What are Nootropics?

November 30, 2023,

Shilpa Dattani

What could you achieve if you had a little more focus in your day? What if your memory was sharper or you could organise your thoughts with greater clarity? Nootropics are one way to support your brain’s full potential.

Towards the Mind 

In 1972,  Romanian scientist Corneliu E. Giurgea coined the term nootropic following years of research into what he referred to as the brain’s “higher integrative functions”(1). His concept of nootropics was derived from the Greek words nous, which means “mind” and tropē, which means “turning” or “towards” to highlight the benefits of nootropics for enhancing thinking and mental performance.

Dr. Giurgea proposed a set of criteria for a substance to be considered a nootropic, including a requirement that it must help to enhance cognitive functions such as learning and memory, and that it must be safe and non-toxic (1). While some of the early research in the area of nootropics was focused on synthetic chemicals, more recent research has focused on nutrients, botanical extracts, and other natural substances that support brain health as well as cognitive function.

Mind-Bending Complexity

The human brain has been called the most complex object in the universe with good reason. It is comprised of an estimated 86 billion neurons (2). These highly specialized cells connect to many other neurons to share information through chemical and electrical signals, creating trillions of connections throughout the brain (2). The coordinated action of neurons in many different regions of the brain are responsible for nearly everything you do from regulating basic body functions like heart rate and breathing, to integrating information from your senses, to remembering where you left your keys.

But all this processing power comes at a high cost. The brain weighs about 3 pounds, making up only 2% of an average person’s total weight. However, it consumes an impressive 20% of the body’s oxygen supply, as well as an outsized share of nutrients and energy (3). Because the brain takes such a large share of the body’s resources just for basic operations, conditions that are less than ideal can have a noticeable impact on the brain’s most complex functions. For example, when you are stressed, hungry, or didn’t get a good night’s sleep, you’re not likely to achieve your best cognitive performance (4-6). A healthy lifestyle goes a long way toward achieving your full cognitive potential, but additional support from nootropics can help to give you a mental advantage (7-9).

Brain Benefits 

Neuroscientists describe higher integrative functions as our most sophisticated thinking skills, such as reasoning, creative problem-solving, decision-making, and executive functions. These mental abilities require the integration of many cognitive elements like attention, memory, perception, and more (10). Unlike many other processes in the brain that are essentially automatic and below our conscious awareness, higher integrative functions are both voluntary and effortful.

It is these types of cognitive functions that nootropics are intended to benefit the most, although different nootropic substances help to enhance brain function in different ways. Natural nootropics include nutrients that help to support the structure and function of the brain and other bioactive components that contribute to optimal cognitive performance. Some nootropic substances help to promote more efficient communication between neurons and can lead to benefits like improved learning and memory (11). Others help to enhance the brain’s defence against oxidative stress, helping to protect neurons from free radicals and maintain optimal functioning (9).

The human brain is a marvel of complexity that not only coordinates and controls the basic operation of the body, but is capable of reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity. Cognitive performance is dependent on conditions within the body and is influenced by overall health and well-being. Nootropics are one way to support your brain’s full potential for a stronger mental edge.

References 

  1. Giurgea C. Vers une pharmacologie de l’activité intégrative du cerveau. Tentative du concept nootrope en psychopharmacologie [Pharmacology of integrative activity of the brain. Attempt at nootropic concept in psychopharmacology]. Actual Pharmacol (Paris). 1972;25:115-156.
  2. Tang Y, Nyengaard JR, De Groot DM, Gundersen HJ. Total regional and global number of synapses in the human brain neocortex. Synapse. 2001;41(3):258-273. doi:10.1002/syn.1083
  3. Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(16):10237-10239. doi:10.1073/pnas.172399499
  4. Shields GS, Sazma MA, Yonelinas AP. The effects of acute stress on core executive functions: A meta-analysis and comparison with cortisol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016;68:651-668. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.038
  5. Sommerfield AJ, Deary IJ, McAulay V, Frier BM. Moderate hypoglycemia impairs multiple memory functions in healthy adults. Neuropsychology. 2003;17(1):125-132.
  6. Killgore WD. Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Prog Brain Res. 2010;185:105-129. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
  7. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L. Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD005381. Published 2008 Jul 16. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005381.pub3
  8. Morley JE. Cognition and nutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(1):1-4. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000005
  9. Onaolapo AY, Obelawo AY, Onaolapo OJ. Brain Ageing, Cognition and Diet: A Review of the Emerging Roles of Food-Based Nootropics in Mitigating Age-related Memory Decline. Curr Aging Sci. 2019;12(1):2-14. doi:10.2174/1874609812666190311160754
  10. Cristofori I, Cohen-Zimerman S, Grafman J. Executive functions. Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;163:197-219. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804281-6.00011-2
  11. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015;31(6):781-786. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014

Wat zijn noötropica?

