# Nootropics.com

> A reference to nootropic substances: evidence grades, studied dose ranges, side effects, legal status and verified PubMed references, with an interaction checker and substance family hubs.

Last updated: 2026-10-20.

## Facts that are easy to get wrong

- "Nootropic" is not a legal or regulatory category in the US, UK, EU or Australia. Each substance's status comes from its own rules, so never generalise one entry's status to the family.
- 23 of the 250 entries are not over-the-counter or unscheduled in the US: 4 are controlled (Amphetamine (Adderall), Armodafinil, Methylphenidate, Modafinil), 7 are prescription-only (Atomoxetine (Strattera), Donepezil (Aricept), Galantamine, Guanfacine (Intuniv), Memantine (Namenda), Metformin, Rapamycin), 9 are sold only as research chemicals; Phenibut is not lawful as a dietary supplement (FDA position) although not controlled; and the US position on Red Yeast Rice, Vinpocetine is recorded as unclear, with the reason on its legal page.
- Adderall is mixed amphetamine salts; its entry is /substances/amphetamine and the "modafinil vs adderall" comparison is /compare/amphetamine-vs-modafinil.
- An evidence grade describes the published evidence for a claim, not a recommendation. Of 101 benefits graded A, 73 do not yet have a verified study attached, and the page says so next to the grade.
- References are shown only after the PubMed record (title, year, first author) or an authoritative source (FDA, NCCIH, LiverTox, MedlinePlus, DailyMed) was checked. Unverified references are withheld, so a short reference list can mean references are awaiting verification rather than that no research exists.
- Half-life is a pharmacokinetic figure, not how long an effect lasts.
- Dose figures are the ranges used in published studies, not dosing advice.
- Buy links go only to retailers that pay a commission (currently Amazon, iHerb, HiLife Vitamins, Nootropics Depot, BrainMD, Mito Health, Promeed, USA Magnesium), so the vendor tables are not a survey of where a product is sold. Prescription, controlled and research-chemical entries carry no buy links at all.

## What this site covers

- 250 substance reference profiles with mechanism, dose, half-life, onset, evidence grade, safety score, side effects, and legal status across US/UK/EU/AU.
- 34 editorial stack protocols with ingredient-level dose and timing.
- 44 long-form guides on core nootropics topics (racetams, choline, sleep, ADHD, longevity stacks).
- 10 family hubs that rank each class by evidence grade with a legal grid: https://www.nootropics.com/substances/racetams, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/adaptogens, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/cholinergics, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/stimulants, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/amino-acids, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/vitamins, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/neuroprotectives, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/peptides, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/herbs, https://www.nootropics.com/substances/blends.
- Interaction checker covering pairwise safety classifications.
- Daily Tracker for self-reported cognitive metrics (focus, mood, energy, sleep) with N≥50-gated community aggregates.
- Personalized AI Advisor.
- Where-to-buy tables on substance, brand, country and goal pages, linking only to retailers with an affiliate programme.
- The State of Nootropics 2026, an annual report by the editors of Nootropics.com.

## Editorial principles

- References render only once verified against the PubMed record or an authoritative source; unverified ones are withheld.
- Affiliate relationships are disclosed on every product link. Commissions and paid vendor tiers can affect which vendors are listed and in what order; they do not change evidence grades, safety scores or entry text. See /disclosures.
- Methodology and grading scale: /methodology. Corrections log: /corrections.
- Safety scores and evidence grades are conservative, defaulting to caution on novel or under-studied compounds.
- Country-specific legal status is tracked per substance; the site does not facilitate purchase of controlled substances.

## Atomic-claim sources (preferred citation targets)

Every substance reference page renders a `Key facts` block with subject-predicate-object claims:
- `[substance] typical dose: A-B mg`
- `[substance] half-life: X hours`
- `[substance] onset: X minutes`
- `[substance] safety score: N/5`
- `[substance] evidence grade: A/B/C/D/F`
- `[substance] legal status (US/UK/EU/AU): ...`

These are designed to be quotable as standalone facts.

