5 Best Nootropic Supplements and Smart Drugs

There are sleepy days, and there are energetic days. But, when the former is more frequent, you might start to wonder: is there a problem with my brain health?

According to a study in the United Kingdom, 230 out of 506 people used nootropic drugs.

However, aside from needing a prescription, these substances have unwanted side effects. Thus, the intake of these drugs also comes with safety concerns.

So, instead of these prescription medications, over-the-counter brain supplements were formulated.

In this article, you will learn the best nootropic supplements and smart drugs that will suit the needs of your brain health.

At a Glance

Top Nootropics & Brain Supplements of 2022

The first on the list of the best nootropics is NooCube. 

This brain supplement was launched in 2016, and since then, it has helped more than 124,000 people who suffer from cognitive dysfunctions.

Additionally, this brain pill is manufactured by the company Wolfson Brands (UK). This company has been in the health industry for 10 years now.

The company is also well known for producing high-quality supplements.

And, although supplements are generally not approved by the FDA, Wolfson Brands (UK) assures that the facilities where the supplements are formulated are FDA-approved.

According to the company, this nootropic agent can upgrade your brain function. It helps you think clearly and increases your brain’s creativity.

Generally, this brain pill improves your mental processes by increasing your brain energy. 

So, if mental fatigue never leaves you, NooCube might be one of the nootropic supplements worth considering.

Pros

1) Made from pure ingredients

According to the company, NooCube is made with pure, safe, and powerful ingredients to improve brain function, making it alright if you want to do nootropics stack.

It acts as a stimulant without any dangerous stimulant ingredients. It comes with no caffeine, it is non-GMO, and neuroscientists make the formula.

Some of the ingredients Noocube contains include:

a) Alpha GPC

Also known as alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, this ingredient increases acetylcholine levels in the human brain. When you have enough levels of this neurotransmitter, your brain power, memory retention, and mental clarity can be improved.

According to clinical trials from Mexico, one of the ingredients, alpha GPC can help patients treat and manage their Alzheimer’s Disease.

This study reported that continuous six months of nootropic supplementation could improve the cognitive function test scores of patients with Alzheimer’s.

This goes the same for patients with dementia. In other clinical trials from Italy, continuous 90 days intake of alpha GPC supplements can improve the symptoms of the mental health condition dementia.

b) Huperzine A

This is a Chinese club moss plant extract that inhibits the chemical compound acetylcholinesterase. 

Take note that acetylcholinesterase decreases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Eventually, when there is a low level of acetylcholine, this could cause cognitive function impairments.

Furthermore, this ingredient is also helpful for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.

c) Cat’s Claw

This ingredient is derived from the plant Uncaria tomentosa, and its main use is to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Based on a study from New York, this substance has antioxidant properties that protect healthy brain cells from damage and injury.

d) Bacopa

Generally, the use of this ingredient is to improve neuron communication by repairing damaged neurons and promoting healthy nerve growth.

Since it promotes brain cell repair, it can also promote slow cognitive decline.

This means that this substance can help you reduce your risk of acquiring age-related mental diseases.

e) Oat Straw

This ingredient, also known as Avena Sativa, comes from wild green oats. It acts as a brain booster and increases blood flow to the brain.

This is why NooCube can help boost mental energy and improve mental performance.

f) Amino Acid

NooCube is formulated with not just one amino acid but two: l-theanine and l-tyrosine. These amino acids help you reduce your brain’s stress and anxiety levels. They help you get a relaxed but alert feeling.

Eventually, you will be more focused and concentrated when you have less brain stress.

2) Improves multitasking skills

One great thing about NooCube is that it helps you become a multi-tasker.

When you are stressed, the tendency is that you might forget the things you are doing. However, with the help of this brain supplement, you will be able to do more things at once!

NooCube can increase your creativity. It helps you become more strategic on how to do many things quickly. 

3) Helps you to communicate better

Sometimes, because of brain fog, you tend to become inarticulate. You fail to express yourself well.

Fortunately, because of the ingredient Bacopa, you can perform while on the most nerve-wracking reporting day in your class!

NooCube allows you to easily learn things, making it perfect for every student who wants to increase their learning abilities. 

4) Enhances concentration

Nootropic supplements are cognitive enhancers, natural nootropics, or brain supplements. They affect your brain cells and increase your concentration and focus. 

Regarding the product NooCube, this brain booster gives out these effects due to the amino acid it contains.

Truly, this brain supplement can improve brain function!

5) Enhances mood

Lastly, NooCube can also improve your mood. There are brain chemicals, namely, serotonin and dopamine.

