Noopept is a brand name for a synthetic nootropic molecule that is called N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester in scientific circles; no wonder they came up with a shorter version for lay people! It has been commonly prescribed in Russia, where it was developed, for several decades and has only recently made its way into the American market as a nootropic.

It’s similar in effect and structure to Piracetam, a class of compounds that can provide a small cognitive boost in some users, but it is significantly more potent, up to a thousand times more than similar supplements on the market. This allows users to achieve results similar Piracetam with a much smaller dosage of Noopept.

Right now, the evidence of its efficacy as a nootropic is mostly anecdotal, but some preliminary studies suggest (and some users report!) better memory, more fluid conversations, and an easier time learning new things. There is also evidence to indicate that Noopept could help heal the brains of stroke victims, but more research is needed.

How does Noopept work?

Like a lot of nootropics, its exact mechanisms of action aren’t completely clear. Since Noopept is generally taken orally, it enters your system through your GI tract. It activates when the body metabolizes Noopept into cycloproylglycine. From there, three things may happen: Noopept increases oxygen within the brain, it increases the glucose metabolism of the brain, and it travels to glutamate receptor sites. Noopept acts fast, peak efficacy is about fifteen to twenty minutes after ingestion.

Increasing the oxygen in the brain helps you feel clearer, which may explain why a lot of users report feeling less foggy and sharper when they take Noopept. In the same way short bursts of exercise can help in the immediate with higher brain functions like impulse control and inhibition by supplying a jolt of oxygen, it’s possible that Noopept could kick your brain into high gear temporarily.

Since the brain feeds on glucose, the improved metabolism Noopept may provide gives it more energy to feed on, freeing the brain up and making it more focused and clearer.

Studies suggest Noopept can also help to slow the breakdown of glutamate. Glutamate is a neurotransmittor in charge of excitatory signals and is responsible for most aspects of normal brain function, like memory, learning, and cognition. Noopept binds with glutamate receptor sites to inhibit glutamate’s collapse. Noopept also energizes the receptor sites during this process so that they’re more sensitive to glutamate and activate more quickly.

With Noopept, as with any supplement, it’s very important to manage your expectations for what it can and can’t do. Right now, the research suggests Noopept may be most beneficial to brains that have been somehow harmed, whether that be as a result of a stroke, a degenerative disease, or a traumatic brain injury. For unimpaired brains, the effects seem to vary a lot from user to user. Some people report little to no impact, while others experience slight boosts in memory, and still others find their cognitive abilities significantly increased.

Where do I get Noopept?

Many users choose to take Noopept by itself, but if you’d rather take Noopept as part of a more complete nootropic blend, Lumonol includes a significant amount of Noopept in the mix. Between ten and thirty milligrams a day for up to 56 days is considered safe since it’s not intended to be part of a long-term daily routine. Instead, use Noopept when you feel you need an extra boost. Taking too much can have some undesired effects, like short-term memory loss, and taking it for too long can diminish its ability to impact your brain chemistry. Stick to the recommended dose for best results.

Have you taken Noopept? Did you find it made your memory stronger? Did it make you more conversationally fluent? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.

Photo: Noopept, by Benrr101, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post What Is Noopept? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Bacopa Monnieri growing on the beach.

Bacopa monnieri may also influence the cells that help with brain regeneration by decreasing the oxidative stress that free radicals can have, which could make it appealing for people with brain injuries as well as those concerned about the impact of aging and time on the brain. There are some studies that suggest bacopa monnieri can help decrease the inflammation of the brain that comes with aging and improve outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients. With potential benefits numbering in the dozens, bacopa monnieri has widespread appeal and is suitable variety of users.

What does bacopa monnieri stack with?

The first thing to take into consideration is that, for some users, bacopa monnieri has been known to cause gastrointestinal problems when taken on an empty stomach. For the sake of your belly, don’t forget that it stacks first and foremost with food! Since bacopa monnieri is fat soluble, try taking it alongside a meal that has includes healthy fats. Think avocado toast, buttered coffee, or a smear of almond butter on an apple.

When stacked alongside other supplements, bacopa monnieri may have benefits ranging from upping cognitive abilities to decreasing stress, may experience a different outcome depending on what else you’re taking.

If improving your memory and feeling less anxious is what you’re hoping this supplement can do for you, try bacopa monnieri with the supplement Protadim. Protadim includes milk thistle, curcumin, green tea catechins, and ashwagandha. The study linking the positive effects of this stack also indicated you may get some of the benefits with just one or two of the compounds found in Protadim, so if they’re already in the mix for you, all the better. Keep in mind that most users report that these benefits can take a few weeks of continuous use to show up, so be patient. During that time, some people have decreased motivation and a little trouble getting to sleep, so the adjustment period can be a little bit tricky.

