Nootropics Glossary

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Wakefulness-promoting agent (or eugeroic) that was formerly used in France to promote vigilance (alertness), attention, wakefulness, mood, and other parameters, particularly in the elderly. It was also used off-label by individuals who wished to avoid fatigue, such as night workers or others who needed to stay awake and alert for long periods of time.  analogue to modafinil
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L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is a natural choline compound found in the brain. It is also a parasympathomimetic acetylcholine precursor which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Alpha-GPC rapidly delivers choline to the brain across the blood–brain barrier and is a biosynthetic precursor of acetylcholine. It is a non-prescription drug in most countries and in the United States it is classified as generally recognized as safe.


also known as N-anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone, is an ampakine compound of the racetam chemical class. It is sold in Europe as a prescription drug, but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States. Is a popular choice among nootropic users for its ability to enhance cognition while reducing anxiety and boosting mood.



a valuable brain-booster that improves cognition by fighting the effects of stress and helping with mood’s also an effective anxiolytic that reduces anxiety, enhances mood, and relieves insomnia and other sleep problems.

Artichoke Extract 

Artichoke Extract (Luteolin) has been shown to boost memory and learning, improve motivation and mood, and stimulate the growth of new neurons in the brain.

Bacopa Monnieri 

herbal nootropic, a plant-based supplement that boosts brain power and reduces anxiety naturally. Discovered in ancient India, bacopa monnieri is an important medicinal herb that has been enhancing memory, mood, learning ability, and brain health for centuries.
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Cat’s Claw 

South American vine used as a nootropic with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support DNA repair, immune function and normal cell division.



also known as citicoline or cytidine diphosphate choline, is a powerful nootropic supplement best known for its ability to enhance memory and protect the brain against memory loss. But an improved memory is only part of the CDP choline picture; it can also heighten focus, increase mental energy, and provide better clarity of thought. At brotropics we like to consider it brain food because the more you use you brain the more you need to supply it with more. Too much though can cause headaches! Centrophenoxine is claimed to be one of the best choline’s.


BUT WAIT THIS IS A WORK OUT SUPPLEMENT!!! did you know This is also a nitrogenous organic acid that is found in all vertebrates and humans are certainly no exception. This substance is used for supplying every cell in the human body with energy, particularly working muscle cells as well as brain cells.

DHA (Omega 3) 

an essential brain food that boosts neurotransmission, cognition, memory, learning, reduces brain inflammation, assists in the repair of and helps grow new brain cells. Also like any omega 3 this will help with your nootropics that require fat soluble help


Most abundant hormone precursor in the human body. And a source of your sex hormones. Has been shown to boost cognition, memory, energy levels and motivation.



Helps eliminate lipofuscin and free radicals from brain cells. Prevents choline uptake by cells forcing more free choline to be available in your system. And DMAE stimulates cholinergic receptors that may promote synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh) in your brain. shown to boost alertness, focus, memory, and mental clarity.


5-HTP is the immediate precursor of serotonin. Known for relieving depression and anxiety, fibromyalgia, insomnia, migraines, obesity, and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.


Forskolin (Coleus root) 

Activates key enzymes in the memory formation process, Forskolin can accelerate the brain’s natural long term memory function and provide excellent cognitive benefits.



Amino acid and neurotransmitter. GABA is your brain’s primary inhibitory transmitter. Its role is to keep glutamate, the primary excitatory transmitter, from overwhelming you. GABA has a calming effect on brain and body, helps relieve stress and anxiety, and boosts Human Growth Hormone.
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Ginkgo Biloba 

Its use dates back tens of thousands of years to ancient China, where it was used to improve energy and treat a variety of ailments ranging from infection to asthma. it has been shown to boost alertness, concentration, focus and memory.



This natural nootropic has been proven to improve mental performance, enhance mood, protect against elderly memory loss, reduce anxiety and boost brain health.


Gotu Kola  

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is often called “the student herb” in Bali. Because it sharpens the mind. Gotu kola extract increases dendrite and axon growth in brain cells which helps memory. Gotu Kola has been shown to increase memory and cognition, repair and reverse damage to brain cells, and boost acetylcholine.


A natural nootropic that is touted for its ability to enhance memory and cognition by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Also called Selagine.



Iodine improves energy levels, cognition, memory and mood.


Kava Kava 

Kava Kava is considered helpful in treating conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders. However, Kava Kava supplements are potentially toxic to the liver and do pose several safety concerns.

Lion’s Mane 

There is evidence that is has the ability to permanently enhance brain function as well as protect the brain and even promote neurogenesis.



L- Carnosine 

Improves cognition, memory, energy levels, prevents brain cell death, and is anti-aging.


L-Dopa (Mucuna Pruriens) 

Mucuna Pruriens is a natural brain supplement touted for improving mood and keeping the brain healthy and protected. It works by increasing dopamine & norepinephrine which Boosts mood, focus & motivation Improves stress response & libido.

Lemon Balm 

known for its anti-anxiety and calming effects, improving focus, memory and cognition, and reducing irritability and depression.