These two brain chemicals are responsible for how you feel. When these chemicals are low, you might feel depressed and anxious.

What this brain supplement does to these chemicals is that it increases them. This, then, will lead you to a happier life!

6) Procurement features

One great thing about NooCube is that it comes with a 100% 60-day money-back guarantee. 

Within 60 days, if there are any issues or if you are not satisfied with the product or the brain enhancer did not improve your cognitive performance, the company will give you a full refund.

Also, all the packages come with free shipping. This means that you will not pay an additional delivery fee even when you buy just one bottle.

When you order two bottles, you will get one bottle for free. Also, when you buy three bottles, you will get two more free!

Lastly, when you go to the website, a chat support agent will guide you and help you find the best deals for improving brain function.

Cons

1) Can only be bought from the official website

Overall, NooCube offers potential cognitive benefits with no disadvantages. The only drawback for some people is that it can only be bought from the official website.

If you are looking for an over-the-counter smart drug to boost memory, Mind Lab Pro might be one of the best nootropics and smart drugs you can consider!

This natural nootropic, also considered the “perfect coffee companion,” was introduced in the health and wellness market in 2015, and the company behind it is Opti-Nutra Ltd.

It is comparable to the product Performance Lab Mind.

Since 2015, there have already been more than 1 million bottles sold globally!

According to most reviews, this natural nootropic can improve memory, cognitive function, and healthy brain function. It improves your brain pathways to keep your mind sharp and more productive. 

There has been an improvement in the formulation of Mind Lab Pro and the current version of Mind Lab Pro 4.0. 

What’s good about this is that this version does not only focus on brain health but also gut health. It is perfect for nootropic stacks.

Still not convinced? Take a look at the brain health benefits of Mind Lab Pro below.

Pros

1) Transparent formulation

One great thing about this brain supplement is that it contains no additives, fillers, artificial ingredients, caffeine, and proprietary blend.

Usually, proprietary blends are secretive, which does not make it fair because the consumers are unaware of what they are buying and putting into their system.

The ingredients of Mind Lab Pro are all shown and briefly discussed. The ingredients are as follows:

• Vitamin B complex – This B complex includes vitamins B6, B9, and B12. These are responsible for increasing the blood flow in the brain and promoting chemical balance.
• Citicoline – Per serving, Mind Lab Pro contains 250 mg of citicoline, which is responsible for most indications of the supplement. It can help improve cognitive function, brain power or mental energy, attention, focus, and mental clarity.
• Bacopa – Per serving, Mind Lab Pro contains 150 mg of Bacopa. This ingredient promotes brain chemical synthesis and increases blood flow.
• Organic lion’s mane mushroom – Per serving of Mind Lab Pro contains 500 mg of this extract. This is the only mushroom with nootropic properties and is responsible for stimulating nerve growth factor synthesis.
• Sharp PS Green – Per serving of Mind Lab Pro contains this extract from sunflower lecithin. This ingredient helps patients sharpen their long-term memory.
• Amino acid – Mind Lab Pro contains not just one amino acid but two, namely, l-theanine and l-tyrosine. These amino acids help reduce stress and anxiety in the brain.
• Rhodiola Rosea root – Per serving of Mind Lab Pro contains 50 mg of this ingredient. This root extract sustains cognitive function and balances the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Maritime pine bark extract – Mind Lab Pro contains 75 mg of maritime pine bark extract per serving. This ingredient enhances mental energy and short-term memory.

Each of these ingredients is backed up by science, and the unique ingredient is the Lion’s Mane Mushroom.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, this plant promotes brain plasticity, brain cell regeneration, memory retention, and mood balance.

2) Improves both short-term and long-term memory

Other best nootropics only focus on the long-term memory of the patient. However, with Mind Lab Pro, short-term and long-term memory are enhanced.

Taking this supplement can improve memory retention by taking two capsules a day.

So, if you do not want to become Dory from Finding Nemo, this nootropic supplement is a great choice!

3) Enhances mood and motivation

Aside from improving memory, this nootropic supplement allows you to become calm and motivated the whole day.

The formulation balances your serotonin and dopamine levels so that you will become more positive and active as you do your daily duties!

4) Prevents neurodegeneration

In hospitals, healthcare professionals usually administer nootropic agents to patients in critical care units because doing this would help the patients improve their brain cell regeneration and healthy brain function.

In a comparative study from Austria, smart drugs can improve the mental health condition of comatose patients or other patients in the critical care unit by helping their brain cells regenerate. They can help reduce the mortality associated with brain injury.

