Aniracetam is a medicine which is also commonly branded as Sarpul and Draganon. Aniracetam is a cognitive enhancer, a nootropic drug which is considered to be at least 4 times more effective than Piracetam. The medication has been tested extensively in the past on various patients. The patients have suffered from Alzheimer and other mental troubles. Aniracetam has been a convenient drug to treat the issues. Aniracetam is a drug prescribed in Europe whereas in America it is considered as a dietary supplement.

Aniracetam intends to improve our immune system and acts as a protective defense against infections. This is done by augmenting the level of serotonin and dopamine in a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex. The result is that it promotes well being.

Purpose of Aniracetam

Aniracetam has dimensions of benefits. Its underlining positive contribution to mental improvement is initiated as the medication improves communication in the human brain. This sensible attribute increases speed and capacity of the mind.

The various tests that have been carried out have proven aniracetam to be one of the most effective smart drugs available on the market. Smart drugs or nootropic is a class of drug which acts as cognitive enhancers. They do act on the mind of people and as consequence of its actions, it alleviates memory disparity, brain aging and enhances concentration.

Mechanism of Aniracetam

Aniracetam is a drug considered to have few loopholes. It is a better version of piracetam, as it is far more potent in alleviating concentration problems with a lesser dosage. It is purported to augment recalling capacity and develop creativity. The key behind its powerful mechanism is that it improves communication within the brain. This is done through the corpus callosum which is a specific area of the brain that joins the two hemispheres which are the left and right part of the brain. The interconnection of these two segments does give the human an intrinsic capacity to think. The side of the brain focusing on logic and the other on creativity are joined together and effectively greater mental abilities are emerged as a result.

The intriguing improvement on memory capacity as a result has its subsidiary benefits. It helps to alleviate or treat Alzheimer to a certain extent depending on the nature of the disease. The type and stage of the disease will also determine the effectiveness of the drug.

Dosage of Aniracetam

The drug is sold in mainly 750mg pills. It is recommended to take an approximate of 2 per day. This gives a total dosage of 1500mg per day. The drug should not interact with other drugs but it might interact with other brain nutrition. It is thus best to stick to a particular product rather than taking various nootropic products.

Side effects of Aniracetam

One of the virtues of the consumption of aniracetam is that it has few side-effects. It is considered as non-toxic and as an outcome. There are practically no known contradiction associated with the drug. However, there might be some, which has not yet been identified by research and users. It is indeed certain that cross-reaction of similar drugs is an issue. The consumption of different smart drugs will endanger the health condition of the consumer. The extent of the harm will depend upon the mixture of the two products. It is thus, important to seek specialized advice from a physician if the user is under any other special treatments.

General Information about Aniracetam

The advantages derived from consuming nootropic products such as aniracetam are vivid. Their positive aspects to the mind are limitless but the smart drugs are indeed not perfect. Aniracetam does eventually not cope with all issues related to the aging process. This might be quite normal but yet an aspect which can be improved. Aniracetam has, however, been tested extensively on both animals and humans and the results have been proven affirmative. There is thus low risk of side-effect and adverse consequences.

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Modafinil was developed by Cephalon, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company which was established in 1987. The drug “modafinil” is branded as either Provigil or Alertec. The medication itself was approved in 1998, by FDA. It was developed to treat sleeping disorder, tiredness during day time and people suffering from problems such as narcolepsy and cataplexy (Abrupt loss of control over muscles in the body). The functioning of the drug is quite similar to other related products. Modafinil releases substances called monoamines and at the same time it increases the level of hypothalamic histamine. This makes modafinil a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant and a drug helping to remain awake with concentration and focus.

Purpose of Modafinil

The main purpose of modafinil is to treat problems such as, too much sleepiness related to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep, cataplexy, and shift work sleep disorder. There was a previous drug called, amphetamines, Modafinil is an improved version of that wakefulness drug. Modafinil does also possess less adverse effect than its former. The drug is intended to treat most problems related to sleepiness.

