Best Nootropic Supplements for Sleep

Nootropics Used to Improve Sleep

Sleep depravity plagues many people. Some people suffer every day, others suffer only once in a while.  Regardless of how often a person might be sleep deprived, it can affect all areas of one’s life.  It can affect social life, work life, student life, and even everyday tasks. A lack of sleep can massively reduce performance and success in many arenas.  Fortunately, there are nootropic supplements which can significantly help improve sleep deprivation.

Top Nootropics for Sleep

This is one of the best nootropic supplements used for sleep.

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is naturally manufactured in the body from the amino acid phenylalanine (Bloemendaal et al., 2018). It is used to control neurotransmitter production, including those neurotransmitters essential in sleep regulation (2018). L-Tyrosine has great stress-reducing ability, which is often cited as the reason it has such a positive impact on sleep (Young, 2007).  It is well-known to improve the actual quality of sleep as well as reducing sleep deprevaity (2007).  Using L-Tyrosine for sleep seems to also improve memory and reasoning (Neri et al., 1995).  Studies reveal that this is especially true for individuals who work long hours with very little sleep (1995).

Last Notes On Using Sleep Nootropic Supplements

Nootropic supplements offer amazing benefits when it comes to handling sleep deprivation.  While there are many nootropics which offer benefits to sleep, L-Tyrosine is one of the most potent and useful nootropics.  And with the other benefits the nootropic offers, it has become a great addition to almost any nootropic stack.  It is only advised to ensure that it is used with cooperative nootropics, so that its sleep-enhancing properties are not countered by energy-inducing herbs.

A Note From NooFiles

This article is intended to be used for information only.  We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.

Sources

Bloemendaal, M., Froböse, M. I., Wegman, J., Zandbelt, B. B., van de Rest, O., Cools, R., and Aarts, E. (2018). Neuro-Cognitive Effects of Acute Tyrosine Administration on Reactive and Proactive Response Inhibition in Healthy Older Adults. eNeuro. Vol. 5(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0035-17.2018

Best Nootropic Supplement for Breathing Support

Nootropic Supplements That Improve Breathing and Asthma

Breathing problems can change the entire quality of life for some people.  For others, it may just be a minor nuisance. Regardless of the depths of the problem, there is a powerful nootropic supplement that can work wonders for breathing-related ailments.  It is even possible to use nootropics to combat asthma or bronchitis! There is no sense in suffering with a breathing ailment when there is a viable nootropic for controlling the ailments and conditions.

Asthma

Top Nootropics for Breathing Support

This is the best nootropic supplement for asthma and breathing-related ailments.

Nigella Sativa

Nigella Sativa is also known as Black Cumin, and its seeds hold a lot of potent medicinal properties (Chevallier, 2016). There are many modern, empirical studies which are suggesting the seeds are a reasonable treatment for many breathing issues.  For example, they can treat nasal congestion (2016).  Additionally, they have been outlined to potentially treat bronchial asthma with great effect (Shakeri et al., 2016).  Nigella’s positive effects on breathing have been recorded as far back as the 14th century, where it would be used as an aid for gasping, shortness of breath, and hard breathing (Koshak et al., 2017). It has even been suggested to have the power to stop phlegm altogether.  Many modern uses of Nigella still include cough, asthma, and treatment of other breathing-related conditions (2017).

Last Notes On Using Breathing Support Nootropic Supplements

Using nootropics to alleviate breathing ailments might be one of the best ways to get the condition or problem under control.  Nootropic supplements typically offer extremely reliable, holistic healing properties which can be counted upon on a day-to-day basis.  Simply adding Nigella Sativa to one’s daily routine can make a huge difference in dealing with asthma, bronchitis, or nearly any other breathing-related problem.

A Note From NooFiles

This article is intended to be used for information only.  We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.

Sources

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Third Edition. DK Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1-4654-4981-8

Koshak, A., Wei, L., Koshak, E., Wali, S., Alamoudi, O., Demerdash, A., Qutub, M., Pushparaj, P. N., & Heinrich, M. (2017). Nigella sativa Supplementation Improves Asthma Control and Biomarkers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 31(3), 403–409. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5761 Shakeri, F., Gholamnezhad, Z., Mégarbane, B., Rezaee, R., and Boskabady, M. H. (2016). Gastrointestinal effects of Nigella sativa and its main constituent, thymoquinone: a review. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine. Vol. 6(1). Pp. 9–20. PMID: 27247918

Best Nootropics for Cholesterol

Nootropic Supplements That Help With Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that forms in the body. It is common knowledge that some cholesterol is necessary, but too much can become a problem.  Cholesterol, in essence, helps the body make hormones, vitamin D, and digestive enzymes (Medline Plus, 2020). Technically, the body makes all of the cholesterol It needs, which is why having too much cholesterol can be easily achieved (2020). Fortunately, finding supplements which can help keep cholesterol under control can also be easy.

