Types of nootropics: Which one is right for your biohacking goals?

Nootropics are substances that can allegedly enhance your cognitive performance. Aptly named “smart drugs,” they are said to improve various mental functions, including memory and alertness. While not enough scientific evidence exists to confirm these claims fully, some nootropics have shown great promise in preliminary studies.

Although they all aim to enhance mental performance, nootropics represent a broad category of substances that differ in terms of source, function, and many other factors. Learn about different types of nootropics, their effectiveness, safety, and other key information before adding them to your supplement stack.

Important note: Nootropics may lead to side effects due to interactions with conditions and medications, individual physiological differences, and product quality variations. Please consult a medical professional before taking any nootropic and purchase from reputable brands only.

Source-based nootropic classification

The simplest and most common way to classify nootropics is by their origin. The main types are:

1. Natural nootropics

2. Synthetic nootropics

3. Semisynthetic nootropics

1. Natural nootropics

Most nootropics are of natural origin and are available as over-the-counter supplements. Many of these also occur naturally in foods and beverages we regularly consume. 

Natural nootropics are less potent and usually require long-term use to produce results. Side effects are typically rare and mild. Still, nootropic supplements are usually recommended for and studied in individuals with cognitive problems, so their effects on healthy individuals still need to be clarified. 

Source: Nataliya Vaitkevich

Throughout history, many natural nootropics have been used in traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurveda medicine for various purposes. Numerous studies are investigating these effects today. Check the table below for a rundown of some natural nootropics that have emerged as promising so far.

| Nootropic       | Potential benefits                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Ashwagandha     | • Improves memory and focus <br> • Helps with stress management ([adaptogenic](https://mynucleus.com/blog/adaptogens-and-nootropics) effects) <br> • Reduces anxiety <br> • Supports sleep <br> • Has antioxidant* effects |
| Rhodiola rosea  | • Improves learning and memory <br> • Helps with stress management <br> • Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms <br> • Has neuroprotective** effects                                                                    |
| Panax ginseng   | • Protects from and treats cognitive impairment <br> • Improves memory <br> • Helps with stress management <br> • Has antioxidant effects                                                                                   |
| Ginkgo biloba   | • Improves memory, especially in those with memory impairment <br> • Helps with stress management <br> • Has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects                                                                        |
| Bacopa monnieri | • Improves attention and verbal fluency <br> • Enhances cognition in older individuals and those with cognitive impairment <br> • Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects                           |
| Creatine        | • Improves short-term memory and reasoning <br> • Boosts athletic performance                                                                                                                                               |
| Caffeine        | • Has mild stimulant effects <br> • Improves reaction time

*Antioxidant: Protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

**Neuroprotective: Protecting the central nervous system from injury and degeneration.

2. Synthetic nootropics

Prescription nootropics are created in laboratories using inorganic material. They’re more chemically pure and potent than natural nootropics but also potentially more dangerous. Most synthetic nootropics are deemed medications and require a prescription to be purchased. These include:

• Modafinil: Prescribed to narcolepsy and sleep apnea patients and shift workers

• Ritalin, Adderall: Prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy

• Memantine: Prescribed to patients suffering from moderate to severe dementia

Obtaining these substances without a prescription and using them to enhance work or academic performance can be dangerous. Some of these drugs are addictive and carry the risks of severe side effects, which include high blood pressure, insomnia, and vision problems.

Source: Artem Podrez

The following synthetic nootropics don't require a prescription from a healthcare provider:

• Racetams: They improve memory, learning, and other cognitive functions and treat aging-related conditions. The most popular type of racetam is Piracetam.

• Noopept: Noopept was developed on the structure of Piracetam, but it is more potent and requires a lower dose to be effective. Some sources suggest it may improve cognitive function and alleviate mental decline.

Although available over-the-counter, these substances still warrant caution as they aren’t regulated closely by the Food and Drug Administration. They can cause negative reactions like anxiety, diarrhea, rash, and insomnia.

3. Semisynthetic nootropics

Semisynthetic nootropics are created with natural ingredients but are chemically modified to enhance the effects and reduce side effects. 