Wat zou je kunnen bereiken als je overdag wat meer focus had? Wat als je geheugen scherper zou zijn of je je gedachten duidelijker op een rijtje zou kunnen zetten? Noötropica zijn een manier om het volledige potentieel van je hersenen te ondersteunen.

Geestgericht 

In 1972 bedacht de Roemeense wetenschapper Corneliu E. Giurgea de term noötropicum na jarenlang onderzoek naar wat hij de “hogere integratieve functies” van de hersenen noemde (1). Zijn concept van noötropica is afgeleid van de Griekse woorden nous, wat ‘geest’ betekent, en tropē, wat ‘draaien’ of ‘in de richting van’ betekent, om de voordelen van noötropica voor het verbeteren van denkwerk en mentale prestaties te benadrukken.

Dr. Giurgea stelde een reeks criteria voor om een stof als een noötropicum te beschouwen, waaronder de eis dat de stof een bijdrage moet leveren aan cognitieve functies, zoals leerprocessen en het geheugen, en dat het veilig en niet-toxisch moet zijn (1). Hoewel een deel van het vroege onderzoek op het gebied van noötropica gericht was op synthetische chemicaliën, heeft meer recent onderzoek zich gericht op voedingsstoffen, botanische extracten en andere natuurlijke stoffen die de gezondheid van de hersenen en de cognitieve functie ondersteunen.

Verbluffende complexiteit

Het menselijk brein wordt niet voor niets het meest complexe object in het universum genoemd. Het bestaat uit naar schatting 86 miljard neuronen (2). Deze zeer gespecialiseerde cellen maken verbinding met vele andere neuronen om informatie te delen via chemische en elektrische signalen, waardoor in de hersenen triljoenen verbindingen worden gecreëerd (2). De gecoördineerde werking van neuronen in talloze hersengebieden is verantwoordelijk voor bijna alles wat je doet, van het reguleren van basisfuncties van het lichaam zoals hartslag en ademhaling, tot het integreren van informatie van je zintuigen, tot onthouden waar je je sleutels hebt achtergelaten.

Maar al deze verwerkingskracht brengt hoge kosten met zich mee. De hersenen wegen ongeveer 3 pond, oftewel slechts 2% van het totale gewicht van een gemiddelde persoon. Ze verbruiken echter maar liefst 20% van de zuurstofvoorziening van het lichaam, evenals een onevenredig aandeel van de voedingsstoffen en energie (3). Omdat de hersenen zo’n groot deel van de hulpbronnen van het lichaam in beslag nemen voor standaard handelingen, kunnen niet-ideale omstandigheden een merkbare invloed hebben op de meest complexe functies van de hersenen. Als je bijvoorbeeld honger hebt, gestrest bent of niet goed geslapen hebt, zul je waarschijnlijk niet je beste cognitieve prestaties leveren (4-6). Een gezonde levensstijl is een grote stap in de richting van het benutten van je volledige cognitieve potentieel, maar aanvullende ondersteuning van noötropica kan je een mentaal voordeel geven (7-9).

Hersenvoordelen 

Neurowetenschappers beschrijven hogere integratieve functies als onze meest geavanceerde denkvaardigheden, waaronder redeneren, creatieve probleemoplossing, besluitvorming en uitvoerende functies. Deze mentale vermogens vereisen de integratie van diverse cognitieve elementen zoals aandacht, geheugen, perceptie en meer (10). In tegenstelling tot vele andere processen in de hersenen die in wezen automatisch en buiten ons bewustzijn worden uitgevoerd, zijn hogere integratieve functies zowel vrijwillig als inspannend.

Het zijn dit soort cognitieve functies waar noötropica het meeste baat bij kunnen hebben, hoewel verschillende noötropische stoffen de hersenfunctie op verschillende manieren helpen verbeteren. Natuurlijke noötropica bevatten voedingsstoffen die de structuur en functie van de hersenen helpen ondersteunen en andere bioactieve componenten die bijdragen aan optimale cognitieve prestaties. Sommige noötropische stoffen helpen een efficiëntere communicatie tussen neuronen te bevorderen en kunnen leiden tot voordelen zoals verbetering van leerprocessen en geheugen (11). Andere dragen bij aan de afweer van de hersenen tegen oxidatieve stress, de bescherming van neuronen tegen vrije radicalen en het behoud van optimaal functioneren (9).

