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What is a Nootropic? Natural vs. Synthetic Brain Boosters
Learn how natural vs synthetic brain boosters work, key ingredients, and how Alice Brainstorm fits into a daily focus ritual.
What is a nootropic?
These days it can seem like it’s virtually impossible to sit down and lock into a
simple task. With the constant stream of notifications and platforms designed
to distract, focusing is harder than ever. You’re not alone if you notice your
attention shifts rapidly. Our world is built to pull you in a million directions. It’s not a flaw. It’s how our current environment works. These disruptions not only lead to mental fatigue, but even decreased productivity.
Unfortunately, work deadlines, family demands, and the struggles of daily life don’t accept excuses. You’re expected to perform regardless of these interferences. You need a solution that allows you to turn on your brain and launch into a flow state. Enter: nootropics.
What is a Nootropic?
Nootropics are substances that are taken to enhance cognitive function, including focus,
memory, mental clarity, creativity, and stress resilience. They range from well-known substances like caffeine to adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha. Research1 suggests that when taken over time, nootropics can positively enhance brain health.
How Nootropics Work in the Brain
Nootropics work on the brain in a few ways. Some nootropics work by acting on
neurotransmission, impacting neural signaling. For example, phosphatidylserine2 is a phospholipid that supports the signaling between brain cells, particularly targeting serotonin and dopamine activity. As a result, it may help support focus and working memory. Guarana3, on the other hand, interferes
with neural signaling, by blocking adenosine receptors. When this happens, mental fatigue signals are delayed, which results in sustained alertness.
Nootropics can also improve long term brain health, impacting neuroplasticity. For example, lion’s mane4 stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which supports neuron health. This can stimulate memory formation and encourage new neuron connections. Additionally, nootropics can protect neural health by boosting blood flow and oxygen delivery to neurons. Cordyceps5 helps to preserve neurons against the gradual damage that occurs over time, due to its antioxidant properties, supporting cellular energy.
The Science Behind Nootropics
Research shows that regular intake of nootropics has been associated with improved memory, increased attention span, reduced mental fatigue, and stress
resilience.
For example, in 20152, researchers set out to discover the role of phosphatidylserine in memory formation and the ability to concentrate. Because
of its ability to act as a fatty protective barrier for nerve cells, it has been shown to protect neurotransmission, which is the communication of the brain.
There have been many studies6,7 highlighting the effect of lion's mane
mushrooms on reduced memory loss in mice. But more recent research has also
been evaluated on humans. A study from 20208 explored the effects of lion’s mane mushroom on cognitive function in older adults. Researchers are continuing to investigate how its compounds interact with brain health pathways, including those associated with amyloid-beta.
A 2023 study3 evaluated the effects of another nootropic, guarana, on
productivity and energy. Results show that guarana intake was significantly associated with increased focus, likely due to its natural caffeine content.
In 20245, researchers evaluated the role of cordyceps on the ability to cope with stress, and found that this nootropic was
associated with improved adaptability and resilience in study participants. This
evidence points to the powerful connection between nootropics and cognitive health.
Natural vs Synthetic Nootropics
There are two main categories of nootropics: natural and synthetic. Natural
nootropics are found in nature, typically from plants, herbs, or fungi. They
include substances like lion’s mane, guarana, bacope monnieri, gingko biloba,
and many others. Since natural nootropics contain lower amounts of bioactive compounds, they offer a lower risk of developing side effects.
Synthetic nootropics, on the other hand, are made in a lab. These compounds, like Modafinil or Piracetam, are often only available by prescription. They often show stronger effects in the body, but need careful dosing and monitoring as they are more potent. There is limited scientific research on the long term effects of consuming synthetic nootropics.
Nootropics in Brainstorm
Brainstorm was created as a way to
deliver productivity and clarity in one tasty bite. Packed with brain-boosting
nootropics, it helps you maximize productivity by fostering brain health.
Lion’s mane acts as a form of
brain-supporting nutrition, with research exploring its role in supporting
nerve growth factor (NGF) and overall brain health. When combined with
cordyceps' steady stream of energy, guarana’s dose of natural caffeine, and
phosphatidylserine’s ability to increase alertness; you’ll be able to tune out
the noise and lock into the task at hand.
Upon consumption, you’ll notice an instant boost of energy and productivity, thanks to the 66 mg dose of natural caffeine. But don’t worry, you won’t experience those typical caffeine-fueled jitters, instead you’ll notice a steady stream of calm energy, helping you find your focus and get into a flow state.
Daily Habits That Enhance Nootropic Effects
Nootropic use is a great first step towards improving mental acuity, but your efforts
don’t need to stop there. To further enhance brain health, it’s important to
take a holistic approach. In addition to nootropic supplements, there are a
variety of other daily habits to engage in that research suggests may help
support sustained cognitive health.
Follow this daily routine for the ultimate brain-boosted day.
1) Start each day with exercise. Research9 shows that physical activity can improve memory and thinking. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week. That’s 30 minutes 5 days per week. Don’t worry! You don’t need to train for a marathon here. Moderate intensity counts. That mean even a brisk walk works.
2) Eat a brain-boosting diet. Scientists10 have extensively studied the best foods to support cognitive function. So what have they found? The top mind-sharpening foods include leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, walnuts, and nootropics. Aim to include a few of these
ingredients + a square of Brainstorm each day.
3) Engage your mind. This
may seem obvious but by stimulating your mind, you can keep it functioning at
its best. As they say, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. So what are the best ways to keep your mind sharp? Research11 shows that the top activities include socializing with friends, engaging in brain puzzles like sudoku, and reading.