Blocked artery

Top Nootropics for Cholesterol

These are the best nootropic supplements for reducing and controlling cholesterol.

Nigella Sativa

Nigella Sativa

Nigella sativa is one of the longest used nootropics for general health and medicinal applications, with its usage history even dating beyond the 16th century B.C. (Ahmad et al., 2013).  Also known as Black Cumin, the seeds of this nootropic are quite powerful in reducing cholesterol (Chevallier, 2016).  There is modern research suggesting the seeds are able to treat metabolic syndrome (2016).  Another recent study suggested the nootropic has the ability to significantly reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI) (Farhangi et al., 2018).  That same study proved its ability to lower cholesterol in study participants (2018).  Nigella can even improve dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes (Kaatabi et al., 2012).  It has even purportedly been able to improve cardiovascular issues (2012).*

Red Reishi Mushroom

Red Reishi Mushroom is one of the most sacred nootropics of all of Asia, being used for a variety of medicinal benefits (Knechtges, 1996).  One of its purported benefits is improving good cholesterol, meaning: it can make better use of the cholesterol already in the system (Berger et al., 2004).  It may also have the potential to lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar (2004).

Last Notes On Using Cholesterol Nootropic Supplements

Although there are only a couple nootropics that are reasonable at controlling cholesterol, they work great and have been used for a long time.  They have a strong history of providing other, tonic-like effects for the body as well.  Keeping the body running right is important for longevity and overall vitality.  It is important to remember, cholesterol at its normal level in the body is a good thing, so reducing it entirely is both unnecessary and ill-advised.  It is also important to recall that diet still plays a large part in the production of too much cholesterol.

A Note From NooFiles*

This article is intended to be used for information only.  We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.

Sources

Ahmad, A., Husain, A., Mujeeb, M., Khan, S. A., Najmi, A. K., Siddique, N. A., Damanhouri, Z. A., AND Anwar, F. (2013). A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine. Vol. 3(5). Pp. 337–352. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1

Berger, A., Rein, D., Kratky, E., Monnard, I., Hajjaj, H., Meirim, I., Piguet-Welsch, C., Hauser, J., Mace, K., & Niederberger, P. (2004). Cholesterol-lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum in vitro, ex vivo, and in hamsters and minipigs. Lipids in health and disease, 3, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-511X-3-2

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Third Edition. DK Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1-4654-4981-8

Farhangi, M.A., Dehghan, P. and Tajmiri, S. (2018). Powdered black cumin seeds strongly improves serum lipids, atherogenic index of plasma and modulates anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Lipids Health Dis. Vol. 17. Pp. 59. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-018-0704-x

Kaatabi, H., Bamosa, A. O., Lebda, F. M., Al Elq, A. H., & Al-Sultan, A. I. (2012). Favorable impact of Nigella sativa seeds on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. Journal of family & community medicine. Vol. 19(3). Pp. 155–161. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8229.102311 Medline Plus (2020). Cholesterol. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterol.html

Best Nootropics for Inflammation and Arthritis

Nootropic Supplements Used for Arthritis and Inflammation

Arthritis and inflammation are a common plague amongst humankind. It can affect work life and personal life, even down to the most mundane, daily activities.  Some arthritis is so bad it even effects the simplest tasks, such as brushing one’s teeth or carrying in the groceries.  Inflammation and arthritis can affect typing, eating, exercising, or even walking. Finding a solution can be difficult, however, there are many holistic answers, including nootropics.

Arthritis

Top Nootropics Used for Anti-Inflammation

These are some of the best nootropics for arthritis and inflammation.

Black Hoof Mushroom

Black Hoof

Black Hoof Mushroom is a popular holistic herb used throughout many traditional Asian medicines (Chen et al., 2019). The mushroom is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory.  It is said that the powerful anti-inflammation benefits of Black Hoof come from its well-studied flavonoid polyphenol pigments (2019).  The mushroom contains potent polysaccharide-proteins which have been proven to speed up the healing process for burns, cuts, infections, and abrasions (Osinska-Jaroszuk, 2020). Black Hoof’s analgesic properties make it a wonderful choice for treating topical wounds (Chang et al., 2011).  It has also been known to be able to produce immunostimulatory action (Uskokovic et al., 2020).

