We provide links to relevant products that may help you achieve your brain health and fitness goals more easily and quickly. If you buy a third-party product via a link on our website, we earn compensation, but at no extra cost to you. See Terms of Use for details.

➤ About our product links We provide links to relevant products that may help you achieve your brain health and fitness goals more easily and quickly. If you buy a third-party product via a link on our website, we earn compensation, but at no extra cost to you. See Terms of Use for details.

Our articles are based on high-quality, widely accepted, research-based information. Sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other authoritative resources. Use the numbered citations to link to these sources. When theories and concepts do not have consensus support of the scientific community, we present both sides of the issue.

➤ Balanced information, research-based Our articles are based on high-quality, widely accepted, research-based information. Sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other authoritative resources. Use the numbered citations to link to these sources. When theories and concepts do not have consensus support of the scientific community, we present both sides of the issue.

Edited and medically reviewed by Patrick Alban, DC | Written by Deane Alban

Natural nootropic supplements help you reach peak mental potential safely, without the risks of synthetic smart drugs, while making your brain healthier.

If you’re looking for a supplement or drug to improve your mental performance, you’ve surely come across the term nootropics. Almost any substance that can have some positive effect on brain function is now being called a nootropic, whether it’s natural, synthetic, or even quasi-legal. But this is not the way the term “nootropics” was meant to be used. By its original definition, a nootropic is a substance that improves mental functions such as memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration, while doing no harm. Ideally, a nootropic should leave you and your brain in better shape than before you took it. However, the definition of nootropics has broadened over time to include any substance, pharmaceutical or natural, that temporarily enhances brain function, regardless of its risks or side effects.

How Natural Nootropic Supplements Build a Better Brain

Natural nootropics boost brain functions while making your brain healthier.

Here are some of the many ways a nootropic supplement can improve your brain health and fitness: increases circulation to the brain provides essential brain nutrients often missing in the average diet provides missing nutrients if you are a vegetarian provides precursors to important neurotransmitters neutralizes free radical damage to brain cells increases energy, oxygen, nutrient flow, and/or blood flow to the brain reduces brain inflammation protects the brain from toxins minimizes the effects of brain aging stimulates the formation of healthy new brain cells increases neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to change increases resilience to stress Any substance that does not make your brain healthier does not fit the true definition of a nootropic. (1)

Safe and Effective Natural Nootropics

There’s an abundance of natural substances that act as nootropics by nourishing and protecting the brain — amino acids, vitamins, minerals, herbs, phytonutrients, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and more.

But everyone’s brain and life circumstances are different, so no one nootropic supplement works equally well for everyone.

From the many available nootropics, I’ve handpicked those that have track records of safety and effectiveness for a broad audience.

In making your choice, look for supplements that best align with the results you’re looking for.

Nootropic Amino Acid Supplements

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and several are particularly beneficial for the brain.

Amino acids are found in protein-rich foods in the diet, but it’s not always easy to get enough from diet alone.

Surprisingly, in some cases, supplements work better than the amino acids found in food.

1. Acetyl-l-Carnitine

Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is a form of the amino acid carnitine.

ALCAR works largely by creating acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter required for learning and memory functions.

It can improve mental clarity, alertness, processing speed, focus, mood, and memory. (2)

ALCAR also has fast-acting antidepressant properties, often bringing relief quicker than prescription antidepressant drugs. (3)

There are other forms of l-carnitine, but ALCAR is the one to use since it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to get from your bloodstream into your brain.

Since carnitine is found almost exclusively in red meat, consider this supplement especially if you are a vegetarian or rarely eat meat. (4)

2. Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid often used by bodybuilders and athletes to increase lean muscle mass and enhance physical performance.

So it was a bit of a surprise when this supplement turned out to be a nootropic that boosts mental performance as well. (5)

As with carnitine, creatine is found mostly in red meat.

One study on vegetarians and vegans found that creatine supplements significantly increased mental performance with improved scores in memory, intelligence, and processing speed. (6) Take a look at adding creatine to your supplement regimen if you don’t eat meat or are looking to build both brain power and muscles. WHAT CAN A BRAIN SUPPLEMENT DO? Are you struggling with ... ➤ Fuzzy thinking and foggy focus? ➤ Growing forgetfulness? ➤ Shrinking ability to learn and problem-solve? ➤ Lack of mental energy and drive? Mind Lab Pro can help your brain perform better. REVIEW: Why I recommend Mind Lab Pro for better mental performance. Dr. Pat | Be Brain Fit 3. Taurine Taurine is another amino acid used to increase physical performance. You may recognize it as an ingredient often included in energy drinks.

