Best Nootropics 2024: A Fungi Review - The Best Blog on Mushroom Products

What are Nootropics?

Definition and History

Before we go into what the best Nootropics are, some of you might not know what these substances are. Nootropics, also known as smart drugs, are substances that enhance cognitive function, particularly in areas such as memory, attention, and processing speed. The term “nootropic” comes from two Greek words: nous, meaning mind or intelligence, and tropikos, meaning turning or changing. Nootropics can be found in dietary supplements, medications, and even certain foods.

Types of Nootropic Supplements

Prescription nootropics, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Over-the-counter (OTC) nootropics, such as vitamins and supplements, are available without a prescription. Natural nootropics, such as herbs, mushrooms and plant extracts, have been used for centuries because of their extraordinary effects to enhance cognitive function.

How Nootropics Work

Now some questions you might have is how do they even work? Well Nootropics can affect brain function by increasing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine, which are involved in attention and memory. They also support brain metabolism, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive health and preventing cognitive decline. They can also improve blood flow to the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive performance. Some nootropics work by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to reducing cognitive decline and improving cognitive processing speed.

Popular Nootropic Ingredients

Caffeine

• Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve mental alertness and focus.
• It can also improve reaction time and reduce mental fatigue.
• Caffeine can interact with certain medications and cause side effects, such as insomnia and anxiety.

L-Theanine

• L-theanine is an amino acid that can improve focus and concentration.
• It can also improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
• L-theanine can interact with certain medications and cause side effects, such as drowsiness and stomach upset.

Bacopa Monnieri

• Bacopa extract is particularly noted for its benefits in memory improvement, making it a valuable addition to cognitive health supplements.

• Bacopa Monnieri can interact with certain medications and cause side effects, such as stomach upset and diarrhea.

Creatine

• Creatine at low doses can be used as a nootropic since it’s an amino acid that can enhance cognitive performance, improve cognitive function, and reduce cognitive decline.
• It can also improve memory and learning.
• Creatine can interact with certain medications and cause side effects, such as stomach upset and diarrhea.

Rhodiola Rosea

• Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen that can improve mental performance and reduce stress and anxiety.
• It can also improve mood and reduce fatigue.
• Rhodiola rosea can interact with certain medications and cause side effects, such as drowsiness and stomach upset.

Panax Ginseng

• Panax ginseng is an herb that can improve cognitive function and reduce cognitive decline.
• It can also improve memory and learning.
• Panax ginseng can interact with certain medications and cause side effects, such as stomach upset and diarrhea.

Evaluating Nootropic Effectiveness

Scientific Studies and Research on Cognitive Enhancement

• Scientific studies have shown that nootropics can improve cognitive function and reduce cognitive decline.
• Research has also shown that nootropics can improve memory and learning.
• Studies have also shown that nootropics can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

User Reviews and Testimonials

• User reviews and testimonials can provide insight into the effectiveness of nootropics.
• They can also provide information on potential side effects and interactions.
• User reviews and testimonials can also provide information on the best nootropic supplements.

Top Nootropic Brands

Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro is a heavily endorsed cognitive enhancer that is scientifically proven to improve cognitive function and reduce cognitive decline. With 1 million plus bottles sold, it is trusted by over 100,000 high performers.

• Ingredients: Citicoline, Bacopa Monnieri, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Phosphatidylserine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Vitamins B6, B9, B12.
• Benefits: Supports memory, focus, mental clarity, and overall cognitive function.

Pros	Cons
High-Quality Ingredients: Uses high-quality and clinically tested ingredients with proven nootropic effects.	Price: While it is considered as a premium product, Mind Lab Pro is on the expensive side of the nootropic supplement spectrum with a price of $69.
Clean Label: No additives, free from preservatives and vegan friendly.	Consistency: Benefits may require daily usage over a period of time in order for the effects to become noticeable.
No Stimulants: Mind Lab pro doesn't rely on caffeine or other stimulants to make their nootropic effective.
Research Support: Many of Mind Lab Pro ingredients have strong scientific backing with also their own independent ongoing research by the University of Leed in the UK.

 

Gorilla Shroom

• Gorilla Shroom is a Mushroom extract with the most aggressive doses of mushrooms on the market
• Ingredients: It contains the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Resihi, and Maitake.
• Benefits: Supports mental clarity, creativity and information retention without the need of stimulants. 

Pros	Cons
Positive Reviews: Nearly all products have an average above 4.5 stars, with a lot of users experiencing positive results.	Formula Changes: With formula changes and some products still in the testing phases the effectiveness of each product may vary over time.
Enhanced mental performance: Users report significant improvements in focus and mental clarity while gaming, working and studying.	Not regulatory approved: All claims are based on scientific research and user testimonies, and don't have formal regulatory approval.
Enhanced physical performance: Their pre-workouts increase endurance and energy levels making it a versatile product.
Staked with potent ingredients: With strong doses in this formula containing 3200mg of Lion’s Mane, 1500mg of Cordyceps, 1500mg of Reishi and 500mg of Maitake

Ryze Mushroom Coffee

For those in love with coffee Ryze mushroom coffee is packed with superfoods delivering high quantities of potent mushrooms. With 190,000+ 5 star reviews and an endorsement from Forbes magazine,

• Ingredients: Ryze is mixed with a blend of organic coffee beans and a mix of mushrooms like Lion's mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and Reishi.
• Benefits: Deliver increase in focus, immune support and energy levels, Without jitters and crashing.

