5 Herbal Nootropic Supplements With High Efficacy

Morris Last Updated: September 8, 2019 0

If you are new to nootropics and trying to figure out which supplements are worth trying by checking out user reviews of various products on Amazon or any other website…well, you will waste many hours going through conflicting reviews and probably end up more confused, undecided and skeptical!

The problem with all natural or herbal supplements in general is you never really know if a specific compound will be of any benefit for you or not until you actually buy it and try it yourself.

A supplement that has worked for thousands of others may be useless for you, and this goes for pretty much all sorts of nutritional supplements out there.

With that fact in mind, when it comes to herbal nootropics, there are a few choices that often top the lists of consumers’ favorites.

Let’s examine five powerful herbal nootropics that seem to have a considerable high efficacy rate, not just based on subjective personal experiences, but also as shown in scientific studies.

If you are still not sure which supplements to try, these are great choices to start with.

Keep in Mind: Natural supplements aren’t as effective as pure chemical drugs, and their effectiveness varies from one user to another. As far as over-the-counter (OTC) supplements go, the following are among the best in terms of relative potency.

1. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

From the wonderful kingdom of mushrooms, lion’s mane (hericium erinaceus) is one of the few medicinal mushrooms that have actually shown promise in clinical trials as a potential cognitive enhancer.

Studies showed that lion’s mane mushroom helps in the growth and repair of nerve cells,[1][2] may improve memory,[3] and could potentially be beneficial in fighting neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.[4]

2. Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is a flowering herb that grows in different parts of the world, but it was the Indians who first noticed its medicinal value and used it in their traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a memory and brain function booster.

Studies have upheld some of the traditional uses of bacopa monnieri, suggesting it may help combat cognitive decline and improve memory and learning.[5] Bacopa has also exhibited adaptogenic effects, making it a potentially effective natural aid for stress, anxiety and depression.[6][7]

It is also believed that bacopa monnieri may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD, Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders, however, this has not been sufficiently proven yet.

3. Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an alkaloid compound that is found in a plant called huperzia serrata. Huperzine A works as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, thus it increases the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down: acetylcholinesterase.

Some studies have shown that huperzine A has neuroprotective effects and may be an effective tool in fighting Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.[8]

4. Rhodiola Rosea

The root of this small plant is packed with chemicals have various therapeutic pharmacological effects. It is commonly used as an adaptogen to reduce fatigue and improve mental and physical resilience to stress.[9][10]

Rhodiola rosea has the potential to improve memory and learning as has been indicated by recent research.[11] Students and professionals who need to maintain high concentration and mental energy levels for long hours may find this supplement useful.

5. Ashwagandha

Many herbalists praise ashwagandha (withania somnifera) for its natural healing powders, and many consumers swear by it. Ashwagandha possesses significant anxiolytic, antidepressant,[12] anti-inflammatory,[13] neuroprotective[14][15][16] and immunostimulant effects.[17][18]

Most of this herb’s benefits are attributed to its anti-stress activity and its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the brain and throughout the body.

If you are under a lot of stress at work or home that is having a negative impact on your mental well-being and performance, then ashwagandha may provide some relief. It’s a safe supplement that is available at almost every nutrition store, so you have no excuse not to try it when need be!