Het menselijk brein is een wonder van complexiteit dat niet alleen de standaardfuncties van het lichaam coördineert en controleert, maar ook in staat is tot redeneren, problemen oplossen en creativiteit. Cognitieve prestaties zijn afhankelijk van de omstandigheden in het lichaam en worden beïnvloed door de algehele gezondheid en het welzijn. Noötropica zijn een manier om het volledige potentieel van je hersenen te ondersteunen en je zo een mentale voorsprong te geven.

 

References 

  1. Giurgea C. Vers une pharmacologie de l’activité intégrative du cerveau. Tentative du concept nootrope en psychopharmacologie [Pharmacology of integrative activity of the brain. Attempt at nootropic concept in psychopharmacology]. Actual Pharmacol (Paris). 1972;25:115-156.
  2. Tang Y, Nyengaard JR, De Groot DM, Gundersen HJ. Total regional and global number of synapses in the human brain neocortex. Synapse. 2001;41(3):258-273. doi:10.1002/syn.1083
  3. Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(16):10237-10239. doi:10.1073/pnas.172399499
  4. Shields GS, Sazma MA, Yonelinas AP. The effects of acute stress on core executive functions: A meta-analysis and comparison with cortisol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016;68:651-668. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.038
  5. Sommerfield AJ, Deary IJ, McAulay V, Frier BM. Moderate hypoglycemia impairs multiple memory functions in healthy adults. Neuropsychology. 2003;17(1):125-132.
  6. Killgore WD. Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Prog Brain Res. 2010;185:105-129. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
  7. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L. Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD005381. Published 2008 Jul 16. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005381.pub3
  8. Morley JE. Cognition and nutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(1):1-4. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000005
  9. Onaolapo AY, Obelawo AY, Onaolapo OJ. Brain Ageing, Cognition and Diet: A Review of the Emerging Roles of Food-Based Nootropics in Mitigating Age-related Memory Decline. Curr Aging Sci. 2019;12(1):2-14. doi:10.2174/1874609812666190311160754
  10. Cristofori I, Cohen-Zimerman S, Grafman J. Executive functions. Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;163:197-219. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804281-6.00011-2
  11. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015;31(6):781-786. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014

Was sind Nootropika?

Was könntest Du erreichen, wenn Du Dich im Laufe Deines Tages ein wenig besser konzentrieren könntest? Was wäre, wenn Dein Erinnerungsvermögen noch besser wäre oder Du Deine Gedanken klarer strukturieren könntest? Nootropika stellen einen Ansatz zur vollen Ausschöpfung des Potenzials Deines Gehirns dar.

Mit Blick auf den Geist 

1972 prägte der rumänische Wissenschaftler Corneliu E. Giurgea den Begriff Nootropika. Jahrelang hatte er sich in seiner Forschungstätigkeit mit dem beschäftigt, was er als die „höheren integrativen Funktionen“ (1) des Gehirns bezeichnete. Sein Konzept von Nootropika wurde aus den griechischen Wörtern nous, das „Geist“ bedeutet, und tropē, was „sich wenden“ oder „in Richtung“ bedeutet, abgeleitet. Er wollte auf den Nutzen von Nootropika für besseres Denkvermögen und geistige Leistungsfähigkeit hinweisen.

Dr. Giurgea schlug eine Reihe an Kriterien vor, anhand derer eine Substanz als Nootropikum gelten sollte. Dazu gehörte die Anforderung, dass es die kognitiven Funktionen wie Lernen und Gedächtnis verbessern sollte, und zugleich musste es sicher und nicht giftig sein (1). Frühe Forschungsarbeiten im Bereich der Nootropika konzentrierten sich auf synthetische Chemikalien. Die neuere Forschung hat ihren Fokus hingegen auf Nährstoffe, pflanzliche Extrakte und andere natürliche Substanzen gelegt, die die Gesundheit des Gehirns wie auch kognitive Funktionen unterstützen.

Unglaubliche Komplexität

Aus gutem Grund wird das menschliche Gehirn als das komplexeste Objekt im Universum bezeichnet. Es besteht aus geschätzten 86 Milliarden Neuronen (2). Diese hoch spezialisierten Zellen stellen Verbindungen zu vielen anderen Neuronen her, um Informationen über chemische und elektrische Signale weiterzuleiten, wodurch sich Billionen an Verknüpfungen im gesamten Gehirn ergeben (2).  Die koordinierte Aktion der Neuronen in vielen verschiedenen Bereichen des Gehirns sind für nahezu alles, was man tut, verantwortlich – von der Regulierung der grundlegenden Körperfunktionen, wie Herzschlag und Atmung, bis hin zur Aufnahme von Informationen aus den Sinnen bis hin zur Erinnerung, wo Du die Schlüssel hingelegt hattest.

