Memory
The 5 Most Science-Backed Nootropics for Long-term Memory
Phosphatidylserine, Omega 3, Ginkgo Biloba, Alpha-GPC, and Grape seed extract
Posted February 5, 2020

An experience of good long-term memory entails being able to accurately recall and use digits, figures or facts that one was exposed to more than a minute ago.
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 7619 experimental group participants on 77 nootropics we've reviewed for our app, 13 nootropics had a significant improvement on long-term memory in 26 human placebo-controlled studies with a total of 1620 experimental group participants.
The nootropics with the most scientific evidence backing their efficacy and safety for long-term memory are:
Best: Phosphatidylserine
2nd: Omega 3
3rd: Ginkgo Biloba
4th: Alpha-GPC
5th: Grape Seed Extract
Phosphatidylserine
We have reviewed 6 human placebo-controlled studies on Phosphatidylserine, in which 621 participants received the nootropic.
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid with potential to improve:
- Problem-solving
- Short-term memory
- Long-term memory
- Learning
- Stress
- Energy
- Mindfulness
- Attention
Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.
Usage
Frequency: Daily
Form of consumption: Phosphatidylserine, capsules, powder
Time of day: Before noon
Amount: Light = 50 mg. Common = 100 mg. Strong = 300 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after effects.
Omega 3
We have reviewed 7 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 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 = 2000 mg. Strong = 4000 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after effects.
Ginkgo Biloba
We have reviewed 8 human placebo-controlled studies on Ginkgo Biloba, in which 723 participants received the nootropic.
Ginkgo Biloba is an herb that has potential to improve:
- Short-term memory
- Learning
- Problem-solving
- Attention
- Energy
- Anxiety
- 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: Leaf extract (our dosages regard this) powder, capsules, tincture
Time of day: User’s choice
Amount: Light = 100 mg. Common = 400 mg. Strong = 800 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.
Alpha-GPC
We have reviewed 3 human placebo-controlled studies on Alpa-GPC in which 100 participants received the nootropic.
Alpha-GPC is a choline source with potential to improve:
- Energy
- Long-term memory
- Problem-solving
Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None.
Usage
Frequency: Daily, or as-needed
Form of consumption: Alpha-GPC, powder, capsules, sublingual solution
Time of day: More than 5 hours before sleep
Amount: Light = 50 mg. Common = 300mg. Strong = 800 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after 1 hour, lasts for 5 hours, and is normally followed by 5 hours of after effects.
Grape Seed Extract
We have reviewed 1 human placebo-controlled study on Grape Seed Extract, in which 54 participants received the nootropic.
Grape Seed Extract comes from grape seeds, it has 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 = 1000 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 to nootropic use (awareness of risks and how to avoid them), you’re in a great position to succeed with your nootropic use.
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.
References
This blog post was originally published at nootralize.com, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.