Nootropics: smart drugs?

WHAT ARE NOOTROPICS?

The word nootropic is a word of Greek origin that means “towards the mind”, they are compounds that improve both directly and indirectly cognitive functions, such as mood, concentration, memory...

Nootropics are not drugs, in fact, we can find them in caffeine and in various herbs or plants, some of them are also known as these compounds as smart drugs . There are several classes of them and we can classify them according to their mechanism of action: Cholinergics, Racetams, Dopaminergics, Serotoninergic, Adaptogens, Metabolic and Stimulants.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

In our body there are a series of neurotransmitters that are responsible for sending signals from one neuron to another, this is where they come in. At stake are these compounds, depending on the nootropic, one neurotransmitter or another will be stimulated.

TARGETS OF DIFFERENT NOOTROPICS IN SOME NEUROTRANSMITTERS

GABA (GAMMA AMINO-BUTYRIC ACID)

It participates in the communication between neurons and its role is to inhibit or reduce neuronal activity and, therefore, influencing behavior, cognition and response of the body against stress. Research suggests that GABA helps control fear and anxiety when neurons become overexcited.

The role of GABA is to inhibit or reduce neuronal activity, and it plays an important role in behavior, cognition, and brain response. body against stress. Research suggests that GABA helps control fear and anxiety when neurons become overexcited.

SEROTONIN

Serotonin (5-HT) is synthesized from L-tryptophan, and its main functions include: its role in digestion, control of body temperature, its influence on sexual desire or its role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

CATECHOLAMINES

· Dopamine is another of the best-known neurotransmitters, because it is involved in addictive behaviors and is the cause of pleasurable sensations. However, among its functions we also find the coordination of certain muscle movements, the regulation of memory, the cognitive processes associated with learning and decision making.

· Adrenaline, fulfills both physiological functions (such as regulating blood pressure or respiratory rate and dilating the pupils) as psychological (keeping us alert and being more sensitive to any stimulus).

· Norepinephrine, involved in different brain functions and is related to motivation, anger or sexual pleasure. Norepinephrine imbalance is associated with depression and anxiety.

ACETYLCHOLINE

It was the first to be discovered, in 1921 by Otto Loewi, a German biologist who won the Nobel Prize in 1936. Acetylcholine is widely distributed throughout the synapses of the central nervous system, but is also found in the peripheral nervous system.

Some of the most notable functions of this neurochemical are: it participates in the stimulation of muscles, in the transition from sleep to wakefulness and in memory processes. and association.

*There are many more neurotransmitters, but these would be the main targets where nootropics act.

WHAT DOES REAL NOOTROPIC CONTAIN AND HOW DO ITS COMPOUNDS ACT?

CAFFEINE

Everyone or almost everyone knows this substance, caffeine. Caffeine is an alkaloid of the xanthine group, which acts as a psychoactive drug, stimulating the system. central nervous system, due to its non-selective antagonist action on adenosine receptors.

It is classified as a nootropic because it sensitizes neurons by providing mental stimulation.

The main mechanism of caffeine has to do with antagonizing adenosine receptors. Adenosine produces sedation and relaxation when it acts on its receptors, located in the brain. Caffeine prevents this action and causes alertness and wakefulness. This inhibition of adenosine can influence the dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and adrenaline.

RHODIOLA ROSEA

Rhodiola rosea is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Crassulaceae, and is used as an anti-fatigue agent or for tara. treat anxiety. Its root contains more than 140 active ingredients, the two most powerful being rosavin and salidroside.

According to some researchers, they have shown that rhodiola improves both physical and mental parameters, reducing fatigue and improving the immune response to diseases. Its mechanism of action seems to be capable of improving the availability of serotonin (related to mood, sleep, appetite...) and dopamine (present in the motor function of the organism).

In a study published by Edwards et al., 2012, adult subjects with life stress symptoms (n=101) treated in general practice received RRE (Rhodiola Rosea Extract) (200 mg, twice a day).

Seven questionnaires were used to cover various aspects of stress symptoms and psychological well-being to evaluate the treatment outcome. All variables results showed a significant, consistent and consistent improvement in symptoms of stress, fatigue, quality of life, mood, concentration, disability, functional impairment and general therapeutic effect. Improvements were seen as soon as after three days of treatment and continued throughout the duration of the treatment. 28-day study.

The greatest improvement occurred during the first week and continued throughout the study. The researchers noted that this was the first trial who investigated the clinical outcomes of rhodiola treatment for exhaustion.

HUPERZINE A

Huperzine-A is an alkaloid synthesized in the laboratory from Chinese moss (Huperzia serrata). As a nootropic, huperzine A is used to increase levels of acetylcholine (ACh). It acts as a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), blocking the enzymes that degrade ACh. Low ACh is associated with brain problems degenerative; In addition to that, ACh is necessary for learning, memory, and mental processing.

Huperzine-A helps:

Neurotransmitters : preventing the AChE enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine. Improved cognition and memory.

Brain Energy – Huperzine-A supports the mitochondria of brain cells. The main sources of energy that fuel cells brain and brain cell function.

Neuroprotective: acting as an antioxidant and stimulating the activity of other brain antioxidants; It also prevents free radical damage to brain cells, increasing their longevity.

GINKGO BILOBA

Ginkgo biloba is an herb known for its well-documented positive effect on memory, learning, and overall cognitive function.

Ginkgo's nootropic benefits have been primarily attributed to its ability to stimulate blood flow to the brain; also provides antioxidant activity neuroprotective and helps brain synapses with the uptake of neurotransmitters.

Beyond boosting mental performance now, ginkgo has been studied extensively in over 30 clinical trials for its potential to help with age-related cognitive decline.

CITICOLINE

Also known as CDP-choline, citicoline has been shown to increase brain energy and stimulate phospholipid synthesis. With these two bioactivities, the Citicoline boosts the intensive tasks of brain cell creation (also known as neurogenesis), along with brain cell repair and maintenance, which may help reverse age-related brain changes.

Citicoline also stabilizes and refines brain cell membranes, increases brain chemicals, increases circulation brain and breaks down into uridine, which is a potent nootropic in its own right. These nootropic-oriented activities are backed by research showing Citicoline helps with focus, attention, concentration, memory, mental energy and mood.

BACOPA MONNIERI

Bacopa is an ancient Ayurvedic herb used for higher order states of mind. Modern science supports the traditional use of Bacopa; it has been shown that the The herb's bacosides stimulate acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin; improve cerebral blood flow; and exert anti-stress adaptogenic effects, among other benefits.

Bacopa is best known for increasing memory and learning ability. Researchers have also suggested that it may speed up the mental processing, help mental performance under stress and instill a feeling of relaxation.

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