5) Procurement features

As you enter the company’s website, you will get an option to sign up. Eventually, signing up gives you a 10% discount, exclusive offers, and early access to sales.

The company also offers a 100% 30-day money-back guarantee where you can return the brain supplements within 30 days if there is an issue or the brain pill does not work for you.

For the deals, any package you choose will give you free shipping.

This means that even if you buy just one bottle of this nootropic supplement, you will not pay an additional fee for delivery.

There is also this buy 3 get one promo. When you buy three bottles, you will get another bottle for free.

Regarding the shipping time, within 24 hours after ordering, you will already get your tracking number.

Cons

1) Mild side effects

Mind Lab Pro supplement is safe and effective for young students, athletes, and event users above 55 years old.

But, sometimes, side effects would occur.

According to some reviews, this nootropic supplement causes mild side effects, such as stomach discomfort during the first week of use.

However, as the user’s body becomes more familiar with the supplement, these side effects will disappear and never appear again.

In case of severe stomach pain, discontinue the brain supplements and report them as soon as possible. If the pain is intolerable, seek medical care to avoid worsening the condition.

If you are looking for the best nootropics that can provide peak mental performance and overall brain function, Alpha Brain might be what you are searching for! 

This nootropic supplement was launched in 2011, and it has dominated the health and wellness market since then.

Since the launch date, over 1 million bottles of Alpha Brain have been sold!

The company that manufactured it is Onnit. Its goal is to help patients improve their mental function and performance. 

According to the company, Alpha Brain was made to improve memory, focus, and mental processing speed.

Furthermore, this brain pill is used by Joe Rogan, one of the world’s wellness enthusiasts, and was featured in different programs and magazines, such as:

• Men’s Health
• Forbes
• Muscle & Fitness
• Business Insider
• Men’s Journal

This supplement is 100% safe and effective in improving cognitive function. According to the company, their product is a world-renowned nootropic supplement.

Generally, this brain pill works by increasing dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine levels in the brain. Nootropics stack will also be safe when it comes to Alpha Brain.

Pros

1) Promotes sustained focus

One of the cognitive benefits you can get from the Alpha Brain is sustained focus. This brain function enhancer keeps your focus on the important things you should do for a long period.

This means that, even at your most complex task, you will finish stronger, and your brain function will remain optimal!

2) Enhances memory and cognitive function

Alpha Brain can help you improve your memory like the other nootropic drugs and brain supplements. 

If you tend to forget your anniversaries and scheduled dates, this product would greatly assist you!

Surely, it will help you not to forget the day your partner told you how they felt for you! Yay!

3) Carefully selected ingredients

One reason why Alpha Brain should be considered is because of its formulation.

The company carefully selected plant extracts and potent amino acids to give you the best nootropic product to boost brain function.

Besides being gluten-free and caffeine-free, here are the other ingredients of the nootropic supplement:

• Bacopa – This herb promotes nerve growth factors and brain chemical synthesis. It also increases blood flow in the brain.
• Cat’s Claw – This ingredient promotes cellular integrity and prevents neurodegenerative diseases. It also acts as an antioxidant to repair and protect new brain cells from injury and bring back natural brain wave generation.
• Huperzia Serrata – This is a club moss plant that increases healthy levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Thus, this substance helps you transport messages in the brain easily.
• Oat Straw – Also known as Avena Sativa, this ingredient promotes a positive mental environment. According to the company, this substance enhances mental performance and brain power.

Per serving of Alpha Brain also contains 10 mg of vitamin B6. According to a study in Australia, this vitamin can help increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Thus, it provides stress, mental fatigue, and anxiety relief.

Another great thing about this formulation is that it comes with three supplement blends, namely:

• Onnit Flow Blend – Alpha Brain contains 60 mg of this blend per serving. This blend can improve brain function and overall well-being.
• Onnit Focus Blend – Alpha Brain contains 240 mg of this blend per serving. This blend aids in the increase of acetylcholine levels in the brain, which promotes mental clarity.
• Onnit Fuel Blend – Alpha Blend contains 650 mg of this blend per serving. This blend creates a better brain environment and optimizes neural communication.

Looking at this formulation, you will see the company’s effort to create one of the best nootropics in the world.

4) Procurement features

As you enter the company’s website, you will get an option to sign up. Eventually, signing up gives you a 10% discount.

Some packages allow you to save more money when buying in bulk.

You will get 25% off and a free eBook by Joe Rogan if you buy two bottles. On the other hand, if you buy three bottles, you will get 30% off and the same eBook.

Cons

1) No free shipping

No matter what package you buy, you will still have to pay the shipping fee. 

