Nootropics, or smart drugs, have been sought for their potential to improve focus and memory. This article delves into the science behind popular nootropics like caffeine, L-theanine, Ashwagandha, and creatine, discussing their effectiveness, safety, and necessary precautions. Consult health professionals before use, but a daily coffee is generally safe.
AI Generated Representative Image Country:
Australia
SHARE
Canberra Canberra, May 30 (The Conversation) Humans have long been searching for a "magic elixir" to make us smarter, and improve our focus and memory. This includes traditional Chinese medicine used thousands of years ago to improve cognitive function.
Now we have nootropics, also known as smart drugs, brain boosters or cognitive enhancers.
You can buy these gummies, chewing gums, pills and skin patches online, or from supermarkets, pharmacies or petrol stations. You don’t need a prescription or to consult a health professional.
But do nootropics actually boost your brain? Here’s what the science says. What are nootropics and how do they work? Romanian psychologist and chemist Cornelius E. Giurgea coined the term nootropics in the early 1970s to describe compounds that may boost memory and learning. The term comes from the Greek words nӧos (thinking) and tropein (guide).
Nootropics may work in the brain by improving transmission of signals between nerve cells, maintaining the health of nerve cells, and helping in energy production. Some nootropics have antioxidant properties and may reduce damage to nerve cells in the brain caused by the accumulation of free radicals.But how safe and effective are they? Let’s look at four of the most widely used nootropics.1. Caffeine You might be surprised to know caffeine is a nootropic. No wonder so many of us start our day with a coffee. It stimulates our nervous system.Caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the blood and distributed in nearly all human tissues. This includes the brain where it increases our alertness, reaction time and mood, and we feel as if we have more energy.For caffeine to have these effects, you need to consume 32-300 milligrams in a single dose. That’s equivalent to around two espressos (for the 300mg dose). So, why the wide range? Genetic variations […]
A college degree in psychedelics? This SF university makes it reality
A person in a graduation cap and gown is depicted