Used to make two of the most important neurotransmitters, glutamic acid and GABA. Both of these neurochemicals are involved in neuronal communication related to thinking, memory, and mood.


Improves memory, enhancing the ability to learn, and providing a calming effect. L-theanine also has positive effects on stress levels and shown to increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
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Improves cognition, memory, learning, recall, reduces brain fog, is an antioxidant, helps neuroplasticity, and protects against glutamate-toxicity.



Known for helping insomnia, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, protects against neurodegenerative diseases, stroke and brain trauma.


N-Acetyl L-Cysteine 

A powerful anti-oxidant, can boost mood, lower anxiety, improve memory, and reduce compulsive behavior.



N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

Enhances working memory, executive function, creative flow states, stress reduction, better mood, anti-anxiety and lessens symptoms of ADHD.


known for increased alertness, clarity, focus, memory, enhanced mood and energy, and is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger.




Has been shown to reduce apathy, improve cognition, learning, and long-term memory, reduce anxiety, depression and stress, boost nerve growth factor, and is neuroprotective.



Nicotine acts on acetylcholine receptors in your brain. Stimulating and regulating the release of a host of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This causes an improve in concentration, focus, mental clarity, motivation, memory, and reduce mood swings and anxiety.


An ampakine nootropic similar in action to the racetam-class of compounds. Noopept is up to 1000-times more potent than the original racetam, Piracetam. boosting cognition, memory, learning, perception, logical thinking and mood.

Oat Straw 

Has been found to increase attention span, improve mental performance in impaired individuals, relieve neurological pain, and reduce anxiety.



Improve short and long-term memory, boost concentration and focus, improve cognition and increase cognitive. Oxiracetam is a water-soluble Ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds. Oxiracetam is considerably more potent than the original racetam, Piracetam.
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Triggers the GABA receptors which are mainly for verbal pronunciation. Has the ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep while providing a clear mindset. Pretty much its like the effects of alcohol but not actually being drunk. you get the screw it attitude, the lets talk to everyone, and the boost in confidence. Phenibut is potentially addictive therefore needs to be used responsibly.


Lesser-known member of the racetam family of nootropics but has seen an increase in popularity over the past couple of years. Not only is it a powerful cognitive enhancer, it is also unique in its ability to boost athletic performance. Increase in memory, possibly even speeding up recall. Users will also experience an increase in their learning capacity, focus, concentration, and also mental energy.


Alleviate signs of stress and anxiety, increasing focus and promoting more efficiently cognitive processing. The only difference between this and phenibut is picamilon has niacin which is a stimulant and increases blood flow.

Pine Bark Extract 

Improve ADHD, decision-making, concentration, focus, memory and mood.




Alkaloid extracted from Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum). And used to increase the bioavailability and metabolism of nootropic supplements and drugs. Amplify the effects of nootropics, decrease anxiety, improve mood and boost memory.


Water-soluble ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds. Increase Cerebral Circulation, improve creativity and verbal fluency, boost memory, learning and recall and improve mood.


A highly bio-available essential amino acid. Your body naturally converts L-Phenylalanine into the amino acid L-Tyrosine which is then converted into L-DOPA. Decarboxylation of L-DOPA results in synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Enhances working memory, executive function, creative flow states, stress reduction, better mood, anti-anxiety and lessens symptoms of ADHD.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) 

One of two fatty acids that make up the outer layer of the membrane covering each of the 70 trillion cells in your body. repair brain cells and neural connections, boost acetylcholine, and improve alertness, cognition, focus, memory and mood.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) 

A phospholipid component of the membrane encasing every one of your brain cells. Improve alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood, lower anxiety, and help you lose weight.


Very potent antioxidant and plays a significant role in cognition and memory. Helps create new mitochondria in brain cells, is a very potent antioxidant, stimulates Nerve Growth Factor, and boosts energy, cognition, memory and learning.


Fat-soluble nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds. Boost overall cognition, focus, working- and long-term memory, and learning.
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Naturally derived polyphenol antioxidant found in blueberries, grapes, and in the bark of the Indian Kino Tree. Potent antioxidant, stimulates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, promotes neuroplasticity, is anti-anxiety, boosts dopamine, and helps cognition, learning and memory.

Rhodiola Rosea 

Adaptogenic herb and nootropic that has been used in traditional medicine in Russia and Scandinavian countries for hundreds of years. Improves alertness, energy, memory and mood, is anti-anxiety and anti-depressant, reduces fatigue, and boosts cognition and concentration.


A polyphenol stilbenoid and phytoalexin that certain plants produce in response to stress, such as injury or fungal infection. Potent antioxidant, boosts BDNF, increases cerebral circulation, improves energy and memory, and potentially promotes longevity.


The naturally-occurring amino acid methionine bound to an ATP molecule. And is found in nearly every cell in your body. Relieves depression, anxiety, brain fog, and pain including arthritic and fibromyalgia pain, improve memory, mood and sociability, and support liver health.