General Description of Modafinil

This drug is consumed orally and works similar to caffeine. Modafinil does primarily promote wakefulness but it does also treat other dilemmas related to sleepiness. It is considered as a treatment for depression, fatigue, Alzheimer disease and ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). The drug is thus, prescribed for individuals suffering from different forms of predicaments.

Modafinil Dosage

Modafinil comes mainly in two volumes/strengths. These are pills of 100mg and 200mg. It is recommended to consume an approximate of 200mg to 400 mg per dosage. The recommended 200mg is supposed to be as effective as a higher dosage unless other factors are interfering. Physicians who prescribe the drug will purport and advice its consumption in the morning. This can be with or without food.

Precautions before taking Modafinil

There are some precautionary measures that should necessarily be adopted. Foremost, one should contact a doctor for professional guidance. The physician will certainly be capable of giving proper guidance and instruction of the usages of the drug. As modafinil may provoke some slight side-effect, the physician could ideally highlight the symptoms while examining the medical history of the patient. People who have previously suffered from issues such as high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, kidney troubles and mental diseases should definitely cross-check compatibility. Other issues which can concurrently be harmful such as allergies, pregnancy and maybe angina must be evaluated in respect to modafinil intake. People who are consuming the drug for their first weeks should not perform any heavy duties, such as long hours of driving and working, as the side-effects are still uncertain.

Modafinil Side effects

Modafinil is considered based on research as a generally safe medication. There are, however, different levels of side-effects which can occur, those which are most common, less common and highly uncommon. The common side-effects that individuals consuming modafinil may be exposed to are nausea and headache. The rather less common adverse effects are insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, back pain, depression and dizziness. These are the most typical negative facets of modafinil.

The more extreme and rare side-effects are linked with long-term corrosion of health. These are anorexia, hypertension, chest pain, and alteration in the heart beat. At the continuum of negative consequence DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome and most severely SJS (Stevens Johnson syndrome) can be caught.

The experience of any of these problematic issues requires immediate consultation with a doctor.

Modafinil interactions with other drugs

Modafinil is effective in executing its purpose. It is reckoned be one of the best performing wakefulness drugs. Despite its performance, the drug should not be consumed together with other various drugs. Deleterious consequences can be experienced due to cross-interaction of medicine. A list of some drugs that should be avoided during modafinil treatment has been identified below.

• Antibiotics
• Anti-depressants
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Anti-fungals
• Propranolol
• Cyclosporine

These are a few examples of drugs that should not be taken concurrently with modafinil.

Furthermore, modafinil will also have an impact on birth control pills. It is thus advised to adopt alternative contraceptives for birth control while consuming modafinil. The general effect that modafinil will have on other drugs is that it will either act as a catalyst; increasing the strength of other drugs, or it will decrease the effectiveness of other medicines.

Research has not yet, proven if any side-effects are derived from consuming modafinil simultaneously with alcohol.

General Modafinil Usage

The drug is used for both personal and occupational purposes. Occupations that are associated with high risk have been the most prone to try the medicine. The military of many countries has already adopted the use of ‘wakefulness’ pill. These include grand nations such as French, United Kingdom and the United State of America. The aim of the usage of the drug is to avoid various harmful issues that can be derived from sleepiness. For instance, during tedious helicopter flights, tiredness is a concern regarding the security of all passengers and the pilot, himself. An obstruction such as falling asleep could endanger several individuals. Equivalent risks are present during military scenarios where abrupt fights can emerge and sleep can be a major cause of failure. Modafinil is playing an important role in securing life of the beholder.

