural communication and adjustment of the release of certain neurotransmitters. Research has also shown that it stimulates activity in the hippocampus by modulating the activity of proteins that regulate cellular pathways. The hippocampus is embedded deep in the temporal lobe of your brain and plays a major role in learning and memory.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba dates back thousands of years to ancient Asia where it was consumed for its ability to enhance energy and disease preventing attributes. It’s active ingredient is ginkgolide and is responsible for the nootropic effects of enhancing memory, mood and cognition. It is also known to act as an antioxidant, shielding the brain from free radicals.

It does this by opening up blood vessels allowing for increased blood circulation through the brain and body which promotes oxygenation, absorption of nutrients, increased cognitive function and physical performance. It also increases levels of acetylcholine and dopamine which ultimately adds to the benefit of increased cognitive function.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiala Rosea traces back to the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Once used by the Viking warriors to improve their mental and physical performance before battles and raids. It’s active ingredient is rosavin and salidroside and are responsible for it’s nootropic and adaptogenic effects.

It is widely used to prevent negative effects of stress, reducing fatigue and cognitive enhancement. It does this by regulating the agents that slow the enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. This ultimately increases the levels of these neurotransmitters which are linked to mood stabilization, pleasure.

Black Pepper

Black pepper, like tumeric, has been used in cooking and health for thousands of years. Only recently in modern times have we isolated it’s active ingredient piperine for it’s nootropic effects.

The primary function of piperine is it’s unique ability to help your body absorb more certain nutrients. This means that you get more out of the nutrients you consume. When you consume nutrients such as turmeric, you only benefit from a fraction of what you ingest because it is not well absorbed into your body. It works particularly well with turmeric extract and research has shown to increase its absorption by up to 2000%.

It does this by making it easier for curcumin to pass through the intestinal wall and into your bloodstream and it may even slow the breakdown of curcumin by the liver. Ultimately combining piperine and curcumine makes for a potent concoction to enhance your health, mind and body.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng has been used for thousands of years as a healing remedy in Asia. It is native to Japan, Northern China, Southeastern Russia and South Korea. It’s active ingredient is Eleutheroside and is responsible for increasing energy, reducing fatigue, and improving cognitive function.

It does this by lessening the build up of lactic acid and increasing fat utilization. Research has also shown it to increase blood circulation to the brain which ultimately increases memory and concentration and also physical performance.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is native to India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. It has been used for hundreds of years for it’s adaptogenic effects and medicinal purposes. It’s active ingredient is withanolide and acts as a powerful antioxidant and stress protector.

Being an antioxidant, it fights off free radicals and as an adaptogen it reduces stress by reducing the stress hormone cortisol, lowers blood sugar levels and improves lipid profiles.

This ultimately enhances optimisation of mitochondrial function and increases your wellbeing.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane is an ancient mushroom known to be a potent brain tonic. Originally native to Asia and was used by Buddhist monks for thousands of years as a tea to enhance brain power and concentration during meditation. It’s active ingredient is hericenones and erinacines and is responsible for the nootropics effects such as enhanced memory and brain function, reduction in anxiety and depression.

It does this by increasing the amount of nerve growth factors in the brain. NGF ( nerve growth factors ) is a small protein that is critical for the growth, maintenance and survival of neurons. Neurons are responsible for carrying information throughout the human body and their optimal performance and survival is critical for optimal function on the brain. There also has been a study linking smarter people to having bigger and faster neurons.

Guarana

Guarana is a rainforest vine originating from the amazon forest and has been used by Amazonian tribes for centuries for its therapeutic properties.
It contains a beneficial range of stimulants such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine.

These stimulants promote wakefulness, mental energy, lowering blood pressure, and increase blood flow, mood elevation.

Rich in antioxidants such as tannins, saponins, and catechins to fight free radicals that cause harm to your body and brain.