Doch all die Prozessorleistung erfordert einen hohen Preis. Das Gehirn wiegt rund 1,5 kg und macht nur 2 % des Gesamtgewichts einer Durchschnittsperson aus. Jedoch verbraucht es eindrucksvolle 20 % der Sauerstoffzufuhr im Körper wie auch einen überproportionalen Anteil an Nährstoffen und Energie (3). Da das Gehirn einen solch großen Anteil der Ressourcen des Körpers für grundlegende Tätigkeiten in Anspruch nimmt, können sich ungünstige Zustände merklich auf die komplexesten Funktionen des Gehirns auswirken. Wenn Du zum Beispiel gestresst oder hungrig bist oder nicht gut geschlafen hast, dann wirst Du wahrscheinlich nicht Deine beste kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit erreichen (4-6). Ein gesunder Lebensstil trägt viel dazu bei, das kognitive Potenzial voll ausschöpfen zu können. Jedoch kann die zusätzliche Unterstützung durch Nootropika helfen, einen mentalen Vorsprung zu erzielen (7-9).

Nutzen für das Gehirn 

Neurowissenschaftler beschreiben höhere integrative Funktionen als unsere anspruchsvollsten Denkfähigkeiten, wie Schlussfolgerungen, kreative Problemlösungen, Entscheidungsfindungen und ausführende Funktionen. Diese mentalen Fähigkeiten erfordern die Integration von zahlreichen kognitiven Elementen, z. B. Aufmerksamkeit, Erinnerungsvermögen, Wahrnehmung und weitere (10). Im Gegensatz zu anderen Funktionen im Gehirn, die im Wesentlichen automatisch und von uns nicht wahrgenommen ablaufen, erfolgen höhere integrative Funktionen sowohl freiwillig wie auch mit bewusstem Einsatz.

Für diese Arten von kognitiven Funktionen sollen Nootropika am nützlichsten sein. Allerdings steigern die verschiedenen Nootropika-Substanzen die Gehirnfunktion auf unterschiedliche Weise. Zu natürlichen Nootropika zählen Nährstoffe, die die Struktur, die Funktion des Gehirns und andere bioaktive Komponenten unterstützen, die zur optimalen kognitiven Leistung beitragen. Manche Nootropika-Substanzen stimulieren eine effizientere Kommunikation zwischen Neuronen, daraus können sich Vorteile ergeben, wie gesteigerte Lernfähigkeiten und besseres Gedächtnisvermögen (11). Andere Nootropika unterstützen die Widerstandsfähigkeit des Gehirns gegen oxidativen Stress, so tragen sie zum Schutz der Neuronen vor freien Radikale bei und halten eine optimale Funktionsweise aufrecht (9).

Das menschliche Gehirn ist ein Wunder an Komplexität, – und zwar nicht nur, weil es die grundlegenden Körperfunktionen koordiniert und steuert, sondern auch zu Schlussfolgerungen, Problemlösungen und Kreativität fähig ist. Die kognitive Leistung hängt vom körperlichen Zustand ab und wird durch die Gesamtgesundheit und das Wohlbefinden beeinflusst. Nootropika stellen eine Methode zur vollen Ausschöpfung des Potenzials Deines Gehirns für eine stärkere mentale Leistungsfähigkeit dar.

 

References 

  1. Giurgea C. Vers une pharmacologie de l’activité intégrative du cerveau. Tentative du concept nootrope en psychopharmacologie [Pharmacology of integrative activity of the brain. Attempt at nootropic concept in psychopharmacology]. Actual Pharmacol (Paris). 1972;25:115-156.
  2. Tang Y, Nyengaard JR, De Groot DM, Gundersen HJ. Total regional and global number of synapses in the human brain neocortex. Synapse. 2001;41(3):258-273. doi:10.1002/syn.1083
  3. Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(16):10237-10239. doi:10.1073/pnas.172399499
  4. Shields GS, Sazma MA, Yonelinas AP. The effects of acute stress on core executive functions: A meta-analysis and comparison with cortisol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016;68:651-668. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.038
  5. Sommerfield AJ, Deary IJ, McAulay V, Frier BM. Moderate hypoglycemia impairs multiple memory functions in healthy adults. Neuropsychology. 2003;17(1):125-132.
  6. Killgore WD. Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Prog Brain Res. 2010;185:105-129. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
  7. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L. Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD005381. Published 2008 Jul 16. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005381.pub3
  8. Morley JE. Cognition and nutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(1):1-4. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000005
  9. Onaolapo AY, Obelawo AY, Onaolapo OJ. Brain Ageing, Cognition and Diet: A Review of the Emerging Roles of Food-Based Nootropics in Mitigating Age-related Memory Decline. Curr Aging Sci. 2019;12(1):2-14. doi:10.2174/1874609812666190311160754
  10. Cristofori I, Cohen-Zimerman S, Grafman J. Executive functions. Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;163:197-219. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804281-6.00011-2
  11. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015;31(6):781-786. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014