Legal examples in the U.S. include vinpocetine and huperzine-A. These nootropics are considered dietary supplements, and the FDA doesn’t regulate them as closely as prescription drugs. Little is known about these substances, their efficacy, and side effects, so you should proceed with caution if you’re interested in trying them.

Bonus read: We’ve reviewed some well-known nootropics distributors, including Cosmic nootropics, Limitless Life nootropics, Thesis nootropics, and Onnit nootropics.

Mechanism-based nootropic classification 

Nootropics can also be grouped based on their supposed mechanisms of action, though some products may affect the brain in multiple ways. Check out the table below for details:

| Types of nootropics  | How they affect you                                                                                               | Examples                                                                      |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Cholinergic          | They affect acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for many muscle and brain functions.                        | • Piracetam <br> • Choline <br> • Alpha GPC <br> • Citicoline <br> • Huperzine-A                        |
| Serotonergic         | They affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood, sleep, digestion, and many other functions.           | • 5-HTP <br> • Tryptophan <br> • Griffonia seed <br> • Saffron <br> • Zembrin                           |
| Dopaminergic         | They affect dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for pleasure, reinforcement, learning, and many other functions. | • Tyrosine <br> • Phenylalanine <br> • Beta-phenylethylamine <br> • Velvet bean                   |
| Glutamatergic        | They affect glutamate, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory, cognition, mood, and many other functions.          | • L-glutamine <br> • Piracetam <br> • Noopept                                               |
| GABAergic            | They affect GABA, a neurotransmitter that blocks brain signals and calms down the brain.                          | • Vitamin B6 <br> • Zinc <br> • Valerian root <br> • Magnesium <br> • Taurine                           |
| Adaptogenic          | They help the body deal with stress, protect from stress-related damage, and restore physiological functioning.   | • Ashwagandha <br> • Ginseng <br> • Rhodiola rosea <br> • Astragalus                              |
| Energy metabolites   | They contribute to the production of ATP, a chemical that gives energy to cells.                                  | • Creatine <br> • L-Carnitine <br> • Alpha lipoic acid <br> • Caffeine                            |
| Vasodilators         | They open up your blood vessels, allowing more blood and oxygen to reach organs, including your brain.            | • Vinpocetine <br> • Ginkgo biloba <br> • L-citrulline <br> • Beetroot extract                    |
| Neurotrophic         | They promote the growth of nerve cells.                                                                           | • Royal jelly <br> • Lion’s mane <br> • Co-Enzyme Q10 <br> • Bacopa monnieri                      |
| Stimulants           | They increase the activity of the central nervous system.                                                         | • Modafinil <br> • Adderall <br> • Memantine

What types of nootropics can you combine? 

Many people, especially athletes, combine various nootropics to achieve optimal outcomes. For example, Bryan Johnson, a famous biohacker who dedicates his life to reversing his biological age, takes over 100 compounds daily. Most of them are supplements and nootropics with potential anti-aging properties, such as:

• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA/DPA)

• Ubiquinol  (CoQ10)

• Turmeric

• Fisetin

• Astaxanthin

• Genistein

• NAC (N-acetylcysteine) 

• Luteolin

• Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Bonus read: Find out how niacin may boost longevity and prevent cognitive decline in our guides to NAD and liposomal NAD benefits. 

Combining different types of nootropics may be effective, but you should do it with caution. Many of these substances, especially their combinations, haven’t been studied enough, and their effects can vary. In some cases, mixing nootropics can even be dangerous.

A team of experts designed Bryan Johnson’s stack to achieve a specific goal — longevity. They also monitor his biomarkers regularly and modify the stack as needed. If you want to try stacking nootropics, you should consider your specific goals and seek professional guidance.

Source: Kaboompics.com

How to use and stack nootropics safely

To use or combine nootropics safely, it’s important to adopt a scientific and personalized approach. Here’s what you should do:

• Consult your healthcare provider first to avoid negative interactions with specific conditions, medications, or other supplements.

• Try one substance at a time to evaluate how it affects your body.

• Be careful about the dosage and start with small amounts, even if the product is of natural origin.

• Buy only from reputable companies that are transparent about their ingredients, production, and testing processes.

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