Taurine is found in high concentrations in the brain where it aids the movement of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium in and out of brain cells. (7, 8)

Taurine is integrally related to the calming neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) by stimulating its release and formation. (9, 10)

It also activates GABA receptors in the brain to minimize anxiety, insomnia, and other signs of a GABA deficiency. (11)

If you tend to be anxious and have trouble concentrating or sleeping, taurine can calm and focus your anxious, distractible mind.

4. Tryptophan

Tryptophan unfairly gets its 15 minutes of fame every Thanksgiving as the ingredient in turkey that makes you tired.

(That’s a myth that refuses to die. It’s all those carbs you eat that make you tired, not tryptophan.)

Tryptophan is essential for the formation of two important brain chemicals: serotonin, the “happy molecule,” and melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle.

Read more —

Top 15 Brain Supplements for a Mental Edge

Besides helping to improve your memory and ability to focus, tryptophan is helpful for a wide variety of mental health disorders including: (12) anxiety

attention disorders

bipolar disorder

depression

eating disorders

obsessive-compulsive disorder

panic attacks

schizophrenia

seasonal affective disorder

sleep disorders Oddly, tryptophan supplements work even better than eating foods high in tryptophan since the protein in foods blocks the synthesis of tryptophan into serotonin. (13)

5. Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a precursor for dopamine, the neurotransmitter that helps keep you focused and motivated.

Low levels of dopamine can leave you feeling apathetic, fatigued, moody, and unable to concentrate.

Dopamine plays a huge role in depression and addictions of all kinds.

If procrastination, lack of focus, or drive are holding you back, consider taking a tyrosine supplement.

Tyrosine supplementation is also a good idea if you are stressed, overworked, or don’t get enough sleep.

All of these factors can increase your body’s need for tyrosine. (14)

6. Theanine

Theanine, also called l-theanine, is one of the most unusual brain enhancers.

It’s found almost exclusively in tea (green, black, white, and oolong) and helps you enter an optimal state of relaxed concentration, with no drowsiness. (15)

Theanine increases levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and GABA to help improve mood, recall, and learning. (16, 17)

It actually alters your brainwave patterns, putting you in the same brainwave state experienced during meditation. (18, 19)

This is an ideal supplement for achieving a state of calm focus, especially if you don’t drink tea or practice meditation.

Nootropic Herbal Supplements

Nootropic herbs have a long history of traditional use and a large body of research-based evidence to attest to both their safety and effectiveness.

There are dozens of herbal remedies with nootropic properties.

Here are my favorites.

7. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

Ginseng is a quintessential traditional Chinese herb.

Ginseng grown in Asia has been China’s “elixir of life” for thousands of years.

But in a surprise turn of events, American ginseng is now considered superior to Asian ginseng and is in great demand in China. (20, 21)

American ginseng excels as a brain enhancer. Studies show that it quickly works to improve memory, mental clarity, and sharpness within just a few hours of taking it. ARE YOU FEELING UNFOCUSED? Scientifically personalized music can boost focus 4X. Whatever work or study you do, Focus@Will can help you do it better and faster: ➤ Works with your type of brainwave patterns to reduce distractions. ➤ Dramatically improves your concentration, learning, and retention. ➤ Adapts dynamically to fit your needs and keep you in a "flow state." REVIEW: Why I recommend Focus@Will to boost focus and productivity. Dr. Pat | Be Brain Fit 8. Arctic Root (Rhodiola rosea) Arctic root is highly regarded for its adaptogenic properties. Like all adaptogens, it improves your ability to handle both physiological and psychological stress. Read more —

Do Brain-Enhancing Drugs Work? Know the Risks, Benefits

It increases levels of the major neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. (22)

If you have brain fog, trouble concentrating, and low energy along with stress and anxiety, give this herb a try.

9. Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)

Bacopa is another adaptogenic herb that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cognitive enhancer for thousands of years.