Another name-brand supplement, Perment, stacks bacopa monnieri with asparagus, ashwagandha, and clitoria ternatea. Some research suggests that this combination may relieve symptoms of depression naturally. While there’s evidence of the link between taking this supplement and diminishing the symptoms of depression, the effect won’t be complete, so don’t consider this a standalone treatment. Anticipate minor reductions in your symptoms. This shouldn’t take the place of an antidepressant that your doctor prescribes, but if you’re interested in trying an Ayurvedic approach alongside a Western one, ask your healthcare provider about this.

There’s some data to suggest bacopa monniere stacked with yohimbine can help to dull your perception of pain if you take a high dose, and conjecture that a cocktail of bacopa monnieri and caffeine may hinder stress-inducing dopamine spikes.

Where can I get Bacopa Monnieri?

In addition to the supplements Protadim and Perment, you’ll find bacopa monnieri in Nootrobox’s RISE supplement, where it’s stacked with rhodiola rosea and Alpha-GPC. Some research and anecdotal evidence suggests this combination can improve your memory and resiliency. The standard dose for bacopa monnieri is about 300mg per day in many nootropic stacks.

Have you tried bacopa monnieri? What do you stack yours with? Tell us in the comments!

Photo: Bacopa Monnieri by Forest & Kim Star via Wikimedia Commons.

The post What is Bacopa Monnieri? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

What Is Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola rosea is a flowering plant that grows year-round in cold regions all over the world. It’s been found in Canada, the United States, England, Ireland, and Austria, and it goes by many names. You may see it listed as king’s crown, Arctic root, lingum rhodium, rose root, or golden root, but it will most often appear in supplement ingredient lists by its most common name, rhodiola rosea.

Over the centuries, rhodiola rosea has been used to treat a vast array of ailments, but today, it’s most commonly found in nootropic blends designed to decrease fatigue. Since rhodiola rosea can have both positive mental and physical effects, it’s a high-value aspect of many nootropics users’ stacks.

What Does Rhodiola Rosea Stack Well With?

Rhodiola rosea pairs well with a variety of common nootropics like Siberian ginseng, St. John’s wort, lemonwood, and cranberry water extract.

Many users have found that stacking Siberian ginseng or lemonwood and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress. There’s also some research that suggests it can have an adaptogenic impact on the body, limiting the amount of stress the system experiences in less-than-ideal situations. There’s even some research suggesting a link to this particular combination and a longer lifespan, though it’s still in the preliminary phases.

St. John’s wort can help curb appetite and may prevent binge eating when paired with rhodiola rosea. Many users find that when they’re trying to diet or struggling with overeating, adding rhodiola rosea to their stacks can help stymie hunger.

Rhodiola Rosea growing on the mountains. (photo via Wikimedia)

Rhodiola rosea is considered safe, and for most people to take, but some research suggests that taking too much can increase the risk of elevated platelet counts. Ask your doctor if rhodiola rosea is a good fit for your overall lifestyle before you start taking it.

Where Can I Get Rhodiola Rosea?

There are many rhodiola rosea supplements on the market today. Some nootropics users like to take a stand-alone rhodiola rosea supplement. Our reviewers tried the one Solaray made and liked it. Still other nootropics users like to take rhodiola rosea in the form of a supplement blend. The popular RISE by Nootrobox contains rhodiola rosea, as does Neurofuse. Both try to help improve cognition and stack rhodiola rosea with other supplements purported to do the same.

Have you taken rhodiola rosea? What did you stack it with? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

The post What Nootropics Stack Well with Rhodiola Rosea? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

What follows in our beginner’s guide to nootropic stacks is a wealth of information regarding the world’s most popular brain boosters, constantly updated with new supplements, formulations, and our experiences. Our site also provides info on the best brain health supplement manufacturers for those looking to develop their own.

But we’re not just listing the most popular products available. We’re testing each and every one of them to give you a real-world take on the best nootropics.

What We Do

Many nootropic products are “broad spectrum” stacks, which we use to refer to supplements that combine ingredients impacting cognitive function in multiple, sometimes complimentary, sometimes completely standalone, ways.

That means there’s significant overlap between some formulas, even across manufacturers. That’s why we insist so heavily upon real-world use before we write our reviews. Supplements that appear to contain the same ingredients might include them in different amounts, concentrations, or forms, which ultimately affects the consumer experience. While it’s easy to make an initial judgement based on the label alone, the proof really is in the pudding. That’s true for taking these supplements as standalones and, as experienced nootropic users sometimes do, in combination.

Today, countless supplement companies produce nootropic supplements targeted at the consumer, and access to potent nootropics is no longer restricted to the kitchen chemist ordering bulk compounds. We purchase each and every supplement we review in order to replicate the average sales experience. No special treatment, no special tester formulas, no remixing, we’re purchasing and reviewing the exact same products available to the average consumer and nootropic enthusiast.

What We Review

It’s important to note that BrainWiz does not review prescription drugs or raw ingredients labeled for research use. Homemade combinations of raw ingredient powders were once the main outlet for biohackers harnessing nootropic ingredients; however, this practice carriers with it its own series of risks, including unverified sourcing and issues with self dosing.

