Top 5 — Ranked by Evidence
Very Strong
Lutemax® 2020 (Lutein + Both Zeaxanthins — OmniActive)
Cognitive Function — BDNF and Multi-Domain Improvements
Adults: 10mg lutein+2mg zeaxanthin (low) or 20mg+4mg (high) daily. Children: 10mg+2mg
Very Strong
Creatine Monohydrate
Neuroprotective effects in aging
Standard daily: 3-5 g/day (no loading needed). Optional loading: 20 g/day × 5-7 days,
Very Strong
Caffeine
Enhances Alertness and Focus
100–400 mg/day; performance: 3–6 mg/kg body weight 60 minutes pre-exercise; upper safe
Very Strong
Vitamin B12
Mental Health and Cognitive Function
2.4 mcg/day (RDA); deficiency treatment: 1,000–2,000 mcg/day oral (sublingual
Very Strong
Longvida® Optimized Curcumin (Verdure Sciences)
Cognitive Function (400 mg/day)
400 mg/day Longvida (cognitive applications); 800 mg/day (joint health, exercise
📈 Fastest Growing Cognitive Ingredients
Branded ingredients seeing rapid growth in formulator adoption and clinical research in 2024–2026.
Trending
Very Strong
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Brain & nervous system support (DHA)
1–3 g/day combined EPA+DHA for general health; 2–4 g/day for triglyceride reduction (under…
Trending
Very Strong
Creatine Monohydrate
Neuroprotective effects in aging
Standard daily: 3-5 g/day (no loading needed). Optional loading: 20 g/day × 5-7 days, then 3-5…
Trending
Very Strong
Lutemax® 2020 (Lutein + Both Zeaxanthins — OmniActive)
Cognitive Function — BDNF and Multi-Domain Improvements
Adults: 10mg lutein+2mg zeaxanthin (low) or 20mg+4mg (high) daily. Children: 10mg+2mg gummy.…
🔬 Future Cognitive Ingredients to Watch
Lower current evidence but active research underway — these may become top picks within 2–3 years.
Watch
Moderate
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Brain Health and Cognitive Support
500–3,000 mg/day dried mushroom powder; extract: 250–500 mg/day (standardized to >30%…
Watch
Moderate
EGb 761® (Standardized Ginkgo biloba Extract)
Symptomatic Support in Mild–Moderate Dementia
120–240 mg/day; dementia and anxiety trials predominantly used 240 mg/day, given once daily or…
Watch
Moderate
Shilajit
Cognitive support (preliminary)
Standard clinical dose: 250 mg twice daily (500 mg/day total) of purified shilajit…
Watch
Moderate
SaraPEPP™ Nu (Timut / Nepalese Pepper)
Improved speed of attention (branded RCT)
Branded trial: studied acutely and at a daily dose over 8 weeks. Taken as a capsule with its…
Recommended Cognitive Products
Heads up: NutraSmarts may earn a commission from purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We curate these picks based on the same evidence we cite throughout the page. Full disclosure.
Real products featuring the best-evidenced cognitive ingredients ranked above - chosen for clinically-studied forms and doses, third-party testing, and value. Match the supplement to your specific need.
Best for brain & overall omega-3 support
Amazon →
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
1,280 mg omega-3/serving (EPA/DHA), 120 softgels
High-potency triglyceride-form fish oil with substantial EPA/DHA; lemon-flavored, non-GMO, third-party purity tested.
Best for focus & memory support
Amazon →
Jarrow Formulas Citicoline (CDP Choline)
250 mg capsules, 120 ct
Citicoline supports brain energy metabolism and attention; non-GMO, vegan, up to a 120-day supply.
Best for focus & nervous-system support
Amazon →
Host Defense Lion's Mane Capsules
Organic mycelium capsules, 120 ct
Certified-organic lion's mane from mycologist-founded Host Defense, U.S.-grown and vegan.
Best for calm, focused alertness
Amazon →
NOW Foods L-Theanine Double Strength 200 mg
200 mg + 100 mg inositol veg capsules, 120 ct
L-theanine, the amino acid from green tea, promotes relaxation without drowsiness; vegetarian, non-GMO, pairs with caffeine.
