5 Science-Backed Nootropics for Improving Mood

An experience of good mood entails being happy, optimistic, motivated, and maybe even euphoric.

A nootropic is a substance that, if used properly, safely enhances the cognitive functions of the user.

Out of the 178 human placebo-controlled studies with 7,619 experimental group participants on 77 nootropics we've reviewed for our web app, 30 nootropics had a significant improvement on mood in 48 human placebo-controlled studies with a total of 1,527 experimental group participants.

The nootropics with the most scientific evidence backing their efficacy and safety for happiness and mood are:

1. SAM-e

We have reviewed two human placebo-controlled studies on SAM-e, in which 119 participants received the nootropic.

SAM-e, S-Adenosyl methionine, is a compound with the potential to improve:

• Mood
• Long-term memory

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.

Usage:

• Frequency: Daily, or as-needed
• Form of consumption: Capsules, powder
• Time of day: User’s choice
• Amount: Light = 500 mg. Common = 800 mg. Strong = 1,600 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 1 hour, lasts for 8 hours, and is normally followed by 4 hours of after-effects.

2. N-Acetyl Cysteine

We have reviewed eight human placebo-controlled studies on NAC, in which 278 participants received the nootropic.

N-Acetyl Cysteine is an anti-oxidant with the potential to improve:

• Mindfulness
• Sleep
• Mood
• Anxiety
• Neuroprotection
• Long-term memory

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: Headache and gastrointestinal symptoms

Usage:

• Frequency: Daily, or as-needed
• Form of consumption: N-Acetyl Cysteine, Powder, Capsules
• Time of day: User’s choice
• Amount: Light = 500 mg. Common = 1,000 mg. Strong = 2,000 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 30-60 minutes, lasts for 12 hours, and is normally followed by 6 hours of after-effects.

3. Grape Seed Extract

We have reviewed one human placebo-controlled study on Grape Seed Extract, in which 54 participants received the nootropic.

Grape Seed Extract comes from grape seeds, with the potential to improve:

• Problem-solving
• Mood
• Anxiety
• Attention
• Long-term memory
• Short-term memory

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None

Usage:

• Frequency: Daily
• Form of consumption: Powder, capsules, tincture
• Time of day: Before noon
• Amount: Light = 250 mg. Common = 500mg. Strong = 1,000 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.

4. Pine Bark Extract

We have reviewed five human placebo-controlled studies on Pine Bark Extract, in which 202 participants received the nootropic.

Pine Bark Extract, commonly used in a patented form known as Pycnogenol®, has the potential to improve:

• Mindfulness
• Attention
• Problem-solving
• Neuroprotection
• Short-term memory
• Mood
• Long-term memory

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None

Usage:

• Frequency: Daily
• Form of consumption: Pine Bark Extract (our dosages regard this powder), Pycnogenol®
• Time of day: User’s choice
• Amount: Light = 100 mg. Common = 300 mg. Strong = 500 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.

5. Omega 3

We have reviewed seven human placebo-controlled studies on Omega 3, in which 646 participants received the nootropic.

EPA & DHA are Omega-3 fatty acids, often from fish oil, with the potential to improve:

• Attention
• Mood
• Learning
• Long-term memory
• Problem-solving
• Short-term memory

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None

Usage:

• Frequency: Daily
• Form of consumption: Fish oil (our dosages regard this), fish (salmon, krill, etc.), algae
• Time of day: User’s choice
• Amount: Light = 500 mg. Common = 2,000 mg. Strong = 4,000 mg.

A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.

If you have the right mindset for nootropics use (awareness of risks and how to avoid them), you’re in a great position to experience engineering success.

To start experimenting with nootropics, you can use our app to get a nootropic recommendation for your specific goals. To achieve peak cognitive performance and well-being, make sure to upgrade your sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Are you taking any other drugs or nootropics? Find interactions here.

This post was originally published at nootralize.com; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.