St John’s Wort 

Potent antidepressant. This sprawling, leafy herb grows throughout much of the world’s temperate regions. Relieves depression as well as some prescription antidepressants.



Synthetic derivative of Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Thiamine was the first B Vitamin to be discovered by researchers. That’s why it’s called B1. Boost motivation, improve focus, enhance memory and alleviate depression. Alot of users say its comparable to medafinil (adrafinil) and like to take it on their cycles off a adrafinil.


The sole precursor of serotonin. L-Tryptophan’s role in brain serotonin synthesis is critical for mood, behavior and cognition. Help alleviate anxiety, depression, ADHD, SAD, OCD, PMS, memory loss, and pain.


One of the most studied herbs in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Chinese healing. Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, fight depression, improve cognition, focus and libido, and protect the brain from inflammation.



A highly bio-available form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. Your brain uses the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase to convert L-Tyrosine into L-DOPA. Decarboxylation of L-DOPA results in synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Enhances working memory, executive function, creative flow states, stress reduction, better mood, anti-anxiety and lessens symptoms of ADHD.

Uridine Monophosphate 

A pyrimidine nucleoside found in all living organisms ranging from humans to bacteria. Increases neuron and synapse density, dopamine and acetylcholine release, boost learning and memory, and decrease depression.


A semi-synthetic derivative of vincamine, an alkaloid derived from the lesser periwinkle plant (Vinca Minor L.). Known for increasing cerebral circulation, taming inflammation and oxidative stress, and boosting alertness, cognition, concentration, memory and mood.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 

The first B Vitamin to be discovered by researchers. “Thio-vitamine” refers to its sulfur-containing content. It’s called B1 because it was the first of the B complex vitamins to be identified. Effective mosquito repellant, boosts motivation, improves focus, enhances memory, alleviates chronic pain, depression and anxiety.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 

One of eight B-Vitamins. Niacin is a precursor to the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). Increases alertness, clarity, focus, memory, enhanced mood and energy, is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, lowers LDL-cholesterol, increases HDL-cholesterol and lowers triglycerides.
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Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) 

One of 8 B-vitamins. B5 is water-soluble and found in every single cell in your body. Vitamin B5 is essential for the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh). Adequate levels of ACh can boost focus, memory, learning, and reduce brain fog. Enhance alertness, cognition, energy, hearing, vision, elevate mood, lower anxiety and normalize healthy cholesterol levels.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 

One of 8 B-vitamins. B6 is water-soluble and found in every single cell in your body. Vitamin B6 a required coenzyme for the synthesis of dopamine, epinephrine, GABA, melatonin, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Enhance alertness, cognition, energy, elevate mood, lower anxiety and normalize homocysteine levels.

Vitamin B8 (Inositol) 

A sugar alcohol and isomer of glucose. As a nootropic, inositol is involved in brain cell signaling, and is a component of cell membranes. Decrease anxiety, depression, panic attacks, mood swings, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and alleviate the symptoms causing bulimia.

Vitamin B9 (Folate) 

One of 8 B-Vitamins and is water-soluble. Folate functions as a coenzyme in single-carbon transfers in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. And converts homocysteine to methionine which is used in the synthesis of S-Adenosyl-methionine (SAMe). Improves mood, energy, initiative, alertness, concentration, psychomotor speed, and social activity.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) 

One of 8 B-vitamins. B12 is water-soluble and found in every single cell in your body. Vitamin B12 is essential for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and neurotransmitters, the maintenance of myelin sheaths protecting neurons, and red blood cell formation. Enhances alertness, cognition, energy, vision, elevate mood, lower anxiety and pain, and relieve insomnia.
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7 thoughts on “Nootropics Glossary

  1. Larisa Fitsik

    I have found on this website a lot of interesting information about nutrition, vitamin, and more. I like that all this information gathered in one place. I got new information on the product I thought I knew enough. Like melatonin, artichoke, nicotine, and other. I never was interested of 5-HTP. Now I’d like to have it. Some information is absolutely new for me. Thanks a lot.

    1. thanks if there’s anything you would like to know about tell us and will get it right up for you


  3. Princila

    Hi Salvatore,

    Thank you for putting together this comprehensive list of definitions.

    I usually write articles on memory and learning for a general audience. This list will definitely come in handy, as I sometimes have to describe drugs and substances that can help people boost their brain power. In addition, you have pretty much included all the products that enhance cognitive function.

    You didn’t include the Rosemary herb (also known as Rosmarinus officinalis). Do you think there isn’t sufficient scientific evidence to classify it as a nootropic?

    1. We are going to keep adding as our website grows eventually we are going to sell our own blend. If there’s anything else you want to know tell us and will get it up there as fast as we can.we are going to do lots of video content to. Thanks

  4. Norman

    Hello, and thanks for sharing your website is well detailed and filled with a lot of information. I like your site, it is well laid out, the design and what you are talking about
    I am sure that your readers will be impressed and love how unique and well detailed your website is. Keep up the good work.

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