All Cognitive Ingredients (203)
Very Strong
Lutemax® 2020 (Lutein + Both Zeaxanthins — OmniActive)
Cognitive Function — BDNF and Multi-Domain Improvements
Adults: 10mg lutein+2mg zeaxanthin (low) or 20mg+4mg (high) daily. Children: 10mg+2mg
Very Strong
Creatine Monohydrate
Neuroprotective effects in aging
Standard daily: 3-5 g/day (no loading needed). Optional loading: 20 g/day × 5-7 days,
Very Strong
Caffeine
Enhances Alertness and Focus
100–400 mg/day; performance: 3–6 mg/kg body weight 60 minutes pre-exercise; upper safe
Very Strong
Vitamin B12
Mental Health and Cognitive Function
2.4 mcg/day (RDA); deficiency treatment: 1,000–2,000 mcg/day oral (sublingual
Very Strong
Longvida® Optimized Curcumin (Verdure Sciences)
Cognitive Function (400 mg/day)
400 mg/day Longvida (cognitive applications); 800 mg/day (joint health, exercise
Strong
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Cognitive aging and mild cognitive impairment
COGNITIVE/AGING: 1500-3000 mg/day divided. DIABETIC NEUROPATHY: 1000 mg × 3/day = 3000
Strong
Bacopa Monnieri
Memory consolidation — strongest evidence
300–450 mg/day of 55% bacoside-standardized extract; effects require 8–12 weeks of
Strong
Magtein® (Magnesium L-Threonate)
Brain magnesium elevation — only form crossing the blood-brain barrier
2g/day Magtein® (145 mg elemental magnesium); taken as 1g morning + 1g evening; 6-week
Strong
Nutricog® (Haritaki + Boswellia Cognitive Performance Complex — PLT Health)
Multi-domain cognitive improvement
Per Nutricog clinical trial protocol — daily dosing for 120 days. Effects on memory
Very Strong
Creapure® (Pharmaceutical-Grade Creatine Monohydrate)
Cognitive support under stress, sleep loss, or aging
Loading: 0.3 g/kg/day for 5–7 days (typically 20 g/day split in 4 doses). Maintenance:
Very Strong
Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark)
Attention & focus support
50–200 mg/day; cardiovascular: 100–200 mg/day; cognitive: 100 mg/day; athletic
Very Strong
CurQfen® (Curcumin-Fenugreek FenuMat — Akay Bioactives)
Curcumin with enhanced brain delivery
400-500 mg/day CurQfen (research-validated; some applications use higher)
Very Strong
Fish Oil (EPA + DHA)
Brain & nervous system support (DHA)
General: 1 g/day EPA+DHA. Hypertriglyceridemia: 3-4 g/day. REDUCE-IT regimen: 4 g/day
Very Strong
FloraGLO® Lutein (Kemin)
Cognitive function in older adults
AREDS2 standard: 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day. Cognitive: 12 mg/day.
Very Strong
Zinc
Cognitive Function
8–11 mg/day (RDA); therapeutic: 25–40 mg/day elemental zinc; upper limit 40 mg/day;
Strong
Alpha-GPC
Cognitive function in age-related decline
AD/MCI: 400 mg × 3/day = 1200 mg/day. COGNITIVE: 300-600 mg/day. ATHLETIC: 250-600 mg
Strong
Hericium erinaceus (Mycelium vs Fruiting Body — Strain Specifics)
Mild Cognitive Impairment 16-week trial
Fruiting body powder: 3 g/day × 16 weeks (the mild cognitive impairment trial
Strong
Phosphatidylserine
Age-related memory complaints — modest benefit
Cognitive (elderly): 100-300 mg/day. Athletic (cortisol): 600-800 mg/day × 10-15 days.
Strong
Choline Bitartrate
Supports Acetylcholine Synthesis
AI: 425-550 mg/day adults; 450 mg pregnancy, 550 mg lactation. Bitartrate supplements
Strong
Citicoline
Memory in age-associated memory impairment
250–500 mg/day (as Cognizin®); cognitive: 500 mg/day; stroke recovery studies use
Strong
DailyZz™ (Spearmint + Green Tea Sleep Nootropic — Kemin)
60% working memory improvement
485 mg DailyZz once daily — taken 30 minutes before bedtime per the published clinical
Moderate
Cerebrolysin (FPF-1070)
Vascular dementia — strongest indication
VASCULAR DEMENTIA: 20 mL IV/day × two 4-wk courses. STROKE (CARS-1/2): 30 mL/day IV ×
Moderate
Polygala (Yuan Zhi)
Memory enhancement in healthy adults (BT-11 RCT)
BT-11 STANDARDIZED EXTRACT (Korean RCTs): 200-300 mg 3×/day = 600-900 mg/day × 4-12
Strong
Bacopin® (Bacopa monnieri Extract — Sabinsa)
Memory and learning (Bacopa class evidence)
100-300 mg/day Bacopin standardized extract, typically split into 1-2 daily doses with
Strong
enXtra® (Standardized Alpinia galanga Extract — OmniActive)
Sustained 5-hour alertness
300 mg/day (single serving) is the standard dose used across all published trials. Can
Strong
GeniusPure® (High-Purity Alpha-GPC)
Memory, learning, and cognitive enhancement
300–600 mg/day alpha-GPC (as standard 50% — adjust for GeniusPure® 70% or 90%
Strong
L-Theanine
Improves Focus and Attention
100–400 mg/day; relaxation: 200 mg; caffeine synergy: 100–200 mg with caffeine; sleep:
Strong
Neumentix® (Spearmint Extract — Kemin)
Working memory in older adults
Standard cognitive protocol: 900 mg/day Neumentix® (typically 600 mg morning + 300 mg
Strong
Neuravena® (Wild Green Oat Extract — Frutarom)
Cognitive Function and Attention
800-1,600 mg/day Neuravena (research-validated)
Strong
Pine Bark Extract
Cognitive function support
Standard dose: 100-300 mg/day standardized pine bark extract (≥85% proanthocyanidins).