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Deprenyl is mainly known as selegiline. It is a drug which is used to treat different diseases such as depression, senile dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Deprenyl was mainly discovered in the 60s by Joseph Knoll, who worked at a University in Budapest, Hungary. He was interested in performing a particular research on the variance of the physiology of ‘drives’ among both high and low performing persons. In order to successfully execute the empirical research, a special combination of a molecule was required. Those which resulted in a similar effects as amphetamine psycho-stimulant and combined with that of monoamineoxidase inhibitors (MAOI) acting as “psycho-energic”. The selected molecule for this research was E-250 which is deprenyl. It has some special features. The molecule does not alter blood pressure. It is a compound called racemic, which consists of 2 isomers namely enantiomers. There is a (+) – enantiomer and a (-) – enatiomer, of deprenyl. The latter resulted in less hypermotility than the former. The (-) – enantiomer (R-deprenyl, I-deprenyl) is today named Selegiline. Deprenyl is used in various medicines, as a treatment against depression and other brain ageing dilemmas.

How the brain gets old

The human brain does usually initiate its ageing process post to the age of 45 years. This is a universal phenomenon. There is a part in the brain called the nigrostriatal region. This area of the brain has the highest level of dopamine and it is thus this area which is the fastest ageing area of the brain. The age of the brain is associated with the depletion of dopamine. This implies that people whose nigrostriatal region experiences a premature decrease of dopamine can encounter diseases such as Parkinson.

Dopamine neurons become old at different rates, there is no constant variable of decrease. It is common that the level of dopamine remains stable within the nigrostriatal region until the age of 45. The normal trend of depletion of the substance in health individuals are 13% per decade. The decrease does though accumulate during years, and when it reaches around 30%, a gray area can be spotted in the head. It is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The average decrease in dopamine amidst individuals is 13% per decade but this rate does however vary from individual to individual. There are some who experience a more rapid eradication of dopamine. These individuals who experience a rapid vanishing of dopamine will face the Parkinson’s disease. Others, who undergo a typical decrease in the substance, will normally die prior to the appearance of the disease. This particular research was mainly projected by Dr. Jozsef Knoll. He is a very important and revolutionary researcher on Deprenyl. He came forward with a long-term strategy to avoid Parkinson’s disease as he predicted that deprenyl could avoid the nigrostriatal region to experience the ageing effect post to the age of 45 years.

Function of Deprenyl

Selegiline (deprenyl) can act as protectionism against the ageing process which is caused by a deterioration of the dopaminergic nervous system. Deprenyl does eventually protect sensitive dopamine containing neurons. This decreases the risk of suffering from an aging process. Deprenyl is the prime discovery of MAO-B inhibitors. It is the only MAO-B inhibitor that has been extensively tested in clinical trials.

Research and test on deprenyl

Deprenyl hasn’t yet been tested thoroughly on people. Deprenyl has been tested extensively on animals and the results have been positive. The effect of deprenyl has been tested on rodents. The effect was been astounding. The entire controlled group of animal actually deceased before the ones that had been treated with deprenyl. The various researches extended to humans and they have showed signs of similar patterns. It delays the development of Parkinson’s disease and does eventually postponed the requisite for L-dopa therapy. Deprenyl has been among the best treatment to extend the life of individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

General Information about Deprenyl

Deprenyl have various uses. It helps to improve life-span of people in various circumstances. Initially, it is a recommended and approved treatment for Parkinson’s disease by FDA. It does also have some aphrodisiac effects; it ameliorates sexual desire and functioning, mainly for men. The substance is heavily being researched. Analysis has found it to be effective in treating various diseases. Some of the health problems that deprenyl alleviates are:

• Stroke (cerebral infarction)
• Hormone inadequacy
• Fatigue
• Gastric ulcers
• Sexual disorder
• Cancer
• Senile Dementia
• Learning Difficulties
• Hypertension
• Chronic pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Depression
• Alzheimer’s disease

General Dosage of Deprenyl

General dosage of deprenyl does vary according to its intended purposes. Those who consume it for the purpose of avoiding deleterious disease such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease will probably be assigned a dose of approximately 20 mg. per day. People who do not suffer from any of these diseases will be assigned a dose of either 2.5mg and up to 5mg at random intake per week. The liquid deprenyl citrate is considered to be the most substantial form of deprenyl. It is, thus, the most recommended prescription of deprenyl.

