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Harikumar K. et al. / Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, 6(1), 2016, 14-19.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology

www.jpbjournal.com e-ISSN - 2249-7560 Print ISSN - 2249-7579

NOOTROPICS- MEMORY BOOSTERS

K.Hari Kumar*, Mitta Srija, D.K.Sandeep, Ramisetty Davarika, Gunda Sai Mounica

Department of , Sri Venkateswara College of Pharmacy, R.V.S.Nagar, Chittoor-517127, Andhra Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT also called as smart , memory enhancers, neuron enhancers, cognitive enhancers and intelligent enhancers are , supplements, neutraceuticals and functional foods that provide one or more aspects of mental function. Specific effect can include improvement to working memory motivation or attention. Nootropics drugs are able to promote, enhance and protect cognitive functions. As cognition is the typically human higher activity of brain, concept looked quite appealing for scores of people dreaming to enjoy better and longer lasting mental activity and for drug maker keen to produce such enviable products. There are large number of drugs which can be used as nootropic agents and help to enhance memory of people. Nootropics offer lot of benefits for cognitive aptitude and brain health. Nootropics used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, dementia and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Keywords: Nootropics, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease.

INTRODUCTION It is derived from Greek words “NOOS –Mind” But non-ADHD medications and supplements are more “Tropein – Turn/Bend”. They are also called as memory frequently used for performance enhancement. Many enhancers, Smart nutrients, Cerebroactive drugs and individuals use these drugs for performance enhancement cognition enhancers. Scientifically they are represented as and/or to gain some sort of competitive edge in academics nootropics. or occupational work. These are a heterogeneous group of drugs 1. Medical treatment: Nootropics are often used to treat a developed in dementia and other cerebral disorders. They variety of medical conditions ranging from ADHD to do elicit pharmacological effects, but widely different wakefulness disorders. Those who receive various forms mechanisms of action are claimed. Therapeutic benefits of nootropics for medical conditions arguably need them are limited, at the best, short –lasting. in order to properly function. ADHD: Those who are diagnosed with attention- Types of nootropics deficit disorder generally are prescribed various forms of 1. psychostimulant medications. These medications improve 2. many aspects of cognition including: memory, 3. Choline and ach intermediates concentration, and organization of thoughts. 4. Synthetic B-vitamins derived nootropics Chronic syndrome: In some cases, people 5. Natural drugs with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) need medication so 6. that they can function. Energy drinks only help these 7. Smart drugs individuals to a certain extent. Therefore a psychostimulant or medication like Nuvigil is often Why do people use nootropics? prescribed. There are several reasons why people use Neurodegenerative disorders: Many nootropics nootropics. They are most often used for medical have been suggested to provide benefit for those with conditions such as ADHD and are regulated substances.

Corresponding Author:- K.Hari Kumar Email:- [email protected]

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Harikumar K. et al. / Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, 6(1), 2016, 14-19.