Strong
Zynamite® S (Non-Stim Mental Energy — Water Soluble)
Non-stimulant cognitive performance for beverages
100–150 mg Zynamite® S (single dose, acute cognitive benefits within 30 minutes); 150
Moderate
Huperzine A
Alzheimer's Disease Cognitive Improvement
50-200 mcg twice daily (100-400 mcg/day total); China research uses up to 400 mcg/day
Strong
Algal Oil DHA (Vegan Omega-3)
Cognitive support in older adults
General health: 200-500 mg DHA/day. Pregnancy: 200-300 mg DHA/day minimum (matches
Strong
AlphaSize® (Alpha-GPC — Chemi Nutra)
Memory and cognition
300 to 600 mg per day for cognition; about 600 mg pre-exercise in sports studies.
Strong
Ashwagandha
Cognitive Function
KSM-66® root extract: 300-600 mg/day (most stress/sleep trials). Shoden®: 120-240
Strong
BaCognize® (Standardized Bacopa monnieri — Verdure Sciences)
Cognitive function in healthy adults (Kumar 2016)
300 mg/day BaCognize, typically 150 mg twice daily (Kumar 2016 dosing schedule). Some
Strong
BacoMind® (Bacopa monnieri Extract — Natural Remedies)
Memory and learning
About 300 mg per day, typically taken for 8 to 12 weeks for cognitive effects.
Strong
Cereboost™ (American Ginseng for Cognition — Givaudan)
Cognitive Performance
200 mg/day Cereboost (research-validated)
Strong
Choline
Fetal brain development and pregnancy
425 mg/day (women AI); 550 mg/day (men AI); 930 mg/day (pregnant); up to 3,500 mg/day
Strong
Cognizin® (Citicoline — Kyowa Hakko)
Attention and focus
250 to 500 mg per day.
Strong
EPAX® (Concentrated Omega-3 Fish Oil)
Brain and mood
A serving typically providing several hundred milligrams to over a gram of combined E
Strong
Ginkgoselect® Phytosome (Ginkgo Phytosome — Indena)
Cognitive Function and Working Memory
120-240 mg/day Ginkgoselect Phytosome
Strong
goCOCOA® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)
Cognitive function and memory
200–400 mg/day cocoa flavanols (epicatechin equivalent); cardiovascular/cognitive:
Strong
KSM-66®
Memory and Focus
300–600 mg/day KSM-66® root extract (5% withanolides); 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg
Strong
Methylcobalamin (Active B12)
Neurological Function
500-2,000 µg/day sublingual or oral for general supplementation; 1,000-2,500 µg/day
Strong
Nitrosigine® (Arginine Silicate)
Cognitive performance and focus
1,500 mg/day; most studies use 1,500 mg taken 30–60 minutes pre-exercise
Strong
nooLVL® (Inositol-Enhanced Arginine for Gaming & Cognition)
Gaming performance — accuracy and reaction time
1,600 mg/day nooLVL® (clinically tested dose); cognitive benefits within 15 minutes;
Strong
Rhodiola Rosea
Cognitive performance
200–600 mg/day standardized extract; taken before meals
Strong
Riboflavin
Cofactor for brain energy metabolism (B2)
1.1–1.3 mg/day (RDA); migraine prevention: 400 mg/day (clinical studies); metabolic
Strong
SerinAid® (Phosphatidylserine — Chemi Nutra)
Memory and cognition
100 to 300 mg per day; 300 mg/day is common in cognition studies.
Strong
Suntheanine®
Alpha brainwave induction
50–200 mg/day; 100–200 mg for relaxation/focus; 50 mg for caffeine stacking
Strong
BioPure DHA® (Omega-3 DHA)
Brain and mood support
Commonly 1 to 3 g of combined EPA and DHA per day.
Strong
Dry N-3® (Powdered Omega-3)
Brain and mood support
Commonly 1 to 3 g of combined EPA and DHA per day.
Strong
DurOmega® (Stabilized Omega-3)
Brain and mood support
Commonly 1 to 3 g of combined EPA and DHA per day.
Strong
EFADuo® (Omega-3 and Omega-6 Complex)
Brain and mood support
Commonly 1 to 3 g of combined EPA and DHA per day.
Strong
Elantria® Algal DHA (Vegan Omega-3 DHA)
Brain and mood support
Commonly 1 to 3 g of combined EPA and DHA per day.
Strong
EssentiOmega® (Omega-3 Concentrate)
Brain and mood support
Commonly 1 to 3 g of combined EPA and DHA per day.
Strong
Green Tea
Cognitive Function
250–500 mg/day EGCG standardized extract; whole green tea: 3–5 cups/day (≈240–320 mg
Strong
Saffron Extract (Crocus sativus)
Mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's
Depression (most-studied): 30 mg/day standardized stigma extract × 6-8 weeks. PMS:
Strong
Sensoril® (Ashwagandha Extract — Verdure/Natreon)
Cognitive Performance
125-500 mg/day Sensoril (research-validated; stress applications often 250 mg/day)
Strong
V-Krill Omega® (Krill Omega-3)
Brain and mood support
Commonly 1 to 3 g of combined EPA and DHA per day.