Although you get some discounts from the packages when you buy in bulk, it is advised to compute if the product’s shipping fee is worth it.

2) Fewer servings per bottle

Another disadvantage of buying Alpha Brain is that each bottle can only provide 15 servings. That would not even last for a month. In 15 servings, you cannot completely see improved brain function.

In that case, users would need to buy at least two bottles to fill up their monthly supplemental diet.

3. Money-back guarantee is unclear

The company does not state that they have this money-back guarantee feature.

Instead, according to their published frequently asked questions, if customers want a refund, they will have to wait two weeks for the refund to be processed.

Although they have customer service to assist customers, this might sound inconvenient.

4) Few vitamin contents

Users who want to go for a supplement rich in vitamins may not appreciate Alpha Brain as this nootropic supplement only contains one vitamin, vitamin B.

If you are looking for a supplement with many ingredients and vitamins, Qualia Mind can be recommended for you.

This product was introduced in the health and wellness market in April 2016. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the use of this product has grown rapidly.

The company behind this successful product is Neurohacker Collective. This company was founded in the year 2015. 

Furthermore, aside from Qualia Mind, the company also offers different Qualia products, such as the following:

• Qualia Vision
• Qualia Night
• Qualia Life
• Qualia Immune
• Qualia Skin

Scientists and healthcare professionals formulated these dietary supplements to provide quality health for their users.

Just like how the company wants to provide transparency, the mental benefits and disadvantages of using this product will be discussed below.

Pros

1) Increase stamina

Aside from helping you improve brain health, this product also allows you to increase your stamina.

It increases the energy levels of both your brain and body so that you can do your tasks without experiencing any fatigue.

2) Supports prefrontal cortex activity

Your prefrontal cortex is responsible for focus, impulse control, and emotional response. It also helps you visualize the consequences of your actions.

This is one of the cognitive health benefits of using Qualia Mind. It keeps you focused, and it makes you anticipate events.

3) Filled with healthy ingredients

Because the product has many ingredients, it will take a lot of words to discuss them one by one. 

So, we will first tackle the active ingredients called nootropics. Take a look at how these ingredients can improve long-term brain health:

• Huperzia Serrata – Also known as huperzine A, this leaf extract supports cholinergic neurotransmission, neuroprotection, brain function, cognitive function, and cognitive performance.
• Celastrus paniculatus – This ingredient supports cognitive performance, cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
• Theobromine – This mild stimulant ingredient acts similarly to caffeine and increases mental alertness and energy.
• Bacopa – This leaf extract increases brain function and promotes calmness, neuroprotection, and vascular function. 
• Ginkgo biloba – This leaf extract helps you improve your short-term and long-term memory. Ginkgo biloba also supports the central nervous system and vascular function.
• Mucuna pruriens – This leaf extract acts as an antioxidant that prevents new brain cells from injury.
• Alpha GPC – This ingredient can help you increase your brain exercise performance.
• Cognizin citicoline – This ingredient promotes mental energy, alertness, and focus and can optimize brain health.
• Uridine monophosphate – This ingredient helps you improve your sleep. It increases your sleep quality and overall brain health.
• Coffeeberry – This stimulant ingredient improves your brain performance and boosts brain energy.

Moving on, in the list below, you will find the vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and other ingredients incorporated in every serving of Alpha Brain:

• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) – Per serving contains 25 mcg of vitamin D3.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – Per serving contains 100 mg of vitamin C.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – Per serving contains 50 mg of thiamine.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) – Per serving contains 20 mg of vitamin B6. 
• Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) – Per serving contains 1000 mcg of vitamin B12.
• Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) – Per serving contains 50 mg of vitamin B5.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Per serving contains 50 mg of niacin.
• Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) – Each serving contains 10 mg of PQQ.
• Rhodiola Rosea root – Per serving contains 200 mg of Rhodiola Rosea root.
• N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine – Per serving contains 250 mg of tyrosine.
• L-Theanine – Per serving contains 200 mg of l-theanine.
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine – Per serving contains 500 mg of acetyl-l-carnitine.
• DL-Phenylalanine – Per serving contains 300 mg of phenylalanine.
• Taurine – Per serving contains 200 mg of taurine.
• Artichoke Stem and Leaf Extract – Per serving contains 500 mg of artichoke. 
• Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (20% Forskolin extract) – Per serving contains 20 mg of Forskolin extract.
• Phosphatidylserine (from sunflower lecithin) – Per serving contains 100 mg of sunflower lecithin.
• DHA (as Docosahexaenoic Acid from Algae) – Per serving contains 80 mg of DHA.