Deprenyl Side Side effects

Deprenyl has few side-effects but some eventual problems might arise. These can be for instance, issues such as nausea, upset stomach and heartburn. The rather uncommon adverse effects of deprenyl are psychomotor agitation, irritability and insomnia. It is thought that these effects are derived because of the deprenyl catecholamine-enhancing effect. These ‘psychic’ effects can be dealt with by the consumption of magnesium.

Depenyl has become a famous and pertinent medication to treat ageing problems. It is a general drug for people who have exceeded 45 years of age. It treats individuals who are suffering from irrational depletion of dopamine.

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ALCAR (Acetyle-L-Carnitine) is eventually an amino acid that is used by the body to change fat into the form of energy. The human body possesses its own capability of producing essential amount of this substance, carnitine, for our well being. This has eventually hindered proper evaluation upon the need to produce a secondary source of amino acid for our body. Nonetheless, research has depicted that consuming carnitine may boost the ability of tissues to manufacture energy. ALCAR can thus be used to treat health problems related to muscle and heart setbacks.

ALCAR can be generated from normal nutrition consumption. The best sources of carnitine are, however, dairy products and meat. L-carnitine is primarily beneficial to the brain. It does promote the brain’s ability to enhance energy in mitochondrion, which is the part that generates energy for cells. ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) has several beneficial results while acting as a cognitive enhancer. It improves different abilities such as memory and mood. This is a derived outcome of its biosynthesis of acetylcholine. The part required for proper internal communication amidst cells in the brain, our neurotransmitters.

Indication of Dosage of ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)

ALCAR can be taken as a supplement. In those cases, one or two capsules would be enough. It would in addition be preferable to consume it together with meals that are full of ‘Good Fats’. This will facilitate its absorption in the body. The dosage will, nevertheless, alter in accordance to its therapeutic treatment. The dosage for heart condition or Alzheimer’s disease will range from 200mg to 1000mg. The intake is, as well more frequent, two to three times a day.

Function of ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)

Carnitine is used to alleviate predicaments. Its prime use is, nonetheless, to treat problems related to the condition of the heart. There is evidence showing that ALCAR is useful to treat problems such as angina and has successfully acted as a treatment to safeguard the life of people who have previously suffered from a heart attack. A list of other secondary function of acetyl-L-Carnitine has been highlighted below.

• Depression – Research has proven that acetyl-L-carnitine is effective in treating and relieving depression from elder people.
• Anti-anxiety – Apart from acting as an anti-depressant, it does similarly alleviate anxiety.
• Alzheimer’s disease – Carnitine might have some attributes helpful to treat Alzheimer’s disease but findings are inconsistent at the time)
• Peyronie’s disease – It is an inflammatory condition of the male organ (penis). Carnitine can reduce the pain and additionally decrease the speed of the degenerative effect of the inflammation of the penis.
• Improving the tolerance to exercise, especially for those who suffer from emphyserna. It is also known as COPD (chronic pulmonary obstruction disease).

Interaction of acetyl-L-carnitine

There are some drugs that will alter the effectiveness of ALCAR. For instance, antiseizure medications such as Depakote or Depakene (valproic acid) reduce the effectiveness of the drug. This means that more carnitine will have to be assigned if such drugs are being concurrently consumed. Moreover, acetyl-L-carnitine should not be consumed simultaneously with thyroid medications unless specified by a professional physician.

General Safety issues concerning acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)

The drug should be prescribed by a doctor. This would certify better qualification for the drug exclusive of unwanted side-effect occurring. The most important aspect is that it shouldn’t be consumed together with thyroid. Special precautions must be considered for pregnant women and young children who are taking the drug. The best option is to go for a low dosage. Furthermore, it is not certain whether ALCAR should be consumed by people who suffer from either a kidney or liver disease.

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Part of the Nootropics family, and derived from a substance called GABA, Piracetam has become one of the most famous drugs of this ilk for a very simple reason. It has been shown in a very positive light when discussing the successful treatment of a number of ailments humans suffer, especially those that concern the brain and nervous system.

