Nootropic, or smart drugs, substances receive their name from the Greek word vouc nous (mind) and trepein (to turn or bend) due to how they affect the human mind and stimulate it. These substances are known to increase the capabilities and capacity of cognitive processes as well as mnemonic devices (learning techniques used to aid one's memory). Nootropics have been found to have affects on the brain and functional areas such as: intelligence, concentration, attentiveness, and memory recollection. In some countries Nootropics can only be acquired through a prescription, often the prescribers suffer from various degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, attentive deficit disorders or hyperactivity. However in many other countries most Nootropics can be bought over the counter or ordered online.

Nootropics can be found on many levels of the world's market, whether from a local vitamin shop, a pharmacy, or from a licensed physician. Nootropics are commonly mislabeled as stimulants; this is due to the fact that the substances stimulate the brain and its neural receptors.

One of the first Nootropics substances synthesized would be Piracetam, the first of the Racetam family, which was synthesized in 1964 by Dr Corneliu E. Giurgea, and his team at the Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB. The chemical name for Piracetam is 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide, sharing a similar 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine structure as pyroglutamate. Piracetam is cyclic derivative of GABA, a chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA plays a chief role in regulation and control of the neural excitability in the nervous system as well as regulating muscle tone. Piracetam plays a positive role in the Allosteric Modulator of the AMPA receptor (mediates fast synaptic transmission to the Central Nervous System) explaining it being deficient of agonistic or inhibitory effects on Synaptic actions. Piracetam also improves the blood flow and distribution of oxygen throughout the body, as well as stimulates your ATP. Improving the functions and capabilities of the Neurotransmitter Acetylcholine through the muscarinic cholinergic receptors; which are used in memory processes. Potentially having a positive effect on NMDA glutamate receptors, Piracetam is thought to increase learning and memory processes. The effective dosage range for Piracetam is anywhere between 4.8 grams to 9.6 grams a day. There have been little and very few findings of side effects from taking Piracetam. Symptoms of these side effects are: excitability, insomnia, irritability, headaches, and nervousness have been reported. However when taken with a form of choline many of these side-effects are no longer found.

Dopaminergics affect the neurotransmitter dopamine and as well as other workings of the Central Nervous system that use dopamine. Characteristic affects of dopamine are: concentration, attentiveness, as well as antioxidant qualities. Dopamine is the chief activity of stimulants like Ritalin or amphetamine.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter with many properties on mood and possible effects on neurogenesis (growth and development of new nerve cells). A substance that affects the neurotransmitter serotonin is called a Serotonergic.

Stimulants are sometimes labeled as Nootropics; however a more apt name for them would be efficiency enhancers. There are some stimulants that may enhance the cognitive functions of one individual yet cause psychosis in others. Stimulants are not considered classical Nootropics by many and tend to have significant side-effects from taking them. Amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, and Desoxyn) are often prescribed and recommended by physicians to increase the functions of the brain. The side effects from taking Stimulants range from: sleeplessness, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, excitability, heartburns, lack of appetite, and sweating. Stimulants effect comes from numerous pharmacological mechanisms, the most well-known which includes the facilitation of norepinephrine and dopamine activity, adenosine receptor antagonism, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonism. Many stimulants have been found to be addictive, and prone to user abuse due to a tolerance to the stimulant being built.

There are many herbal and natural substances that can be used in conjunction with Nootropics to help aid their mechanisms. The brain's function relies on many processes such as the usage of ATP, removal of waste and the intake of new resource. Thus using an herbal or natural supplement to help facilitate any of these needs would work mutually with the taking of a Nootropic. Herbs that aid with mood and stress levels have been shown as well to help increase the efficacy of Nootropics. Examples of some of these herbs and natural substances would be lemon balm, passion flower, St John's Wort, ginseng, creatine, and ginkgo biloba.

Neutroceuticals and Nootropics is a growing field that more people are becoming interested in. With growing health concerns and techniques to maintain and increase the human body's performance, these substances are being found to not only benefit the body but the mind as well. Piracetam, choline, and the other Nootropics mentioned in the article are seeing continued and growing use throughout the world as mankind continues its continuous scientific conquest.