5 Science-Backed Nootropics for Improving Mood
SAM-e, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Grape Seed Extract, Pine Bark Extract, and Omega 3.
Posted January 2, 2020 Reviewed by Gary Drevitch

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.