We’ve dedicated our time and site to reviewing nootropic stacks and supplements readily available to the consumer. It’s still important to remember there is no one governing body overseeing nootropic supplements, and as with any supplement regimen, it’s a good idea to consult with a medical professional if you have preexisting conditions or currently take medication.

Nootropics for Productivity

Most people use nootropics to increase their productivity at work. It’s the same reason people drink coffee like there’s no tomorrow, and in fact, coffee and popular nootropic supplements often contain some of the same active ingredients! Caffeine is one of the most common and most researched nootropic ingredients, and it’s a powerful anti-fatigue agent that can boost focus and attention at work.

But caffeine can be more potent than people think, and in some nootropic stacks, it can actually be a hindrance for focus. Caffeine’s side effects can include jitters and shortened attention spans, which is why many nootropic makers pair it with compounds like l-theanine, which “smooths out” coffee’s boost and improves its effectiveness in concentration. If you’re looking at a nootropic stack that contains caffeine, consider all the ingredients beforehand. Some may enhance and accentuate stimulating effects, while others, including additional stimulants besides caffeine, may create an experience that means more jitters than focus.

For supplements that contain caffeine and other stimulants, start small or at a lower dosage to assess what it does to your work output, a half dose may be plenty to give you the edge you’re looking for. 

Other common nootropic ingredients for productivity include various forms of choline, an important neurotransmitter, and substances that enhance choline metabolism. Nootropic stacks often contain choline paired with these other compounds in one package. Taking an ingredient involved in choline metabolism, like piracetam, noopept, and other related and more advanced nootropic compounds, without adequate choline available to the brain has been known to result in headaches for some users.

Caffeine and cholinergics are two of the most common classes of compounds we see for beginner productivity stacks, and many of our favorite broad spectrum nootropics contain both groups.

Nootropics for Stress

It’s important to remember that nootropics aren’t meant to treat illnesses or medical conditions, and if you’re dealing with significant anxiety or signs of chronic stress, a brain supplement is rarely the answer. However, many nootropic ingredients can help users stay productive or focused in stressful situations.

These include adaptogens like bacopa monnieri and rhodiola rosea, two herbal extracts that help reduce some of the negative side effects associated with stressful events (like a deadline or mountains of work). In our experience, they tend not to “remove” stress altogether, but rather may take the edge off the fatigue stressful situations can accelerate.

Magnesium is also another supplement that our testers have found to have a relaxing or calming effect; magnesium compounds like magnesium threonate (branded as Magtein) may be more bioavailable to the brain and can also help improve sleep quality in some users. Many Americans don’t get enough magnesium in their diets, which can contribute to restlessness.

If you’re especially sensitive to caffeine or if stimulants contribute to anxiety, consider a stimulant-free nootropics stack. It’s worth noting that some adaptogens, notably rhodiola, may actually have mild stimulatory effects for some users.

Supplement Summaries

Without further delay, below is a frequently updated list of our reviewed supplements, listed from top rated to bottom rated by our testers. We’re constantly working to improve our reviews and test the latest nootropics on the market. We hope you enjoy this compilation of our recent reviews and that it helps you find the best nootropic stack for your needs!

Neurofuse

Manufacturer: Neurofuse

Our Take: Consistent energy and focus is what our testers got from Neurofuse’s blend. Neurofuse may not be the most innovative stack on the market, but after testing it out, we actually respect that. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and falling flat, Neurofuse built a broad spectrium nootropic that delivers on its promise of both energy and focus. It’s not the fastest acting  nootropic we’ve tested (that’s likely Lumonol), but it’s probably all you need for a brain boost in a convenient delivery system (as opposed to combining multiple supplements or trying to time things precisely, generally beginner-friendly). Two of our testers felt diminishing effects after roughly a week of taking Neurofuse. After a few days off from the supplement, taking one or more capsules  of Neurorise once again produced a good wave of energy and concentration. We recommend cycling it every week or so for maximum effect. Read our full Neurofuse review here.

Stacks Well With: MagTech, BioCreatine

BrainWiz Rating: 4.7/5

Lumonol

Manufacturer: Avanse Nutraceuticals

Our Take: Lumonol is a broad spectrum nootropic stack with many of the most popular ingredients we see in this class of supplements. However, in addition to common ingredients in mainstream stacks, Lumonol also contains a few very potent ingredients that boosted it above the crowd in effectiveness and speed of action.

One of these additions is Noopept, a compound somewhat similar in effect Piracetam, a long-time preferred ingredient for nootropic/brain supplement pioneers. However, a much lower dosage of Noopept is needed to achieve the same cognitive boost, up to 1000 times less. Noopept metabolizes very quickly, within 25 minutes or less after oral ingestion, and it has a potentially cumulative effect, meaning it could get more effective after repeated use. Our testers felt its effects very quickly after taking Lumonol, possibly because of Noopept’s inclusion in the stack.

