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Memory
The 5 Most Science-Backed Nootropics for Short-Term Memory
Ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, grape seed extract, and more.
Posted February 3, 2020 Reviewed by Kaja Perina
An experience of good short-term memory entails being able to accurately recall and use digits, figures, or facts that one was exposed to less than a minute ago.
A nootropic is a substance that, if used properly, safely enhances the cognitive functions of the user.
Out of the 165 human placebo-controlled studies with 7152 experimental group participants on 77 nootropics we've reviewed for our app, 16 had a significant improvement on short-term memory in 37 human placebo-controlled studies with a total of 1869 experimental group participants.
The nootropics with the most scientific evidence backing their efficacy and safety for short-term memory are:
1. Ginkgo Biloba
We have reviewed eight human placebo-controlled studies on Ginkgo Biloba, in which 723 participants received the nootropic.
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has the potential to improve:
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 to 60 minutes, lasts for 12 hours, and is normally followed by 6 hours of after-effects.
2. Phosphatidylserine
We have reviewed six human placebo-controlled studies on phosphatidylserine, in which 621 participants received the nootropic.
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid with the 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.
3. 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 = 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.
4. 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, it has 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 = 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.
5. Rhodiola Rosea
We have reviewed four human placebo-controlled studies on Rhodiola, in which 202 participants received the nootropic.
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has the potential to improve:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Anxiety
- Energy
- Short-term memory
- Creativity
- 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: Root extract (our dosages regard this powder), tincture, whole root powder.
Time of day: User’s choice.
Amount: Light = 50 mg; common = 500 mg; strong = 1000 mg.
A pronounced effect usually comes on after 60 minutes, lasts for 10 hours, and is normally followed by six hours of after-effects.
Conclusion
If you have the right mindset to 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.
References
This post was originally published at nootralize.com. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