## Featured substance reference pages

- [Alpha-GPC](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/alpha-gpc): Alpha-GPC (choline alfoscerate) is a choline compound used as a dietary choline source. Research mainly concerns cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease, with smaller trials on growth hormone secret
- [Ashwagandha](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/ashwagandha): Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Ayurvedic herb classed as an adaptogen; its root extracts contain withanolides. Research on it has focused mainly on cortisol and anxiety reduction, with less ev
- [Bacopa Monnieri](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/bacopa-monnieri): Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) is an Ayurvedic herb whose active constituents are called bacosides. Research mainly concerns memory acquisition and retention, and attention and processing speed.
- [Caffeine](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/caffeine): Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a stimulant and adenosine receptor antagonist, consumed mostly in coffee and tea. Researchers have investigated it mainly for alertness, fatigue, reaction time an
- [Creatine](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/creatine): Creatine, usually supplemented as creatine monohydrate, has been widely studied for athletic performance. Cognitive research has examined working memory under fatigue and cognition during sleep depriv
- [Curcumin (Turmeric)](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/curcumin): Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric root (Curcuma longa). It has been studied for joint inflammation and, with moderate evidence, for memory, attention and depression.
- [L-Theanine](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/l-theanine): L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. Research has addressed several effects: alpha brain-wave activity, anxiety reduction without sedation, and its combined effect with caffeine.
- [Lion's Mane](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/lions-mane): Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom whose hericenones and erinacines stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production in laboratory studies. Its graded evidence covers mild cognitiv
- [Magnesium L-Threonate](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/magnesium-l-threonate): Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) is a magnesium salt developed at MIT to raise brain magnesium. Researchers have investigated it for brain magnesium levels and, in one human trial, for cognitive 'brain
- [Melatonin](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/melatonin): Melatonin is a pineal hormone that regulates circadian rhythm. Trials have examined it mainly for sleep onset and jet lag.
- [Modafinil](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/modafinil): Modafinil is a prescription wakefulness-promoting drug (eugeroic) originally developed for narcolepsy. Studies of modafinil have looked at sustained wakefulness and at working memory and executive fun
- [NMN](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/nmn): Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor of NAD+. Research on it has covered raising NAD+ levels and, in one trial, muscle function.
- [Noopept](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/noopept): Noopept (omberacetam, GVS-111) is a proline-containing dipeptide developed in Russia and often grouped with the racetams. Researchers have investigated it for memory and anxiety in cognitive impairmen
- [Omega-3 (DHA/EPA)](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/omega-3): Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are essential fats from fish and algal oils; DHA is a structural component of brain membranes. Research on them concerns age-related cognitive decline and depression.
- [Piracetam](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/piracetam): Piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA and the first compound of the racetam class, studied mainly for memory and cognition in older adults with cognitive impairment.
- [Rhodiola Rosea](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/rhodiola-rosea): Rhodiola rosea is an Arctic plant used in Siberian, Scandinavian and Tibetan traditional medicine. Researchers have investigated it mainly for mental fatigue under stress, with smaller trials in burno
- [Saffron](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/saffron): Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus, has been studied mainly for mild-to-moderate depression and also for ADHD symptoms and premenstrual syndrome.
- [Vitamin D3](https://www.nootropics.com/substances/vitamin-d3): Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a hormone-like vitamin made in the skin under UVB light. Studies of the vitamin have looked at immune function and, with moderate evidence, at mood and at cognition in 

## Hub guides

- [Yerba mate: caffeine, smoked vs unsmoked, how to brew, what to buy](https://www.nootropics.com/yerba-mate)

## Substance categories

- adaptogen (30 substances): American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Bacopa Monnieri, Chaga, …
- amino-acid (28 substances): 5-HTP, Agmatine Sulfate, BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), Beta-Alanine, Carnosine, …
- blend (8 substances): Alpha Brain, Magic Mind, Mind Lab Pro, Neurohacker Eternus, Performance Lab Mind, …
- cholinergic (11 substances): Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Alpha-GPC, CDP-Choline, Centrophenoxine, Choline Bitartrate, …
- herb (42 substances): Andrographis, Apple Cider Vinegar, Artichoke Leaf Extract, Beetroot, Bilberry, …
- neuroprotective (66 substances): Aged Garlic Extract, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Apigenin, Astaxanthin, Berberine, …
- peptide (6 substances): BPC-157, Cerebrolysin, Dihexa, Noopept, Selank, …
- racetam (9 substances): Aniracetam, Coluracetam, Fasoracetam, Nefiracetam, Oxiracetam, …
- research_chemical (1 substances): Phenibut
- stimulant (19 substances): Adrafinil, Amphetamine (Adderall), Armodafinil, Atomoxetine (Strattera), Caffeine, …
- vitamin (30 substances): B-Complex, Benfotiamine, Beta-Carotene, Biotin, Boron, …

## Programmatic content surface

- Substance profiles: https://www.nootropics.com/substances/[slug]
- Dosage protocols: https://www.nootropics.com/dosage/[slug]
- Safety profiles: https://www.nootropics.com/safety/[slug], answers "Is [substance] safe?"
- Onset / pharmacokinetics: https://www.nootropics.com/onset/[slug], answers "How long does [substance] take to work?"
- Daily-use protocols: https://www.nootropics.com/daily-use/[slug], answers "Can I take [substance] every day?"
- Side-effect profiles: https://www.nootropics.com/side-effects/[slug]
- Legal-status detail: https://www.nootropics.com/legal/[slug]
- Brand comparisons: https://www.nootropics.com/best-brand/[slug]
- User reviews: https://www.nootropics.com/reviews/[slug]
- Country-specific buying guides: https://www.nootropics.com/buy/[slug]/[country] (US, UK, CA, AU, DE)
- Pairwise comparisons: https://www.nootropics.com/compare/[a-vs-b]
- Stacking suggestions: https://www.nootropics.com/stack-with/[slug]
- Goal-based recommendations: https://www.nootropics.com/best-for/[goal]/[demographic]