Lumonol was effective for our testers. However, this is a potent stack that contains stimulants such as caffeine from guarana in addition to a wide range of ingredients, and individual tolerance varied for us. We recommend starting with a half dosage to assess tolerance. Read our full Lumonol review here.

Stacks Well With: Lumonol Nova, MagTech, BioCreatine

BrainWiz Rating: 4.6/5

RISE

Manufacturer: Nootrobox

Our Take: Silicon Valley-based nootropics manufacturer Nootrobox has received significant press and a huge injection of cash from top venture capitalists to produce innovative nootropic formulas. RISE is one of their first supplements, a combination of adaptogens Bacopa and Rhodiola and choline source Alpha-GPC. With a relatively short, stimulant-free ingredient list, RISE contains clinically-backed ingredients in a form that pairs well with coffee/tea/caffeine. RISE is as straightforward combination of adaptogens and choline that can promote clear thinking and reduce the negative effects of stress. Read our full RISE review here.

Stacks Well With: Sprint, Lumonol Nova, Matcha Chai Latte, MagTech, BioCreatine

BrainWiz Rating: 4.6/5

Alpha BRAIN

Manufacturer: Onnit

Our Take: Alpha BRAIN is an effective caffeine-free and BSCG Certified nootropic stacked with a number of effective earth-grown ingredients. This BSCG certification signifies that Alpha Brain is drug-free and comprised only of naturally grown ingredients, making it somewhat unique in the nootropic space.

In addition to a cognitive boost, some users feel increased focus and stamina. When taken in the afternoon, Alpha BRAIN can induce vivid, lucid dreams at night. Though its perceived effects seem to diminish over time, taking a break from the supplement for a few days seems to be enough time for its effectiveness to return. Read our full Alpha BRAIN review here.

Stacks Well With: MagTech, New Mood, Smart Caffeine, Coffee

BrainWiz Rating: 4.5/5

truBrain Shots

Manufacturer: truBrain

Our Take: truBrain has innovative packaging and marketing behind it, but what impresses us most about the company is the team of trained neuroscientists and researchers who develop their products. Most of our testers enjoyed the product, and there’s more to truBrain’s shots than novelty. These shots contain oxiracetam, a member of the potent racetam class of compounds popular among biohackers, and consumer-facing nootropics manufacturers have only recently begun incorporating them in mainstream stacks. Our testers felt no jitters when taking truBrain shots, which is a rarity for supplements that include moderate to significant amounts of caffeine. The effects did build over time, so it takes a bit of patience in order to get the  maximum benefits of this supplement. Individuals taking MAO-inhibitors or who suffer from compromised renal function or hemophilia should not take truBrain.

If you drink smoothies or protein shakes, or are looking for a brain supplement that provides all-day clarity, truBrain’s shots are convenient and pleasant-tasting additions to a morning routine. Read our full truBrain review here.

Stacks Well With: BioCreatine

BrainWiz Rating: 4.5/5

Alpha BRAIN Instant

Manufacturer: Onnit

Our Take: Alpha BRAIN Instant is a powdered version of Onnit’s popular Alpha BRAIN supplement. Though similarly formulated, Alpha BRAIN Instant contains different amounts of active Onnit blends per serving than Alpha BRAIN in capsule form.

Read our full Alpha BRAIN Instant review here.

Stacks Well With: MagTech, New Mood, Smart Caffeine, Coffee

BrainWiz Rating: 4.5/5

MagTech

Manufacturer: Natural Stacks

Our Take: Magnesium is one of the minerals many Westerners are deficient in. It plays important roles in muscular health, sleep, and brain function. Magnesium comes in many different compounds and forms, of which MagTech contains three highly absorbable forms that are better able to cross the blood/brain barrier than most. Our testers appreciated the improved sleep quality and overall improvement in mood they experienced while taking it. The effects on focus and memory recall may take longer to feel than the nearly immediate improvement they felt in rest quality.

Overall, this is the top magnesium-based supplement we’ve tried. Because it’s a fairly straightforward magnesium supplement, MagTech is one of the few supplements we’ve had success pairing with almost all broad spectrum nootropic stacks. Read our full MagTech review here.

Stacks Well With: Pairs well with most broad spectrum stacks

BrainWiz Rating: 4.5/5

BioCreatine

Manufacturer: Natural Stacks

Our Take:Research-backed strength-builder creatine monohydrate, common for most high level athletes, generally safe to use, and not a banned performance enhancer, has some impressive nootropic properties, and brain supplement manufacturers are taking note.

BioCreatine is the best creatine supplement our testers have ever tried for both athletic performance and cognitive enhancement. It’s easy to take, seems to contain high-quality creatine monohydrate, and is generally cost-effective compared to a lot of other creatine supplements sold as nootropics. Our testers who have previously taken creatine preferred this over all other brands and supplements they’ve tried. Read our full BioCreatine review here.

