5 Science-Backed Nootropics for Learning Faster and Better
Based on 527 placebo-controlled studies, here are 5 supplements for learning.
Posted September 17, 2020
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 learning. If a nootropic was not included in this list, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ineffective for helping the user learn better. 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, 44 included measures of learning. A total of 3,920 participants had their learning tested, and 16 nootropics were assessed for safety and efficacy for improving learning. Based on this body of evidence, these are the 5 most science-backed nootropics for learning in healthy humans.
In the 3 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Sage on measures of learning, 80 participants were included. [3-5]
Overall, these studies found a small positive effect on learning from the 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 United States and Canada. [6-14]
Preliminary evidence suggests Sage has a small positive impact on learning. 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 8 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Bacopa Monnieri on measures of learning, 399 participants were included. [15][18][19][21-25]
Overall, these studies found a small positive effect on learning 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 the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. [7-9][11–14][26-37]
A relatively large amount of evidence suggests Bacopa Monnieri has a small positive impact on learning. 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 2 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Turmeric on measures of learning, 176 participants were included. [40][41]
Overall, these studies found a moderate positive effect on learning from use of Turmeric.
The evidence we reviewed also suggests that Turmeric can improve:
Less than 60% experience:
Less than 10% experience:
Turmeric is legal to buy, possess, and use in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. [7-9][11–14][27-29][30][31][34][35][37][42-46]
Preliminary evidence suggests Turmeric has a moderate positive impact on learning. Moreover, Turmeric 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, Turmeric was used in the following ways:
In the 3 studies we reviewed which examined the effects of Ginkgo Biloba on measures of learning, 178 participants were included. [47][49][50]
Overall, these studies found a small positive effect on learning from use of Ginkgo Biloba.
The evidence we reviewed also suggests that Ginkgo Biloba can improve:
No negative side effects were seen in any of the studies we reviewed.
Ginkgo Biloba is legal to buy, possess, and use in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. [7-9][11–14][27-29][30][34][35][37][51–56]
Preliminary evidence suggests Ginkgo Biloba has a small positive impact on learning. Moreover, Ginkgo Biloba 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, Ginkgo Biloba was used in the following ways:
In the 1 study we reviewed which examined the effects of American Ginseng on measures of learning, 52 participants were included. [57]
This study found a minute positive effect on learning from the use of American Ginseng.
This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.