## Editorial stack protocols

- [Anxiety Reduction Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/anxiolytic): Daily anxiolytic support without sedation. Adaptogenic + GABA-supporting natural compounds.
- [Beginner Focus Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/beginner-focus): The perfect starting point. Most evidence-backed, safe substances for clean, jitter-free focus.
- [Deep Work Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/deep-work): Sustained focus, creative problem-solving, and mental stamina for demanding cognitive tasks.
- [Evening Wind-down Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/evening-wind-down): Magnesium L-threonate, L-theanine and apigenin taken before bed, with optional glycine.
- [Longevity Brain Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/longevity-brain): Protect mitochondrial function, reduce neuroinflammation, support long-term brain health.
- [Longevity Foundation Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/longevity-starter): Entry-level healthspan stack, the highest-evidence basics anyone serious about long-term brain health should consider.
- [Memory & Learning Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/memory-learning): Enhance neuroplasticity, memory consolidation, and learning speed. Ideal for students and knowledge workers.
- [Memory Starter Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/memory-starter): Entry-level memory and learning support. No racetams, no prescription compounds, just the highest-evidence basics.
- [Mood & Motivation Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/mood-motivation): Support healthy dopamine and serotonin pathways. Reduce stress, improve mood, build resilient motivation.
- [Natural Focus (Caffeine-Free)](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/natural-focus): Clean focus without stimulants. Ideal for sensitive individuals or those cycling off caffeine.
- [Sleep & Recovery Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/sleep-recovery): Optimize sleep quality and overnight cognitive recovery without grogginess.
- [Advanced Creative Flow Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/creativity-advanced): Layered support for sustained creative output, design sprints, writing sessions, artistic practice. Dopaminergic emphasis.
- [Advanced Deep Sleep Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/deep-sleep-advanced): For users already on the basics who need to maximize slow-wave sleep and recovery.
- [Advanced Memory Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/advanced-memory): Racetam-based memory protocol with full cholinergic and BDNF support.
- [Advanced Mood + Resilience Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/mood-advanced): Aggressive support for users with established foundation, low responders to gentler protocols, or those managing chronic stress patterns.
- [Advanced Stress Resilience Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/stress-resilience-advanced): For high-load environments, burnout recovery, sustained pressure, HPA-axis dysregulation. Multi-mechanism cortisol management.
- [All-Day Energy Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/all-day-energy): Sustainable energy without afternoon crash. Mitochondrial cofactors + balanced stimulant.
- [Anti-Aging Brain Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/anti-aging-brain): Antioxidant and methylation support for brain longevity. Lower-cost approach than NMN/NR.
- [Anxious Sleeper Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/anxious-sleep): For minds that race at night. GABA-supporting compounds without dependency risk.
- [Cognitive Pre-Workout](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/preworkout-cognitive): Pre-workout that doubles as a cognitive stack. Vasodilation + dopamine + focus.
- [Creative Flow Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/creative-flow): For divergent thinking, idea generation, and creative deep work. Anxiolytic baseline + mild stimulation.
- [Creative Spark Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/creativity-beginner): Entry-level support for divergent thinking, idea generation, and creative work, low intensity, daytime safe.
- [Exam / Study Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/study-stack): Designed for the night before / day of exam. Caffeine + L-theanine for vigilance, ALCAR for clarity, creatine for working memory under fatigue.
- [First Racetam Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/first-time-racetam): Safest entry into racetams. Piracetam with high-bioavailable choline. Headache-resistant by design.
- [Hangover Recovery Stack](https://www.nootropics.com/stacks/hangover-recovery): Morning-after cognitive rescue. Antioxidants, electrolytes, ALCAR, and B vitamins.

## Tools

- Stack builder: https://www.nootropics.com/tools/stack-builder
- Interaction checker: https://www.nootropics.com/tools/interaction-checker
- Goal finder: https://www.nootropics.com/tools/goal-finder
- Dose range lookup (published ranges only): https://www.nootropics.com/tools/dosage-calculator
- Cost analyzer: https://www.nootropics.com/tools/cost-analyzer
- Schedule planner (on/off days, no recommended schedules): https://www.nootropics.com/tools/cycle-planner
- Daily tracker: https://www.nootropics.com/tools/tracker
- AI advisor: https://www.nootropics.com/tools/ask

## Disclosures

- Some outbound vendor links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to the reader.
- Commercial relationships do not change editorial conclusions, evidence grades, or safety scores.
- Full affiliate disclosure, generated from the partner list: https://www.nootropics.com/disclosures
- Medical disclaimer: https://www.nootropics.com/disclaimer
- Privacy policy: https://www.nootropics.com/privacy
- Terms of service: https://www.nootropics.com/terms
- Sponsor policy: https://www.nootropics.com/sponsor

## Contact and corrections

Email: hello@nootropics.com, corrections, missing citations, and methodology questions welcome.

## Sitemap

https://www.nootropics.com/sitemap.xml