Strong
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Brain Health and Mood Regulation
1.3–1.7 mg/day (RDA); therapeutic: 25–100 mg/day; upper limit 100 mg/day long-term
Moderate
EGb 761® (Standardized Ginkgo biloba Extract)
Symptomatic Support in Mild–Moderate Dementia
120–240 mg/day; dementia and anxiety trials predominantly used 240 mg/day, given once
Moderate
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Brain Health and Cognitive Support
500–3,000 mg/day dried mushroom powder; extract: 250–500 mg/day (standardized to >30%
Very Strong
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Brain & nervous system support (DHA)
1–3 g/day combined EPA+DHA for general health; 2–4 g/day for triglyceride reduction
Moderate
CocoaVia® (Mars Edge Cocoa Flavanol Extract)
Cognitive function in older adults
Standard dose: 500-750 mg cocoa flavanols daily (1-2 CocoaVia® servings). COSMOS trial
Moderate
CoffeeBerry® Cascara
Acute Elevation of Plasma BDNF
100 mg single acute dose (BDNF study); 100-300 mg/day in subsequent cognitive trials.
Moderate
enfinity® Paraxanthine
Supports Cognitive Performance
100-200 mg per serving; 50, 100, and 200 mg evaluated in published dose-response trials.
Moderate
Paraxanthine
Acute Cognitive Performance
50-200 mg as a single acute dose; 100-200 mg is the most commonly studied range for
Moderate
Sage Extract / Cognivia® (Salvia officinalis)
Memory and cognitive performance
COGNIVIA®: 600 mg/day (400 mg S. officinalis aqueous + 50 µL S. lavandulaefolia oil).
Moderate
Theracurmin® (Colloidal Nanoparticle Curcumin — Theravalues)
Cognitive function in older adults
Theracurmin®: 30-180 mg/day (provides curcumin equivalent of much higher standard
Limited
Piracetam (2-Oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide)
Cognitive impairment in elderly — evidence is mixed and conflicted
DEMENTIA: 2.4-9.6 g/day. UCB MCI: 4.8-9.6 g/day × 12 mo. STROKE: 4.8-9.6 g/day. AD: 8
Moderate
Alpha-Lactalbumin
Morning alertness from evening tryptophan loading
EVENING: 20 g 60-90 min pre-bed. DAYTIME: 20 g stress-vulnerable. EXERCISE: 20-30 g
Moderate
Alpinia galanga (Greater Galangal)
Caffeine-free alertness and attention
300 mg/day standardized Alpinia galanga rhizome extract — the dose used in published
Moderate
Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™)
Improved cognition under stress
Standard dose: 1 billion CFU (1×10⁹) once daily as Zenflore™ or 1714-Serenitas™. Trial
Moderate
CardaMind™ (Black Cardamom Cognitive Performance — Akay Bioactives)
Caffeine-level cognitive performance — without caffeine
250 mg/day CardaMind (MA2-24) — the dose used in the pivotal clinical trial. Effects
Moderate
Coffee Fruit Extract (CoffeeFruit Pure™)
BDNF elevation — the brain growth factor
100–200 mg/day whole coffee fruit concentrate; NeuroFactor™ clinical dose: 100 mg/day
Moderate
Cognivia™ (Garden + Spanish Sage Cognitive)
Working memory in healthy adults
PIVOTAL: 600 mg/day Cognivia™ × 29 days (Northumbria University n=94). DOSE
Moderate
Ergothioneine (ErgoActive®)
Cognitive aging and neurodegeneration prevention
5–30 mg/day; most human studies use 5–20 mg/day; dietary intake from mushrooms
Moderate
Ginseng
Cognitive Function
200–400 mg/day standardized extract (ginsenosides ≥4–7%); American ginseng: 100–200
Moderate
L-Tyrosine
Cognitive performance under stress and sleep deprivation
500–2,000 mg/day; cognitive/stress: 100–150 mg/kg before demanding tasks
Moderate
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Mild Cognitive Performance
300-600 mg/day standardized extract; tea 1.5-4.5 g dried herb per cup; tincture 2-3 mL
Moderate
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Cognitive function and memory
10–20 mg/day; 20 mg most studied for cognitive effects; often combined with 200–300 mg
Moderate
Rhodiolife®
Cognitive performance under stress
200–400 mg/day of standardized Rhodiola rosea extract in stress, anxiety, and fatigue
Moderate
Spearmint Extract
Cognitive function in older adults
Cognitive applications: 900 mg/day Neumentix® standardized spearmint extract.
Moderate
Vinpocetine
Cerebrovascular Insufficiency / Stroke Recovery (Eastern European Use)
5-10 mg three times daily (15-30 mg/day total); some research uses up to 60 mg/day
Moderate
Yüth® (Spermidine)
Cognitive function and neuroprotection
1–10 mg/day spermidine (Yüth® formulation specifications); typical supplement use: 1.2
Limited
Guayusa (AMATEA® Organic Guayusa)
Clean energy and sustained focus
300–600 mg/day AMATEA® extract (providing 50–100 mg natural caffeine equivalent);
Moderate
Astaxanthin
Cognitive function in older adults
4–12 mg/day from Haematococcus pluvialis extract; skin: 4–6 mg/day; exercise recovery:
Moderate
BioPQQ® (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone — Mitsubishi)
Memory and cognition
About 20 mg per day.
Moderate
Bluenesse® (Lemon Balm Extract — Vital Solutions)
Calm, focused cognition
Around 300 mg per day.