Coming with virtually no side effects, the drug has been shown to have a positive effect on ailments and illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and Cerebral Palsy.

Piracetam acts on the central nervous system. It acts by protecting the cerebral cortex, and preventing a deficiency of oxygen in the brain. The cerebral cortex is responsible for many things when it comes to the operations of the human body, but primarily it plays a role in perception and memory.

Piracetam is available in liquid or tablet form, this makes it one of the more versatile Nootropics out there. People who have taken the substance attest to the benefit in having the option of taking the drug either as a liquid or a tablet.

There are a number of issues that need to be considered before one takes Piracetam. The issues are outlined below:

• You must let your doctor know if you intend to take this substance and you are pregnant. If you are trying for a baby, you must again let your doctor know.
• If you suffer from problems of any kind as regards the liver or kidneys, then you must make your doctor aware of this.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine, then let your doctor know.
• It is especially vital that you inform your doctor you are taking any other medication or herbal supplement. This is due to the fact that there may be reactions with other drugs and substances. Your doctor can advise on this matter.

When you are taking Piracetam, there are a number of things you should be aware of. And remember; always tell your doctor if you have any concerns about any drug you are taking. If your doctor prescribes Piracetam for you, always ensure that you take the drug in exactly the same way the doctor has advised you to.

In addition, you must always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet that comes with the drug. If you can do this before you begin to take the substance, even better.

If you take the solution in the liquid form, you will find that it has quite a bitter taste. Many users find that drinking a glass of fruit juice or water after taking the liquid helps.

Other points to consider:

• Do not stop taking Piracetam suddenly. This can cause problems for you and your body. As with all drugs, let your doctor know if you intend to stop taking the drug. He or she will advise on a suitable stopping schedule.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose of Piracetam. If you or anyone you suspect takes more than the recommended dose, consult with a hospital immediately. And take the bottle or container with you, even if it is empty.
• Even if their condition appears to be similar to yours, or they express the wish to take the drug, never ever give Piracetam to anyone else.
• Keep the container the drug comes in out of the reach of children. Piracetam can make people drowsy, and will have a marked effect on children.
• If you have some Piracetam that is out of date, get rid of it at the earliest opportunity.

Some practical considerations as regards Piracetam then. If you have any doubt about taking the drug or the effect it has on you, consult a physician.

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However, time and effort when investigating Nootropics does pay off. Nootropics are a very positive way of treating cognitive problems, and generally improving your quality of life. In order for you to get the most out them, though, you really need to know what your goals are concerning Nootropics. In other words, you need to know what you want to achieve with them.

Academic Enhancement

Firstly, are you a student who wants to improve their performance in academic matters? If you need a safe way to increase that performance in college or school, then Nootropics are a definite option for you. If this is something you want to pursue, then the best option for you, initially at least, is Piracetam. This blockbuster substance has helped millions of students improve their performance academically, and has also had a very positive effect on grades.

Piracetam is one of the oldest Nootropic substances available, dating back to the 1960s. It is trusted by many people, and students especially extol its virtues.

There is another substance called Choline that students use regularly too. This is recommended for use with Piracetam because it is very effective at curing the headaches that Piracetam use can sometimes bring.

Mental Health

Another use for Nootropics involves mental health. Are you a person who suffers from depression? This is a problem for many people, and if left unchecked can quite easily damage a life for good. There are many Nootropic substances available that can help with moods and depression in general. These substances safely manage the symptoms of depression. Unlike the more traditional depression drugs that are available on the market, these substances have few side effects, and are very safe to use. Lemon balm and Niacin are popular Nootropic substances in this area.

Lemon balm is a very natural substance that has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of stress and depression. There are no known side effects, however there have been some extremely rare allergic reactions reported.

It is most often consumed as a tea, with the leaves being crushed before pouring boiling water over them. As well as the effect on the mental health of the user, lemon balm is also said to have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Niacin is also known as vitamin B3. It has been proven to have a massive impact on stress and depression symptoms. It is normally available at many pharmacies and health food stores. In addition, it has also been shown to positively affect the levels of cholesterol in the user’s body.

