Which Nootropics Actually Work? 15 Smart Drugs Backed by Research

Nootropics, often called “smart drugs,” are substances believed to enhance cognitive performance, memory, focus, creativity, energy, and processing speeds in healthy adults. But which nootropics actually work?

While individual results vary, certain nootropics like Alpha GPC, Lion's Mane, Ginkgo Biloba, and creatine have shown promise for improving memory, focus, and mental clarity.

In this article, we’ll compare some of the most popular natural nootropics like Alpha GPC vs Lion's Mane and explore popular nootropic combinations like Alpha GPC and Ginkgo Biloba. Plus, we'll cover the research on some of the most common nootropics, like caffeine and ginseng.

If you’re curious about nootropics that actually work, keep reading to dive into the most well-researched options available today.

Caffeine is easily the most well-known nootropic in the world, and it’s used daily by the majority of adults to help enhance energy and focus. It works by blocking the production of adenosine which can help you feel less tired and more alert. 

Doses range from 20-400 milligrams a day, but larger doses (especially when taken consistently) may lead to adrenal fatigue, a condition where you feel increasingly tired, fatigued, and unfocused, even when consuming caffeine. 

Caffeine is also habit forming, so it’s best to restrict caffeine use to lower doses. Pairing low dose caffeine with other synergistic supplements can help you reap the benefits of caffeine without the side effects linked to high doses. 

Speaking of synergistic blends–L-theanine is a perfect match for caffeine that may even help to negate some of the side effects associated with larger caffeine doses. L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that is known for relaxing effects that don’t cause drowsiness. Both caffeine and L-theanine are found in green tea, and are believed to be behind the mood and cognition enhancing effects associated with regular green tea consumption. 

Regular doses sit around 200 milligrams, but even doses as low as 50 milligrams have been found to increase alpha brain waves that are linked to creativity. 

Learn more about L-theanine's Nootropic Benefits and How Much L-Theanine to Take with Coffee.

Creatine is an amino acid that is commonly used in pre-workout supplements to help the body make protein and improve endurance and gain during workouts. This popular body-building supplement does more than build muscles, though–it’s also good for your brain. 

According to research, creatine binds with phosphorus to create an energy molecule that fuels the brain. This form of energy is quick to use, which can help to improve processing speeds. 

In fact, research suggests that this energy boost for the brain leads to improved reasoning skills and short-term memory. This was found to be even more true in some sub-groups, like vegetarians and people who reported high stress levels. 

According to research, doses up to 5 grams are safe, but doses vary by person. 

Ginkgo Biloba is an age-old health-boosting supplement derived from one of the world’s oldest trees. Traditionally, it has been used for improving kidney health, treating asthma and bronchitis, and for managing senility in older adults. Now, though, researchers have revealed many cognition and memory enhancing benefits of this herbal supplement. 

One study found that a standardized extract of ginkgo biloba called EGb 761 was clinically effective in treating dementia. Another study furthered these results, suggesting that EGb 761 was safe and effective for stabilizing and possibly improving cognitive function and social behavior patterns in dementia patients. 

Research has also found that Ginkgo Biloba may be capable of reducing nerve damage in the brain both in animal models and test-tube models. Plus, it may have preventative effects that help keep cortisol and blood-pressure levels low during stress-related experiences, which can help decrease the risk of tissue damage and improve overall performance. 

Researchers aren’t sure what makes ginkgo effective, but they theorize that it has something to do with its ability to improve blood flow to the brain. 

Alpha-GPC is a choline supplement known to promote the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps facilitate learning and memory. For this reason, it’s well known as a memory-enhancing supplement. In fact, it’s sold as a prescription drug for managing Alzheimer’s disease in some other countries, but it exists only as a dietary supplement in the U.S. 

This increased choline level may also help to improve overall cognitive performance. One study found improvement in four areas in healthy adults, including verbal memory, visual memory, verbal learning, and executive function.

Another study comparing the impact of caffeine and alpha-GPC found that alpha GPC supplementation increased mental performance speed in young adults by 18%.