Stacks Well With: Lumonol, Unfair Advantage, MagTech, Alpha BRAIN, truBrain

BrainWiz Rating: 4.5/5

Smart Caffeine

Manufacturer: Natural Stacks

Our Take: Smart Caffeine is a straightforward pairing of theanine and caffeine in a 2-to-1 ratio. Often paired with caffeine, l-theanine’s effects appear complementary to the world’s most popular stimulant. It may also increase brain activity and memory. L-theanine is commonly found in green tea, and a standard cup contains around 20 mg (so one pill of Smart Caffeine contains a high dosage relative to standard tea consumption). Though common, caffeine is still a stimulant, so start slowly if you’re sensitive to such substances. Read our full Smart Caffeine review here.

Stacks Well With: Caffeine/stimulant-free stacks such as Alpha BRAIN and Dopamine Brain Food, MCT Oil and capsules, Magnesium supplements

BrainWiz Rating: 4.4/5

SPRINT

Manufacturer: Nootrobox

Our Take: SPRINT by Nootrobox got us excited with some more rarely seen ingredients on top of a tried-and-true base pairing, and overall, it feels like a pretty standard caffeine-theanine pairing with just a little something extra. If you’re looking for a simple, beginner’s nootropic stack, SPRINT may be a good starting point that pairs well with Nootrobox’s RISE supplement. Read our full SPRINT review here.

Stacks Well With: Caffeine/stimulant-free stacks such as RISE, Alpha BRAIN, and Dopamine Brain Food, MCT Oil and capsules, Magnesium supplements

BrainWiz Rating: 4.4/5

Unfair Advantage

Manufacturer: Bulletproof
Our Take: Unfair Advantage is a combination of forms of PQQ and CoQ10, compounds tied to antioxidant effects and mitochondrial production. Our testers have had a lot of success stacking it with other popular nootropic supplements, as there’s rarely ingredient overlap with Unfair Advantage. This is one supplement where we’ve seen some significant variability in effects from person to person, especially when it comes to speed and duration of effects, so user experience may vary. Read our full Unfair Advantage review here.

Stacks Well With: Brain Octane Softgels, Choline Force, Neurorise

BrainWiz Rating: 4.3/5

GABAwave

Manufacturer: Bulletproof

Our Take: [Note: Currently, GABAwave is unavailable from the Bulletproof/Upgraded Self. Recently, we’ve seen many phenibut-containing supplements taken off the market.] GABAwave is Bulletproof’s form of phenibut, a nootropic compound that is known for its ability to easily transport GABA across the blood-brain barrier. It is linked to improved cognitive function, and many users also feel a release in stress and anxiety, as well as improved sleep. Read our full GABAwave review here.

Stacks Well With: Note: May cause increased sensitive and side effects when paired with stimulants or alcohol.

BrainWiz Rating: 4.3/5

Neuro Elite

Manufacturer: Neuro Elite

Our Take: Neuro Elite is a broad spectrum nootropic stack that our testers found consistent and dependable. It also contains caffeine and a research-supported blend of energy boosters, making it ideal for morning consumption (but not great for the evening). Neuro Elite was especially good and effective for use when facing stressful situations, likely due to its included adaptogens. Read our full Neuro Elite review here.

Stacks Well With: MagTech, BioCreatine

BrainWiz Rating: 4.3/5

Rhodiola Extract by Solaray

Manufacturer: Solaray

Our Take: Rhodiola rosea is one of the most well-researched and well-known nootropic ingredients derived from plants. This adaptogen is linked to increased feelings of physical and mental endurance while reducing the negative effects of stress, all with very few reported side effects. Solaray produces one of the most popular formulations. It’s straightforward without an unnecessarily high concentration; it’s unlikely that very high doses of Rhodiola Rosea are more effective at reducing fatigue and improving cognition over lower doses, and after a certain point (think north of 600 mg), high amounts might actually be ineffective. Rhodiola is often paired with other ingredients in nootropic stacks, and it’s also been effective for our testers on its own. Read our full Rhodiola by Solaray review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee, Smart Caffeine, truBrain

BrainWiz Rating: 4.2/5

Dopamine Brain Food

Manufacturer: Natural Stacks

Our Take: Dopamine Brain Food is a caffeine-free stack designed to increase and support the production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, creativity, and athletic ability. Our testers generally liked this product, and most of them have said that they will keep the product in their supplement rotation. Though its observed effects can  diminish over time, taking a break from the supplement for a couple of days was enough time for its effectiveness to return. Our testers had the most success with cycling this product as opposed to continuous use. Read our full Dopamine Brain Food review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee, MagTech, BioCreatine, Smart Caffeine

BrainWiz Rating: 4.1/5

Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps

Manufacturer: Four Sigmatic

Our Take: Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps surprised us and, at least mildly, impressed even our biggest coffee fanatics. It may be a great option for people who do well on smaller amounts of caffeine but would still like the buzz and energy boost with a lower instance of jitters and no crash. The flavor of the coffee is good, albeit extremely mild, it will likely be too light for those accustomed to a stronger brew. Some of our bolder testers mixed it with both protein shakes and coffee with great success. Read our full Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps review here.

