Brain Wiz

Neuro Clarity (click for best price) by Nutrition Essentials is a bestseller on Amazon when it comes to St. John’s Wort Herbal Supplements, an ingredient we’ve really only seen highlighted in one other nootropic stack, and in very small quantities. Read on to find out how a stack with this herbal primary ingredient fares as a nootropic.

The Ingredients

• St. John’s Wort (as 3% extract) – 250 mg
  • St. John’s Wort has been used to treat depression and other mood disorders, and as a neuroprotective agent.
• Glutamine (as L-glutamine hydrochloride) – 150 mg
  • This is one of the body’s most abundant amino acids, and we normally see glutamine supplementation for bodybuilders and athletes. It’s been linked to increased muscular endurance, especially in vegetarians or people with low-protein diets.
• Phosphatidylserine Complex – 125 mg
  • Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid required to maintain healthy nerve cell membranes. It supports cognitive function and the ability to learn and recall new information.
• Bacopa Monnieri (20% bacosides) – 100 mg
  • Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, those taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects, and reduced stress and cortisol levels. This is a relatively low concentration and low dosage, compared to other supplements we have tested.
• Acetyl L-Carnitine – 50 mg
  • This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since this supplement does not contain any choline, we suggest that you increase your intake of choline-containing foods, such as eggs, in case the body is deficient in either compound.
• DMAE Bitartrate – 50 mg
  • DMAE Bitrate, or Deanol,  is a chemical used to treat ADHD, improve memory and boost cognitive function. Deanol is essential to the production of choline, one of the building blocks of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for a number of nervous system activities, including signaling the heart to keep beating.
• Ginkgo Biloba (as 24% extract) – 50 mg
  • Ginkgo has been used for thousands of years to promote memory in Chinese medicine. More recently, clinical studies and research reviews have pointed to its efficacy in fighting dementia and neural decline.
• Vinpocetine – 2 mg
  • Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, and known to increase cerebral blood flow. Doctors in Hungary have been prescribing this compound to treat cerebrovascular disorders for decades.
• Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, and Dicalcium Phosphate.

Usage Guidelines

Serving Size: 1 capsule

What Our Testers Say

“I took this during a high-stress week at my job. Since there were no real directions on the bottle, I just took it in the mornings, along with my coffee. I felt like it evened me out a bit, as far as anxiety and stress and anxiety go, but I’m not sure it had any effect on my cognition.”

“While I didn’t really feel any sharper or more focused while on Neuro Clarity, I did feel like it helped me deal with day-to-day anxiety. I will keep this around to help me deal with craziness at work.”

“I tried this out for a couple of weeks, usually taking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I still had my usual trouble with a little brain fog in the morning, but I did notice that situations that usually stressed me out at work, were a little easier to handle while on Neuro Clarity.”

“This is one of those supplements that are a tad too mild for me, but I can see it maybe being good for folks who are sensitive to caffeine, or prone to anxiety.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Our testers all experienced mild effects with no jitters. This could be a good start if you’re new to the world of nootropics and want to explore brain enhancers gradually.
• This supplement seems to pair well with coffee and other food/drink sources of caffeine (our testers didn’t try it with other caffeine-containing nootropics, which could potentially cause jitteriness).
• Take with choline-containing foods, like eggs and meat, to take advantage of the choline-friendly ingredients in this stack.
• St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a number of medications and, as with any supplement, it is a good idea to check with your doctor or medical practitioner before use.

Supplement Summary

While not the strongest supplement out there, Neuro Clarity may be a solid option for those looking for a caffeine-free, entry level stack. Our testers all experienced a sense of well-being while taking the supplement, but little observational cognitive boost.

Neuro Clarity was mildly effective for some of our testers dealing with high-stress and high-anxiety situations.