Lion’s Mane is a medical mushroom that’s been linked to several cognition-enhancing benefits. Most notably, Lion’s Mane is thought to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor production, which means it aids in neurogenesis, or the growth of new nerve cells. 

A 2017 study found that lion’s mane may have a positive impact on memory in animal models, and further research repeated these results, concluding that lion’s mane may help to prevent cognitive decline caused by neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s. 

More human trials are necessary, but other potential benefits include improved focus, processing speeds, and cognitive endurance. 

Lion's Mane may be paired with caffeine (such as in Lion's Mane coffee beverages) to enhance it's potential cognitive benefits. 

Learn Where to Buy Lion's Mane.

Cordyceps is another functional mushroom that makes the list because it’s known to improve blood flow. This is often linked to increased physical endurance, but it may also have powerful benefits for the brain. 

Thanks to this effect, Cordyceps may also have some memory-enhancing benefits according to one animal study that found it capable of improving memory and learning in mice by “scavenging oxygen free radicals, preventing oxidative damage, and protecting the nervous system.” 

Learn more about Cordyceps by reading:

• Cordyceps Benefits
• Cordyceps Dosage
• Best Time to Take Cordyceps
• Cordyceps Side Effects

Rhodiola, also known as “arctic root” and “golden root,” has been well-known as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years. It contains over 140 active ingredients–but most notably contain rosavin and salidroside, two compounds known to be potent adaptogens.

Traditionally, Rhodiola has been used to treat psychological conditions, but now we believe it to have benefits for the whole brain. In fact, one large review of 36 animal studies concluded this to be true–stating that “R. rosea L. can improve learning and memory function” possibly due it’s “antioxidant properties, cholinergic regulation, anti-apoptosis activities, anti-inflammatory, improving coronary blood flow, and cerebral metabolism.”

Thanks to its adaptogenic effects, taking it daily has been linked to reduced mental fatigue and increased feelings of well-being while under stress. 

Bacopa monnieri is another ancient remedy that’s been used to improve cognitive function since nearly the beginning of medicine. According to research, it may help to increase processing speed and reduce reaction times. It may also help to enhance memory, both in the short term and the long term. 

Bacopa monnieri is composed of bacosides, active compounds that help to protect the brain from oxidative stress. Over time, this can help prevent cognitive decline and age-related brain damage and may even improve signaling in the hippocampus, the memory-portion of the brain. 

Bacopa Monnieri has no immediate effect, rather it needs to be taken daily for a few weeks to enjoy its benefits. 

Ginseng is perhaps one of the most well-known energy and performance enhancing herbs, but did you know it may also have cognitive benefits?

A 200-400 milligram dose of ginseng has been linked to reduced mental fatigue and improved cognitive performance when doing difficult tasks. Some researchers theorize that its brain boosting effects are due to an increased blood flow, but others think it has more to do with ginseng’s anti-inflammatory benefits, which may help to reduce oxidative stress.

Unlike many of the herbs and supplements on this list, ginseng has immediate effects and can be used on the spot when enhanced cognition is needed. In fact, the body may build a tolerance to ginseng over time, making it less effective, so it’s best to only use it as needed.

No more searching for “which nootropics actually work the best?” The nootropics discussed above have research-backed benefits.

To truly benefit from the smart-drug revolution, you need more than just one supplement. A comprehensive "smart stack" of synergistic nootropics can improve all areas of cognition.

For example, supplements like Lion’s Mane , Alpha GPC , and Ginkgo Biloba should be taken daily, while others like creatine , caffeine , and ginseng can provide immediate effects. Combining Alpha GPC and Ginkgo Biloba with other nootropics can support brain health over time and give you extra support when needed. This nootropic-stacking method is a form of biohacking and may be the best way to maximize nootropic benefits.

Instead of building your own stack, try Lucid beverages . They combine many of the nootropics mentioned above, including Lion's Mane vs Alpha GPC , to promote neurogenesis, improve focus and energy, increase endurance, support immunity, and help you unlock your brain and body's full potential.