Stacks Well With: Other adaptogenic blends like RISE

BrainWiz Rating: 4.1/5

Brain Octane Softgels

Manufacturer: Bulletproof

Our Take: Brain Octane Softgels are an ultra-portable version of Bulletproof’s popular Brain Octane Oil, a highly refined version of medium chain triglycerides (MCT). While the amount of fatty acids in a serving (or two) of softgels is significantly lower than in a tablespoon of the liquid oil, our testers found the capsules to be a handy option suited for the workplace or travel. These could be a welcome stimulant-free addition to a existing nootropic stacks. Read our full Brain Octane Softgels review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee, Smart Caffeine, Alpha BRAIN, Neurorise, Lumonol, Neuro Elite, Unfair Advantage, Choline Force

BrainWiz Rating: 4/5

Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane

Manufacturer: Four Sigmatic
Our Take:Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane was generally well received by our testers, who appreciated its mild taste and calming effect. While we’re slightly skeptical this amount of Lion’s Mane can significantly boost cognition with one serving, we enjoyed the rhodiola-caffeine pairing for a stress-fighting combo. For its cost and ingredient profile, Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane provides solid value for its cost-per-serving in a travel-friendly and convenient delivery system. Read our full Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane review here.
Stacks Well With: Other adaptogenic blends like RISE
BrainWiz Rating: 4/5

Matcha Chai Latte (Onnit)

Manufacturer: Onnit

Our Take: Onnit Whole Spice Matcha Chai Latte Tea contains both caffeine and L-theanine, along with some other neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and energy-sustaining ingredients. It’s first and foremost a delicious coffee replacement, be it in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, and secondly a mild nootropic in its own right. The Whole Spice Matcha Chai Latte is a mild nootropic when used on its on, and a great product to stack with caffeine-free supplements, like Alpha BRAIN. Our testers reported experiencing clarity, sharper focus, and a calm alertness even with a pretty mild caffeine content. Read our full Matcha Chai Latte review here.

Stacks Well With: Alpha BRAIN, Rhodiola, RISE

BrainWiz Rating: 4/5

Serotonin Brain Food

Manufacturer: Natural Stacks

Our Take: Like Dopamine Brain Food, Serotonin Brain Food is a caffeine-free stack designed to increase and support the production of a neurotransmitter, in this case serotonin. It contains magnesium glycinate, zinc, l-tryptophan, and rhodiola for a stack that seemed to enhance relaxation and calm more than focus. Read our full Serotonin Brain Food review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee, MagTech, BioCreatine

BrainWiz Rating: 4/5

Choline Force

Manufacturer: Bulletproof

Our Take: Choline Force is a caffeine-free nootropic stack that’s may be best for those suffering from a choline deficiency. In addition to a cognitive boost and improved focus, some users feel increased physical energy. However, we have tested broad-spectrum nootropic stacks that worked more consistently across users. Though its perceived effects seem to diminish over time, taking a break from the supplement for a few days seems to be enough time for its effectiveness to return. Read our full Choline Force review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee, Smart Caffeine, Unfair Advantage, MagTech

BrainWiz Rating: 3.9/5

Lumonol Nova

Manufacturer: Avanse Nutraceuticals

Our Take: Lumonol Nova is simple stack featuring L-Tyrosine, Caffeine, and L-Theanine as active ingredients. It gives a calm and clean energy boost, unlike the jitters some experience from caffeine on its own or in coffee. Our testers felt focused and energized, and the energy just mellowed out, rather than producing a crash. It tested similar to Smart Caffeine, and our testers were split as to which they preferred. For beginners in the world of nootropics, a simple two-ingredient stack like Smart Caffeine is usually a good starting point and may be a better option for the caffeine-theanine pairing.

Those who paired it with Lumonol felt that the effects of both supplements were heightened and complemented by each other. This may not be the best supplement for those not willing to give up their cup of coffee, but it is a convenient energy and mood booster. Read our full Lumonol Nova review here.

Stacks Well With: Lumonol, Rhodiola

BrainWiz Rating: 3.9/5

Neuro-Mag

Manufacturer: Life Extension

Our Take: Neuro-Mag is a straightforward way to supplement magnesium threonate, its only active ingredient. It can be taken on its own and stacks well with other supplements we’ve tested. Studies have linked supplementation of this form of magnesium with neuroprotective effects and improved brain health, especially in older subjects.

There are several other nootropic magnesium stacks on the market that include other forms of magnesium in addition to magnesium threonate. Our favorite of these is MagTech, which all our testers preferred to Neuro-Mag. Read our full Neuro-Mag review here.

