The 5 Most Science-Backed Nootropics for Short-Term Memory
Ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, grape seed extract, and more.
Posted February 3, 2020 | Reviewed by Kaja Perina
An experience of good short-term memory entails being able to accurately recall and use digits, figures, or facts that one was exposed to less than a minute ago.
A nootropic is a substance that, if used properly, safely enhances the cognitive functions of the user.
Out of the 165 human placebo -controlled studies with 7152 experimental group participants on 77 nootropics we've reviewed for our app , 16 had a significant improvement on short-term memory in 37 human placebo-controlled studies with a total of 1869 experimental group participants.
The nootropics with the most scientific evidence backing their efficacy and safety for short-term memory are:
We have reviewed eight human placebo-controlled studies on Ginkgo Biloba, in which 723 participants received the nootropic.
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has the potential to improve:
Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.
Frequency: Daily, or as-needed.
Form of consumption: Leaf extract (our dosages regard this) powder, capsules, tincture.
Time of day: User’s choice.
Amount: Light = 100 mg; common = 400 mg; strong = 800 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after 30 to 60 minutes, lasts for 12 hours, and is normally followed by 6 hours of after-effects.
2. Phosphatidylserine
We have reviewed six human placebo-controlled studies on phosphatidylserine, in which 621 participants received the nootropic.
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid with the potential to improve:
Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.
Form of consumption: Phosphatidylserine, capsules, powder.
Time of day: Before noon.
Amount: Light = 50 mg; common = 100 mg; strong = 300 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.
We have reviewed seven human placebo-controlled studies on Omega 3, in which 646 participants received the nootropic.
EPA & DHA are omega-3 fatty acids, often from fish oil , with the potential to improve:
Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.
Form of consumption: Fish oil (our dosages regard this), fish (salmon, krill, etc.), algae.
Time of day: User’s choice.
Amount: Light = 500 mg; common = 2000 mg; strong = 4000 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.
4. Grape Seed Extract
We have reviewed one human placebo-controlled study on grape seed extract, in which 54 participants received the nootropic.
Grape seed extract comes from grape seeds, it has the potential to improve:
Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.
Form of consumption: Powder, capsules, tincture.
Time of day: Before noon.
Amount: Light = 250 mg; common = 500mg; strong = 1000 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.
We have reviewed four human placebo-controlled studies on Rhodiola, in which 202 participants received the nootropic.
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has the potential to improve:
Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.
This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.