It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve memory, focus, and concentration while reducing stress. (23)

It works by balancing the brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and GABA as it reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

This herb is especially good for age-related mental decline.

Keep in mind that bacopa is not a quick fix.

It can take two to three months to experience maximum benefits. (24)

So this is not an herb to take if you’re in need of a mental performance boost today.

10. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

You probably need no introduction to ginkgo, one of the most popular herbal remedies in the world. (25)

It’s an all-around excellent cognitive enhancer that’s so powerful that, in some countries, it’s available only as a prescription medication.

Ginkgo largely works by increasing circulation to the brain, balancing brain chemicals, and protecting the brain from free radical damage. (26)

Use it for poor concentration, memory loss, fatigue, mental confusion, depression, or anxiety. (27)

11. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Since before William Shakespeare wrote “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance,” rosemary has been associated with memory.

This common cooking ingredient has a long history of use for improving memory and concentration.

But the most surprisingly simple way you can use rosemary is by inhaling rosemary essential oil. Just a whiff of the scent of rosemary can improve cognitive speed and accuracy as well as mood. (28) GIVE YOUR BRAIN

A BOOST! Get our 10-Step Brain PowerUp Guide, free. Send me the guide! Naturally Sourced Nootropic Supplements Supplements that belong to this next group are based on naturally occurring substances that get some help from human ingenuity. Their active ingredients are extracted from and/or synthesized from natural compounds.

12. Citicoline

Your body makes some citicoline from the choline found in foods like eggs, beef, and seafood, but you can’t eat enough for any meaningful cognitive enhancement. (29)

Citicoline can significantly improve memory, concentration, focus, and attention, and in one study was found to work as well as the study drug piracetam. (30, 31, 32, 33)

In some countries, citicoline is prescribed for treating serious age-related memory loss. (34, 35)

This underutilized supplement works by increasing blood flow to the brain, neuroplasticity, and the capacity to grow new brain cells. (36)

13. Curcumin

Curcumin is an extract of turmeric, an important spice in Ayurvedic medicine, India’s 5,000-year-old natural healing system.

Generous use of turmeric in Indian cuisine may be responsible for India’s particularly low rate of Alzheimer’s disease. (37)

Curcumin is an excellent antioxidant and all-around brain tonic that can improve memory and concentration by increasing blood flow to the brain. (38)

It boosts levels of serotonin, dopamine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that stimulates brain cell production. (39)

Be aware that curcumin supplements are not very bioavailable unless measures have been taken to improve absorption such as the addition of piperine, phosphatidylserine, or the use of nanoparticles.

14. Huperzine A

Huperzine A is the main active compound extracted from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata).

Studies have found that it enhances memory and learning in people in all stages of life, from middle school students to seniors with Alzheimer’s. (40, 41) It works as a brain booster mainly by increasing acetylcholine levels and stimulating new brain cell formation. (42) HOW IS YOUR MOOD? Are you over-stressed, anxious, or depressed? In these situations (and many others), talk therapy with a professional can help you cope better with life. BetterHelp online counseling is the better choice vs in-person therapy: ➤ BetterHelp is more affordable & convenient. ➤ It's discreet, private, secure & COVID-19 safe. ➤ Same professionalism & effectiveness as traditional therapy. REVIEW: Why I recommend online counseling and BetterHelp. Dr. Pat | Be Brain Fit 15. Lion’s Mane Mushroom Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a unusual-looking mushroom that offers unique health benefits. This mainstay of Chinese medicine is said to bestow “nerves of steel and the memory of a lion.”

According to legend, the Yamabushi sect of hermit Buddhist monks possessed supernatural powers. (43)

They used lion’s mane to stay focused during meditation.

Read more —

How Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits Your Brain

So far, approximately 70 bioactive compounds have been discovered in lion’s mane. (44)

Two unique groups of compounds not found anywhere else, the hericenones and the erinacines, heal and protect nerve cells, and stimulate the growth of new ones. (45)

Another compound found in lion’s mane, amycenone, is helpful for treating sleep disorders, cognitive and anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. (46)

Lion’s mane is usually taken as a supplement but is also a prized culinary mushroom.

16. Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is found in particularly high concentration in brain cell membranes.

This phospholipid acts as your brain’s gatekeeper.

It regulates the flow of nutrients in and waste products out of brain cells, protecting them from toxins.

