Nootropics
Nootropics, often referred to as "smart drugs," are substances aimed at enhancing cognitive function in healthy adults. This category includes both natural substances, such as caffeine and nicotine, and synthetic supplements or prescription medications. The term "nootropic" was first coined in the 1960s by Romanian psychologist Corneliu E. Giurgea, who believed these substances could positively influence brain function, particularly in areas like concentration, focus, and memory retention. Nootropics are thought to operate by improving the health and functioning of neurons, which are crucial for processing sensory information and forming memories.
A variety of natural nootropics exist, including herbs and compounds like turmeric, L-theanine, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba, many of which can be processed into supplements or combined with other substances for enhanced effects. In addition to natural options, there are laboratory-synthesized nootropics like Piracetam and Phenotropil, available over the counter in some regions. Certain prescription medications, originally intended for conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy, are also recognized for their potential nootropic benefits. This growing interest in cognitive enhancement raises questions about efficacy and safety, making it an intriguing topic for further exploration.
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Nootropics
Nootropics are sometimes called smart drugs. They are substances that are used to improve the mental abilities of healthy adults. They include commonly known natural substances such as nicotine and caffeine as well as synthetic supplements and prescription drugs. While synthetic nootropics came to wider attention beginning in the 1960s, natural nootropics have been used in alternative medicine for much longer.
Overview
The word nootropic was coined by Romanian psychologist Corneliu E. Giurgea. He formed it from the Greek words noos, which means “mind,” and trope, which means “changing” or “turning.” Giurgea saw nootropics as something that could change the function of the mind in a beneficial way.
In 1964, Giurgea created a synthetic substance that he called Piracetam. By 1972, he was satisfied that it fulfilled its intended purpose of improving brain function. He coined the word nootropics for this new classification of substances. Giurgea saw nootropics as smart drugs that would boost the brain’s effectiveness in concentrating, focusing, and storing and accessing information.
Memory is a complicated process that experts do not yet fully understand. However, the basic concept is that experiences are captured as various forms of stimuli, such as sights, sounds, smells, temperature, and other touch sensory information. These stimuli are carried to the brain by neurons, or nerve cells. The brain receives the stimuli and encodes them into memories. How well the process works depends in part on how well the neurons work, and this is dependent on their physical condition and how much oxygen and nutrients they have received.
According to proponents, nootropics work by encouraging the function of these neurons. By increasing the amounts of nutrients and oxygen the blood carries to the brain and the neurons, nootropics are said to increase the ability to process stimuli. This in turn helps the brain to stay focused and improves how well the person can concentrate and retain information, according to some experts.
A wide range of substances have nootropic properties. These include natural substances such as caffeine, nicotine, turmeric, L-theanine, creatine, bacopa monnieri, ginseng, rhodiola rosea, ginkgo biloba, and some types of mushrooms. Although these are natural sources, a portion of the natural substance is often processed in some way to prepare it for consumption. For instance, tea and tobacco leaves are dried to provide caffeine and nicotine, respectively. Many of these substances, such as ginseng and ginkgo biloba, may also be converted into a pill or tablet for use as a supplement.
In some cases, multiple natural nootropics are found in one natural source. For example, tea contains both caffeine and L-theanine. Nootropic proponents believe that these substances may be increased in effectiveness when taken together.
Other nootropics are made in a laboratory. These include synthesized products such as Piracetam, Phenotropil (phenylpiracetam), and Noopept. These products are considered supplements and are available over the counter in many countries. Others are sold as prescription drugs and may be intended for other purposes but have potential nootropic properties. These include modafinil (Provigil), a prescription drug used to treat narcolepsy, as well as stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bibliography
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