The Top “Under The Radar” Nootropics You May Not Know About

Natural nootropics have recently taken the world by storm! There are a lot of fantastic natural nootropics out there, like one of our most popular mushroom products, Lion’s Mane Mushroom and a widely-used herb called Bacopa monnieri. However, the notoriety of these products have forced some other really interesting natural nootropics into the shadows. This is a shame, as there is an amazing color palette of interesting herbs, plant extracts, and compounds that get much less attention than they actually deserve. With this is mind, we thought we’d shine a spotlight on the shadows and illuminate some of these best, lesser-known natural nootropics. Let’s get into it!

What is 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone?

7 8 dihydroxyflavone is like one of those obscure, underground bands that you hear about through a friend. Almost nobody knows about them, but they produce unique, powerful and enthralling music. 7 8 dihydroxyflavone is similar, as it spends most of its time lurking in obscurity, but once you find out about it, you realize it is one of the best natural nootropics out there. 7 8 dihydroxyflavone is a naturally occurring flavone which does something really unique: it perfectly mimics Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in our brains.

BDNF is a large protein which binds to a receptor called TrkB, and by binding to TrkB, it produces structural changes in our brains. This process is called neuroplasticity which is an ongoing process in our brains that is crucial for overall cognitive function and brain health. There exists many supplements which can help boost BDNF levels, however, 7 8 dihydroxyflavone goes one step further and binds to the TrkB receptor with a similar potency as BDNF. This is very unique as there are practically no other, small molecule naturally and occurring compounds which can do this.

By supplementing with 7 8 dihydroxyflavone, you may help significantly boost neuroplasticity in your brain which may help you absorb information faster and apply complex concepts quicker. In addition to this, neuroplasticity is also highly involved in regulating our overall mood. By enhancing neuroplasticity with 7 8 dihydroxyflavone, you may experience a subtle, yet noticeable lift in mood. This effect seems to be especially pronounced with 7 8 dihydroxyflavone sublingual dosing. If you want to learn more about the specifics of exactly how 7 8 dihydroxyflavone works, we would recommend giving our 7 8 dihydroxyflavone blog a read.

What is Agmatine Sulfate?

Introduction: The Dual Role of Agmatine Sulfate

If you are big into health and fitness, there is a good chance you may have heard about this supplement. Agmatine Sulfate can be found in various pre-workouts and “pump” products, where it serves the purposes of enhancing nitric oxide levels. This allows more blood to flow into our muscles during a workout, giving us a full feeling in our muscles which can greatly help boost our workouts. However, what often gets overshadowed is that Agmatine is actually a great natural nootropic!

Agmatine and Cognitive Enhancement

Agmatine is found all throughout our bodies, but Agmatine concentrations are especially high in our brains. Within our brains, Agmatine interacts strongly with various neurotransmitter systems and brain pathways. In particular, Agmatine appears to interact the most with the glutamate receptors and pathways in our brains. In fact, it has been shown that Agmatine concentrations become elevated in some areas of our brains during learning tasks, and Agmatine appears to play an important role in memory formation in these areas. Thus, by supplementing with Agmatine, we can help turbo charge these memory formation events which may help increase overall cognitive function with an emphasis on learning and memory.

Stress Regulation and Mood Enhancement

Furthermore, Agmatine may help regulate stress levels by exerting a gently calming effect. In addition to the stress-regulating effects, Agmatine benefits may also help promote a positive mood! What’s better than being in a great, relaxed mood whilst also being able to absorb information quicker? With Agmatine, this can be a very real scenario you may find yourself in during your next big study sessions or brainstorming session at work.

Neuroprotection and Brain Health

Agmatine also plays a very important role in protecting our brains from various stressors, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Agmatine achieves this by regulating nitric oxide levels in the brain. As we mentioned earlier, Agmatine is well known for boosting nitric oxide levels which may lead to enhanced blood flow. However, in the brain, elevated levels of nitric oxide are not very desirable. Luckily, Agmatine selectively enhances nitric oxide levels in our blood vessels, leading to better blood flow while blocking excessive nitric oxide levels in the brain. This effect makes Agmatine Sulfate a great natural nootropic for keeping our brains healthy and functioning at the highest level possible!

