Nootropic Supplements Used for Memory
As humans age, so does their fluid intelligence (Kievit et al., 2018). Memory becomes slower, sluggish, and more difficult to access. It can be hard to both remember things and recall those memories. Fortunately, there are natural, holistic ways to better store and retrieve memory. There are many nootropic supplements known to produce better cognitive function and improved memory (Chevallier, 2016). And adding one or more nootropics for memory and cognitive function is ideal for most nootropic stacks.
Top 12 Nootropic Supplements for Memory
These are the best nootropics for any stacks focused on cognitive support, memory, and memory recall.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa is one of the most effective nootropics for cognitive benefits, including memory (Chevallier, 2016). It also helps assist with executive function, concentration, learning, and overall cognitive function. It has been proven to reduce actual learning time (2016). Bacopa has a place in Ayurvedic medicine, being directly associated with the brain and bolstering mental acuity (Stough et al., 2001). Traditional Indian holistic healing is well-known for its insanely potent memory-boosting ability (Walker & Brown, 1998). It has also been proven to improve the memory retrieval process (Stough, 2011).
Citicoline
Citicoline is proven to offer improved brain metabolism by manipulating numerous neurotransmitters (Secades & Lorenzo, 2006). It has been shown through much empirical research to improve multiple cognitive rating scales. Citicoline is also able to produce many neuroprotective effects, benefiting neuroendocrine cells. These cells are critical in sending and receiving information with the nervous system (2006). Citicoline can even reduce the progression of some neurodegenerative conditions and cognitive impairments (Grieb, 2014). Many studies have revealed Citicoline’s CDP potential to improve density of dopamine receptors (Gimenez et al., 1991) and ultimately improve learning and memory performance (Secades & Lorenzo, 2006). One study even suggested that the regular use of Citicoline can be used to directly reduce memory loss suffered from aging (Nakazaki et al., 2020).
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba has thousands of years of history of improving memory, concentration, and brain focus (Chevallier, 2016). A lot of the herb’s memory-boosting abilities are attributed to its benefits to cerebral blood flow and blood circulation. It has been proven that improving cerebral circulation provides a natural improvement to memory and concentration (2016). There are studies which outline the herb’s ability to improve short-term and long-term memory (Balch, 2010). These same studies even reveal the herb’s ability to improve the peripheral circulation system, which also enhances natural brain function (2010).
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola may be one of the more versatile nootropics on this list, however, it most certainly retains its value in terms of a cognitive and memory enhancer. It is very frequently used throughout Eastern cultures for its ability to strengthen memory and cognitive function (Chevallier, 2016). Gotu Kola’s use as a cognitive enhancer and memory booster dates back thousands of years (Gohil et al., 2010). It has even been suggested as a way to “maximize one’s learning potential and memory” (Orr, 2014). Some studies have proven Gotu Kola’s ability to slow natural memory loss often suffered in elderly years (Walker & Brown, 1998). Gotu Kola is commonly used in Asian and Indian cultures for its ability to improve concentration, mostly thanks to its adaptogenic properties, concentration boost, and increase to attention span, alertness, and focus (Farhana et al., 2016).
Huperzine A
Huperzine A comes from a moss regularly hailed by chinese medicine for its abiltiy to improve cognitive function (Zangara, 2003). In fact, it has been used for thousands of years throughout traditional Chinese medicine for its memory-boosting capabilities (Walker & Brown, 1998). Even to this day it is used in Chinese culture for its memory-boosting and mental-capacity increasing properties (1998). Mostly these properties come from the herb’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (Zangara, 2003). This is the same reason the herb is able to produce many neuroprotective properties (2003). Huperzine A has proven its value to many patient’s suffering neurodegenerative disorders, espeically Alzheimer’s disease (Beshara et al., 2019). There are many recent studies which outline Huperzine A as an effective herb for combating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and efficiently promoting boosts to overall memory (2019).
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is one of the most commonly mentioned nootropics when it comes to cognitive enhancement and memory. Recent studies have backed its notoriety as a memory booster, proving the herb can enhance cognitive function and improve overall mild cognitive impairment (Beshara et al., 2019). Lion’s Mane has most certainly asserted its strong influence on a variety of mental attributes including concentration, attention-span, and memory (Nagano et al., 2010). The mushroom has significantly proven its ability to boost overall cognitive function scores, including memory (Mori et al., 2009). This increase in cognitive ability and memory appears to increase with regular, daily use (2009). A lot of studies seem to indicate that the herb’s neuroprotective and antioxidant properties contribute heavily to its memory enhancing abilities (Kushari et al., 2019).
