Well, it is yet another year and another new list of the top nootropics has been released, the top nootropics in 2016. This list has been carefully created by Peak Nootropics staff based on the data from our top selling products as well as from external trends we have observed. Like in previous years, efficacy, tolerability and price are the three most important factors to determine this list. Price drops are a great indicator of popularity because due to increasing demand, there is larger supply driving the price down.

#1 Noopept

Noopept makes #1 on the list of best nootropics in 2016. Three things affect noopept’s ranking in 2016. Firstly, this nootropic has always been on the list of previous years because it has preformed consistently. Price has also been a prominent factor in determining where noopept sits on this list. The cost of noopept has come down considerably over the past few years.

Noopept works as a strong cholinergic nootropic that acts as an acetylcholine positive allosteric modulator. This mechanism greatly enhances the signal of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter at the receptor. For those that do not know, acetylcholine is responsible for a host of cognitive functions. Unlike some other cholinergic nootropics in the racetam class, noopept has an extremely high bioavailability meaning it can achieve its effects at a much lower dosage. This adds increased value and convenience when supplementing this nootropic.

#2 Piracetam

As in previous years, piracetam has made the list of top nootropics in 2016. Even though piracetam has been at battle with newer more advanced nootropics, it has still remained very popular and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. Piracetam is the most studied racetam so people have a lot of trust and confidence in it. Piracetam is also very stackable and can be combined with a host of other nootropics. It is a great starting nootropic for beginners.

Piracetam affects cholinergic and glutamatergic receptors, both of which are suggested to play a major role in cognitive functioning. As with noopept, piracetam acts as a modulator at acetylcholine receptors. Aside from this, it also has a role in modulating AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors. Both of these mechanisms are believed to play a role in its nootropic effects. Piracetam is also very affordable however the price hasn’t dropped much over the years because it is already cheap and widely available.

#3 Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam definitely makes the list of top nootropics in 2016. As with noopept, pricing drops have certainly made this nootropic more popular and affordable. In previous years, phenylpiracetam has been quite expensive per dose. This has made it less affordable for students and other nootropic users however, a recent surge in popularity has driven the price of this powerful nootropic down.

As you may have guessed, phenylpiracetam is related to piracetam. Phenylpiracetam is an analogue of piracetam with an addition of a phenyl ring. The addition of the phenyl ring increases the bioavailability many times over. This means a much lower dosage is needed to get nootropic effects.

Phenylpiracetam works similar to piracetam but is considered to be more potent. It also has effects on acetylcholine potentiation and cerebral blood flow as seen with piracetam. Phenylpiracetam might also change the characteristics of certain dopamine receptors. It is considered to be a very mild stimulant however not the same as your classic stimulants. Phenylpiracetam is well-known due to it being banned from the Olympics as a performance enhancing substance.

#4 Alpha GPC (99%)

Alpha GPC is yet another popular nootropic that made the list in 2016. This nootropic is generally stacked or combined as a synergetic supporting nootropic amongst cholinergic racetams. Alpha GPC is found naturally within the brain and within certain foods. Alpha GPC powder can come in the 99% and the 50% versions although, the 99% version is rarely seen in capsules due to the extreme difficulty of encapsulation. Therefore, buying 99% powder is a good way to take alpha GPC because the powder is water soluble and does not have a very strong taste.

When Alpha GPC is consumed it has a range of biological functions. It’s end by-product of metabolism is both acetylcholine and phospholipids. In this sense, it is technically not a precursor to acetylcholine like choline itself however, supplementation is generally believed to increase free acetylcholine via its metabolism.

 

#5 Tianeptine

We were strongly debating whether or not we should add tianeptine to the list of top nootropics in 2016. For one, it is not a product we sell so we don’t have direct market data to it. With this said, tianeptine has certainly seen an increase in popularity over the last few years. Tianeptine does have abuse potential and can cause psychoactive effects at higher, ill-advised dosages. This is the reason we have not added it to our store. With this said, it still makes the list as we do see the tianeptine trend growing in 2016.

Tianeptine is the only substance within its class. It is known as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Enhancer (SSRE). An in-vitro study showed an SSRI anti-depressant drug to cancel out the effects of tianeptine indicating an opposite mechanism of action. Although it has been studied, little is known about the way it works as an anti-depressant and nootropic substance. It has been suggested to have dopaminergic qualities as well as effects on BDNF which is a small brain protein and growth factor suggested to promote brain growth.

With this said, the jury is still own on tianeptine safety. It may have nootropic effects however may have abuse potential as well. It is believed the abuse potential comes from its effects on opiate receptors. These effects are usually seen in high dosages but it is no question that an abuse potential underlies this substance.

Conclusion

We really hope you enjoyed our list of top nootropics in 2016. This list has been carefully thought out in order to give you some suggestions and feedback. We have a lot more information on our blog about each of these nootropics. In the end, you should consider effectiveness, price and safety as all major factors when choosing a nootropic or stack. All nootropics effect everyone differently and some have good effects while others may have side effects. No nootropic comes without risk so you should consider this when making a choice as it should always be your number one concern.

See the list from 2015
See the list from 2014