The effect of Niacin on depression and anxiety can only be achieved if larger doses than normal are taken. It is for this reason that Niacin is best taken as a dietary supplement.

Stress and Anxiety

As regards social anxiety, many Nootropics have been shown to help in his area too. This kind of anxiety includes that which is felt when public speaking, for example. Other situations include parties or other social events where one is expected to socialise with strangers, or people you do not always talk to.

Ageing

Another area in which Nootropic s are finding particular success is that of ageing. Many of the effects of ageing, such as cognitive difficulties and memory issues, can be eased with the use of Nootropics. Many Nootropics are now being recommended by doctors who want to help their patients manage the strains of ageing.

Piracetam, Choline and Hydergine in particular have been shown to have some positive effect on people who are undergoing the ageing process. These are believed to fight the general degradation of the brain that occurs as people age. They are widely available and Piracetam in particular has been around since the 1960s.

As with any medical supplement or drug, make sure you discuss the use of Nootropics with your doctor before you start a course.

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Nootropics, also known as cognitive enhancers, are agents which improve the function of the human mind. Generally speaking, cognitive enhancers work by increasing blood flow and oxygenation in the brain, by increasing neurotransmitter levels inside the brain, by stimulating the growth of nerves inside the brain or shielding the brain from the effects of aging.

There are many types of cognitive enhancer, though all of them fall into one of the three main categories:

• Drugs
• Nutrients
• Herbs

Drugs

Racetams

Discovered in the early 1960′s, Racetams are the family of drugs for which the term ‘nootropic’ was originally coined. Piracetam is the most well known of the racetams and is a commonly used nootropic agent to this day. An interesting fact about racetams is that their mechanism of action remains unknown to this day. Modern theories suggest that racetams have may an effect upon neurotransmitter production, boosting levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and therefore the cognitive abilities of the subject.

Piracetam is commonly used to treat degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, as well as genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome and Dyslexia.

Racetams are generally regarded as being ‘pharmacologically safe’ drugs, which is why their use is popular amongst children, adults and the elderly.

Stimulants

There are many stimulant drugs which can be classified as cognitive enhancers. Caffeine is perhaps the most widespread of these stimulant drugs. Other well known stimulants include Amphetamine, Cocaine and Methamphetamine. These are all controlled substances not legally available to the public, however amphetamines have been used by the military to promote wakefulness in pilots and the use of amphetamines by college students is far from unheard of.

Amphetamines increase levels of seratonin and dopamine in the brain. This generally results in increased feelings of well being and alertness at low doses, though increased doses can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and in very high doses, even death.

Dopaminergics

Dopaminergics affect the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for, or has an effect on alertness, attention and anti oxidation. Commonly used dopaminergics include cocaine and amphetamine. Other dopaminergics include:

• Amineptine – Stabilizes and improves levels of dopamine
• Selegiline – Stimulates production of dopamine
• Phenylalanine – Raises levels of dopamine
• Tyrosine – Raises levels of dopamine

Cholinergics

Cholinergics affect the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which facilitates memory functions. Commonly used cholinergics include:

• Vitamin B5
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Nicotine

It may be surprising to see nicotine, a major ingredient in cigarettes listed as being a memory enhancement drug. It should be noted that the addictive nature of nicotine, along with the carcinogenic properties of cigarettes in general outweigh any benefits that may be obtained by using cigarettes as a nootropic device.

Rosemary, Sage and Vitamin B5 are all much safer cholinergics which have the potential to naturally boost memory function.

Nutrients

There are various types of nutrients which are said to have nootropic effects. In particular, foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are regarded as being particularly effective. Sources of Omega 3 include fish and hemp (in countries where hemp is not banned for its association with marijuana). Omega 3 fatty acids are proven to have a beneficial effect on brain function and any person seeking to boost their brain power should first consider their diet. A diet poor in Omega 3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients is detrimental to brain function.