What is Acetyl L-Carnitine?

Rediscovering Acetyl L-Carnitine: A Legendary Nootropic

This unique natural nootropic was somewhat of a legendary nootropic many years ago. It’s first claim to fame was in the bodybuilding world where it was being used as a fat burner and pre-workout ingredient. Some of these bodybuilders quickly realized that Acetyl L-Carnitine was giving them substantially heightened focus and it quickly started to become popular with students looking to gain that extra edge during long study sessions. Then, for whatever reason, Acetyl L-Carnitine started to decline in popularity, perhaps due to the saturation of the nootropics market with all kinds of unfamiliar compounds and nootropic stacks. However, for some of the old school nootropic aficionados, Acetyl L-Carnitine is still a mainstay in their stack for one simple reason: it works really well!

Acetyl L-Carnitine and Cognitive Enhancement

Acetyl L-Carnitine is naturally present in our bodies and participates in a process that turns dietary choline into the powerful cognition enhancing neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This Acetyl-Coenzyme A then enters a process called Choline Acetyl Transferase where the acetyl group from the Acetyl-Coenzyme A is transferred to choline. This then yields acetylcholine, which as you may already know, participates widely in the process of learning and memory.

Benefits of Acetyl L-Carnitine

By boosting acetylcholine levels, Acetyl L-Carnitine benefits focus while also making learning new skills and material much easier. In addition to this, the effects of Acetyl L-Carnitine can be quite stimulating, allowing you to focus harder and for longer periods of time with minimal fatigue. Furthermore, Acetyl L-Carnitine benefits are similar to Phoshatidylserine benefits (Smart PS), in the sense that it can serve as a fantastic component in most nootropic stacks. For example, Acetyl L-carnitine’s benefits synergize really well with another product in this blog which we will discuss later called OptimALA. Acetyl L-Carnitine also stacks really well with choline sources such as Cognizin or Alpha-GPC.

Just be sure to keep the dosages on your choline source lower as Acetyl L-Carnitine will substantially increase the rate of acetylcholine production. Acetyl L-Carnitine also helps make us more sensitive to the effects of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Similar to BDNF, NGF helps strengthen connections throughout our brain and may even help with nerve related pain. This also means that Acetyl L-Carnitine can stack well with other NGF boosting supplements such as our Lion’s Mane Mushroom extracts!

What is Berberine?

Berberine is another one of those supplements which is actually quite famous, however, it does not receive much attention for its nootropic effects. This is a shame because Berberine may actually act as an incredibly efficacious and unique nootropic. Berberine is special, because it acts on a receptor that not many other naturally occurring compounds act on: the sigma-1 receptor. The sigma-1 receptor is a really unique receptor that, up until recently, has not received much attention yet it seems to play a major role in cognitive function.

Activation of Sigma-1 receptors by Berberine may help enhance BDNF levels in addition to optimizing the function of NMDA receptors. Both BDNF and NMDA activity are highly related to the encoding of memories. By optimizing BDNF and NMDA activity through Sigma-1 receptors, Berberine may provide a powerful boost to cognitive function that is unique among other natural nootropics. Furthermore, Berberine may help boost acetylcholine levels which is yet another neurotransmitter that plays an important role in maintaining and perhaps even boosting cognitive function. Berberine achieves this by blocking an enzyme which degrades acetylcholine called acetylcholinesterase. By blocking acetylcholinesterase, Berberine may be able to help gently elevate acetylcholine levels throughout the brain. In combination with its sigma-1 effects, this makes Berberine a great option if you are looking for an efficacious and all natural nootropic!

What is Gotu Kola Extract?

Enhanced Gotu Kola Tablets: Unveiling the Hidden Potential

Although Gotu Kola is not the most obscure natural nootropic around, there is something unique about our Gotu Kola tablets that often goes under the radar. At Noo-tropics.eu, we always strive for new novel approaches to natural nootropics, and we decided to task ourselves with improving upon the cognition-enhancing effects of Gotu Kola. We quickly discovered that the majority of the bioactive molecules in Gotu Kola, such as asiaticosides and madecassosides, are easily broken down by our stomach acid via a process called acid hydrolysis. Luckily, the asiaticosides and madecassosides break down into asiatic acid and madecassic acid, which are responsible for the vast majority of Gotu Kola benefits. Asiaticosides and madecassosides have been extensively studied and have wide ranging effects, including prominent nootropic effects.

