Nootropics, the "intelligent drug" that enhances your brain?
The nootropics, either in the form of food, supplement or drug, promise to improve our cognitive functions. Who has not dreamed of enhancing their cognitive abilities, eliminate those annoying lapses from memory or maintain concentration to the maximum by just taking a capsule? These compounds, known as cognitive potentiars, can increase memory, attention and the creativity When altering the Availability of neurotransmitters in the brain and Improve blood irrigation.
In recent years, interest in nootropics has had impressive growth, especially after having Published your consumption in Silicon Valley.
Worldwide, the projections of the institutes of Market research They are amazing and several interests are crossed: studies that support their properties and new options to access this type of Smart drugs that could enhance brain capabilities, especially online.
Posted on 09/30/24
Hifas Editorial Team
What are the nootropics and what are they for?
The nootropics, popularly known as "Smart drugs", they are a fascinating group of compounds that have captured the attention of many. The term comes from two Greek words: Nöos, which means "spirit", and Tropic, which translates as "turn." In essence, nootropics are related to the brain and its functioning.
Various scientific investigations have defined nootropics as substances that enhance cognitive functions such as memory and the learning, especially in situations where these capacities are affected.
The Larousse dictionary offers a broader definition, describing the nootropics as stimulants of consciousness and thought, but also clarifies that it is a fairly vague term that covers from food supplements to medications, plants and various substances. To better understand this world, keep reading!
More about brain reactivators
In retrospect, the term "nootropic" It was first introduced in 1964 by the Neuropharmacologist Cornelius E. Giurgea. The story behind this concept is fascinating and, surprisingly, was born by pure chance.
It all began with the unexpected discovery of Noetic and Cognitive Properties in one of the many compounds Giurgea had synthesized. Its initial objective was to find a molecule with sedative effects or sleep inductors. To achieve this, he focused his research on the GABA, a neurotransmitter known for his Ability to calm and repair the nervous system.
It was evident to his team that, when starting with a molecule of this type, were on the right path to find derivatives with similar properties. In the end, Giurgea and his team managed to synthesize a derivative of the GABA that acquired the intriguing name of "Compound 6215".

"Man will not wait passively for millions of years for evolution to provide a better brain." - Giurgea
In subsequent clinical tests, no effects on sleep were observed. However, after a month of treatment, patients began to notice significant improvements in your memory. What a fortune that the research protocol included memory tests and a sufficient period to capture these effects that were not manifested in the short term!
This milestone led Giurgea to advocate with fervor for the recognition of a new category of Noetic Medicines designed to enhance cognitive function: Nootropics! Thanks to his pioneering work, the marketing of a medicine called Nootropyl was achieved, thus marking an important advance in the field of cognitive improvement.
Why did they become fashionable in Silicon Valley?
After several years of research, our inventor published in 1977 an article in which a framework for all substances was defined that could be considered that they had a nootropic profile:
- Improvement of the knowledge acquisition,
- resistance to physical and chemical disturbances,
- facilitation of information transfer,
- increased Resistance to "attacks" to brain,
- an increase in tonic, cortico-subcortical control,
- the absence of the effects of neuropsychotropic drugs.
Effects of nootropics on the brain
Its effects are attributable to metabolic mechanisms. To do this, they have to be able to penetrate the blood brain barrier to improve cerebral metabolism, and prolonged use is required to achieve stable changes. A 2022 bibliographic review cites some examples:
- Neuroprotection: Protection of brain tissue against neurotoxicity.
- Metabolic support: Positive effects on the synthesis of neuronal proteins and nucleic acids, stimulation of phospholipid metabolism.
- Improves the supply of glucose and oxygen to the brain,
- Antioxidant: Elimination of oxygen -free radicals, with anti -war effects and improvement of erythrocytes plasticity.
Natural nootropics
Formulas that go further
Hifas da Terra is a laboratory with more than 20 years of experience in the research and development of premium supplements from natural ingredients obtained from so well -known fungi and employees in traditional Chinese medicine (MTC) such as the Reishi, he Cordyceps, the León hair or the Chaga, among others.
Among its formulas, we highlight Hifas-neuro, a formula that combines lion hair, chaga, Ginkgo Biloba, phosphatidilserine, Rhodiola Rosea and vitamins that help reduce fatigue, contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function. It also contains pantotenic acid that contributes to normal intellectual performance. A round formula to improve the concentration and memory.

Traditional medicine as a guide
Hericium: Is the fungus with nootropic potential?
As eXpertos in biotechnology and the study of fungi, In Hifas da Terra we carry out our own studies, one of which refers to the nootropic activity of pure fungi. The León hair (Hericium erinaceus) It is one of the fungi studied for its potential NOOTROPIC EFFECT.
There are studies that argue that Hericium Erinaceus could Protective effects on neural networks. This fungus, recently cited by the newspaper I monde Because of its benefits, it contains several chemical compounds of interest, such as Herithenone and the ERINACINA. In vitro, it is believed that it has a Regenerative effect of brain tissue, contributing to improve cognitive function.
To illustrate this nootropic capacity, a randomized essay compared Hericium erinaceus's intake with a placebo in the treatment of cognitive disorders in the elderly. Demonstrated one Improvement of cognitive performance, with significant results after the mental state exam, the test of verbal learning and the test of Visual retention.

How to choose supplements?
- By selecting your accessories, it is essential to opt for trusted companies. Choose laboratories that use extraction methods appropriate to guarantee the availability of active ingredients. This process requires specialized technique and knowledge.
- The standardized concentrated extracts are your best guarantee To obtain the desired compounds, both in quantity and quality. In Hifas da Terra, we are proud to provide Iclear nformation about the composition of the molecules Bioactives of our products.
- It is also important Consider the treatment duration. Scientific studies have shown that many of these substances do not offer immediate results with a single dose; It is necessary to use them for a prolonged period to observe significant improvements.
SUMMARY
Do nototropics really work? Is the power to enhance your brain abilities available to your hand? The truth is that, although nootropics are fascinating, their use must be evaluated cautiously.
First, because there are no conclusive studies that support preventive effects. In fact, there is no evidence that demonstrates benefits of supplementation with nootropics in students, for example. Although lack of studies does not necessarily mean that there are no effects, we advise you to be critical of what the products promise. Among the wide variety of options in the market, few have solid scientific support.
However, some compounds stand out and may be useful to compensate for a loss of cognitive function. Focusing on these compounds is key, but it is also necessary to increase research in this area. One thing is true: nootropics still have much to offer and continue to monopolize the public's attention.
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