This is our library of nootropic ingredients. Each guide explains what the ingredient is, what human research actually shows (and where it’s thin), the doses used in clinical studies, side effects, drug interactions and how to buy a quality product. Every health claim links to its source, usually PubMed or the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.
New to nootropics? Start with What Are Nootropics?, then browse by goal below.
Nootropic Ingredients By Goal
GoalIngredients To Read About
Calm Focus And StressL-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha, Saffron, Kanna
Attention And Mental EnergyCaffeine, Citicoline, L-Tyrosine, Panax Ginseng, Creatine
Memory And LearningBacopa Monnieri, Phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo Biloba, Huperzine A, Alpha-GPC
Long-Term Brain HealthLion’s Mane, B Vitamins, Maritime Pine Bark, Uridine
Sleep And RecoveryMagnesium L-Threonate, Apigenin, L-Theanine
Energy, Vitality And HormonesTongkat Ali, Panax Ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea
Popular Ingredient Comparisons
Alpha-GPC Vs Citicoline
NALT Vs L-Tyrosine
Phosphatidylserine Vs Phosphatidylcholine
Suntheanine Vs L-Theanine
Ashwagandha Vs Rhodiola
L-Theanine And Caffeine
How We Evaluate Ingredients
We weight human randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses above animal and cell studies, compare commercial doses with the doses used in research, and call out industry funding and small sample sizes. Ratings run from Strong to Preliminary. Nothing here is medical advice. Please read our medical disclaimer and talk with your doctor before starting a supplement.
Tongkat ali is a Southeast Asian root extract studied at 200–400 mg a day. Small, mostly industry-funded trials suggest modest effects on stress hormones, mood and testosterone, especially in men with low testosterone, and product quality varies widely.
Uridine is a nucleoside the brain uses to build cell membranes. Its best human evidence comes from Souvenaid, a multi-nutrient drink with uridine monophosphate, choline and DHA, while mood claims rest mostly on animal studies.
