Nootropics – Cognition Enhancers

Coined in 1964 by Dr Corneliu E Giurgea, the term ‘nootropic’ refers to substances which are alleged to improve human cognitive abilities. Nootropics include drugs, nutrients and herbs. Do they actually work? That largely depends on which nootropic one uses, and ones own perspective. Some scientists and users swear by various types of nootropics, and various types of nootropic are used by the United States Military.

In most cases, nootropics are said to work in one of three fashions, either by stimulating production of neurochemicals in the brain, by increasing oxygen supply, or by stimulating nerve growth.

Some common nootropic drugs include:

  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ritalin
  • Pemoline
  • Adrafinil
  • Armodafinil
  • Carphedron
  • Modafinil
  • Nicotine
  • Caffeine
  • Theophylline

Commonly used nootropic herbs include:

  • Ginko biloba
  • Brahmi
  • Eleuthero
  • Ginko
  • Ginseng
  • Green Tea
  • Lemon Balm
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Tumeric

From the innocuous to the highly controlled, nootropic substances run the gamut of ingestible materials.

Herbal nootropics have seen a surge in popularity over the last decade with many ‘energy’ drinks containing the herb Ginko Biloba. Ginko Biloba is the last remaining type of a non flowering species, and as such is regarded as being a living fossil. Studies have shown that Ginko Biloba can enhance powers of concentration in healthy individuals, though excessive consumption can cause poisoning in children. Ginko Biloba appears to increase concentration by enhancing blood flow and thereby increasing oxygen flow to the brain.

Caffeine and nicotine are also both widely used nootropic substances which also foster dependence. Most users will find nicotine withdrawal unpleasant, and even caffeine will lead to sometimes severe headaches if discontinued abruptly.

The so called ‘harder’ drugs such as methaphetamine and cocaine are also regarded as being highly addictive. Withdrawing from these substances is a painful process both psychologically and physically.

In spite of these issues, Amphetamines are often used by the military to enhance personnel performance in combat situations. Fighter pilots are actually often required to take ‘go pills’ (amphetamines) in order to keep them alert on long missions. Though these drugs are highly controlled substances amongst civilian populations, they are part of a military person’s required drug regimen and are referred to by the innocuous title ‘fatigue management tools’. The efficacy of these substances cannot be denied, however the consequences of addiction are severe.

If you are seeking to enhance your cognitive performance, nootropic agents may very well be the answer. The trick lies in discovering the right sort of nootropic for your needs.