¿Qué son los nootrópicos?

¿Qué podrías obtener si estuvieras un poco más centrada en tu día a día? ¿Qué sucedería si tu memoria fuera mejor o pudieras organizar tus pensamientos con mayor claridad? Los nootrópicos son una forma de apoyar a todo el potencial de tu cerebro.

Hacia la mente

En 1972, el científico rumano Corneliu E. Giurgea acuñó el término nootrópico tras años de investigación en lo que el denominaba como las “funciones integradoras superiores”(1) del cerebro. Su concepto de nootrópicos procedía de las palabras griegas nous, que significa “mente” y tropē, que significa “dirección” o “hacia” para resaltar los beneficios de los nootrópicos para mejorar el pensamiento y el rendimiento mental.

El Dr. Giurgea propuso un conjunto de criterios para que una sustancia se considerarse un nootrópico, incluido un requisito de que debería ayudar a mejorar las funciones cognitivas como el aprendizaje y la memoria y que debería ser seguro y no tóxico (1). Si bien la investigación temprana en el área de los nootrópicos se centró en productos químicos sintéticos, la investigación más reciente se ha centrado en los nutrientes, extractos botánicos y otras sustancias naturales que apoyan a la salud del cerebro así como a la función cognitiva.

Complejidad increíble

El cerebro humano es conocido como el objeto más complejo del universo por un buen motivo. Se calcula que está compuesto de unas 86 000 millones de neuronas (2). Estas células altamente especializadas se conectan a otras muchas neuronas para compartir información a través de señales químicas y eléctricas, creando trillones de conexiones en el cerebro(2). La acción coordinada de las neuronas en numerosas regiones del cerebro es la responsable de prácticamente todo lo que haces, desde regular las funciones básicas del cuerpo como la frecuencia cardíaca y respiración a integrar la información procedente de tus sentidos o recordar dónde dejaste las llaves.

Sin embargo, toda esta potencia de procesamiento tiene un alto coste. El peso pesa alrededor de 1,4 kg, lo que representa tan solo un 2 % de peso total medio de una persona. Sin embargo, consume un impresionante 20 % del suministro de oxígeno del cuerpo, así como una cuota excesiva de nutrientes y energía (3). Debido a que el cerebro toma una cuota tan grande de los recursos del cuerpo simplemente para operaciones básicas, las condiciones que no sean ideales pueden tener una repercusión clara en las funciones más complejas del cerebro. Por ejemplo, cuando estás estresada, tienes hambre o no has descansado bien por la noche, es probable que tu rendimiento cognitivo no sea el mejor (4-6). Un estilo de vida saludable ayudará enormemente a lograr todo tu potencial cognitivo, pero un apoyo adicional de los nootrópicos puede ayudarte a tener una ventaja mental (7-9).

Beneficios para el cerebro 

Los neurocientíficos describen las funciones integradoras superiores como nuestros conocimientos de pensamiento más sofisticados, como razonar, resolución de problemas, toma de decisiones y funciones ejecutivas. Estas capacidades mentales requieren la integración de numerosos elementos cognitivos como la atención, la memoria, la percepción y más (10). A diferencia de muchos otros procesos en el cerebro que básicamente son automáticos y se realizan de forma inconsciente, las funciones integrativas superiores son voluntarias y requieren un esfuerzo.

La intención de los nootrópicos es beneficiar al máximo a estos tipos de funciones cognitivas, aunque distintas sustancias nootrópicas ayudan a mejorar la función cerebral de distintas maneras. Los nootrópicos naturales incluyen nutrientes que ayudan a apoyar la estructura y función del cerebro y otros componentes bioactivos que contribuyen al rendimiento cognitivo óptimo. Algunas sustancias nootrópicas ayudan a promover una comunicación más eficiente entre las neuronas y pueden dar lugar a beneficios como un aprendizaje y memoria mejorados (11). Otros ayudan a mejorar la defensa del cerebro contra el estrés oxidativo, con lo que ayudan a proteger a las neuronas de los radicales libres y mantienen un funcionamiento óptimo (9).

