Nooceptin Review

Our nootropic and health correspondent Krista Bugden takes this relatively new nootropic for a three month test in our Nooceptin review. Find out whether or not she recommends it below…

I’ve heard talk about Nooceptin by SAP Nutra for a while now. Made with high-quality ingredients, I was eager to try this nootropic and see what all the hype was about. 

Its claim to fame is that it improves energy levels and focus while dampening the stress response. So, how much of an impact does Nooceptin actually have when it comes to energy and focus? In this Nooceptin review, I break it all down, exploring the brand, ingredients, my testing, and the results I experienced.

Let’s start…

Brand Overview – Nooceptin (SAP Nutra)

If SAP Nutra sounds familiar, you likely recognize it as the brand behind Vyvamind, another popular nootropic. SAP Nutra is a UK-based company, however it has FDA-approved production facilities right here in the United States. 

SAP Nutra follows all quality control testing procedures and regulations when it comes to the production of all of its supplements, including Nooceptin. The only real downside about SAP Nutra is that they don’t have a ton of products in the nootropics space besides Nooceptin and Vyvamind. 

Usually, I’m a bit cautious about trying brands without a solid history and reputation. Yet, SAP Nutra seems to have a fairly decent and honest reputation in the supplement space and good intentions behind it, especially when it comes to moving into the sphere of nootropics.

SAP Nutra also doesn’t seem to make any outlandish claims, even stating that “Nooceptin isn’t a bandaid for cognitive decline” and “It doesn’t have instant effects.” This really builds trust since they aren’t making any promises they can’t necessarily keep.

About Nooceptin

Nooceptin is all about improving focus and enhancing energy. So, how does it do this exactly?

Well, the seven proven ingredients in Nooceptin may enhance brain blood flow, which provides a quick boost and can really dial in your focus. In turn, this nootropic is designed to increase neural connections and the speed of these neural connections. In other words, it’s made to help you think faster, which can be great if you’re trying to be ultra-productive or learn something new.

As we age, our brain function tends to decline due to the death of brain cells. However, Nooceptin aims to boost neurotropic factors, which can prevent this cognitive decline, meaning this supplement might not just be about helping us in the moment but also helping us well into the future.

This nootropic may further improve acetylcholine production, which is key for information processing and learning. The formula behind Nooceptin also aims to target and increase memory recall while reducing overall stress.

At first glance, Nooceptin tends to focus on the processes behind its benefits rather than the benefits themselves. This is something I 100% respect. When a brand aims to educate us as opposed to simply telling us what they do, they get another point for trust in my book.

Nooceptin further recommends a trial run of at least 90 days to experience the full benefits. It’s also considered a very safe supplement for most individuals over 18, but it does advise those with certain hypersensitivities (specifically to their ingredients), those with anxiety, and those with a history of drug abuse to potentially avoid this nootropic – at the very least you should consult your medical practitioner prior to starting a new supplement.

Nooceptin Ingredient Profile

Nooceptin has seven scientifically proven and carefully selected ingredients, meaning we can reasonably cover them all in this article below (if you’re still with me at this point). 

Nooceptin serving size is three capsules, with most bottles containing 30 capsules. Thus, I’ll actually break down the dosages of each ingredient, as well as the potential benefits they provide. After we make our way through the ingredients, I’ll outline my personal experience with this nootropic and the results I noticed. 

So, let’s start this exploration of Nooceptin’s ingredients with the well-known mushroom called Lion’s Mane…

Lion’s Mane – 400mg

You’ve likely heard plenty about Lion’s Mane Mushroom, so for the sake of not boring you to death, I’m going to keep this fairly brief. 

As you might already know, Lion’s Mane has a lengthy history of medicinal uses in China, in particular within the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. It’s by no means a “new” ingredient in the world of nootropics.

Lion’s Mane actually lines the stomach, protecting it from damage, and helps enhance nerve development and function. Digging deeper, Lion’s Mane may help to even protect nerve cells, create new neural connections, and improve memory function. While more evidence is necessary to fully validate these claims, many individuals (me included) have noted it is beneficial for cognitive results. At 400 mg per serving, the dosage of Lion’s Mane in Nooceptin is fairly generous.