4) Sleep at least 7 hours per
night. Your brain needs recovery just like the rest of your body. To allow your brain full restoration, aim for at least 7 hours12 of good quality sleep each night. Need some help in the sleep department? We can help you out.
Disclaimer: This blog contains promotional content about our products. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
References:
- Malík, M., & Tlustoš, P. (2022). Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients, 14(16), 3367. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163367
- Glade, M. J., & Smith, K. (2015). Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 31(6), 781–786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014
- Hack, B., Penna, E. M., Talik, T., Chandrashekhar, R., & Millard-Stafford, M. (2023). Effect of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 15(2), 434. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020434
- Szućko-Kociuba, I., Trzeciak-Ryczek, A., Kupnicka, P., & Chlubek, D. (2023). Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(21), 15960. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115960
- Di Lorenzo, R., Falanga, D., Ricci, L., Colantuono, A., Greco, G., Angelillo, M., Nugnes, F., Di Serio, T., Costa, D., Tito, A., & Laneri, S. (2024). NAD-Driven Sirtuin Activation by Cordyceps sinensis Extract: Exploring the Adaptogenic Potential to Promote Skin Longevity. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(8), 4282. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084282
- Zhang, J., An, S., Hu, W., Teng, M., Wang, X., Qu, Y., Liu, Y., Yuan, Y., & Wang, D. (2016). The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. International journal of molecular sciences, 17(11), 1810. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17111810
- Tsai-Teng, T., Chin-Chu, C., Li-Ya, L., Wan-Ping, C., Chung-Kuang, L., Chien-Chang, S., Chi-Ying, H. F., Chien-Chih, C., & Shiao, Y. J. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Journal of biomedical science, 23(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-016-0266-z
- Li, I. C., Chang, H. H., Lin, C. H., Chen, W. P., Lu, T. H., Lee, L. Y., Chen, Y. W., Chen, Y. P., Chen, C. C., & Lin, D. P. (2020). Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 12, 155. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Physical activity boosts brain health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/boost-brain health.html
- Tse, J. H. W., Law, Q. P. S., Tsang, J. T. Y., Suen, L. K. P., Tyrovolas, S., & Kwan, R. Y. C. (2025). The association between the MIND diet and cognitive health in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 29(9), 100630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2025.100630
- 10 healthy habits for your brain. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10-healthy-habits-for-your-brain
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-a). About sleep. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html
By Kristen Carli, MS, RD
Kristen Carli is the owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness, a private nutrition practice and consulting firm. She graduated from University of Arizona with a BA in psychology and then received a BS in dietetics from Arizona State University. After completion of the dietetic internship, she continued her education by receiving a MS in Human Nutrition from University of Western States. Having a passion for nutrition communication, she writes for many food and nutrition outlets as well as regularly develops recipes for food brands and media companies. Her nutrition expertise has been featured in InStyle, Bustle, Livestrong, The List, MyFitnessPal and many others. Additionally, Kristen is often featured via local TV segments sharing nutrition tips and tricks. She was selected to act as a Produce for Better Health Foundation Fruit and Vegetable Ambassador in Action, helping to promote the health benefits and importance of consuming fruits and vegetables, as well as a FoodMinds upwaRD winner for 2022, honoring up and coming media dietitians. You can find her reading, running, and exploring new restaurants with her husband and baby boy.
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Brainstorm
Brainstorm
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Brainstorm contains fairly traded organic dark chocolate, organic Lion’s Mane and organic Cordyceps from 100% fruiting body mushrooms, guarana and phosphatidylserine. Each square contains 66mg of natural caffeine which is equivalent to ⅔ cup of coffee.
Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and OU-D kosher certified.
Other ingredients: organic semi-sweet 72% dark chocolate (organic unsweetened chocolate, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter), coconut oil, cocoa butter
Allergens: Coconut, Soy
Processed on shared equipment and may contain peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, or soy.
Each bite of Brainstorm is formulated to boost cognitive function while also delivering an immediate boost to productivity and energy levels.
The long term benefits come from our functional mushrooms. Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps are felt over time — not instantly. When incorporated into a daily routine, the mushrooms’ nutrients compound in your body and become more effective (and noticeable) with sustained use.
Cordyceps works to boost blood oxygen levels to increase full body stamina, vitality, and energy. Lion’s Mane directly stimulates the nerve growth factor to improve memory, cognition, neuroplasticity, and brain health.
We also know that nothing beats instant gratification. That’s why we’ve added Guarana and Phosphaditylserine to our formula. Guarana is a caffeinated Brazilian berry that provides a smooth flow of energy, and Phosphaditylserine is a fatty acid that improves alertness, reaction time, thinking speed, and productivity throughout the day. Each square contains 66mg of natural caffeine which is equivalent to ⅔ cup of coffee.
The result: an indulgent daily routine that’s good for you and only gets better with time.
What to expect:
- In 30 minutes, feel productive and energized
- In 30 days, notice daily flow states, sustained energy and mental clarity
- After 3 months, enjoy memory support, brain health, and daily energy
One square suits most.
Enjoy one dose of Brainstorm when you’re in need of a clean boost of energy. Those looking for a stronger, more prolonged sensation may enjoy a double dose.
With daily use, Brainstorm supports neural connections in your brain for better productivity over time.
We exclusively use organic, fruiting body Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms that are hand-harvested when their medicinal compounds are at peak concentration. Our mushrooms are dried in the sun to soak up Vitamin D before undergoing a pure, starch-free extraction process.
All ingredients are third-party lab tested for safety and stability, and mushrooms are third-party lab tested for potency.