El cerebro humano es una maravilla de complejidad que no solo coordina y controla el funcionamiento básico del cuerpo, sino que es capaz de razonar, resolver problemas y creatividad. El rendimiento cognitivo depende de las condiciones en el cuerpo y está influido por la salud y bienestar general. Los nootrópicos son una forma de apoyar a todo el potencial de tu cerebro para una mayor agudeza mental.

 

References 

  1. Giurgea C. Vers une pharmacologie de l’activité intégrative du cerveau. Tentative du concept nootrope en psychopharmacologie [Pharmacology of integrative activity of the brain. Attempt at nootropic concept in psychopharmacology]. Actual Pharmacol (Paris). 1972;25:115-156.
  2. Tang Y, Nyengaard JR, De Groot DM, Gundersen HJ. Total regional and global number of synapses in the human brain neocortex. Synapse. 2001;41(3):258-273. doi:10.1002/syn.1083
  3. Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(16):10237-10239. doi:10.1073/pnas.172399499
  4. Shields GS, Sazma MA, Yonelinas AP. The effects of acute stress on core executive functions: A meta-analysis and comparison with cortisol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016;68:651-668. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.038
  5. Sommerfield AJ, Deary IJ, McAulay V, Frier BM. Moderate hypoglycemia impairs multiple memory functions in healthy adults. Neuropsychology. 2003;17(1):125-132.
  6. Killgore WD. Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Prog Brain Res. 2010;185:105-129. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
  7. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L. Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD005381. Published 2008 Jul 16. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005381.pub3
  8. Morley JE. Cognition and nutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(1):1-4. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000005
  9. Onaolapo AY, Obelawo AY, Onaolapo OJ. Brain Ageing, Cognition and Diet: A Review of the Emerging Roles of Food-Based Nootropics in Mitigating Age-related Memory Decline. Curr Aging Sci. 2019;12(1):2-14. doi:10.2174/1874609812666190311160754
  10. Cristofori I, Cohen-Zimerman S, Grafman J. Executive functions. Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;163:197-219. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804281-6.00011-2
  11. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015;31(6):781-786. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014

Cosa sono i nootropi?

Quali risultati potresti ottenere concentrandoti un po’ di più tutti i giorni? E se la tua memoria fosse più efficiente o se potessi mettere ordine alle tue idee per vedere tutto più chiaro? I nootropi servono proprio a questo, ad aiutare il cervello ad esprimere tutto il suo potenziale.

Dentro la mente 

Nel 1972, lo scienziato rumeno Corneliu E. Giurgea coniò il termine nootropo al culmine di anni di ricerca su ciò che definì “funzioni cerebrali superiori” (1). La definizione di nootropo deriva dalle parole greche nous, che significa “mente” e tropē, che significa “cambiamento” o “trasformazione” per sottolineare i benefici dei nootropi sulle prestazioni mentali e cognitive.

Secondo il dott. Giurgea, perché una sostanza possa essere definita nootropica deve rispettare alcuni criteri come, ad esempio: avere la capacità di migliorare le funzioni cognitive quali memoria e apprendimento ed essere sicura e atossica (1). Nonostante le prime ricerche nel campo dei nootropi si siano focalizzate sulle sostanze chimiche di origine sintetica, gli studi più recenti hanno iniziato a considerare principi nutritivi, estratti vegetali e altre sostanze di origine naturale che supportano la salute cerebrale e le funzioni cognitive.

Una questione cervellotica

Il cervello umano è stato giustamente definito come l’elemento più complesso dell’universo. Nel cervello sono presenti circa 86 miliardi di neuroni (2). Queste cellule altamente specializzate comunicano tra loro trasferendo le informazioni attraverso segnali chimici ed elettrici, creando migliaia di miliardi di connessioni all’interno del cervello stesso (2). L’azione coordinata dei neuroni situati in diverse zone del cervello è responsabile di praticamente qualsiasi attività corporea, dalla regolazione delle funzioni organiche basilari, come battito cardiaco e respiro, all’elaborazione delle informazioni provenienti dai sensi. E se ti ricordi dove hai lasciato le chiavi è grazie a loro.