Phosphatidylserine reduces the wear and tear of stress while supporting memory, concentration, and learning and is particularly helpful for ADHD and attention problems. (47, 48, 49)

It’s usually extracted from soy lecithin, but PS extracted from sunflower lecithin is considered the higher-quality form.

PS used to be made from cow brains, but, here in the US, that is no longer allowed due to concerns about mad cow disease.

But if you live elsewhere, beware of any phosphatidylserine supplement that lists its source as bovine (i.e., cow brains) if that is of concern to you.

17. Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a relatively new brain booster based on vincamine, a chemical found in the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor). (50)

Vinpocetine is very popular in Europe and Japan, where it’s considered to be superior to ginkgo as a brain booster.

It enhances brain function by a variety of mechanisms including increasing blood flow to the brain, decreasing brain inflammation, and balancing neurotransmitter levels. (51, 52, 53)

It’s usually taken to overcome brain fog, improve memory, increase mental clarity, and protect the brain against aging.

Essential Nootropic Nutrients: A Foundation for Brain Health

Lastly, I’d be doing you and your brain a disservice by skipping these essential nutrients that are critical to brain health.

I understand that taking a multivitamin or fish oil supplement is not as cool or sexy as the latest nootropic product.

But taking any brain supplement when your basic nutritional requirements aren’t being met is like trying to build a house on a weak foundation.

Of all the essential nutrients, the following are those most often missing from the modern diet.

Thus, they can have the biggest impact on your mental abilities.

18. Vitamin B12

All the B vitamins are essential for an optimally functioning brain.

But of all the B vitamins, vitamin B12 has the most impact on your brain and vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly common.

Addressing your B12 needs can make a world of difference to the health of your nervous system, brain function, and energy. (54)

Read more —

How Vitamin B12 Benefits the Brain

B12 is often added to nootropic formulas, brain supplements, brain tonics, and energy drinks — sometimes in ridiculously large amounts. (55)

But keep in mind that when it comes to vitamins, more does not necessarily mean better.

If you have an adequate B12 level, taking more won’t help.

To determine your level, have a vitamin B12 blood test done.

19. Vitamin D

Vitamin D has profound effects on the brain throughout all stages of life.

It can improve memory, mood, and problem-solving ability.

Yet 75% of Americans aren’t getting enough of it. (56)

Ironically, the people who could most benefit from it — the harried and overworked — are those least likely to spend enough time in the sun to manufacture the vitamin D they need.

If you rarely spend time outdoors or wear sunscreen when you do, you could almost certainly benefit from a vitamin D supplement.

You can order a 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test to confirm your vitamin D level.

20. Magnesium

Magnesium is called a master mineral because it affects over 600 biological functions.

Not getting enough will leave you feeling tired but stressed.

Eighty percent of Americans are believed to be low in this important mineral. (57)

If you have brain fog and fatigue, can’t focus, can’t sleep, or get leg cramps at night, give magnesium a try.

Read more —

Magnesium L-Threonate: Breakthrough Brain Supplement

A new form of magnesium that shows promise for enhancing memory and other brain functions is magnesium l-threonate.

It is the only form of magnesium that freely crosses the blood-brain barrier. (58)

21. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 essential fatty acids may be the single most important supplement you can take for your brain.

Omega-3s are found mainly in cold-water, fatty fish and are the reason fish is often called a brain food.

One omega-3 in particular, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is a primary structural component of the brain, specifically in regions involved with memory, language, creativity, judgment, emotion, and attention. (59, 60)

An alarming 80% of us are believed to be deficient in this critical brain nutrient. (61)

If I had to pick one supplement for my brain, it would be a quality omega-3 supplement in the form of fish oil or krill oil.

22. Multivitamin-Mineral Supplement

If you feel you are in good health, mentally and physically, you may not need to take a lot of separate vitamins.

Taking a high-quality multivitamin-mineral supplement may meet most of your brain’s essential nutrient needs.

The Harvard School of Public Health advises all adults to take a multivitamin supplement as insurance to fill any nutritional gaps and I believe this to be a prudent course of action. (62)

Studies have shown that taking a multivitamin alone can improve memory and overall brain function, protect the brain from degenerative disease, and reduce the symptoms of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (63, 64, 65, 66, 67)