Stacks Well With: Pairs well with most broad spectrum stacks

BrainWiz Rating: 3.9/5

brüd Coffee and truBrain Focus Sticks

Manufacturer: truBrain

Our Take: truBrain’s new coffee blend is a tasty light roast, though not the most flavorful or potent blend we’ve tried by any means. Their Focus Sticks contain a pairing of Alpha-GPC and Theanine, and when taken with their coffee in hot or cold forms, our testers enjoyed increased focus. However, they also found the Focus Stick delivery system and packaging to be awkward and paired with unnecessary sweetener. Read our full review of truBrain’s coffee and Focus Sticks here.
Stacks Well With: Coffee

BrainWiz Rating: 3.8/5

OptiMind

Manufacturer: AlternaScript

Our Take: OptiMind’s formula consists of a number of popular nootropic ingredients paired with energy boosters like caffeine and B vitamins. Our testers experienced a mental and physical boost, but the fact that the amount of caffeine per serving is not listed had some of our testers feeling like Goldilocks: It took awhile to find the right dosage for them.

OptiMind’s manufacturer has some mainstream traction, and their formula is a bit different than others we’ve encountered (for example, it doesn’t contain a direct form of choline, but it does have ingredients involved in choline production). If you’re interested in trying OptiMind, we recommend starting with a low dosage to assess tolerance. Read our full OptiMind review here.

Stacks Well With: Choline rich foods

BrainWiz Rating: 3.8/5

CogniYouth

Manufacturer: CogniYouth

Our Take: CogniYouth is a basic broad-spectrum stack of very common nootropic ingredients. It is also stimulant free. The manufacturer claims it was originally designed as a “brain vitamin” to aid in long-term brain health and cognition maintenance with age. It could be a good option for those looking to get the adaptogenic benefits of Rhodiola rosea and Bacopa monnieri  without a lot of excess ingredients. Read our full CogniYouth review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee, Unfair Advantage, BioCreatine

BrainWiz Rating: 3.7/5

Cognitex

Manufacturer: Life Extension

Our Take: Cognitex is a mild cognitive enhancer with apparent cumulative effects, and it is a potential option for those just starting to explore nootropics. It contains a broad spectrum of common nootropic ingredients, including Alpha GPC, along with some lesser-seen, branded extracts. It is a caffeine and stimulant-free stack. Read our full Cognitex review here.

Stacks Well With: Smart Caffeine, MagTech, Unfair Advantage

BrainWiz Rating: 3.7/5 [Controversial]

SharpMind

Manufacturer: Solaray

Our Take: SharpMind is a caffeine-free nootropic stack best for those without a sensitivity to Ginkgo. Our testers found the effects to be mild, but generally consistent, with only one tester not feeling any effects. This is potentially a good starting stack for beginners. This supplement may pair well with coffee tea or guarana, for those who drink caffeine regularly. Read our full SharpMind review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee, Smart Caffeine, Lumonol Nova

BrainWiz Rating: 3.7/5

Neuro Clarity

Manufacturer: Nutrition Essentials

Our Take: Neuro Clarity is a fairly basic stack of non-stimulatory ingredients. Many are involved in the metabolism of choline, though this supplement surprisingly contains no significant choline source, which seems to be a significant oversight. Pairing with a choline-rich food or supplement may increase the effects of Neuro Clarity. Read our full Neuro Clarity review here.

Stacks Well With: Choline rich foods

BrainWiz Rating: 3.4/5

Ginkgo Smart

Manufacturer: Irwin Naturals

Our Take: Ginkgo smart is another broad-spectrum nootropic stack that also contains omega-3 fatty acids and may double as a fish oil supplement. We found its effects quickly noticeable but not very long lasting, though we did experience some stomach cramps when taking it apart from food. Read our full Ginkgo Smart review here.

Stacks Well With: Smart Caffeine, MagTech, BioCreatine, RISE (half dosage)

BrainWiz Rating: 3.3/5

FOCUSfactor

Manufacturer: Synergy CHC Corp

Our Take: FOCUSfactor is a “brain health supplement” marketed as nutrition for the brain; the manufacturer claims it improves memory, concentration, and focus. What stands out about FOCUSfactor is that the 40-ingredient supplement reads a lot like a multivitamin up until the “Synergistic and Proprietary Formulation,” which blends a number of common nootropic ingredients. Overall, FOCUSfactor is a very mild caffeine-free nootropic stack and multivitamin, and the amounts for most of its nootropic ingredients are unlisted. Read our full FOCUSfactor review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee

BrainWiz Rating: 3/5

Focus Fast

Manufacturer: Enyotics

Our Take: Focus Fast is another combo multivitamin/nootropic stack with undisclosed amounts of key ingredients (see FOCUSfast, above). Read our full Focus Fast review here.

Stacks Well With: Coffee

BrainWiz Rating: 2.9/5

CILTEP

Manufacturer: Natural Stacks

Our Take: CILTEP is one of the most talked-about and hyped nootropic stacks in recent memory. Somewhat unique among nootropics, CILTEP claims to operate by increasing long-term potentiation (LTP) within the brain; LTP is a consistent strengthening of synapses within the brain. It’s thought that memory formation and synaptic strength are heavily connected, and by inducing long-term potentiation, the makers of CILTEP claim its ingredients can boost memory, focus, and cognition. The science behind CILTEP is based on complex chemical interactions and ingredients that still have a long way to go as far as research-backed effectiveness; it’s possible CILTEP’s long-term potentiation mechanism isn’t actually occurring at a significant level. Positive effects on cognition may result from the action of individual ingredients as opposed to the proposed pathways outlined above. Read our full CILTEP review here.

