Cognitive & Nootropics
Chasing sharper focus or a clearer head? Read the evidence before you buy. Lion's mane, alpha-GPC, bacopa, ginkgo, and brain performance supplements.
Alpha-GPC
Supports cognitive function in age-related decline, increases power output in athletes, and provides a highly bioavailable source of choline that crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Cognitive support and neuroprotection through nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation
Magnesium L-Threonate
Brain magnesium levels, cognitive function, memory support
Ginkgo Biloba
Marketed for cognitive enhancement and dementia prevention, but the largest clinical trials have failed to support its most popular claims. Modest evidence exists for peripheral circulation and existing mild cognitive impairment.
Bacopa Monnieri
Memory enhancement, particularly delayed recall and learning rate, with secondary benefits for attention and anxiety reduction
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cognitive aging support, mitochondrial energy in brain and nerve tissue
Citicoline
Attention, focus, age-related memory support, and cognitive recovery after ischemic insults
Phosphatidylserine
Modest support for age-related memory complaints; cortisol blunting in trained athletes at higher doses
Lemon Balm
Mild stress and anxiety reduction, sleep onset support, acute calmness and cognitive performance
Mucuna Pruriens
Plant source of L-DOPA studied in Parkinson's disease; speculative use for mood, libido, and male fertility
Huperzine A
Cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia via reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibition
Agmatine Sulfate
Sold heavily in pre-workouts for 'pumps' and as a neuropathic pain or mood aid; the marketing is far ahead of the human evidence on every one of those claims
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
Raises blood NAD+ levels; preliminary signals for insulin sensitivity, physical function, and aerobic capacity in midlife and older adults
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
NAD+ elevation as a cellular metabolism support; downstream functional benefits in humans remain unconfirmed
TMG (Trimethylglycine / Betaine Anhydrous)
Homocysteine lowering via methylation support, with modest power-output and muscle endurance signal in resistance-trained men
Sulforaphane
Activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant defense pathway and phase II detoxification enzymes
Lutein + Zeaxanthin
Macular pigment density, visual performance under glare and screen-time conditions, and reduced risk of advanced AMD progression in higher-risk older adults
MCT Oil
Rapid ketone fuel, modest body composition support when substituted for long-chain fats, and a studied adjunct in mild Alzheimer's cognitive decline
Spermidine
Marketed as a natural polyamine that supports cellular renewal (autophagy); the human evidence for downstream cognitive or longevity benefits is small and the largest RCT missed its primary endpoint
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Studied for nerve discomfort, low back pain with sciatic involvement, and general pain comfort via PPAR-alpha activation and modulation of mast cell and glial cell signaling.
Pterostilbene
Polyphenol with better oral bioavailability than resveratrol; small human RCT base for blood pressure and as a co-ingredient in NAD+ stacks
L-Tyrosine
Supports working memory and cognitive performance under acute stressors (cold, sleep loss, demanding mental load)
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Mitochondrial cofactor marketed for cellular energy and cognitive support; small, mostly industry-funded human trials at 20mg/day
Saffron
Mood support, mild low-mood and stress, sleep quality, and PMS-related symptoms
Choline Bitartrate
Cheapest way to cover the daily choline Adequate Intake for general health, methylation, and pregnancy; weakest choline form for cognitive or nootropic use
Pycnogenol
Supports leg comfort and venous tone in chronic venous insufficiency, healthy blood flow via endothelial function, and skin elasticity at 100-360mg/day of the trademarked Pycnogenol extract.
Sunflower Lecithin
Soy-free phospholipid blend (phosphatidylcholine, PI, PE, PA) traditionally used by breastfeeding women under lactation-consultant guidance for recurrent plugged-duct comfort; also a food-grade emulsifier and a modest dietary source of choline.
SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine)
A methyl donor synthesized in the body from methionine and ATP that supports a positive mood, joint comfort, and liver function via methylation, transsulfuration, and aminopropylation pathways.
Schisandra
Traditional adaptogen used for stress resilience, mental performance under fatigue, and liver support; modern human RCT base is thin compared to other adaptogens.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products discussed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.