Longvida Curcumin
Tumeric (Longvide curcumin) is native to Asia and India and is commonly used as a nootropic for many purposes (Chevallier, 2016). There have been a number of studies which have revealed Curcumin to have a significant ability to increase memory in many study participants (Cox et al., 2015). These same studies also outline the herb’s ability to improve overall cognitive function. Specifically, the study proved a higher attention span, and working memory performance (2015). There are many other studies which prove the herb offers powerful boosts to working memory, with these benefits stemming from its anti-amyloid brain effects (Small et al., 2018). These study results show decreased plaque accumulation in the brain regions which are known to modulate memory (2018).
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is derrived from Camellia sinensis (aka herbal tea), and it is a part of the second highest beverage consumed on the planet (Twilley & Lall, 2018). While L-Theanine is well-known for its general boosts to cognitive performance, there are many modern studies which show the nootropic has the potential to improve concentration and learning ability (Vuong et al., 2011). Part of the nootropic’s improvement to memory and cognitive ability come from its ability to increase cerebral blood flow, especially when it is combined with caffeine (Dodd et al., 2015). These contributions to brain health are the reported reasons for the nootropic’s cognitive benefits (2015). L-Theanine supplies the brain with increased subjective alertness, which also benefits cognitive function (Giesbrecht et al., 2010). This is one of the biggest reasons it improves performance of cognitive demanding tasks, especially surrounding memory (2010).
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid naturally manufactured by the body from the amino acid phenylalanine (Bloemendaal et al., 2018). It is most commonly used to create proteins (Slominski et al., 2012). One of its monstrous, proven effects on the brain is its ability to improve cognitive performance in stressful situations (Young, 2007). Additionally, there are studies which back its ability to improve working memory and overall mental processing skills (Colzato et al., 2013). For these reasons, the nootropic is typically used to replenish cognitive resources as needed. With so many modern studies proving the herb is able to bolster cognitive function (McTavish et al., 2005), it is a very wise addition to almost any nootropic stacks.
Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng is one of most well-known and used nootropic around the world for improving cognitive performance (Beshara, 2019). There are a lot of clinical trials which prove the herb to offer significant benefits to cognitive function and working memory. For these reasons it is even used by Alzheimer’s patients and those suffering from dementia (2019). Ginseng has also been shown in a number of modern studies to improve overall mental activity, attention-span, alertness, and energy (Balch, 2010).
Poria Mushroom
Poria Mushroom has been used for more than two thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine (Li et al., 2019). It has been hailed a significant memory booster by many Eastern cultures (Lin et al., 2012). Most of its cognitive benefits purportedly come from its ability to increase cerebral blood flow (Sun et al., 2021). Its powerful memory-boosting properties make it an excellent treatment for dementia and memory repair (Lin et al., 2012). For these reasons, Poria Mushroom is commonly used to help treat a variety of neurogenetic disorders (2012). It is also heavily associated with enhanced learning ability and associated memory recall (Wu et al., 2020).
Rhodiola Crenulate
Rhodiola Crenulata is also knonw as the “Golden Root” in many Eastern cultures (Orr, 2014). The herb itself survives in some of the most extreme environments and can be harder to come by. It offers one of the most powerful nootropic aids to cognitive ability, releasing mental tension and honing mental acuity (2014). It can also improve circulation to the brain and is well-known to act as a precursor for neurotransmitters used in cognitive function (Tabassum et al., 2012). For these reasons, it is one of the most common nootropics selected for career-focused and entrepreneur nootropic stacks (2012). Sometimes, it is combined with Ginkgo Biloba to improve mental endurance (Zhang et al., 2009, Al-Kuraishy, 2015).
Final Words on Nootropic Supplements for Memory
All-in-all, there are many nootropics which offer natural boosts to memory and cognitive support. The nootropics on this list are some of the most commonly used for memory storage and memory recall. They have some of the greatest historic, traditional use, and are easy to add to almost any nootropic stack. Some people use more than one memory nootropic, adding multiple selections to their nootropic stack to achieve an even greater memory effect.
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.
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