Moderate
Dynamine® (Methylliberine)
Fast-onset energy and focus
100–200 mg Dynamine® standalone; 100 mg Dynamine® + 100–200 mg caffeine (synergistic
Moderate
FastBliss® (Paraxanthine)
Cognitive enhancement without caffeine anxiety
50–200 mg/day paraxanthine; cognitive benefits at doses as low as 50 mg; full effect
Moderate
Ginkgo 24/6 (Standardized Ginkgo biloba Extract)
Cognition and memory
Commonly 120 to 240 mg of standardized extract per day.
Moderate
Ginkgolden® (Ginkgo biloba Extract)
Cognition and memory
Commonly 120 to 240 mg of standardized extract per day.
Moderate
GinPure® (Ginkgo biloba Extract)
Cognition and memory
Commonly 120 to 240 mg of standardized extract per day.
Moderate
GinSelect® (Ginkgo biloba Extract)
Cognition and memory
Commonly 120 to 240 mg of standardized extract per day.
Moderate
goBHB® (Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Ketone Salts)
Rapid ketosis and alternative brain fuel
6–12g BHB salts to achieve meaningful blood ketone elevation (0.5–1.0 mmol/L);
Moderate
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Cognitive function
300–600 mg/day dried leaf extract; 1–2 g/day whole leaf powder
Moderate
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
Supports Cognitive Development
Adult clinical trials have used 5-20 g/day of 2'-FL and/or LNnT; infant formulas
Moderate
i-Sabi® (Wasabi Extract — 6-MSITC)
Memory in older adults
About 0.8 mg of 6-MSITC (around 100 mg of wasabi extract) per day.
Moderate
Mangiferin
Supports Cognitive Performance
Vimang mango bark extract: 300-900 mg/day standardized to mangiferin; Zynamite mango
Moderate
MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)
Cognitive performance and brain energy
15–30 mL/day (1–2 tablespoons); start with 5–10 mL and increase gradually to avoid GI
Moderate
Multivitamin / Multimineral
Slowing of cognitive decline (COSMOS-Mind)
STANDARD: 1 tablet/day MVMM ~100% DV most vitamins, 25-100% DV minerals. PHS II +
Moderate
Puremidine™ (Spermidine)
Cognitive function and neuroprotection
1–10 mg/day spermidine; observational longevity data at dietary intake of ~10–15
Moderate
Rosmarinic Acid
Slowed cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer's disease
ALLERGIC RHINITIS: 50-200 mg/day Perilla × 21 d. AD COGNITION (Noguchi-Shinohara): 500
Moderate
SaraPEPP™ Nu
Improved speed of attention (branded RCT)
Daily with MCT carrier
Moderate
Schisandra Chinensis (Five-Flavor Berry)
Cognitive Performance and Mental Stamina
500-2,000 mg/day extract (standardized to schisandrin content); berry powder 1-6
Moderate
Sharp-PS® (Soy-Free Sunflower Phosphatidylserine)
Memory and cognitive support in older adults with complaints
Most cognition and stress trials use 100–400 mg/day PS (typically 100 mg three times
Moderate
Synapsa® (Bacopa monnieri Extract — KeyView)
Memory and learning
About 320 mg per day, taken for several weeks for cognitive effects.
Moderate
Veri-te™ Resveratrol (Evolva)
Cognitive performance in postmenopausal women
RESHAW PIVOTAL: 75 mg trans-resveratrol BID = 150 mg/day × 12-24 months in
Moderate
VitaCholine® (Choline Bitartrate — Balchem)
Brain and memory support
Commonly 300 to 550 mg of choline per day.
Moderate
Zembrin® (Sceletium tortuosum)
Cognitive performance under stress
8–25 mg/day Zembrin®; anxiety/mood: 8–25 mg/day; cognitive studies use 25 mg/day;
Moderate
Zensera™ (Stress-Cognitive Ingredient by Givaudan)
Same-day cognitive benefits under stress
Per Zensera™ clinical dosing from Givaudan; single-dose acute benefits confirmed in
Moderate
AlphaWave® L-Theanine (NutriScience)
Focus and attention
100 to 200 mg per day, taken as needed for calm focus or before sleep.
Moderate
BioPS® (Soy Phosphatidylserine — ECA Healthcare)
Memory and cognition
Commonly 100 to 300 mg per day.
Moderate
Chocamine® (Cocoa Extract — RFI)
Smooth energy and focus
Commonly around 500 mg to 1.5 g of cocoa extract per day.
Moderate
CocoaGanic® (Organic Cocoa Flavanols)
Cognitive support
Commonly providing a few hundred milligrams of cocoa flavanols per day.
Moderate
CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)
Cognitive support
Commonly providing a few hundred milligrams of cocoa flavanols per day.
Moderate
Ecklonia Cava (Brown Seaweed Polyphenol)
Cognitive function and neuroprotection
400–800 mg/day Ecklonia cava extract standardized for phlorotannins; clinical studies
Moderate
Eupoly-3® (DHA and EPA Omega-3)
Brain and cognition
A serving providing several hundred milligrams of combined DHA and EPA per day.