Preserving Gotu Kola’s Potency with Enteric Coating

With this in mind, we wanted to preserve the asiaticosides and madecassosides in Gotu Kola, by protecting them from our stomach acid. We achieved this by developing Gotu Kola tablets with an enteric coating that can resist stomach acid. This means, that our Gotu Kola tablets pass through the stomach, before they start dissolving. Through this process, the asiaticosides and madecassosides are preserved, and thereby the nootropic effects of Gotu Kola are enhanced!

Enhanced Cognitive Function and Sleep Quality

Like many of the other products in this blog, Gotu Kola benefits help positively influence neuroplasticity. It does this in a fashion that is very similar to Bacopa monnieri, where the Gotu Kola benefits may take a few weeks to fully manifest themselves. This is due to the fact that Gotu Kola benefits slowly help our brains become more plastic, helping to strengthen certain connections in the brain which are essential to memory and learning. What makes Gotu Kola unique, however, is that it may also enhance sleep quality. Getting good sleep is critical for cognitive function, and thus, Gotu Kola hits a home run here by both enhancing cognitive function and enhancing sleep quality!

Comprehensive Benefits Beyond Nootropic Effects

Gotu Kola also helps improve skin quality and has a plethora of other non-nootropic effects as well. If you would like to learn more about exactly what the Gotu Kola benefits can do for you, we would recommend reading our comprehensive Gotu Kola blog, where we discuss in great detail both Gotu Kola Extract powder and Gotu Kola enteric-coated tablets.

What is Shiitake Mushroom Extract?

Exploring the Surprising Cognitive and Mood Support

Commonly used as a culinary ingredient for its umami characteristics, Shiitake mushroom also has surprisingly potent cognition and mood supporting effects. The nootropic effects of Shiitake have only very recently been discovered so it is no surprise that it is currently a sparsely discussed mushroom supplement.

Unlocking Cognitive Enhancement through AMPA Receptor Activation

Shiitake mushroom, through its Lentinan content, appears to be able to enhance AMPA receptor activity. The AMPA receptors are currently a very hotly debated receptor, as activation of AMPA receptors appears to be able to significantly support cognitive function, in addition to AMPA activation being able to potentially help promote a positive mood.

The Mechanism Behind the Magic: Dectin-1 Receptor Activation

In the case of Shiitake, the beta-glucan Lentinan, which is present in Shiitake mushroom, binds to Dectin-1. Dectin-1 is a receptor that responds solely to specific beta-glucans, Lentinan being one of those beta-glucans. By binding to the Dectin-1 receptor, Shiitake can help increase AMPA receptor activation. By doing so, neuroplasticity is increased during a critical part of memory formation called long term potentiation (LTP). LTP is one of the main mechanisms by which we store memories, and thus by boosting AMPA receptor activity and strengthening LTP activity, Shiitake can make for a unique and versatile natural nootropic.

Immune Support and Overall Health Boost

As a cherry on top, this same Dectin-1 receptor plays a role in immune function. Activation of Dectin-1 helps boost our immune function, especially in our central nervous system. Shiitake also contains a few other beneficial compounds that help boost overall bodily health.

A Culinary Delight with Cognitive Benefits

Shiitake mushrooms offer a delightful umami taste, frequently utilized in cooking to harness this unique attribute. Including dried Shiitake mushrooms in your soup can elevate its flavors and make them more vibrant. Dried shiitake mushrooms enhance ramen, and our high-quality powdered version adds richness to dishes. This makes our Shiitake mushroom powder not only a great natural nootropic, but also a versatile culinary tool!

What is PanaMAX Optimized Ginseng by Natrium Health?

You may know Panax Ginseng and Schisandra berries, but PanaMAX might be unfamiliar territory. PanaMAX, a potent Panax ginseng formulation, draws from Traditional Chinese practices to create an ultimate Ginseng supplement. PanaMAX blends Panax ginseng roots and leaves for a balanced yet potent Ginsenoside profile. Ginsenoside profile balanced with potent Schisandra chinensis extract, aids absorption, lessens stimulation, and adds pleasant mood-boosting effect. The result: a natural nootropic heightening focus, drive, mood, and reducing stress, elevating us to a higher state.

