This week we "focus" on the world of Nootropics or "Smart Drugs" as they are sometimes called. These nootropics 'smart drugs' aim to improve mental capacity so improved memory, focus and alertness etc. We focus on the supplement side as opposed to the pharmaceutical side that looks to aid things like ADHD, Alzheimers etc. We explore one product in particular. Joe Rogan's favourite "ONNIT Alpha Brain". This is not a cheap supplement but it promises/advertises some pretty awesome stuff so we think it's important to establish whether it's all "placebo" or the science stacks up. 

We break down the ingredients in nootropics and see what the latest research says - this involves a couple of research papers directly on the Alpha Brain supplement one even being conducted on US Army soldiers.

We then look at a couple of other hot ingredients that you may find in nootropic supplements including, creatine, caffeine, Lion's mane and basically any mega sounding root. We finish by giving you some actionable steps to improve your brain game and it's certainly worth sticking around for. 

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Studies Mentioned

The Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase ii clinical trial on the use of Uncaria tomentosa

Neuroprotective Effects of Rhynchophylline Against Ischemic Brain Injury via Regulation of the Akt/mTOR and TLRs Signaling Pathways

The Amazon rain forest plant Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) and its specific proanthocyanidin constituents are potent inhibitors and reducers of both brain plaques and tangles

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, efficacy study of alpha BRAIN® administered orally

Huperzine A for mild cognitive impairment

Huperzine A for vascular dementia

Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease

Chronic Effects of a Wild Green Oat Extract Supplementation on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Acute effects of a wild green-oat (Avena sativa) extract on cognitive function in middle-aged adults

Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate

Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment

Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints

The effects of IQPLUS Focus on cognitive function, mood and endocrine response before and following acute exercise

Impact of a purported nootropic supplementation on measures of mood, stress, and marksmanship performance in U.S. active-duty soldiers