various neurodegenerative disorders such as: Alzheimer’s Memorization: In addition to improving disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and concentration, many also boost memory functions. If a dementia. Some have even been investigated to help treat person needs to boost their memory function, the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Productivity: Others are taking these drugs just Sleep wakefulness disorders: People with to see how much they can accomplish. Those who are conditions such as: narcolepsy, excessive daytime looking to increase their productivity in all aspects of life sleepiness, and shift-work disorder often benefit from may experiment with nootropics. stimulating drugs, many of which are considered Less sleep: Those who want to get more done nootropics. and sleep less, may take a nootropic like Nuvigil (which Treatment-resistant : Some people are promotes wakefulness). This allows the person to able to obtain a prescription for various nootropics as a accomplish quite a bit throughout the day without any result of having treatment-resistant depression. For fatigue. example, some psychiatrists may consider prescribing for depression as an augmentation Comprehensive List of Nootropics (Smart Drugs) strategy Below is an extensive list of nootropics or “smart 2. Performance enhancement: Nootropics are also drugs.” It is important to understand that while many may commonly used for the purposes of gaining an edge on improve cognition, there are concerns regarding long- the competition. Using nootropics could be thought of as term effects. Additionally among individuals without being analogous to a bodybuilder taking steroids. In this fully developed brains, the usage of these substances case it allows an individual to surpass their natural genetic should be discouraged. Keep in mind that many of the limitations. substances listed below have not been medically tested, Academic advantage: In academics, students are thus having scientifically unverified or poor evidence to using nootropics to help them remember more and study support nootropic claims. Long-term effects and safety of more efficiently. Students are taking these drugs to help nootropics haven’t been established. improve scores on various tests and to write papers. Let’s face it, academics is becoming more competitive than in Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors years past, and any mental edge that a student has on the Galantamine competition will help them get into a good college and/or Huperzine A build an optimal academic resume. Occupational performance: Some people may Ampakines use these for a competitive advantage on certain This is a class of nootropics that is suggested to cognitively-demanding jobs. For example, a person who improve attention, learning, memory, and vigilance. The needs to crunch numbers all day and critical thinking as classification as “Ampakines” is derived from the fact that part of their job may benefit from using nootropics. they influence the AMPA , responsible for Sports: Many nootropics are known to improve binding to glutamate. the performance of athletes. They can increase focus, Ampalex (CX-516) spatial orientation, and allow an athlete to surpass their CX-717 natural genetic limitations. (CX-691) 3. Biohacking: Individuals may want to try nootropics as Sunifiarm a means of biohacking. Usually people who are drawn to Unifiram these substances are individuals looking to alter their natural biological state of functioning. Many people put Cholinergics themselves through nootropic “trials” in order to This class of supplements influences the determine how their mental functioning improves as a of in the brain. result. As a result, there are many intriguing reports Acetylcholine is a that is associated with surfacing on the internet from people that have used cortical excitement and is well-known to influence nootropics. attentional tasks, alertness, as well as reward processing. Concentration: These substances are known to Nootropics that influence choline tend to increase levels increase concentration, but many vary in their effects. of acetylcholine. Some people are taking these in varying amounts to self-  Alpha GPC experiment ant determine the degree to which they help  Choline people concentrate.  Choline Bitartrate Motivation: Some nootropics are known to  Choline Citrate increase overall levels of motivation. This is a very  Citicoline (CDP-Choline) common effect when a person begins using –  DMAE their motivation skyrockets and they get more done.

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 Lecithin  Bacopa monnieri  Phosphatidylcholine  Forskolin  Ginkgo biloba  Grape Seed Extract This is a classification of substances that  Green Tea influence levels of the neurotransmission  Panax throughout the brain. They can include dopamine  inhibitors, , and other .  Isoflavones Many psychostimulants are of nature, and  Kava thus could also fit within this classification.  Kratom   Lion’s Mane  DL- (DLPA)  Lemon Balm  L-Dopa  Oat Straw Extract  L-Theanine  Piperine  Mucuna Pruriens   Phenylethylamine (PEA)   Rhodiola Rosea  Selegiline

 Stablon () Hormones  Sulbutiamine This classification of nootropics involves  Suntheanine hormonal-based nootropics. In other words, specific  (4-hydroxyphenylalanine) hormones are known to improve cognition when they are released within the body. When hormones are released, they can elicit a response from certain This classification of drugs is known as and alter brain activity. Certain hormones may increase “wakefulness-promoting.” drugs are often arousal and brain activation, while others may promote a prescribed to treat those with narcolepsy, excessive sense of calm concentration. daytime sleepiness, and chronic fatigue. Some have  Cortisol suggested that they may provide benefit for those with  DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) ADHD, but they are not FDA approved to treat attentional  Desmopressin (DDAVP) deficits. Most eugeroics influence arousal-promoting  Melatonin neurotransmitters such as and dopamine.  Pregnenolone (P5)  Adranfinil (Olmifon)  Vasopressin (AVP)  (Nuvigil)

 Fladrafinil (CRL-40,941) Metabolic Enhancers  This is a classification of nootropic supplements  (Provigil) that increase metabolic processes and energy among neurons. Some of these substances function by boosting GABAergics cellular membrane functioning and oxygen within cells. This is a classification of nootropics that In other words, these supplements are able to give brain contains any substances that elicit GABAergic effects cells more energy, and have been thought to improve within the brain. In other words, they tend to influence the cognition. Some are thought to eliminate toxins and act as neurotransmission of GABA, which is known for neuroprotective agents. decreasing levels of arousal and stress in the central  Acetylcarnitine nervous system. GABA reduces mental activity and over-  Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) excitement within the brain – typically eliciting an  Creatine response.   GABA  Vincamine   Vinpocetine 

Neuroprotective Agents Herbal Supplements This is a classification of nootropics that are  Artichoke Extract known to promote healthy brain functioning by repairing  Ashwagandha damage, promoting nerve growth, and maintaining

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Harikumar K. et al. / Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, 6(1), 2016, 14-19.