Pros	Cons
Health Benefits: Adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and others may enhance mental clarity and provide sustained energy and other potential benefits.	Lack of research: Lack of evidence and support that the formula for the mushroom coffee can result in the benefits Ryze claims.
Low Caffeine: Offers a lower caffeine alternative, reducing the risk of jitters and crashes, making it suitable for those sensitive to caffeine.	Taste: The earthy/matcha flavor profile might not appeal to everyone.
Digestive Support: Contains MCT oil and prebiotic, promoting better digestion and gut health.
Antioxidant-Rich: Packed with antioxidants that can help support overall health and wellness.

 

Lucid Mushroom Coffee

Lucid Mushroom coffee is another nootropic beverage that combines the benefits of coffee with double stack mushrooms and nootropics.

• Ingredients: It contains a blend of organic coffee, Creatine, Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Tremella, Turkey Tail, Beta Glucans, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba extract Himalayan salt and coffee bean.
• Benefits: Lucid Mushroom coffee aims to reduce stress levels, increase focus, increase mental clarity and improve immune system function.

Pros	Cons
Health Benefits: Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, and Chaga are rich in antioxidants which can help support overall health.	Price: At $44 Lucid Mushroom coffee will be more expensive than regular coffee due to the added mushrooms.
Low Caffeine: Offers a lower caffeine alternative, reducing the risk of jitters and crashes, making it suitable for those sensitive to caffeine.	Taste: The earthy/matcha flavor profile might not appeal to everyone.
Rich in Nootropics: With aggressive doses of mushrooms it also has high in nootropic stack like L-Theanine, creatine, L-Tyrosine and etc	Effectiveness: The cognitive benefits may not be reached to a wide variety of individuals. Some may experience the benefits, while others may not.
Quality Mushroom Extract: Packed 100% fruiting body of the mushroom which is higher quality than the Mycelium extract.

 

Genius Mushroom

Genius Mushrooms by the Genius Brand is a popular veggie capsule nootropic with 4.5 star rating on amazon.

• Ingredients: It contains organic mushrooms, including Cordyceps, Reishi and Lion's Mane
• Benefits: Genius Mushrooms promise enhanced focus, energy, endurance and immunity.

Pros	Cons
Suitable for Various Lifestyle: Can benefit a wide range of people from students, athletes, entrepreneurs and individuals just looking to improve their general wellness.	Potency: Low dosage of each mushroom in the blend, can potentially limit the benefits of the individual mushrooms.
Clean Label: No additives, free from preservatives and vegan friendly.	Effectiveness: The cognitive benefits may not be reached to a wide variety of individuals. Some may experience the benefits, while others may not.
Positive User Feedback: High ratings from users who report positive improvement to cognitive function and energy.
Cost: At $21.99 Genius Mushroom is relatively inexpensive compared to its competitors.

 

Conclusion

Summary of Key Points

• Nootropic supplements can improve cognitive function and reduce cognitive decline by enhancing cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and mental clarity.
• They can also improve memory and learning, and reduce stress and anxiety.
• Nootropic supplements can interact with certain medications and cause side effects. 

Considerations When Choosing Mushroom-Based Nootropics:

1. Mushroom Type: Different mushrooms offer various benefits (e.g., Lion’s Mane for cognitive enhancement, Reishi for stress reduction).
2. Extraction Method: Look for products that use high-quality extraction methods (e.g., dual-extraction) to ensure potency.
3. Dosage: Ensure the product provides a clinically effective dosage of mushrooms.
4. Quality: Opt for organic and non-GMO mushrooms to avoid contaminants and pesticides.
5. Reputation: Choose products from reputable brands known for their quality control and testing.

In my opinion, I believe Mushroom-based nootropics can offer significant cognitive benefits since you can take them daily and I still haven’t found negative side effects. It’s also essential to select products that are well-formulated and supported by research.

Final Thoughts On Nootropic Products

Any one of these products can be a good choice to integrate into your lifestyle so you can be a better you. The products here are capsules or powdered which means you have the choice to pick which one is more convenient. The Mind Lab Pro is suited best for individuals who are seasoned nootropic users who are willing to spend a little more on a nootropic product. Gorilla Shroom is meant for those who love mushrooms and can tolerate high dosage for extreme use. Ryze and Lucid Mushroom coffee really go in the same bracket of people who like a boost in the morning and to decide which one to take is really up to price range Ryze has less nootropic ingredients but offer a cheaper price while lucid mushroom coffee has higher quality mushroom ingredients and more nootropic ingredient, but at a higher price. Lastly, Genius Mushroom is the most well rounded product that I would recommend the most to people new to this wellness sphere because of the simple ingredients offering a wide range of benefits suited for different people and being at the cheapest price listed here.

Future of Nootropic Research and Cognitive Function

With ongoing research on nootropics, new ingredients and products are being developed. With the independent study going on at Mind Lab Pro and University of Leeds, the future of nootropics holds a huge promise moving forward to bettering nootropic supplements, making them a better alternative to over the counter medicine. It is important to stay informed about the latest research and developments in the field of nootropics.