Nootropic is an umbrella term for a class of chemicals that give cognitive benefits to the human brain. Most of the time when people use "nootropic," they really mean "cognitive enhancer." But there are important differences between the two. We discuss the five requirements for a true nootropic, and give our simplified definition.

1. What Are
Nootropics?
With

2. "Nootropic" is an
umbrella term for a
class of chemicals...

3. that give
cognitive benefits
to the human
brain.

4. There are five
criteria that
all true nootropics
must meet...

5. ...according to Dr.
Corneliu E.
Giurgea, inventor
of the term
"nootropics"

6. I'm Dr. Giurgea.

7. Enhances memory
and ability to learn

8. Increases the
efficacy of neuronal
firing

9. Helps brain function
under disruptive
conditions

10. like hypoxia
(low oxygen) or
electro-convulsive
shock

11. Virtually non-toxic
to humans and
possess few-to-no
side effects

12. Protects the brain
from chemical and
physical assaults

13. "Nootropic"
"Cognitive Enhancer"?
OR

14. A “cognitive enhancer”
is any substance that
contributes to the
amplification of the
mind’s core capacities

15. Most of the time
when people use
"nootropic,"
they really mean
"cognitive enhancer"

16. Something that does
benefit thinking in some
way, but doesn't meet
the more rigorous
requirements of Dr.
Giurgea.

17. So what
makes
the cut?

18. OUR DEFINITION

19. 1. The substance
has cognition-
enhancing
properties.

20. 2. Its mechanism of
action does
not deplete mental
or physical
resources...

21. So it doesn't require
"borrowing ahead"
biochemically

22. Want more?
Click here