Noopept , whose chemical name is N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, is a nootropic supplement that belongs to the racetam family, although it is much more potent than other compounds in this family, such as piracetam. Originally developed in Russia, Noopept has gained worldwide popularity due to its cognitive-enhancing properties.
Why is it considered a nootropic? A nootropic is a substance that can improve cognitive ability, memory, and facilitate learning without causing significant side effects or toxicity. Noopept fits this definition due to its ability to enhance various brain functions.
Mechanism of action: Although the exact mechanism of Noopept is still under investigation, it is known that:
- It stimulates NDMA and AMPA receptors, which are associated with learning and memory.
- It increases the expression of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which are crucial for the health and growth of neurons.
Benefits:
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Cognitive Enhancement:
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Concentration and Focus: Many users report that Noopept helps maintain sustained focus on tasks that require prolonged attention, which can be especially helpful during study or work sessions.
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Mental Clarity: Noopept can improve mental acuity, helping users think more clearly and quickly.
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Processing Capacity: It can increase the speed with which information is processed, facilitating decision making and rapid analysis of complex situations.
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Memory Improvement:
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Short-Term Memory: Noopept can help improve retention of newly acquired information, facilitating learning and understanding.
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Long-Term Memory: It can enhance the ability to remember information over time, helping to consolidate memories.
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Recall: Some users report an improved ability to recall stored information, including old memories or specific details.
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Neuroprotection:
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Protection against Oxidative Damage: The brain is especially susceptible to free radical damage. Noopept acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing these harmful compounds.
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Prevention of Cognitive Decline: In experimental models, Noopept has shown potential to prevent or slow cognitive decline associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's.
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Reduction of Stress and Anxiety:
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Anxiolytic Properties: Noopept can balance certain neurotransmitters and reduce overstimulation, which can result in a feeling of calm and well-being.
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Stress Resilience: May help improve the brain's ability to resist or recover from stress, which is essential in high-pressure environments or emotionally challenging situations.
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Improvement in Interhemispheric Communication: Strengthening communication between the cerebral hemispheres can result in:
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Improved Creativity: By combining logical and creative thinking more effectively.
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Problem Solving: Greater interhemispheric integration can facilitate more holistic approaches to solving problems.
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Stimulation of Neuronal Growth:
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Neurogenesis: Through its ability to increase BDNF and NGF, Noopept may support the growth and development of new neurons, an essential function for learning and memory.
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Synaptic Plasticity: By promoting new connections between neurons, it can help improve the brain's adaptability and flexibility in the face of new learning and challenges.
Absorption: Noopept is efficiently absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Its oral bioavailability is high, meaning that when taken orally, a large proportion reaches the circulatory system and the brain. It is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach.
Adverse effects and contraindications: Although generally well tolerated, some users have reported side effects including irritability, insomnia, nausea and headaches. It is advisable to start with low doses and adjust as necessary.
People with pre-existing medical conditions or who are taking medications should consult a doctor before using Noopept. It is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to the compound.
Note: It is crucial for consumers to understand that although Noopept has shown promising benefits, the response may vary between individuals and medical consultation before consumption is always essential.
More information about Noopept and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/noopept/
References on studies:
[i] Gudasheva TA et. Al. “The major metabolite of dipeptide piracetam analogue GVS-111 in rat brain and its similarity to endogenous neuropeptide cyclo-L-prolylglycine.” European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics . 1997 Jul-Sep;22(3):245-52. ( source )
[ii] Us KS, Klodt PM, Kudrin A., Sapronova Ya., Ostrovskaya RU, Ugryumov MV, Rayevsky KS “The effect of the synthetic neuroprotective dipeptide noopept on glutamate release from rat brain cortex slices” Neurochemical Journal June 2007, Volume 1 , Issue 2, pp 138-142 ( source )
[iii] Gudasheva TA, Konstantinopol'skii MA, Ostrovskaya RU, Seredenin SB “Anxiolytic activity of endogenous nootropic dipeptide cycloprolylglycine in elevated plus-maze test.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2001 May;131(5):464-6. ( source )
[iv] Purves D., Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D., et al., editors. “Glutamate Receptors” Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. ( source )
[v] Ostrovskaya RU, Mirsoev TK, Romanova GA, Gudasheva TA, Kravchenko EV, Trofimov CC, Voronina TA, Seredenin SB “Proline-containing dipeptide GVS-111 retains nootropic activity after oral administration.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2001 Oct;132(4):959-62. ( source )
[vi] Gudasheva TA, Konstantinopol'skii MA, Ostrovskaya RU, Seredenin SB “Anxiolytic activity of endogenous nootropic dipeptide cycloprolylglycine in elevated plus-maze test.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2001 May;131(5):464-6. ( source )
[vii] Ostrovskaia RU, Gudasheva TA, Voronina TA, Seredenin SB “[The original novel nootropic and neuroprotective agent noopept].” in Russian Eksp Klin Farmakol . 2002 Sep-Oct;65(5):66-72. ( source )
[viii] Ostrovskaya RU, Gudasheva TA, Zaplina AP, Vahitova JV, Salimgareeva MH, Jamidanov RS, Seredenin SB “Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7. ( source )
[ix] Ostrovskaia RU, Vakhitova Iu.V., Salimgareeva M.Kh., Iamidanov RS, Sadovnikov SV, Kapitsa IG, Seredenin SB “[On the mechanism of noopept action: decrease in activity of stress-induced kinases and increase in expression of neutrophines].” in Russian Eksp Klin Farmakol . 2010 Dec;73(12):2-5. ( source )
[x] Ostrovskaya RU, Gudasheva TA, Zaplina AP, Vahitova JV, Salimgareeva MH, Jamidanov RS, Seredenin SB “Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7. ( source )
[xi] Vorobyov V., Kaptsov V., Kovalev G., Sengpiel F. “Effects of nootropics on the EEG in conscious rats and their modification by glutamatergic inhibitors.” Brain Research Bulletin . 2011 May 30;85(3-4):123-32. ( source )
[xii] Romanova GA, Shakova FM, Gudasheva TA, Ostrovskaya RU “Impairment of learning and memory after photothrombosis of the prefrontal cortex in rat brain: effects of Noopept.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2002 Dec;134(6):528-30. ( source )
[xiii] Ostrovskaya RU, Mirsoev TK, Romanova GA, Gudasheva TA, Kravchenko EV, Trofimov CC, Voronina TA, Seredenin SB “Proline-containing dipeptide GVS-111 retains nootropic activity after oral administration.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2001 Oct;132(4):959-62. ( source )
[xiv] Boiko SS, Ostrovskaya RU, Zherdev VP, Korotkov SA, Gudasheva TA, Voronina TA, Seredenin SB “Pharmacokinetics of new nootropic acylprolyldipeptide and its penetration across the blood-brain barrier after oral administration.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine . 2000 Apr;129(4):359-61. ( source )