Nootropics: What Does the Research Say?

What research says about natural ingredients studied in relation to cognition

Cognitive function can be influenced by factors including sleep, nutrition, stress and everyday habits. Researchers have also investigated a range of naturally occurring compounds in relation to attention and memory, although the evidence varies considerably between ingredients and further research is needed.

Often described as nootropics, these ingredients have attracted research interest because of their possible relationship with different aspects of cognitive function. This article examines the available evidence on several natural ingredients, including its strengths, limitations and areas where further research is needed.

What Are Nootropics?

“Nootropic” is an informal term commonly used for substances studied in relation to aspects of cognition, such as attention, memory and learning. The category can include synthetic compounds as well as botanical extracts and certain mushroom-derived ingredients. Research findings vary considerably by ingredient, preparation, dose and population, and the term itself does not establish that a substance is effective or safe.

Research into substances described as nootropics has examined several biological processes associated with cognition, including:
• Neurotransmitter signalling associated with attention and learning
• Neurotrophic factors involved in neuronal function and plasticity
• Cellular energy metabolism
• Oxidative processes

Some studies have investigated particular ingredients over several weeks of use, although findings vary and cannot be generalised to all natural nootropics.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom that has attracted research interest in neurological and cognitive contexts.

Lion’s Mane contains naturally occurring compounds known as hericenones and erinacines, which have been studied in laboratory and animal research in connection with nerve growth factor (NGF).

This has contributed to growing scientific interest in Lion’s Mane and cognition, including investigation in a small randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study.

Lion’s Mane has also attracted research interest across a range of neurological and psychological contexts.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is a botanical with a history of use in Ayurvedic traditions and has been studied in relation to cognition. It contains naturally occurring compounds known as bacosides, which have been investigated in research concerning neurotransmitter signalling.

Bacopa contains naturally occurring compounds that have been studied in relation to oxidative processes. Human studies have also investigated particular standardised Bacopa extracts over periods commonly ranging from 8 to 12 weeks, using measures such as memory recall and information processing. Findings vary according to the extract, dose, study design and population examined.

Unlike studies examining immediate stimulant effects, research on Bacopa has commonly assessed outcomes after several weeks of repeated use.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris / sinensis)

Cordyceps is a fungus with a history of traditional use and has attracted research interest in the fields of energy metabolism and exercise performance.

Cordyceps has been investigated in research concerning cellular energy metabolism, including pathways involving ATP the primary energy-carrying molecule in cells. These investigations have contributed to interest in Cordyceps in exercise-related research.

Cordyceps has attracted interest in exercise research, where certain preparations have been studied using measures of oxygen utilisation, exercise tolerance and fatigue.

Research interest in Cordyceps has primarily focused on energy metabolism and physical performance rather than cognitive outcomes.

How These Nootropics Have Been Studied?

These natural compounds have been investigated individually in relation to different areas of cognitive and physiological research

• Lion’s Mane → studied in relation to cognition and NGF-related pathways

• Bacopa Monnieri → studied using measures of memory and information processing

• Cordyceps → investigated in research concerning energy metabolism and exercise performance

Research on some natural ingredients has assessed repeated use over several weeks rather than immediate effects. Sleep quality, nutrition, stress management and other lifestyle factors can also influence cognitive performance.

Nootropics and Daily Performance

Factors such as working patterns, sleep quality, stress and daily routines can influence experiences of focus and mental fatigue.

Products described as natural nootropics are increasingly discussed within broader wellness routines. Consumer interest often centres on topics such as:

• Attention and concentration

• Memory and learning

• Cognitive performance

• Mental fatigue

• The role of daily habits in cognition

Scientific interest in natural nootropics continues to grow, and preliminary human research is available for some ingredients.

Key Takeaways

• "Nootropic” is an informal term covering many different substances.
• Lion’s Mane, Bacopa and Cordyceps have been examined in different areas of laboratory and human research.
• Findings for one species, extract, dose or population cannot automatically be applied to another product.
• Research on some preparations has assessed repeated use over several weeks.
• Sleep, nutrition, stress and daily habits can also influence cognitive performance.

• Evidence varies considerably between ingredients, and research on a finished combination may be limited.

References

• Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372.

•Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, et al. (2001). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology, 156(4), 481–484.

• Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. (2017). Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(1), 42–53.