neuronal health. Many of these supplements are taken for  Vyvanse () their antioxidant properties and are thought to help  maintain optimal cognition and prevent cognitive decline. These help increase the likelihood of long-term healthy Racetams brain functioning. Racetams are a class of compounds that are Co- Q10 typically touted as having the ability to significantly Idebenone improve cognition. These compounds are of similar structure, hence all of these contain “” in their Nutrients chemical name with differing prefixes. In some cases, Many nutrients are thought to have nootropic these can be purchased over-the-counter. In any regard, effects on the human brain. Many nutrients have been the racetam class of nootropics aren’t well understood and suggested to improve focus, prevent cognitive decline, researchers aren’t sure how some of them work. and promote neuroprotection. The proper intake of  Aniracetam various healthy nutrients is thought to enhance overall  Coluracetam cognitive function  Nefiracetam  Agmatine   Piraecitam  Glycine   Iodine  Pramiracetam  L-Glutamine  L-Lysine  Magnesium This is a classification of nootropic substances  Omega-3 Fatty Acids that elicit their effects via the system in the  Krill Oil brain. Substances that fall within the  Fish Oil classification include supplements like 5-HTP, enzymes,  Phosphatidylserine and various antidepressants. Certain serotonergic  SAMe (S-Adenosyl Methionine) substances boost serotonin to improve cognition and brain  Sarcosine functioning, while others reduce it.  Phenylalanine  5 HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)  Taurine  Griffonia Simplicifolia  Uridine  Tryptophan

Psychostimulants Stacks The psychostimulant class of drugs contain Uncategorized medications that are known to treat attention-deficit There are many other drugs and supplements that disorders as well as wakefulness disorders like may not fit particularly well within any classifications. narcolepsy. They stimulate the production of dopamine While some drugs like could fit within a in the brain and activate the sympathetic nervous system, classification of “atypical” its better to describe the leading to increased physical and mental arousal. When substances below as uncategorized. taken for ADHD, many of the psychostimulants are  Cerebrolysin considered safe long-term treatment options. However,  Clonidine among individuals taking them solely for nootropic  Hydergine (Ergoloid mesylates) benefit, they may lead to a significant crash characterized  Nicergoline (Sermion) by dysphoria and inability to concentrate upon  Noopept discontinuation.  Propanolol  Adderall   Cylert ()  Strattera   Tricyanoaminopropene  (Intuniv)  (DMAA / Geranamine) Unknowns   IDRA-21   NSI-189  Ritalin ()  PRL-8-53

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Harikumar K. et al. / Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, 6(1), 2016, 14-19.

Vitamins  Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)  Vitamin B3 (Niacin)  Vitamin B5 (Pantothetic Acid)  Vitamin B6 (Pyrodoxine) Vitamin B8 (Inositol)  Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

USES OF NOOTROPICS 1. Medical treatment  ADHD: Lion’s mane  Chronic fatigue syndrome  Neurodegenerative disorders  Sleep wakefulness disorders  Treatment-resistant depression 2. Performance enhancement  Academic advantage  Occupational performance  Sports: 3. Biohacking 4. Concentration Ginko billoba: 5. Motivation 6. Memorization

Huntington’s disease 1. Autosomal dominant progressive chorea and dementia 2.Defective hunington protein (chromosome 4) 3.Degeneration of cholinergic and GABA ergic cells 4. Relative excess of dopamine . Huperzine: NATURAL NOOTROPICS Bacopa Monnieri is a herb that grows naturally in India. It has been used for numbers of years in the tradition of Ayurvedic medicine because it increases levels of serotonin in the brain. It is one of the best neurotransmitters to target for the purposes of reducing anxiety and improving mood. With long-term use, it can also improve learning and memory. It can also increase the rate of particular types of information processing in the brain.

Fig 1. Stimulated neurons in brain leads to learning and Fig 2. Physiological roles of nootropics memory process

Nootropics work

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Harikumar K. et al. / Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, 6(1), 2016, 14-19.

Fig 3. characteristic features of dementia disease Fig 4. Brain features in alzheimer’s disease Alzheimers disease

CONCLUSION Nowadays memory loss is a problem to perform daily activities. Recent nootropic based cognitive energy level enhancers are presenting great results, helping people, work longer and accomplish more. Nootropics having greater importance in treating dementia, alzheimer’s disease and various cognitive disorders. These are non- prescription products offer healthy overachievers a way to improve thinking and focus.

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