Citicoline – 200mg

Citicoline, in the form of CDP-choline, is a compound that our body naturally produces. Various studies show the potential of citicoline when it comes to improving neural function and neural protection. 

Nooceptin includes citicoline due to its ability to increase acetylcholine, which may lead to faster cognitive function and sharper focus. This compound has even been used to help those that have experienced a stroke and to help those of advancing age with cognitive deficits. 

Like most nootropic ingredients, more research would be an asset when it comes to solidifying these claims. Yet, many other nootropics include this ingredient in similar doses, and I’ve seen it yield positive results in the past.

So its inclusion in Nooceptin is a welcome one.

Panax Ginseng – 200mg

Panax Ginseng has multiple advantages for cognitive processes, including boosting memory, decreasing stress, reducing anxiety, and enhancing BDNF in the brain. 

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is key for memory, as well as proper health, growth, and maintenance of neural cells. In a 2019 study conducted in Korea, researchers noted considerable improvements in cognitive performance, specifically visual memory, after participants took Panax Ginseng for six months. 

With a reputable clinical study, we can infer that this ingredient most likely promotes improved memory. On top of this, there’s talk about Panax Ginseng being able to help regulate blood sugar levels and even potentially prevent or fight certain cancers. Again, more research is needed to truly validate these other claims.

At the same time, 200 mg is a very common dosage for Panax Ginseng, and similar dosages are used in other nootropics.

Ginkgo Biloba – 100mg

Ginkgo Biloba is an Asian plant, most notably the oldest living tree species on earth. It’s been around for over 200 million years and is widely known for its uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

Ginkgo Biloba has many uses, including reducing anxiety, treating Alzheimer’s disease, and treating other memory loss disorders. It’s thought to improve blood flow to and within the brain, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the areas that need it the most and that may produce higher cognitive performance. 

100 mg of Ginkgo Biloba is a decent amount, not exceeding recommendations but also not only giving you the bare minimum. Thus, it should be enough to deliver the benefits mentioned above.

Bacopa Monnieri – 150mg

Bacopa Monnieri, also called water hyssop, is one of my all-time favorite nootropic ingredients. A small part of me definitely judges a nootropic negatively when it doesn’t contain this plant. Yet, with Nooceptin, we only get an average dose of 150 mg, which is slightly below my preferred amount (and the most common dosage) of 300 mg.

Used for centuries, Bacopa Monnieri has long been used for helping with cognitive impairments. This usually means that for a healthy brain, it provides a boost in the form of memory, focus, and mood. Nooceptin further claims that the chemicals called bacosides in Bacopa Monnieri may stimulate the growth of nerve endings. 

All in all, I’m happy this ingredient is included. My one wish would be for there to be a slightly higher dosage of it. 

Rhodiola Rosea – 150mg

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen commonly used to enhance the body and brain’s ability to adapt and overcome stress. As a perennial herb growing in Europe and Asia, this is another ingredient that has a long history of use in medicine, especially in Scandinavian countries and Russia.

There’s various information on Rhodiola Rosea, with claims including that it helps improve mental capacity, mood, anxiety, and athletic performance. Most likely, and according to research, this adaptogen will help primarily with stress and mood. It may also help improve libido and could potentially have anti-cancer effects.

150 mg is a fairly average dose. Some clinical studies look at this compound using 300 mg or more doses, but 150 mg, as included in Nooceptin, may still produce some of these benefits.

L-Theanine – 200mg

L-Theanine is an amino acid. It’s often talked about in relation to its calming effects. Found in teas and various nootropics, research shows its efficacy when it comes to combating stress and anxiety, which can lead to improved focus and memory.

It’s also important to note that this doesn’t mean it will cause sleepiness or drowsiness, which could be a potential fear for some.

Doses typically range around the 100 mg mark, meaning 200 mg is a great dose. 

