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What is Nootropil and what exactly does this supplement do?
The promise of the so-called ‘smart drug’ Nootropil is that it can help to improve your cognitive functioning.
This includes memory, learning capacity, thought processes, and other effects.
Nootropil is also more commonly called Piracetam and is the most popular in the class of supplements called Nootropics.
The name Nootropics comes from the Greek language and actually means mind-turning.
The promise of being able to improve one’s mind and mental functioning by simply taking a pill may at first seem far-fetched.
However, there is an incredible amount of real science and research behind Nootropil supplements, and the benefits and results are quite promising.
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Brain Health- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
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What Is Nootropil?
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Nootropil is the brand name for the leading Racetam which is a compound called Piracetam.
It is used clinically all over the world to help conditions such as myoclonus and aesthenia.
There are even a growing number of scientists and researchers who feel that this product has strong potential to help treat or even reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and forms of dementia in elderly patients.
In many European countries, Nootropil is prescribed by doctors to students and other patients who want to boost their brainpoder.
Specifically, Nootropil is a cyclic derivative of GABA. Despite this structure, it does not appear to actually modulate or otherwise affect levels of circulating GABA or their receptor sites within the brain.
- Improves memory and learning
- Heightens focus and motivation
- Enhances mood and reduces anxiety & stress
How Does Nootropil Work?
There is a vast amount of research and clinical trials on the effects of Nootropil and we have a very good idea of the pathways and mechanisms it is able to effectuate.
However, at the moment there is some disagreement for the specific method of action used by Nootropil. As noted above, the supplement does not affect GABA or GABA receptors in any meaningful way. Instead, the method of action is tied to how it increases the activity of Acetylcholine, another very potent neurotransmitter.
This substance is very involved in influencing memory and learning processes. What Nootropil does is make the transfer of Acetylcholine more effective and efficient.
Exactly how the above happens is still a matter for debate and further scientific research. There are a number of different ideas and hypotheses about specific methods.
The first is that Nootropil actually causes a restoration or an increase in the membrane fluidity of neurons. This improves communications between neurons and also between both hemispheres of the brain.
Another interesting theory is related to protein synthesis within the brain. These processes are important factors in memory storage. The idea is that Nootropil is actually helps to improve protein synthesis through an increase in the activity of various steroids within the brain.
Many researchers have noted that when these brain steroids are blocked, so are the effects of most Nootropics.
Other scientists think that special brain receptor sites are modulated by Nootropil. These sites, also known as AMPA receptors, are not otherwise part of synaptic transmissions.
Therefore, if these are able to be affected it should increase the total number of synaptic receptors available and help to increase the effectiveness of any neurotransmitters involved in these processes.
The most commonly accepted theory about the method of action used by Nootropil is that it primarily affects the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. Not only is the chemical itself available in increased amounts but it also affects the receptor sites, allowing the chemical to circulate and increase its role in learning, memory, and other cognitive functions.
It does this by being a positive allosteric modulator of Acetylcholine which basically means it makes this neurotransmitter more influential in the brain.
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Nootropil Effects
There are a number of cognitive benefits attributed to this supplement. For starters Nootropil usage results in improved learning abilities and enhanced memory (some studies even suggest faster recall).
Many users also experience improved focus and concentration along with more mental energy. This can be helpful in removing any type of ‘brain fog’ and seeing things with much more clarity.
Scientifically speaking, a major benefit of Nootropil is that of improving the communication between both hemispheres of the brain. This is accomplished by increasing the signals between both sides of the brain and results in your logical mind being able to share more information with the creative side of your brain.
Nootropil Side Effects
As far as side effects go, Nootropil is very safe and generally well-tolerated in people. If you stick to the recommended dosage levels, it is quite probable that there will be absolutely zero Nootropil side effects in your future.
On the other hand, when exceeded the normal dosage levels, users have experienced headaches (the most common on this list), insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal issues. The headaches can sometimes be treated by adding a good choline supplement to your routine.
Recommended Nootropil Dosage:
While effective, Nootropil is not nearly as potent as some of the newer Nootropic formulations. For this reason the suggested dose is between 2,000-4,800 mg taken two or three times a day.
It is always advisable to start out with a lower dose and work your way up. With the short half-life, however, it is best to spread the administrations over several times in the day.
- Uebelhack R, et al . Effect of piracetam on cognitive performance in patients undergoing bypass surgery. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2003 May;36(3):89-93.
- Wheble PC, Sena ES, Macleod MR. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Piracetam and Piracetam-Like Compounds in Experimental Stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2008;25(1-2):5-11. Epub 2007 Nov 22.
- Fontani G, Grazzi F, Meucci M. Effect of piracetam plus choline treatment on hippocampal rhythmic slow activity (RSA) and behavior in rabbits. Life Sci. 1984 Sep 10;35(11):1183-9.
- Stockmans F, et al . Inhibitory effect of piracetam on platelet-rich thrombus formation in an animal model. Thromb Haemost. 1998 Jan;79(1):222-7.
- Medicines.org.uk; Nootropil 800mg & 1200mg Tablets and Solution. (UCB Pharma Limited; August 2005) electronic Medicines Compendium. Datapharm Communications.
- Mondadori C, et al . Involvement of a steroidal component in the mechanism of action of piracetam-like nootropics. Brain Res. 1990 Jan 1;506(1):101-8.
1 Comment
Hi – my sister is on the Nootropil for her MS and unfortunately it would appear Aspen isnt manufacturing it at the moment. Could you advise if there is another pill / manufacturer in South Africa that we can contact.