Many people wonder exactly how these smart drugs work and enhance the brain functioning. Typically, these smart drugs and brain supplements are designed in a way that allows targeting of one or more of the six brain pathways.
Nootropics that foster brain health, focus on boosting cognition and brain pathways. Moreover, nootropics are also considered as memory food because they help in improving memory storage and retrieval. As there are different kinds of nootropics, all of them follow individual processes as to how they will function and communicate with the brain.
Here are some of the mechanisms that are carried out by nootropics:
MECHANISM 1- Elevating brain growth factors
There are certain nootropics that help in enhancing brain growth factors, like nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), which allows the proper functioning and growth of neurons in the important regions of the brain. NGF is important for the survival of sensory and sympathetic neurons, while BDNF plays a key role in the maintenance and growth of neurons.
As the neurons increase, the neuroplasticity increases too. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt and restructure itself under stressful situations.
For example, Lion’s mane is used as a nootropic to improve cognition.
MECHANISM 2- Carrying out the activity of neurotransmitters
Nootropics have the ability to change the concentration of neurotransmitters. It means that they can increase the activity of the neurochemicals that contribute to mood boosting. Serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, epinephrine, GABA, acetylcholine etc are some of the mood boosting neurochemicals.
Nootropics or smart drugs also help in lowering neurotransmitters like cortisol and glutamate. Thus, it results in decreased anxiety, elevated mood, faster learning, reduced stress and better sleep.
For example, 5 HTP increases serotonin which is considered as the feel-good hormone.
MECHANISM 3- Lowering inflammation
A number of nootropics help in reducing inflammation in the brain, which automatically enhances the cognitive performance.
For example, Ginkgo Biloba helps in reducing neuroinflammation as it already suppresses the inflammatory molecules in the hippocampus, the region of the brain which is responsible for spatial memory and learning.
MECHANISM 4- Enhancing the blood flow
Nootropics work as vasodilators and increase the blood flow in the brain and throughout the body. Increased blood flow contributes to reduced stress, better flow of oxygen, and more absorption of nutrients by the brain.
These factors improve the overall performance of an individual. For example, Ginseng helps in increasing accuracy and speed in cognitive tasks.
MECHANISM 5- Enhancing neuroprotection
There are several nootropics that have the ability to prevent neurodegeneration that is associated with age.
For example, Ashwagandha, which is an effective cognitive enhancer, helps in improving memory and establishing sustained attention.
As nootropics are in greater demand, it is very important to have a keen eye for the nootropic combinations. These amazing cognitive enhancers boost up your brain to the next level. A number of mechanisms take place as you use nootropics so it is important to have a thorough understanding about what these smart drugs actually are and how they work. You must know that smart drugs don’t bring miracles to life but they help you achieve more and make a meaningful contribution to the society.