L-Theanine also neutralizes the effects of caffeine. Usually, this means you experience a sense of calm alongside increased energy, which is why these two are often taken together. It’s also useful for those with brain fog.

What’s Missing From Nooceptin?

Nooceptin pretty much hits the nail on the head. As mentioned above, I’d love it even more if it had a higher dose, closer to 300 mg, for Bacopa. However, it’s still carries a lot of punch!

A few other noticeable admissions from this nootropic ingredient list include resveratrol and caffeine.

Caffeine may further enhance the calming effects of L-Theanine, as explored above. Resveratrol, which is a popular ingredient in various nootropics, was also left out but is known to have loads of cognitive-enhancing effects. 

With that said, Nooceptin still has tons of benefits to offer, and I wouldn’t disregard it simply due to these two aspects. Of course, for most people, adding caffeine will be as simple as consuming a coffee or a tea, so for those who already do this, the lack of caffeine in Nooceptin could be a positive.

Now, to put it to the test!

My Experience With Nooceptin

As you can probably tell, I was pretty excited to try Nooceptin after hearing so much about it. Plus, I figured I’m the ideal test subject for this type of nootropic; I work as a writer with the pressure of multiple deadlines, meaning I can get caught up pretty quickly in a whirlwind of stress. In turn, this can lead to trouble concentrating and each task taking longer than I intended.

As a writer, I also work from home. This means I can find it tricky sometimes to separate work stress from my leisure time.

With Nooceptin, SAP Nutra state that a serving is three capsules. However, I always start with the lowest dose (and it’s something I always recommend to others), so I actually only took one a day to begin with.

I’m not going to lie – initially, I didn’t notice any difference.

Usually, with nootropics, specifically ones with caffeine (which is something Nooceptin lacks), I feel something within the first few days. Luckily, with Nooceptin’s messaging, I was somewhat prepared for this and willing to stick it out for three months.

By the second week, I upped the dose, and I started to notice a few results…

My Results With Nooceptin

For me, the goal of taking nootropics is for productivity, concentration, and energy when it comes to my work. When a nootropic checks these boxes, I’m pretty much sold.

With Nooceptin, I was surprised when I noticed changes within a couple of weeks. I was truly expecting it to take up to three months as per their marketing messaging. 

The first thing I noticed was suddenly, I was much more immersed in my work rather than having the looming deadline in the back of my head. I was truly enjoying it. This is big since stress revolving around deadlines can definitely spiral for me. 

Then, I even finished my work in record time (a rarity some days!), was able to make dinner at a decent time, and didn’t have to head back to work afterward since I was already done with the day’s tasks (such a win!).

Throughout my three months of taking Nooceptin, I noticed this more and more. I was more focused and more inclined to really live in the moment.

It’s also important to note that I did have mild nausea the first few times taking this supplement. This tends to happen when I take any new nootropic on an empty stomach, so no big surprise there.

Overall, Nooceptin helped me feel more focused and less stressed or anxious. The downside with this nootropic is that, while it’s not the most expensive, some might find it a bit on the pricier side, especially if you’re on a budget.

This is especially true when you consider that you need to take three capsules to achieve a full dose.

Verdict

Nooceptin is a wonderful nootropic, supported by a wide range of scientifically-proven ingredients. And the majority of people tend to have a positive experience with it – I certainly did.

While the price might not be justifiable for everyone, I’m not kidding when I say this is one of the best nootropics I’ve tested. If you’re unsure about it, I can safely say that I recommend Nooceptin to anyone that will listen.

The quality of ingredients and dosage actually make sense for the price, meaning Nooceptin has a pretty good price-ingredient value and is well worth your consideration – especially if you’re looking for a caffeine free nootropic.

Sources:

https://nooceptin.com/#a_aid=6343e0c51ae68&a_bid=8c3482bb&data1=SOMA&data2=NooceptinReview

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562749/#:~:text=Citicoline%20is%20able%20to%20potentiate,and%20in%20vascular%20cognitive%20decline.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2019.00363/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6989239/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/