NOOPEPT: WHAT IS NOOPEPT?
Nootropic drugs are described as “Smart Drugs” because, as a whole, this drug category can have an enhancing effect in the areas of memory, focus, cognition, and neurological deficits. The bulk of these drugs have proven to improve conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of brain traumas. Noopept is one such nootropic. Noopept is a brand name for a the chemical called N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, which is synthetic alternative to Piracetam. However, in order to receive the greatest benefit the required dosage of Noopept is much lower than Piracetam. For example, 4800 mg of piracetam is equated to a daily dosage of Noopept at only 15-30 mg. After administration, Noooept appears to provide a neuroprotective effect; however, researchers have yet to explain exactly why this neuroprotective element occurs (Frank, 2014).
HOW DOES NOOPEPT WORK?
In a number of animal based tests it has been determined that Noopept was beneficial in restoring cognition in regards to Alzheimer’s disease. It has, also, shown to prevent free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines accumulation, ionic disbalance, neurotrophine deficit and excitotoxicity. (Ostrovskaya, & et. al, 2014). However, as yet, the neuroprotective qualities identified apparently do not have an effect on brains that are not impaired; the uninjured daily user may experience little or no effect from Noopept (Frank, 2014). The effects of Noopept do appear to vary from user to user. Some experience a minute change in their memory and cognitive abilities and others may experience a huge increase in memory ability and capacity to recall small details.
NOOPEPT SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS
The short and long term effects of Noopept use have by and large proven to be beneficial and positive. The increased capacity of memory, attention span, and overall cognition is improved. According to experts, after tests conducted on rabbits, explain that there have been no toxic, allergic, or direct health risks associated with this nootropic (Kovalenko & et. al, 2004).
NOOPEPT NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS
The negative side effects of Noopept are limited. Its low dose nature does not have a negative effect on internal structures or the stomach. In fact, the common side effect of many nootropics are headaches, however, apparently, Noopept may actually be able to prevent headaches in certain cases.
BENEFITS AND POSITIVE EFFECTS
In the end it appears that Noopept is increasing in its possibility and potential. While the bulk of nootropics have been identified that have far more beneficial short and long term effects with low negative side effects, with the exception of minor headaches, stomach distress, and some, like Pramiracetam, can have a long term negative effect on brains that have yet to fully develop. However, Noopept, as a synthetic alternative appears not to carry even less potential for side effects and appears to be safe, required lower dosages, and can provide neuroprotective effects to the brain that can last long after the drug has been discontinued. Unfortunately, the drugs only shortcoming is its varying degree of effect and benefit that each person will receive. Again, some people will reap the rewards at the lowest dosages and others may have to engage in larger dosages in order to reap the same effect. That said researchers continue to pursue the benefits and failings of Noopept and the rest of the drugs that fall under the umbrella of “Smart Drugs.” Ideally, experts would like to see drugs, like Noopept, will be the newest wave of medicine and a safe and efficient way to improve deficits of cognition, memory, and treat the severest forms of dementia and the effects of Alzheimer’s patients all over the world. Further research into the area of nootropic is certainly worthwhile.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAL ON NOOPEPT
Noopept is a recent nootropic that was first patented in Russia in 1995. Noopept has been shown to have neuro-protective qualities through the stimulation of a protein known as Nerve Growth Hormones (NGH) which plays an active role in reducing and even preventing neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is another protein that is stimulated when Noopept is administered which takes an efficacious role in reinforcing the survival of neurons, strengthening the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. This nootropic stimulates the AMPA and NMDA receptors and their pathways, both of these receptors are glutamatergic receptors which play roles in memory and thought processes.
Noopept is a peptide that can be taken orally and passes readily through the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). This supplement is of the racetam chemical class that has been shown, according to studies, to be much stronger than Piracetam. This cognitive enhancer has the potential of having anxiolytic benefits through the reported stimulation of Dopamine receptors D2 and D3 as well as nicotinic ACh receptors. It also has both an anti-inflammatory benefit, as well as generate antioxidant advantages.
Noopept has been shown to stimulate and promote two proteins involved in generating new neurons as well as preserving and strengthening damaged neurons in the Hippocampus. The growth of new neurons suggests that Noopept, has potentially lasting effects even after administration has been halted. Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus (Bull Exp Biol Med. 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7).
In one study Noopept was shown that Noopept may aid in treating Parkinson’s disease by alleviating amyloid oligomeric cytotoxicity. Neuroprotective and nootropic drug noopept rescues α-synuclein amyloid cytotoxicity (J Mol Biol. 2011 Dec 16;414(5):699-712).
One paper presented that the effective dose range of Noopept in comparison to Piracetam was 1000 times lower and also that spectrum of mneumotropic activity was greater in regards to Noopept. This showed that the dipeptide nootropic was much stronger than Piracetam. The original novel nootropic and neuroprotective agent noopept (Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2002 Sep-Oct;65(5):66-72).
NOOPEPT DOSAGE
The recommended noopept dosage is usually 30 mg through out the day, taken one in the morning and a final dosage in the afternoon. This nootropic is available in both tablet and powder form.
DOES NOOPEPT WORK?
Noopept is a peptide that is promoted as a natural method of improving cognitive functions. There has been clinical studies to suggest Noopept may increase memory recall and retention, repair or improve neuron growth in the hippocampus, and have anti-anxiety benefits. There are still many variables though that have to be looked at with improving cognitive abilities. As a result, it is very hard to determine just how effective Noopept would be for a specific person. It all comes down to their own needs and current cognitive ability as well as lifestyle choices.