Herbs

Herbal nootropics are popular as they are less regulated than drug based nootropics and yet can be very effective.

Tea

Arguably the most popular beverage in the history of mankind. Tea has both nootropic and anti oxidant effects which help shield the brain from the effects of aging. Tea leaves contain over 700 different chemicals, many of which are vitamins, amino acids and flavanoids. Tea lowers blood pressure, prevents dental cavities, prevents heart disease and acts as a germicide. It is widely regarded as having beneficial effects on brain function, promoting alertness and wakefulness in a gentle fashion.

Tea has a wide range of beneficial effects on human health, which include:

• Anti cancer activity
• Increased metabolism
• Potential anti diabetes activity
• Alertness booster
• Immune system booster
• Lower stress hormones

Studies have shown that elderly Japanese who imbibed two or more cups of tea per day had a 50% less chance of developing cognitive impairment when compared to those who did not drink tea. Drinking tea is therefore an excellent long term strategy for preserving cognitive function.

Caffiene

Competing with tea in the popular beverage stakes caffeine as found in the Coffee plant is well known for its mild stimulant effects. Technically it is a psychoactive stimulant drug. In nature its effect is to paralyze and kill insects which try to feed on plants. In small doses caffeine does not kill humans (though it is possible to overdose on caffeine to mortal effect.)

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and acts as an effective solution to drowsiness. When taken in moderation its effects last from three to four hours. During those three to four hours a person will feel more alert and have more energy. Caffeine relaxes the anal sphincter, and therefore can cause problems for those who experience incontinence of the fecal kind.

Caffeine interacts positively with pain medications, making them more effective and quicker in their task. Studies have shown that the addition of caffeine can make pain relievers up to 40% more effective at relieving pain cause by headaches.

Caffeine is addictive, the symptoms of withdrawal commonly being headaches, moodiness and even nausea. Regular caffeine users invariably develop a tolerance to caffeine which means they will require ever larger doses of the drug to have a positive effect.

Overdoses of caffeine can result in tremors, anxiety attacks, obsessive compulsive symptoms and can even mimic serious mental diseases such as bipolar disorder, or in extreme cases, schizophrenia.

As with all things, caffeine is best taken in moderation.

Ginseng

A perennial native of Asia. It reportedly acts an adaptogen, a chemical which improves the body’s response to stress. It also possesses anti carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Ginseng can cause insomnia, nausea and euphoria amongst other, usually mild, side effects. Ginseng can interact with other medications however, so if one is taking any form of medication, one should consult with one’s doctor before taking Ginseng supplements. Ginseng as is found in beverages is usually safe as it is present in such small amounts that no effect is to be had on the body.

St John’s Wort

A perennial plant often used to treat depression, St John’s Wort has decided cognitive enhancement effects. It is effective in both adults and children and may even be effective in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

It is possible to overdose on St John’s Wort and cause Seratonin Syndrome, which is outlined in the section ‘Dangers of Nootropics’.

Other herbal nootropic substances include:

• Lemon Balm
• Grape Seed Extract
• Passion Flower
• Kava Kava

Dangers of Nootropics

Nootropic agents range from relatively ‘safe’ drugs such as caffeine and tea, to dangerous drugs such as amphetamines. Some agents sold as cognitive enhancers, (especially those designated as being herbal supplements or experimental nutrients) are not regulated by any bodies such as the FDA and can therefore have harmful effects in the long or short term.

Dangerous side effects of unregulated nootropic use can include:

• Organ failure (particularly kidneys and liver)
• Heart failure
• Seratonin Syndrome – a potentially life threatening reaction which can involve mental confusion, muscle tremors, shivering, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, agitation and falling into a coma.

Seratonin syndrome can be caused by a wide variety of agents including:

• Antidepressants
• Opiods
• Psychidelics (LSD, MDMA, MDA)
• Herbs (St John’s Wort, Nutmeg)

It is therefore highly recommended that any nootropic agent be selected with great care.

Nootropics

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