Ma tutta questa potenza di calcolo comporta dei costi. Il cervello pesa all’incirca 1,350 kg, solo il 2% del peso totale di una persona. Tuttavia esso consuma una notevole quantità dell’ossigeno presente in tutto l’organismo, circa il 20%, oltre a un’enorme quantità di energia e nutrienti (3). Il cervello impiega perciò una quota consistente delle risorse corporee già solo per le semplici funzioni di base. Quando le condizioni fisiche non sono perfette le funzioni più complesse del cervello possono risentirne in modo significativo. Ad esempio, se siamo stressati, abbiamo fame o non abbiamo dormito bene è probabile che le nostre prestazioni cognitive non siano al meglio (4-6). Condurre uno stile di vita salutare è fondamentale perché il potenziale cognitivo possa esprimersi appieno, ma il supporto dei nootropi può dare un grande contributo alle funzioni mentali (7-9).

I benefici per il cervello 

I neuroscienziati definiscono le funzioni cerebrali superiori come le nostre forme di pensiero più evolute. Ne sono un esempio la capacità di ragionamento, il problem-solving creativo, la capacità di prendere decisioni e le funzioni esecutive. Queste facoltà mentali richiedono l’attivazione contemporanea e sinergica di svariati elementi cognitivi quali attenzione, memoria, percezione ecc. (10) Diversamente da molti altri processi cerebrali meramente automatici e indipendenti dalla nostra volontà, le funzioni cerebrali superiori sono volontarie e laboriose.

I nootropi mirano a supportare proprio questa tipologia di funzioni cognitive, anche se ogni sostanza nootropica migliora l’attività cerebrale in modo diverso. I nootropi naturali comprendono quei nutrienti che supportano la struttura e il funzionamento del cervello e altri componenti bioattivi che contribuiscono al raggiungimento di prestazioni cognitive ottimali. Alcune sostante nootropiche sostengono la comunicazione tra i neuroni e possono produrre benefici a livello di capacità d’apprendimento e memoria (11). Altre aumentano le difese del cervello contro gli stress ossidativi, contribuendo a proteggere i neuroni dai radicali liberi e a mantenere un funzionamento ottimale (9).

Il cervello umano è un prodigio di complessità che non solo coordina e controlla le attività basilari del corpo ma che è anche in grado di ragionare, risolvere problemi e creare. Le prestazioni cognitive dipendono dalle condizioni interne dell’organismo e sono influenzate dallo stato di salute e benessere globale. I nootropi servono proprio a questo: ad aiutare il cervello a esprimere tutto il suo potenziale per un maggiore acume mentale.

 

References 

  1. Giurgea C. Vers une pharmacologie de l’activité intégrative du cerveau. Tentative du concept nootrope en psychopharmacologie [Pharmacology of integrative activity of the brain. Attempt at nootropic concept in psychopharmacology]. Actual Pharmacol (Paris). 1972;25:115-156.
  2. Tang Y, Nyengaard JR, De Groot DM, Gundersen HJ. Total regional and global number of synapses in the human brain neocortex. Synapse. 2001;41(3):258-273. doi:10.1002/syn.1083
  3. Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(16):10237-10239. doi:10.1073/pnas.172399499
  4. Shields GS, Sazma MA, Yonelinas AP. The effects of acute stress on core executive functions: A meta-analysis and comparison with cortisol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016;68:651-668. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.038
  5. Sommerfield AJ, Deary IJ, McAulay V, Frier BM. Moderate hypoglycemia impairs multiple memory functions in healthy adults. Neuropsychology. 2003;17(1):125-132.
  6. Killgore WD. Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Prog Brain Res. 2010;185:105-129. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
  7. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L. Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD005381. Published 2008 Jul 16. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005381.pub3
  8. Morley JE. Cognition and nutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(1):1-4. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000005
  9. Onaolapo AY, Obelawo AY, Onaolapo OJ. Brain Ageing, Cognition and Diet: A Review of the Emerging Roles of Food-Based Nootropics in Mitigating Age-related Memory Decline. Curr Aging Sci. 2019;12(1):2-14. doi:10.2174/1874609812666190311160754
  10. Cristofori I, Cohen-Zimerman S, Grafman J. Executive functions. Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;163:197-219. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804281-6.00011-2
  11. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015;31(6):781-786. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014

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What are Nootropics?

November 30, 2023,

Shilpa Dattani

What could you achieve if you had a little more focus in your day? What if your memory was sharper or you could organise your thoughts with greater clarity? Nootropics are one way to support your brain’s full potential.

Towards the Mind 

In 1972,  Romanian scientist Corneliu E. Giurgea coined the term nootropic following years of research into what he referred to as the brain’s “higher integrative functions”(1). His concept of nootropics was derived from the Greek words nous, which means “mind” and tropē, which means “turning” or “towards” to highlight the benefits of nootropics for enhancing thinking and mental performance.