Stacks Well With: Smart Caffeine, MagTech, Dopamine Brain Food

BrainWiz Rating: 2.5/5 [Controversial]

Nootroo

Manufacturer: Life Extension

Our Take: Nootroo is a relatively straightforward stack that comes in two forms: one contains gold flakes, and the other silver flakes, and they’re meant to be taken on alternating days. The formulas are essentially the same, except for the featured ingredient: noopept for gold and phenylpiracetam for silver. In addition, Nootroo contains choline (as Cognizin), theanine, and caffeine.

While the ingredients in these stacks are well-researched and known give a cognitive boost, as they have in other supplements we’ve tested, there is no information available on the amounts of each ingredient in Nootroo’s proprietary blends, and our testers felt significant jitters without a ton of upside when taking this supplement. Read our full Nootroo review here.

Stacks Well With: N/A

BrainWiz Rating: 2.4/5

Addium

Manufacturer: Precision Labs

Our Take: Addium felt much more like a quick stimulant rush with a resulting crash with its combo of stimulants and common nootropic ingredients (in unspecified amounts). The amount of caffeine in Addium is not listed, and most testers felt like it was the equivalent to about 2 shots of espresso.  If you are a coffee drinker, you may want to try Addium in the afternoon, instead of that second cup of coffee. This may not be the best supplement for those sensitive to niacin or stimulants in general. Read our full Addium review here.

Stacks Well With: N/A

BrainWiz Rating: 2/3.5

Glutathione Force

Manufacturer: Bulletproof

Our Take: Glutathione is an incredibly important molecule for human bodies, and an entire “glutathione system” based around its role as one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Glutathione acts through a complex system of enzymes and processes, and the theory behind glutathione supplementation is to provide cells with more of the molecules necessary for this entire system to run well. However, glutathione is generally fairly abundant in food, and there’s some debate over whether or not supplemented glutathione can actually make it to the body’s cells intact.

Our testers experienced very limited results from this supplement. Glutathione Force is an interesting idea in theory, but in practice there’s not a ton of evidence the body is able to utilize it as the manufacturer claims. For now, supplementing N-Acetylcysteine may be more effective to promote the antioxidant benefits of the glutathione system. Read our full Glutathione Force review here.

Stacks Well With: N/A

BrainWiz Rating: 2.1/5

Brain Awake

Manufacturer: Irwin Naturals

Our Take: Brain Awake had a similar effect to Bulletproof Coffee, but it wasn’t quite as pronounced, and the focus our testers felt wasn’t nearly as sharp as other supplements in recent memory. The inclusion of Holy Basil extract as the adaptogen of choice also has us scratching our heads a little bit, as there are similarly effective choices in existence without the same potential side effects.

If you like the effects of Bulletproof Coffee but aren’t a coffee drinker, Brain Awake is a zero-prep-required substitute. Overall, our testers reached for other supplements after their trial of Brain Awake was over. Read our full Brain Awake review here.

Stacks Well With: N/A

BrainWiz Rating: 2/5

Focus+

Manufacturer: Excelerol

Our Take: Focus+ by Excelerol is a liquid capsule nootropic stack. The list of ingredients in the Focus+ stack is familiar, featuring a significant number of well-researched nootropics, paired with an unknown (but observationally high) dose of stimulants and adaptogens. Focus+ may be a good alternative for non-coffee drinkers looking for a buzz, but for our testers, the benefits stopped there. Despite having an impressive list of ingredients, the fact that neither the quantities nor concentration of many ingredients listed makes us doubt there’s enough of them in the stack to really make a difference. Read our full Focus+ review here.

Stacks Well With: N/A

BrainWiz Rating: 1.9/5

Some Our Favorite Supplement Stacks

Some of the most common questions we get revolve around which nootropic combos we like for various purposes. This can be anything from fighting fatigue to improving conversational recall or staying our sharpest when traveling. Below are some of our testers’ favorite stacks for various situations and challenges. Click the links on each to learn more about how we’ve found success timing each stack for maximum effect.

• All-Day Productivity: Lumonol + MagTech (alternatively RISE + MagTech)
• Top Travel Stacks: Alpha BRAIN + Smart Caffeine/SPRINT and truBrain + Rhodiola rosea
• Convenient, Reliable, and Beginner-Friendly: RISE + SPRINT from Nootrobox
• Crushing a Stressful Deadline (note: the above two are also among our go-tos for this): Smart Caffeine + Rhodiola

The post The Beginner’s Guide to Popular Nootropic Supplements and Stacks appeared first on Brain Wiz.