PanaMAX is the perfect natural nootropic for anyone that wants a nootropic that is gentle, yet powerful. Many nootropics focus heavily on stimulation, which is beneficial, but excessive stimulation can hinder workflow at times. PanaMAX, on the other hand, provides a nice level of balanced energy whilst also helping regulate tress levels. This makes it easy to stay in the groove without losing traction!

What Is Optim-ALA Optimized Alpha Lipoic Acid by Natrium Health?

OptimALA is a unique supplement that is a bit of an oddball in the world of nootropics. Natrium Health aimed to create the ultimate Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement when formulating OptimALA. Alpha Lipoic Acid is fantastic, regulating oxidation and inflammation while enhancing cellular mitochondrial function, making it an invaluable supplement. This makes it a great supplement for increasing cellular energy in our brains and keeping our brains protected and healthy. Yet, it never really had enough “zing” to it for us to truly consider it a nootropic. OptimALA changed everything. Users were pleasantly surprised by its substantial stimulation and focus enhancement, a departure from initial expectations.

OptimALA combines stabilized Sodium R Alpha Lipoic Acid, further amplified by cyclodextrin Alpha Lipoic Acid for enhanced effectiveness. During initial testing, we expected only a slight energy boost. Unexpectedly, users experienced synergistic fat-burning effects with potent Sesame extract in our innovative Alpha Lipoic Acid formula. Unexpectedly, users experienced energized clarity and lifted fog, making it an instant office favorite upon release!

For prime cellular health, cognitive function, and weight loss via OptimALA’s fat-burning effects, this Alpha Lipoic Acid formulation is ideal.

What is Sleep Support by Natrium Health?

As you may have noticed, Sleep Support is a very new product from our sister brand Natrium Health. In fact, we only launched it a few weeks ago. Considering this, Sleep Support is a perfect fit for our blog. It not only enhances sleep quality but may also provide nootropic benefits during sleep. This is literally the nootropic that enhances cognitive function “over night!”

This Sleep Support formula actually features an impressive list of powerful natural nootropics such as:

• Bacopa monnieri
• Primavie Shilajit
• Uridine monophosphate
• Microencapsulated Zinc

These natural nootropics optimize sleep quality and are also highly respected for their cognitive enhancement properties. Bacopa monnieri helps increase neurotransmission in the brain, in addition to slowly enhancing neuroplasticity. These effects will help keep your brain healthy and optimized while you sleep. Uridine Monophosphate then comes in to help support the cognition-supporting effects of Bacopa monnieri by further boosting neuroplasticity. However, Uridine Monophosphate takes it a step further, and together with Bacopa monnieri helps boost cholinergic activity in the brain.

Memories solidify during sleep, and supplementing with nootropics at night may enhance this process. Lastly, Zinc aids sleep quality and memory function. Zinc, widely distributed in our nervous system, crucially maintains strong and consistent neurotransmission, pivotal for overall neurological function.

What is Smart PS Phosphatide Complex?

Smart PS fluctuates in popularity but often remains underrated among supplements, consistently playing the role of the underdog. It’s unfortunate since Smart PS offers a rare, stable form of Phosphatidylserine, found mainly in Smart PS softgels. Smart PS may not be the “sexiest” of supplements, and is often seen as being a little bit boring. To be honest, this is also kind of the case, but this is actually a good thing.

What Smart PS does really well is provide a great base to build an advanced natural nootropic stack upon. Phosphatidylserine helps support the cellular membranes in our brains which helps support a strong and healthy brain. Phosphatidylserine is even so good at preserving brain mass. Helping to maintaining our brain mass is going to help keep our brains running at peak performance.

Phoshaptidylserine may also help regulate the effects of stress by lowering the levels of cortisol released during stress. Cortisol may be detrimental for cognitive function at higher concentrations, as are experienced during stressful periods. By blunting cortisol, Smart PS can help keep us sharp and focused during periods of stress. Smart PS offers essential effects for nootropic stacks, making it an excellent foundation. We strongly recommend trying it in your next stack!

Attention: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Also read our blog on Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)