Nootropics List

Nootropics have a branding problem. Somewhere along the way, “brain supplements” became synonymous with either miracle pills or snake oil, depending on who you ask. In reality, nootropics are neither magic nor meaningless. They’re a broad category of substances that influence cognition in very different ways, some subtle, some significant, some useful, some best avoided.

The problem isn’t that there are too many nootropics. It’s that they’re rarely explained plainly.

This article exists to do one thing well: lay out a large, honest list of nootropics and briefly explain what each one does, without exaggeration or marketing gloss. Some of these compounds are well-studied. Some are niche. Some are foundational. Others are situational tools that only make sense in narrow contexts.

Think of this as a field guide, not a recommendation to try everything.

What Are Nootropics?

Nootropics are substances that support or influence cognitive function. That influence can show up as improved focus, memory, mental endurance, stress resilience, or clarity. Not all nootropics increase performance directly. Some work by reducing friction, stabilizing energy, or protecting the brain from stress.

Importantly, nootropics are not all stimulants, and they are not all supplements. The category includes:

Amino acids
Vitamins and minerals
Herbal extracts
Synthetic compounds
Prescription medications

Lumping them together only makes sense at the highest level. What matters is mechanism, safety, and context.

What Makes a Good Nootropic?

A good nootropic is not the strongest one. It’s the one that improves cognitive function without creating new problems.

In practical terms, the best nootropics tend to:

Offer measurable benefits, even if subtle
Avoid heavy stimulation or emotional volatility
Work with the brain’s biology rather than overriding it
Remain usable over time without tolerance or dependence

A compound that boosts focus but wrecks sleep is not a good nootropic. A compound that helps memory but increases anxiety may only be useful situationally. Efficacy always has to be weighed against safety and sustainability.

With that in mind, here is the list.

A List of 90 Nootropics (With Plain-English Explanations)

Foundational and Nutritional Nootropics

Caffeine – Increases alertness and reaction time by blocking adenosine, but tolerance builds quickly.
L-Theanine – Promotes calm focus by modulating glutamate and GABA activity.
Creatine – Supports brain energy metabolism, especially under mental fatigue or sleep deprivation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA/EPA) – Support neuronal membrane health and long-term brain function.
Magnesium (L-threonate, glycinate) – Helps regulate neural signaling and reduce stress-related cognitive interference.
Vitamin B6 – Supports neurotransmitter synthesis and brain energy metabolism.
Vitamin B12 – Essential for nerve health and cognitive energy, especially in deficiency states.
Folate (B9) – Supports methylation and neurotransmitter production.
Zinc – Plays a role in synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter regulation.
Iron – Critical for oxygen transport and cognitive energy, but only helpful if deficient.

Amino Acids and Neurotransmitter Precursors

L-Tyrosine – Supports dopamine and norepinephrine production under stress.
Phenylalanine – A precursor to tyrosine, with indirect effects on catecholamines.
Taurine – Modulates inhibitory neurotransmission and may reduce mental overstimulation.
Glycine – Supports sleep quality and inhibitory signaling.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) – Supports mitochondrial energy production and mental fatigue resistance.
Glutamine – Involved in neurotransmitter cycling, though effects are subtle.
Choline (generic) – A building block for acetylcholine, essential for memory and attention.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) – Supports attention, working memory, and neuronal membrane repair.
Alpha-GPC – A bioavailable choline source supporting acetylcholine levels.
SAM-e – Involved in methylation and mood-related neurotransmitter pathways.

Herbal and Plant-Based Nootropics

Bacopa monnieri – Supports memory and learning with long-term use.
Ginkgo biloba – May improve cerebral blood flow and processing speed.
Rhodiola rosea – Reduces mental fatigue and stress-related cognitive decline.
Ashwagandha – Supports stress regulation, indirectly improving cognitive performance.
Panax ginseng – Enhances mental energy and endurance under fatigue.
Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) – Supports resilience to mental and physical stress.
Gotu kola – Traditionally used for cognitive clarity and circulation.
Holy basil – Supports stress balance and cognitive calmness.
Rosemary extract – Associated with memory and alertness in small studies.
Saffron – May support mood and attention through serotonergic pathways.

Mushrooms and Fungal Nootropics

Lion’s Mane – Supports nerve growth factor and long-term brain health.
Cordyceps – Supports mental energy via improved oxygen utilization.
Reishi – Promotes calmness and stress reduction.
Chaga – Rich in antioxidants that may support neuroprotection.
Turkey Tail – Supports immune-brain interaction indirectly.