Moderate
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Anxiety and Cognitive Support
60-120 mg/day standardized extract (containing total triterpenes ~30%); whole herb 1-2
Moderate
Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 + Bifidobacterium longum R0175 (Probio'Stick® / Cerebiome®)
Brain-imaging mechanism evidence
3 billion CFU per sachet daily for 30 days (Probio'Stick® / Cerebiome®). Longer
Moderate
Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean / Kapikacchu)
Mood and Cognitive Support
Standardized to L-DOPA content: 250-500 mg L-DOPA per dose for Parkinson-related uses
Moderate
Shagandha® (Ashwagandha Root Extract)
Cognitive and Wellbeing Support
Ashwagandha root-extract stress/sleep trials commonly used 300–600 mg/day of
Limited
Anserine (β-alanyl-3-methyl-L-histidine)
Verbal memory preservation in older adults
HISATSUNE 2016 COGNITIVE: 1.0 g anserine/carnosine 3:1 daily × 3 mo. MASUOKA 2019 MCI
Limited
Aniracetam (Ro 13-5057)
Mild Alzheimer's disease (Senin 1991 multicenter RCT)
AD RCT: 1500 mg/day × 6 mo. STANDARD: 750-1500 mg/day in 2-3 doses with meals.
Limited
Brainberry® (Aronia melanocarpa Extract)
Long-term cognitive performance in middle-aged adults
: 90 mg or 150 mg AME daily × 24 wk middle-aged adults. CROSSOVER: 160 mg/day older
Limited
Centrophenoxine (Meclofenoxate)
DMAE/cholinergic precursor effect
DEMENTIA: 1560-2000 mg/day (Pek 1989: 2 g/day × 8 wk). HEALTHY ELDERLY: ~1200 mg/day.
Limited
Cognigrape® (Vitis vinifera Grape Extract)
Cognitive function in older adults
PIVOTAL: 250 mg/day Cognigrape® × 12 wk single daily dose. 2024 FOLLOW-UP: 250 mg/day
Limited
Memophenol™ (Grape + Blueberry Polyphenol Extract)
Episodic memory in healthy elderly
Healthy elderly: 600 mg/day Memophenol™ (containing 258 mg flavonoids) × 6 months. MCI
Limited
Oxiracetam (4-Hydroxy Piracetam)
Mild-moderate dementia cognitive support
Dementia trials: 800 mg twice daily (1,600 mg/day). Nootropic users: 800-2,400 mg/day
Limited
Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil / Carphedon)
Cognitive impairment from organic causes
RUSSIAN: 100-200 mg/day divided morning + early afternoon. STROKE/TBI: 200-400 mg/day.
Limited
Pyritinol (Pyrithioxine / Encephabol)
Senile dementia cognitive support
Dementia (European Rx protocol): 200 mg hydrochloride three times daily (600 mg/day).
Limited
Silk Amino Acids / Silk Fibroin Hydrolysate
Cognitive function support — memory, attention, mental focus
COGNITIVE: 200-600 mg silk fibroin enzyme hydrolysate (FEH)/day × 3-16 wk. STAMINA:
Limited
Apoaequorin Protein
Marketed for memory support
Manufacturer trials have typically used 10 mg of apoaequorin per day; the commercial
Limited
D-Serine
NMDA co-agonist (cognitive research)
SCHIZOPHRENIA: 30 mg/kg/day (~2-2.5 g/day adult) up to 120 mg/kg/day dose-escalation.
Limited
Enzogenol® (Pinus radiata Bark Extract)
Working memory in healthy older adults
Cognitive: 480 mg/day × 5 weeks. Mild TBI: 1,000 mg/day × 6-12 weeks. Take with food.
Limited
Ligusticum Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong)
Promotes Cerebrovascular Wellness
Traditional decoctions use 3-9 g/day of dried rhizome; modern standardized extracts
Limited
Magnesium Acetyl-Taurate
Cognitive and brain interest
Human dosing is not well established; animal studies used weight-based doses. Products
Limited
Mexidol (Ethylmethylhydroxypyridine Succinate)
Stroke rehabilitation cognitive recovery
MIR 2024 STROKE PROTOCOL: 500 mg IV 2×/day × 10 days, then Mexidol FORTE 250 mg PO
Limited
Semax (ACTH 4-7 PGP)
Cognitive enhancement / nootropic effects
STROKE (Russian approved): 12-18 mg/day intranasal in 3-6 doses × 10-14 days.
Limited
Virtiva® (Ginkgo biloba Phytosome)
Mental Performance Interest
Ginkgo cognition trials commonly used standardized extract ~120–240 mg/day; phytosome
Strong
Levagen+® (PEA — Palmitoylethanolamide — Gencor)
Cognitive function support
Standard dose: 300-600 mg/day Levagen+® — substantially lower than typical PEA
Limited
Axivite® (Energy and Cognitive Performance Ingredient)
Sustained energy and mental alertness
Per Axivite® product specifications; clinical dosing per SEE Nutrition product
Limited
Centellory® (Gotu Kola Extract)
Cognition and memory
Commonly 250 to 750 mg of standardized extract per day.
Limited
Cera-Q® (Silk Fibroin Peptides)
Memory support
About 400 to 600 mg of fibroin hydrolysate per day, in divided doses.