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo has been around for more than 190 million years, and it has found itself some wonderful roots in traditional and ancient Chinese medicine (Chevallier, 2016). It is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory nootropics and can even reduce inflammation where nerve tissue damage is present. It has been especially helpful for people who suffer from multiple sclerosis symptoms.  Its anti-inflammatory properties partially come from its ability to provide enhanced blood flow to the central nervous system.  It can even support and strengthen nerve tissue (2016). The anti-inflammation effects are primarily found in its fruit and seed (Orr, 2014).  Ginkgo has been referred to as a tonic for the body (2014).  It is also known for its ability to significantly decrease oxidative stress and reduce neuroinflammation (Kaur et al., 2018).

Huperzine A

Huperzine A

Huperzine  A comes from the club moss plant and is a powerful contributor to traditional Chinese medicine (Zangara, 2003). The extract has been used to treat fever and general inflammation for hundreds of years (Qian & Ke, 2014). In fact, there are many studies which show the plant’s genuine efficacy in reducing fever (Skolnick, 1997).  There are also studies which prove its ability to reduce chronic inflammation (Wang et al., 2009).  It has also been shown to offer neuroprotective properties (Wang et al., 2008).

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane Mushroom has a long term place throughout Asian traditional medicine, offering incredible anti-inflammation and neuroprotective properties (Beshara et al., 2019). A recent study showed the nootropic’s powerful effects on macrophages (Mori et al., 2015).  These are large cells which lie stagnant in tissues at the site of infection or inflammation flare up.  Other studies have outlined the mushroom’s ability to relieve oxidative stress and inflammations which contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative conditions (Kushairi et al., 2019).

Longvida Curcumin

Lonvida Curcumin (Turmeric) is a very popular plant in India and Southern Asia for its powerful medicinal properties (Chevallier, 2016). The herb is very popular for its ability to reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms in arthritis patients (Gupte et al., 2019). In fact, long-term use of Turmeric can lead to general pain relief in arthritis patients (Chevallier, 2016).  It can be used to treat allergies, asthma, and even eczema.  It has even been suggested to have the power to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack (2016).

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is commonly used medicinally in traditional cultures for its potent seed constituent, silymarin (Chevallier, 2016). There are studies which show the flavonoid silymarin can reduce inflammation (Ashraf et al., 2019).  It has also been suggested to offer a reduction of hay fever and allergy symptoms (Bakhshaee et al., 2011).

Nigella Sativa

Nigella Sativa may be a member of the buttercup family, but it is well-known for its potent medicinal applications (Orr, 2014).  Nigella (also known as Kalanji or Black Cumin) is popular for its anti-inflammation properties (Chevallier, 2016).  In fact, in the Middle East and India it is one of the most popular anti-inflammatory herbs, even being used to treat infection (Orr, 2014).  The seeds are commonly used to treat headache, migraine, and even toothaches (Chevallier, 2016).  There are studies which outline the nootropic’s ability to treat headaches of all types (Shakeri et al., 2016). It can even improve intestinal barrier function (2016).

Rhodiola Crenulate

Rhodiola, the “Golden Root,” is known throughout many traditional cultures as a powerful, general tonic herb (Orr, 2014). It is used to treat muscle damage, improve the immune system, and for its general anti-inflammatory properties (Beshara et al., 2019).

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali is a potent nootropic supplement most popular in Indochina and Indonesia, being hailed as a versatile tonic and general health herb (Rehman et al., 2016). It can be used as a topical analgesic and as an antibiotic.  It has extremely powerful fever-reducing properties (2016).  It is also popular for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, even being able to offer pain relief (Han et al., 2016).  This is largely due to its ability to inactivate NF-kB signaling pathways (2016).

Last Notes On Using Anti-Inflammation Nootropic Supplements

Finding the right holistic answer for inflammation can require some basic trial and error; however, it is reasonably simple to find a nootropic combination which would help. Some people suffering from severe arthritis or inflammation may choose to make use of multiple nootropic supplements, while others find one is enough to reduce their suffering and improve their pain.  The nootropics on this list work great together, not only for inflammation, but in providing other, life-enhancing benefits as well.

A Note From NooFiles

This article is intended to be used for information only.  We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.

