Nootropic Ingredient A to Z: Where Each Ingredient Is Covered on This Site

How to use this index

This page is a map, not a recommendation. Each row names an ingredient or substance sold or discussed as a "brain" or "focus" product and points to the page on this site that covers it. Names in the "also appears as" column are taken from the titles of our own guides. Nothing here says that an ingredient works, is safe for you, or is legal where you live.

Three groups appear in the table: nutrients and everyday ingredients (such as caffeine and omega-3), herbs and mushrooms, and drugs or unapproved substances. The last group is listed only so you can read what regulators and safety sources say. We do not suggest any of them. Prescription medicines such as modafinil or ADHD stimulants are decided by a prescriber, and nobody should stop or change a prescribed medicine without that prescriber. [1]

For the big picture, start with what nootropics are and the Nootropics hub. The FDA notes that dietary supplements can be beneficial but can also involve health risks, and that a health care professional can help decide whether a supplement is right for a person. [1]

Ingredient index

What is not on this list

Multi-ingredient "brain formulas" and "stacks" are covered in multi-ingredient brain formulas and nootropic stacks. Terms such as acetylcholine or racetam are explained in the nootropics glossary. The wider site-wide list of ingredients is the A to Z ingredient directory.

Before you rely on any entry

Some supplements can interact with medicines, interfere with lab tests or have dangerous effects during surgery, and the FDA suggests talking with a doctor, nurse, dietitian or pharmacist before buying or taking one. [1] The NHS and FDA pages we read do not replace that conversation, and neither does this index. For a question list to bring to an appointment, see questions to ask your clinician or pharmacist.