Nootropic

Nootropics, also known as cognitive enhancers or "smart drugs," are drugs, supplements, or other substances taken to improve cognitive functions, such as memory, focus, creativity, and decision-making. Nootropics were conceptualized by Romanian psychologist and chemist Corneliu Giurgea in 1964 when he synthesized Piracetam, a substance related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA for short), a chemical found in the brain. Nootropics have experienced newfound popularity in recent years as over-the-counter (OTC) medications and are commonly purchased online or at drugstores.

Many nootropics contain a mix of ingredients believed to help improve brain function, such as food-derived vitamins, lipids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Certain pharmaceuticals and other stimulants, such as ADHD medication, sleep apnea medication, and even caffeine can also be considered nootropics. While there is a possibility that some OTC nootropics can improve cognitive function, scientific evidence to support their effectiveness has been insufficient.

Nootropics have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their availability online and as OTC products. Market researchers at Reports and Data valued the global nootropics market at $1.96 billion in 2018 and estimated that sales of nootropics would grow to $5.32 billion in 2026. While popular, the nootropics market has been described as "high-risk," due to misleading hype that dominates the space. Popular nootropics brands include NooCube, MindLab Pro, and Qualia Mind.

Personalized nootropics, or nootropics that are specifically tailored to an individual's needs or preferences, have also become more popular along with traditional nootropics. Many personalized nootropics companies use a questionnaire to gather lifestyle information from customers and then use that information to recommend nootropics with specific ingredients. Popular companies within the personalized nootropics space include FORMULA, Noots, and Thesis.