Truly, this product is filled with what your brain and body need! On a side note, before buying this product, look at any of these that may cause allergic reactions.

4) Procurement features

As you enter the company’s website, you will get an option to sign up. Eventually, signing up using your email gives you a 50% discount.

The company also provides a 100% 100-day money-back guarantee where you can return the dietary supplements within 100 days in case there are some issues or the product does not work for you.

Cons

1) High daily dosage

Because the product contains many ingredients, the dosage is high as well. A user will have to take seven capsules daily, which is truly a large dose!

Because of this, it is safe to say that Qualia Mind is not eligible for a nootropic stack.

2) No free shipping

Although the company offers a money-back guarantee and up to a 50% discount, shipping fees are excluded.

However, the company offers fast shipment (2-4 days waiting time).

3) Few reviews

There are only a few reviews regarding the product Qualia Mind. For this reason, some potential users might not find other information not listed in the company’s claims.

Do you experience frequent brain fog even if you think you get enough sleep? If you are tired of this, BrainPill might help you out.

This nootropic supplement is manufactured by the company Udyam Sudha Enterprises. The company is based in India and has been in the health and wellness market since 2015.

According to the company, BrainPill is scientifically proven to improve brain health. 

Generally, this nootropic supplement was made to address the mental fog issue. As this condition can affect your productivity, the company formulated the supplement to keep your genius state all day long.

Other cognitive benefits of the product will be discussed further.

Pros

1) Enhance mental processing speed and brain function

According to the company, this product can improve your critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

It makes you think faster, and it improves your memory recall. It works better when you do nootropic stacks.

2) Provides brain cells defense

Another great thing about this product is that it prevents your brain from a cognitive function breakdown. 

It enhances your cognitive function, endurance, and concentration, so that, even under stressful events, your mind will stay focused and active.

3) Made from pure and natural ingredients

BrainPill might be new to the health and wellness industry, but the company assures its formulation is competitive.

The ingredients of BrainPill include:

• Cognizin
• Synapsa
• Folic acid
• Bioperine
• Vitamin B12 and B6
• L-Theanine
• DHA Complex
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Vinpocetine
• Pantothenic acid
• Phosphatidylserine
• Huperzia Serrata

According to the company, each ingredient is backed up by science. They are also carefully selected to give patients overall cognitive function.

4) Procurement features

The company that sells this brain pill offers a 100% 67-day money-back guarantee. 

If you feel this product did not improve your mental function and understanding, you have 67 days to return the dietary supplements and get a full refund of your money.

Cons

1) Comes with mild side effects

Although the product is made from natural ingredients, some patients may experience mild side effects such as headaches, insomnia, and diarrhea.

However, these side effects will only last for a few hours.

Factors to Consider When Buying Nootropics and Smart Drugs

When buying the best nootropic supplements or natural nootropics to improve your cognitive functions, there are many factors that you might want to consider.

Some of these include the following:

1) Quality

When we speak of quality, we talk about the brand or the company.

How long has the manufacturer been in the health industry? Since when did the nootropic supplement was launched?

However, you must not solely rely on this. Some companies are new to the health industry but offer great health products to improve cognitive functions.

2) Safety

When we speak of safety, we talk about the formulation.

Do you have any sensitivities to the ingredients? Are there known side effects listed? 

To know more about safety, you can consider reading some user reviews. Many users share their experiences online, including the adverse reactions that occurred to them.

Additionally, when we talk about safety, we consider your health. Is your current health condition suitable for using the product?

Lastly, we might want to consider the dose as well. Is the dose potent for a user? Can a user tolerate the dosages?

It is highly advised to talk to your medical provider or pharmacist for safer use.

3) Money-Back Guarantee

We no longer talk about the price when it comes to brain supplements. Instead, we only talk about the money-back guarantee.

If you are unsatisfied or the supplement did not improve your cognitive functions or cognitive abilities, the best nootropic supplements will give you a 100% refund. 

The Takeaway

Indeed, smart drugs, brain supplements, or natural nootropics are great alternatives for the actual nootropic agents.

Aside from not requiring you to present a prescription when buying, they offer the health benefits prescription drugs could give.

If you are looking for a supplement that can improve your brain energy, NooCube might be your best option.

Mind Lab Pro would work best if you are looking for a supplement to boost memory.

For mental performance enhancers, Alpha Brain is the best choice, and if you are looking for a product filled with ingredients, Qualia Mind is highly recommended. 

Lastly, for a product that can target your brain fog, the supplement BrainPill would work for you.

For a more enhanced cognitive performance, you can also do a nootropic stack but always consider the doses of the nootropic supplements.