5 Science-Backed Nootropics for Cognitive Processing
Based on 527 placebo-controlled studies, 5 supplements may improve cognition.
Posted September 24, 2020 | Reviewed by Kaja Perina
A nootropic is a substance that, if used properly, safely enhances the cognitive functions of the user.
As public interest in cognitive enhancers escalates, the demand for high-quality evidence on the safety and efficacy of nootropics seems to outgrow the supply of that information. Although new placebo -controlled studies are published frequently, they can be hard to read and misrepresentative of the entire body of knowledge the scientific community has provided on the effects of nootropics. These are some of the reasons why we systematically went through 527 placebo-controlled studies [1] on the effects of 127 nootropics and put together a list with the 5 most science-backed ones for improving cognitive processing. If a nootropic was not included in this list, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ineffective for increasing cognitive processing. It likely means there is less research on the effects of that compound in healthy humans than there’s for each nootropic that made it on to the list.
Out of the 527 studies, 65 included measures of cognitive processing. A total of 5,630 participants had their cognitive processing tested, and 19 nootropics were assessed for safety and efficacy for improving cognitive processing. Based on this body of evidence, these are the 5 most science-backed nootropics for increasing cognitive processing in healthy humans.
In the 11 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Bacopa Monnieri on measures of cognitive processing, 500 participants were included. [2-12]
Overall, these studies found a small positive effect on cognitive processing from use of Bacopa Monnieri.
The evidence we reviewed also suggests that Bacopa Monnieri can improve:
Less than 50% experience:
Less than 30% experience:
Less than 10% experience:
Less than 1% experience:
Bacopa Monnieri is legal to buy, possess, and use in United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada and Australia. [13-19][20-31]
A relatively large amount of evidence suggests Bacopa Monnieri has a small positive impact on cognitive processing. Moreover, Bacopa Monnieri is generally safe and legal.
It is probably safer and more effective to use nootropics as they have been used in studies on humans. In the studies we’ve reviewed, Bacopa Monnieri was used in the following ways:
In the 4 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Sage on measures of cognitive processing, 110 participants were included. [32-35]
Overall, these studies found a minute positive effect on cognitive processing from use of Sage.
The evidence we reviewed also suggests that Sage can improve:
No negative side effects were seen in any of the studies we reviewed.
Sage is legal to buy, possess, and use in the United States and Canada. [14-16][23-26][36][37]
A relatively large amount of evidence suggests Sage has a minute positive impact on cognitive processing. Moreover, Sage is generally safe and legal.
It is probably safer and more effective to use nootropics as they have been used in studies on humans. In the studies we’ve reviewed, Sage was used in the following ways:
In the 5 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Panax Ginseng on measures of cognitive processing, 140 participants were included. [38-41][43]
Overall, these studies found a minute positive effect on cognitive processing from use of Panax Ginseng.
The evidence we reviewed also suggests that Panax Ginseng can improve:
No negative side effects were seen in any of the studies we reviewed.
Panax Ginseng is legal to buy, possess, and use in the United States and Canada. [14-16][23-26][44][45]
A relatively large amount of evidence suggests Panax Ginseng has a minute positive impact on cognitive processing. Moreover, Panax Ginseng is generally safe and legal.
It is probably safer and more effective to use nootropics as they have been used in studies on humans. In the studies we’ve reviewed, Panax Ginseng was used in the following ways:
In the 2 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Rhodiola on measures of cognitive processing, 154 participants were included. [46][47]
Overall, these studies found a large positive effect on cognitive processing from use of Rhodiola.
The evidence we reviewed also suggests that Rhodiola can improve:
Less than 20% experience:
Less than 10% experience:
Rhodiola is legal to buy, possess, and use in United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada and Australia. [14-21][23][24][25][26][29][50–55]
Preliminary evidence suggests Rhodiola has a large positive impact on cognitive processing. Moreover, Rhodiola is generally safe and legal.
It is probably safer and more effective to use nootropics as they have been used in studies on humans. In the studies we’ve reviewed, Rhodiola was used in the following ways:
In the 1 study we reviewed which examined the effects of Gurana on measures of cognitive processing, 28 participants were included. [40]
This study found a minute positive effect on cognitive processing from use of Guarana.
The evidence we reviewed also suggests that Guarana can improve:
This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.