Synthetic and Racetam-Class Nootropics

Piracetam – Enhances membrane fluidity and learning capacity in some users.
Aniracetam – Supports mood and focus with anxiolytic properties.
Oxiracetam – Associated with logical thinking and mental clarity.
Pramiracetam – Stronger focus and memory support, often stimulating.
Phenylpiracetam – Increases alertness and physical endurance.
Coluracetam – Influences choline uptake and visual processing.
Fasoracetam – Studied for ADHD-related cognitive effects.
Nefiracetam – Affects multiple neurotransmitter systems, limited availability.
Noopept – Peptide-like compound supporting memory and learning.
Sunifiram – Potent ampakine-like compound with safety concerns.

Stimulant-Adjacent and Wakefulness Compounds

Modafinil – Prescription wakefulness agent supporting sustained attention.
Armodafinil – Longer-lasting version of modafinil.
Adrafinil – Prodrug to modafinil with liver metabolism considerations.
Caffeine anhydrous – Concentrated stimulant form of caffeine.
Teacrine – Stimulant-like compound with slower tolerance development.

Adaptogens and Stress-Modulating Nootropics

Schisandra chinensis – Supports mental endurance and stress resilience.
Maca – May support mood and energy indirectly.
Astragalus – Supports cellular resilience and anti-fatigue pathways.
Polygala tenuifolia – Traditionally used for memory and emotional balance.
Shilajit – Supports mitochondrial function and cognitive vitality.

Peptides and Advanced Compounds

Semax – Peptide influencing BDNF and attention pathways.
Selank – Anxiolytic peptide supporting calm cognition.
Cerebrolysin – Injectable neuropeptide blend studied in neurodegeneration.
P21 – Experimental peptide linked to learning enhancement.
Dihexa – Potent experimental compound affecting synaptogenesis.

Cholinergic and Memory-Specific Compounds

Huperzine A – Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine availability.
DMAE – Choline-related compound with mixed evidence.
Phosphatidylserine – Supports memory and stress hormone regulation.
Uridine monophosphate – Supports synapse formation and cognitive flexibility.
Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors (general) – Increase acetylcholine signaling but require caution.

Mood and Cognitive Balance Compounds

5-HTP – Supports serotonin synthesis, indirectly affecting cognition.
Tryptophan – Precursor to serotonin and melatonin.
Inositol – Supports signaling pathways related to mood and focus.
Lithium orotate (low dose) – Neuroprotective effects at microdoses.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – Supports glutathione production and cognitive clarity.

Lesser-Known and Niche Nootropics

Vinpocetine – Improves cerebral blood flow.
Picamilon – GABA-niacin compound affecting anxiety and cognition.
Sulbutiamine – Fat-soluble B1 derivative supporting mental energy.
Centrophenoxine – Supports memory and reduces lipofuscin accumulation.
Tianeptine – Prescription antidepressant with cognitive effects (regulated).

Emerging and Experimental

ISRIB – Experimental compound influencing protein synthesis and memory.
NSI-189 – Experimental neurogenic compound.
TAK-653 – AMPA receptor modulator under research.
Bromantane – Dopaminergic adaptogen with stimulant-like effects.
9-Me-BC – Experimental dopaminergic compound.

Final Few Worth Knowing

Yerba mate extract – Natural stimulant with polyphenols.
Green tea extract – Combines caffeine and L-theanine naturally.
Mucuna pruriens – Natural L-DOPA source.
CBD (low dose) – May reduce anxiety-related cognitive interference.
THCV – Experimental cannabinoid with alertness effects.
Kratom (low dose) – Cognitive stimulation with dependency risk.
Nicotine (low dose) – Sharpens attention but carries addiction risk.
Microdosed psychedelics – Anecdotal cognitive effects, limited evidence.
Ketone esters – Provide alternative brain fuel.
NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) – Support cellular energy metabolism.

Final Perspective

This list is not a shopping list. It’s a map.

Some of these nootropics are well-studied and relatively safe. Others are experimental or situational. A few should be approached with extreme caution. The difference between a useful nootropic and a bad idea is rarely the compound itself. It’s why, how, and how often it’s used.

Cognition is not something to hack recklessly. The smartest nootropic strategy is boring, patient, and selective.