Sources

Ashraf, A., Mahmoud, P., Reda, H., Mansour, S., Helal, M., Michel, H., and Nasr, M. (2019). Silymarin and silymarin nanoparticles guard against chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depressive-like behavior in mice: involvement of neurogenesis and NLRP3 inflammasome. Journal of Psychopharmacology. Vol. 33(5). Pp. 615–631. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119836221

Bakhshaee, M., et al. (2011). Effect of Silymarin in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis. Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 145(9). Pp. 904. DOI: 10.1177/0194599811423504

Beshara, J., Engle, D., and Haynes, K. (2019). Beyond Coffee. Monocle Publishing. ISBN 9781544505459

Chang, H., Yang, C., Lu, T., Chang, Y., Peng, W., Huang, S., and Huang, G. (2011). Analgesic Effects and the Mechanisms of Anti-Inflammation of Hispolon in Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. PMID: 19349477 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nep027

Chen W, Tan H, Liu Q, Zheng X, Zhang H, Liu Y, and Xu L. (2019). A Review: The Bioactivities and Pharmacological Applications of Phellinus linteus. Molecules. Vol. 24(10). Pp. 1888. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24101888

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Third Edition. DK Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1-4654-4981-8

Gupte, P., Giramkar, S., Harke, S., Kulkarni, S., Deshmukh, A., Hingorani, L., Mahajan, M., and Bhalerao, S. (2019). Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Capsule Longvida® Optimized Curcumin (solid lipid curcumin particles) in knee osteoarthritis: a pilot clinical study. Journal of inflammation research. Vol. 12. Pp. 145–152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S205390

Han, Y., Woo, S., Choi, M., Park, Y., Kim, S., Yim, H., and Yoo, H. (2016). Anti inflammatory and analgesic effects of Eurycoma longifolia extracts. Arch Pharm Res. Vol. 39(3). Pp. 421-8. DOI: 10.1007/s12272-016-0711-2

Kaur, S., Sharma, N., Nehru, B. (2018). Anti-inflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract against trimethyltin-induced hippocampal neuronal injury. Inflammopharmacology. Vol. 26(1). Pp. 87-104. DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0396-2

Kushairi, N., Phan, C., Sabaratnam, V., David, P., and Naidu, M. (2019). Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. Suppresses H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and LPS-Induced Inflammation in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons and BV2 Microglia. Antioxidants. Vol. 8. Pp. 261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080261

Mori, K., Ouchi, K., and Hirasawa, N. (2015). The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion’s Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages. Int J Med Mushrooms. Vol. 17(7). Pp. 609-18. DOI: 10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v17.i7.10

Qian, Z. M., & Ke, Y. (2014). Huperzine A: Is it an Effective Disease-Modifying Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease?. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 6, 216. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2014.00216

Orr, S. (2014). The New American Herbal. Clarkson Potter Publishers. New York, New York. ISBN 978-0-449-81993-7

Osińska-Jaroszuk, M., Sulej, J., Jaszek, M., and Jaroszuk-Ściseł, J. (2020). Applications of Fungal Polysaccharides. Reference Module in Life Sciences. Elsevier. ISBN 9780128096338. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809633-8.21092-3

Rehman, S. U., Choe, K., and Yoo, H. H. (2016). Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-Based Pharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), Vol. 21(3). Pp. 331. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030331

Shakeri, F., Gholamnezhad, Z., Mégarbane, B., Rezaee, R., and Boskabady, M. H. (2016). Gastrointestinal effects of Nigella sativa and its main constituent, thymoquinone: a review. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine. Vol. 6(1). Pp. 9–20. PMID: 27247918

Skolnick A. A. (1997). Old Chinese herbal medicine used for fever yields possible new Alzheimer disease therapy. JAMA 277, 776.10.1001/jama.1997.03540340010004

Uskoković, A., Jovanović, J., Dinić, S., Vidaković, M., Mihailović, M., Poznanović, G., and Grdović, N. (2020). Chapter 13 – Mushroom and plant extracts as potential intervention supplements in diabetes management. Biodiversity and Biomedicine. Academic Press. Pp. 247-256. ISBN 9780128195413. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819541-3.00013-X

Wang, Z., Wang, J., Zhang, H., and Tang, X. (2008). Huperzine A exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. J Neurochem. Vol. 106(4). Pp.1594-603. DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05504.x

Wang, J., Zhang, H.Y. and Tang, X.C. (2010), Huperzine a improves chronic inflammation and cognitive decline in rats with cerebral hypoperfusion. J. Neurosci. Res. Vol. 88. Pp. 807-815. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.22237 Zangara, A. (2003). The psychopharmacology of huperzine A: an alkaloid with cognitive enhancing and neuroprotective properties of interest in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. Vol. 75(3). Pp. 675-686. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(03)00111-4