Dr. Giurgea proposed a set of criteria for a substance to be considered a nootropic, including a requirement that it must help to enhance cognitive functions such as learning and memory, and that it must be safe and non-toxic (1). While some of the early research in the area of nootropics was focused on synthetic chemicals, more recent research has focused on nutrients, botanical extracts, and other natural substances that support brain health as well as cognitive function.

Mind-Bending Complexity

The human brain has been called the most complex object in the universe with good reason. It is comprised of an estimated 86 billion neurons (2). These highly specialized cells connect to many other neurons to share information through chemical and electrical signals, creating trillions of connections throughout the brain (2). The coordinated action of neurons in many different regions of the brain are responsible for nearly everything you do from regulating basic body functions like heart rate and breathing, to integrating information from your senses, to remembering where you left your keys.

But all this processing power comes at a high cost. The brain weighs about 3 pounds, making up only 2% of an average person’s total weight. However, it consumes an impressive 20% of the body’s oxygen supply, as well as an outsized share of nutrients and energy (3). Because the brain takes such a large share of the body’s resources just for basic operations, conditions that are less than ideal can have a noticeable impact on the brain’s most complex functions. For example, when you are stressed, hungry, or didn’t get a good night’s sleep, you’re not likely to achieve your best cognitive performance (4-6). A healthy lifestyle goes a long way toward achieving your full cognitive potential, but additional support from nootropics can help to give you a mental advantage (7-9).

Brain Benefits 

Neuroscientists describe higher integrative functions as our most sophisticated thinking skills, such as reasoning, creative problem-solving, decision-making, and executive functions. These mental abilities require the integration of many cognitive elements like attention, memory, perception, and more (10). Unlike many other processes in the brain that are essentially automatic and below our conscious awareness, higher integrative functions are both voluntary and effortful.

It is these types of cognitive functions that nootropics are intended to benefit the most, although different nootropic substances help to enhance brain function in different ways. Natural nootropics include nutrients that help to support the structure and function of the brain and other bioactive components that contribute to optimal cognitive performance. Some nootropic substances help to promote more efficient communication between neurons and can lead to benefits like improved learning and memory (11). Others help to enhance the brain’s defence against oxidative stress, helping to protect neurons from free radicals and maintain optimal functioning (9).

The human brain is a marvel of complexity that not only coordinates and controls the basic operation of the body, but is capable of reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity. Cognitive performance is dependent on conditions within the body and is influenced by overall health and well-being. Nootropics are one way to support your brain’s full potential for a stronger mental edge.

References 

  1. Giurgea C. Vers une pharmacologie de l’activité intégrative du cerveau. Tentative du concept nootrope en psychopharmacologie [Pharmacology of integrative activity of the brain. Attempt at nootropic concept in psychopharmacology]. Actual Pharmacol (Paris). 1972;25:115-156.
  2. Tang Y, Nyengaard JR, De Groot DM, Gundersen HJ. Total regional and global number of synapses in the human brain neocortex. Synapse. 2001;41(3):258-273. doi:10.1002/syn.1083
  3. Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(16):10237-10239. doi:10.1073/pnas.172399499
  4. Shields GS, Sazma MA, Yonelinas AP. The effects of acute stress on core executive functions: A meta-analysis and comparison with cortisol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016;68:651-668. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.038
  5. Sommerfield AJ, Deary IJ, McAulay V, Frier BM. Moderate hypoglycemia impairs multiple memory functions in healthy adults. Neuropsychology. 2003;17(1):125-132.
  6. Killgore WD. Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Prog Brain Res. 2010;185:105-129. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
  7. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L. Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD005381. Published 2008 Jul 16. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005381.pub3
  8. Morley JE. Cognition and nutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(1):1-4. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000005
  9. Onaolapo AY, Obelawo AY, Onaolapo OJ. Brain Ageing, Cognition and Diet: A Review of the Emerging Roles of Food-Based Nootropics in Mitigating Age-related Memory Decline. Curr Aging Sci. 2019;12(1):2-14. doi:10.2174/1874609812666190311160754
  10. Cristofori I, Cohen-Zimerman S, Grafman J. Executive functions. Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;163:197-219. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804281-6.00011-2
  11. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015;31(6):781-786. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014

    Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

    Social Links

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    4 Deliciously Creative Ways to Enjoy Your IsaLean® Shake

    November 20th, 2024|0 Comments

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    October 4th, 2024|0 Comments

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    October 3rd, 2024|0 Comments

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    October 1st, 2024|0 Comments
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