Limited
Hōlistiq™ (Adaptogen + Mushroom Wellness Blend)
Cognitive clarity and mental performance
Per product label; typical adaptogen blend 300–800mg/day; mushroom component
Limited
Nefiracetam (DM-9384)
Alzheimer's disease (NIH-sponsored Phase 2)
ROBINSON 2009 (poststroke apathy): 600-900 mg/day × 12 wk. NOOTROPIC: 150-450 mg/day
Limited
NeuGrape® (Grape Seed Extract for Cognition)
Cognitive support
Commonly 100 to 300 mg per day.
Limited
Pregnenolone
Neurosteroid (cognitive research)
10-100 mg/day (start LOW); some integrative practitioners use 5-30 mg; trials have
Limited
Uridine
Brain Phospholipid Precursor
JENSEN 2008 BIPOLAR: triacetyluridine (TAU) up to 18 g/day × 6 wk. KONDO 2011
Strong
Pomegranate Extract
Cognitive aging support (preliminary)
Standard cardiovascular dose: 500-1,500 mg/day pomegranate extract standardized to
Strong
Soy Isoflavones (Glycine max)
Cognitive support in menopause
40–80 mg/day total isoflavones; menopausal symptoms: 50–80 mg/day; bone health: 54–100
Limited
Bromantane (Ladasten)
Sleep deprivation cognitive performance
RUSSIAN APPROVED (asthenia): 50-100 mg/day morning × 28 days. NOOTROPIC: 25-50 mg/day.
Limited
Centevita® (Centella asiatica Extract — Indena)
Cognitive and calm support
Commonly 60 to 120 mg of standardized extract per day.
Limited
GS15-4® (Enzyme-Fermented Ginseng — Ilhwa)
Cognitive support
Around 165 mg of fermented ginseng extract per day.
Limited
Hoki Roe Powder
Promotes Cognitive Function
Commercial supplements typically provide 500-1,500 mg of hoki roe powder daily,
Limited
PANMOL® NADH Micro
Mental Clarity and Focus
5-10 mg/day taken sublingually or on an empty stomach in morning; CFS trial used 10
Limited
Phenylethylamine (β-PEA)
Pre-Workout Focus Component
100-500 mg orally as a single acute dose; effects are very brief (<10 minutes) due to
Moderate
Ginkgo Biloba
Cognitive Function and Memory
120–240 mg/day standardized leaf extract (24% flavonol glycosides, 6% terpene
Preliminary
Pramiracetam (Pramistar)
Senile cognitive disorders (Italian approval — limited evidence)
STANDARD: 600 mg BID (1200 mg/day) with meals. AD TRIALS: 400-1500 mg/day. POST-TBI /
Moderate
Lysoveta® (LPC-Bound EPA/DHA from Krill — Aker BioMarine)
>2-fold brain DHA elevation (preclinical)
NDI-approved up to 1.5 g/day for general adult population (US). Preclinical brain
Moderate
Shilajit
Cognitive support (preliminary)
Standard clinical dose: 250 mg twice daily (500 mg/day total) of purified shilajit
Limited
Fasoracetam (NS-105 / NFC-1)
Experimental nootropic (mGluR modulator)
HAKONARSON 2017 (ADHD adolescents): 50-800 mg/day, escalation up to 400 mg BID × 4 wk.
Limited
Methylene Blue (Methylthioninium Chloride)
Cognitive Function (Limited Human Evidence)
Pharmaceutical (methemoglobinemia): 1-2 mg/kg IV; 'biohacking' use: 0.5-4 mg/day oral
Limited
Oxaloacetate (Anhydrous Enol)
Cognitive function support
Standard dose: 100-300 mg/day anhydrous enol oxaloacetate (benaGene™). Cognitive
Preliminary
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol / Deanol)
ADHD/learning disabilities in children (1970s historical RCTs)
ADHD HISTORICAL: 500 mg/day in 1970s pediatric trials. NOOTROPIC: 100-200 mg/day.
Preliminary
Lithium Orotate
Cognitive Function (Theoretical)
5-20 mg elemental lithium/day (lithium orotate 130-520 mg providing ~4.6%-20%
Preliminary
Picamilon (N-Nicotinoyl-GABA)
Cerebrovascular disease and cerebral circulation
RUSSIAN APPROVED: 50 mg 3×/day (150 mg/day). CEREBROVASCULAR: 100-300 mg/day. ANXIETY:
Moderate
Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Korean Bonnet Bellflower)
Cognitive enhancement (preclinical)
TCM TYPICAL: 9-15 g/day root decoction. SARCOPENIA RCT (Park 2022 protocol): 750 mg
Moderate
PhosphatidylCholine
Cognitive function — choline pathway
NAFLD/MASLD: 1.5-2.1 g/day standardized PC × 6 months. General choline/cognitive:
Limited
Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhi Mu)
Supports cognitive function
Traditional TCM decoctions use 6–12 g dried rhizome daily; standardized extracts in
Limited
Catuaba (Trichilia catigua)
Antifatigue and memory effects (preclinical)
TRADITIONAL TINCTURE: 30-60 drops 2-3×/day. CAPSULE: 500-1,000 mg standardized bark
Limited
Euphoria longana (Longan Fruit Pulp Extract)
Supports cognitive and memory function
Traditional Chinese Medicine doses of dried longan aril typically range from 6 to 15 g
Limited
Oleocanthal
Potential cognitive-aging support
No established human supplemental dose. Mechanistic studies estimate that
Limited
Sulbutiamine (Arcalion)
Cognitive enhancement (limited evidence)
ASTHENIA (Arcalion approved): 200-600 mg/day divided. Shipelowitz 1984 best at 600 mg.
