nootropics

Introduction

Nootropics, often referred to as "smart drugs," are substances that aim to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and motivation. These drugs are used to treat cognitive deficits associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, stroke, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The term "nootropics" was coined in 1972 following the discovery of piracetam's memory-enhancing properties.

Key Insights

Mechanisms of Action:
- Nootropics work through various mechanisms, including interaction with receptors, enzymes, ion channels, nerve growth factors, re-uptake transporters, antioxidants, and metal chelators .
- They can also influence neurotransmitter levels, such as cholinergic agents, biogenic amines, and neuropeptides, to improve cognitive functions .
Types and Classifications:
- Nootropics are classified into several categories based on their mechanisms of action, including classical nootropic compounds, substances increasing brain metabolism, cholinergic agents, and plant extracts with nootropic effects .
- Natural nootropics like Ginkgo biloba have shown neuroprotective effects and are studied for their antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties .
Clinical Applications:
- These drugs are used to treat a variety of cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, stroke, ADHD, and age-related cognitive decline .
- They are also being explored for their potential benefits in healthy individuals, particularly students, to enhance academic performance .
Safety and Side Effects:
- While nootropics are generally well-tolerated, their use in healthy individuals raises concerns due to the lack of clinical evidence on long-term safety and social consequences .
- Synthetic nootropics like piracetam may pose risks, especially for individuals with a history of drug abuse, potentially leading to psychiatric exacerbations.

Conclusion

Nootropics encompass a diverse range of substances aimed at enhancing cognitive functions through various mechanisms. They are used to treat cognitive deficits in several neurological conditions and are being increasingly explored for their potential benefits in healthy individuals. However, the safety and efficacy of these drugs, particularly in non-clinical settings, require further research to establish clear guidelines and mitigate potential risks.

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Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 1: drugs interacting with receptors.

Nootropics are drugs that enhance cognition in patients with various disorders, and their classification into 18 categories based on their mechanism(s) of action is proposed.

Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 2: drugs interacting with enzymes.

Nootropics, which enhance cognition, have evolved over the last 25 years, with a focus on drugs interacting with enzymes and neurotransmitters.

Towards better brain management: nootropics.

Nootropics, a diverse group of compounds, show promise in enhancing learning and memory, potentially improving cognitive impairments and promoting brain health.

Nootropics: Emergents drugs associated with new clinical challenges

Nootropic drugs can enhance mental performance, but some may cause sudden psychiatric exacerbations in stable patients, highlighting the need for early identification and proper treatment.

Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 3: drugs interacting with targets other than receptors or enzymes. disease-modifying drugs.

Nootropics, which enhance cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, stroke, ADD/ADHD, or aging, can be classified into 19 categories based on their mechanism(s) of action, structure, or origin.

Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs

Nootropics, also known as "smart drugs," improve human thinking, learning, and memory, with diverse effects and potential side effects.

A REVIEW ON NOOTROPICS

Nootropics improve memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration, and may treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Psychostimulants, analeptics, nootropics: an attempt to differentiate and assess drugs designed for the treatment of impaired brain functions.

Nootropics show therapeutic results in some patients, while psychostimulants and analeptics show limited efficacy and no clear evidence for their general efficacy in treating organic mental disorders.

Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic

Natural nootropics like Ginkgo biloba enhance cognitive performance through dopaminergic and cholinergic pathways, potentially benefiting memory disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.

NOOTROPICS: A LONG WAY IN HALF A CENTURY

Nootropics improve cognitive function and are well-tolerated in treating various disorders, but their use in healthy individuals remains controversial due to lack of evidence and social consequences.

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