Strong
Nicotinamide Riboside
Possible cognitive aging support
Standard dose: 250-1,000 mg/day NR. Most clinical trials use 300-600 mg/day. Take with
Moderate
Benfotiamine
Cognitive function in early Alzheimer's (preliminary)
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY (BENDIP): 600 mg/day × 6 wk then 300 mg/day. BOND: 300 mg BID × 12
Moderate
PrimaVie® (Shilajit Extract — Natreon)
Cognitive support (preliminary)
Clinical trial dose: 250 mg twice daily (500 mg/day total) for 90 days. CoQ10
Moderate
SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)
Cognitive Health
400–800 mg/day for depression; 600–1,200 mg/day for osteoarthritis; taken on empty
Moderate
Tocotrienols (Vitamin E Family)
Neuroprotection (Stroke Research)
100-400 mg/day total tocotrienols; for cholesterol/CV: 200-300 mg gamma+delta
Limited
Bemethyl (Bemitil / Metaprot)
Cognitive performance under stress
RUSSIAN/CIS APPROVED: 250-500 mg 1-2×/day for asthenia; courses 3-5 days with 2-3 day
Limited
Lecithin (Phosphatidylcholine Complex)
Possible Cognitive Support (As Choline Source)
CV: 500 mg to 22.5 g/day soy lecithin (Knuiman 1980: 7.5 g × 3/day). Spilburg 2003
Limited
Pterostilbene
Cognitive Function Support
50-250 mg/day; trial used 125 mg twice daily (250 mg/day total)
Preliminary
Alcolec® (Phosphatidylcholine / Lecithin — American Lecithin)
Choline and brain support
Commonly a few hundred milligrams to grams per day.
Preliminary
Decursinol-50® (Angelica gigas Extract)
Cognitive interest
Commonly around 100 to 200 mg per day.
Strong
FerroChel® (Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate)
Iron — supports cognition when deficient
Typical FerroChel® doses provide 14–28 mg elemental iron once daily for routine
Strong
Niagen® (Nicotinamide Riboside — ChromaDex)
NAD+ precursor (cognitive-aging research)
Clinical trial doses: 250-1,000 mg/day Niagen®. Most studies use 300-600 mg/day. Take
Strong
Quatrefolic® (L-5-MTHF Methylfolate — Gnosis)
Active folate — brain & homocysteine support
General supplementation: 400-1,000 mcg DFE Quatrefolic® daily. Pregnancy: 400-800 mcg
Strong
Zenroot® (Low-Dose Bioavailable Ashwagandha Root Extract — OmniActive)
Low-dose ashwagandha — stress & cognition
125 mg/day Zenroot (used in both 2025 published trials). The bioavailability advantage
Moderate
Asera™ (Ashwagandha)
Ashwagandha — stress & cognitive support
160 mg/day
Moderate
B-Complex (Combined B Vitamins)
Brain & nervous-system support (B vitamins)
1× RDA (basic) to 5-10× RDA (high-potency) of each B vitamin; varies by product
Moderate
Idebenone
Mitochondrial support (cognitive-aging research)
LHON (Raxone® EMA-approved): 900 mg/day in 3 divided doses (150 mg × 2 caps × 3/day).
Moderate
TeaCrine® (Theacrine)
Clean energy & sustained focus
STANDARD: 100-300 mg/day (safety to 300 mg × 8 wk continuous). STACK: 125-150 mg
Moderate
Theobromine
Mild, sustained alertness
Controlled trials have used 250-1000 mg pure theobromine acutely and 700-979 mg/day
Moderate
Vanizem® (Grains of Paradise Extract for Stress + Mood + Sleep — PLT Health)
Stress, mood & sleep support
100-150 mg/day Vanizem — the doses producing significant effects in the clinical
Limited
L-Phenylalanine / DLPA
Catecholamine precursor (focus & mood)
L-phenylalanine: 500–1,500 mg/day for mood/cognitive support; DLPA: 375–2,250 mg/day
Limited
Luteolin
Neuroinflammation support (preliminary)
100-300 mg/day general use; mast cell protocols often use luteolin 100-200 mg with
Limited
Selank (TP-7)
Anxiolytic nootropic peptide
RUSSIAN APPROVED (intranasal): 2700 μg/day in 2-3 doses. NOOTROPIC: 250-500 μg/dose,
Limited
Trehalose
Autophagy induction (neuroprotection research)
GLUCOSE TOLERANCE: 3.3-10 g/day (Mizote 2017: 10 g; Yoshizane 2020: 3.3 g). PAD pilot:
Preliminary
Coluracetam (BCI-540 / MKC-231)
Choline-uptake nootropic (early research)
BrainCells PHASE IIa: 240 mg/day (80 mg × 3). NOOTROPIC: 5-80 mg per dose, 1-3×/day.
Preliminary
L-Glutamic Acid / Glutamate
Excitatory neurotransmitter (glutamate)
Not typically supplemented; dietary intake substantial (10–20 g/day in typical diet,