Positive Human Clinical Trials

Safety Concerns Summary (ChatGPT)

Popularity Rating

Clinical Evidence Rating

Safety & Long-Term Concern Rating

Blended Rating (Clinical Evidence*2 + Popularity + Safety / 4)

Immediate/Delayed Impact?

Packets or Tub?

Potential Branded Forms Forms to Consider?

In Other Products?

Known for calming effect & pairing with caffeine, natural amino acide found in tea so super safe

8+ trials for cognition/attention

Multiple studies indicate improved relaxation and attention.

Generally considered safe; excessive doses may cause headaches or dizziness.

Works within 30-60 mins

100mg in Onnit Alpha Brain, 200mg in Thesis Clarity, in Magic Mind

Stress reduction supports cognitive clarity-- great for both immediate and long-term brain health-- plus extensively studies on young adults and aging populations

Several trials show memory enhancement, especially in older adults.

300–600 mg (standardized to 50% bacosides)

Long-term use appears safe; mild gastrointestinal issues reported.

Often requires a few weeks of daily use to be noticeable

320mg (as Synapsa®) in Kwik Mind, 100mg in Thorne Memoractiv, 150mg in Momentous Brain Drive, in Magic Mind

Known for energizing effects and shown to improve attention and focus now (and especially in high-stress or demanding situations) + long-term cognitive resilience later.

Numerous studies support improved cognitive function and mood.

200–400 mg (standardized to 2–3% ginsenosides)

Generally safe; potential interactions with medications.

Has immediate impact, but full cognitive benefits (especially memory) typically seen after a couple weeks

200mg in Thesis Clarity, 200mg in Parable Daily

Highly effective for supporting clear thinking & mental sharpness, fast-acting effects, and long-term brain health

Limited evidence suggests cognitive enhancement.

Generally well-tolerated; high doses may cause headaches.

Has immediate impact, but neuroprotective benefits over time

500mg in Thesis Clarity

Improve mental energy and clarity, supports neurogenisis

Some evidence supports enhanced cognitive performance.

Generally safe; mild side effects like headaches reported.

Has immediate impact, but neuroprotective benefits over time

250mg in Onnit Brain Focus, 200mg in Momentous Brain Drive, in Magic Mind (as Cognizin)

Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties (including brain) short-temr and protects from oxidative damage too-- piperine increases bioavailabiltiy, so lower dose okay

Limited studies suggest cognitive benefits.

500–2,000 mg (with piperine for absorption)

Generally safe; may cause gastrointestinal issues.

Builds up over weeks

400mg in Parable

Stimilates the production of Nerve Growth Factor, may help enhance brain plasticity, and more. ChatGPT flags current human clinical evidence is limited + may have more gradual effects (less impactful on brain fog)-- but early evidence supports memory enhancement, safe, and popular

Limited studies suggest cognitive benefits.

No significant safety concerns reported.

May take a few weeks of daily use to be noticeable

250mg in Thesis Clarity, 500mg in Momentous Brain Drive, in Magic Mind

Shown to enhance memory and cognitive processing speed, stress reduction too. ChatGPT flags expensive, needs a high dose, and may not have strong effects (mostly studied on older adults) though very helpful for long-term cognitive health-- overall strong evidence & safe

Several studies show improved memory and cognitive function.

Considered safe; potential interactions with blood-thinning medications.

Usually takes a few weeks of consistent use to be noticeable

Sharp-PS®, Nammex, Ultra Lion's Mane, SerinAid

200mg in Parable, 100mg (as SerinAid) in Kwik Mind

Very fast-acting, boosts dopamine and norepineprine to improve alertness, mental stamina, and motivation. ChatGPT flags it's especially effective under stress for focus and cognitive performance, but less directly impactful on brain fog than other ingredients

Limited studies suggest improved cognitive performance under stress.

Considered safe; excessive doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Usually felt within hours

100mg in Onnit Alpha Brain, 400mg in Momentous Brain Drive

Shown to increase magnesium in the brain, help against age-related cognitive decline, sort-term and long-term, and calming

Studies indicate improvements in memory and cognitive flexibility with increased brain magnesium levels.

1500-2000mg daily (144mg elemental Mg)

Safe long-term. Monitor kidney function if compromised. Takes 6-8 weeks for full effect.

Usually takes a few weeks of consistent use to be noticeable

Enhances mitochondrial function to support mental clarity & reduce cognitive fatigue. Flagging less strong effects.

Some studies indicate improved cognitive function in older adults.

Generally safe; may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Has immediate impact, but neuroprotective benefits over time

250mg in Memoractiv, 500mg in Momentous Brain Drive

ChatGPT flag its main benefit is in reducing stress-related fatigue, less robust evidence tackling brain fog, and similarity to L-Tyrosine. Adaptogen known for reducing mental fatigue especially under stress, improve mood and mental stamina, and more.

Some studies indicate reduced fatigue and improved cognition.

Considered safe; may cause dizziness or dry mouth.

Often within an hour

Consider seriously-- up-and-coming! When compined with choline sources, Uridine supports the production of phospholipids in brain cell membranes.

Limited but compelling studies for cognitive enhancement, especially with choline sources.

Generally well-tolerated; few reported side effects at moderate doses.

Usually takes a few weeks of consistent use to be noticeable

Lowers cortisol to maintain cognitive clarity & mental focus... but more over a longer period of time.

Some studies indicate reduced stress and improved memory.

300–600 mg (standardized to 5% withanolides)

Considered safe; may cause mild digestive discomfort.

Has imapct within days, but full cognitive benefits typically seen after a couple weeks

300mg in Thesis Clarity, 300mg in Momentous Brain Drive, 300mg in Memoractiv (as KSM-66), 120mg (as Shoden®) in Kwik Mind, in Magic Mind

Consider seriously if no caffeine, though redundant w/ L-Theanine... and have to take on empty stomach?

Contains caffeine and L-theanine; may improve alertness.

250–500 mg (standardized to 50% polyphenols)

Generally safe; high doses may cause liver issues.

Immediate impact, but also long-term brain health support over time

50mg in Memoractiv, 50mg in Onnit Alpha Brain

Also consider-- up-and-coming!

Emerging evidence supports mitochondrial function and neuroprotection.

Safe within recommended doses; limited human data but positive initial findings.

Usually takes a few weeks of consistent use to be noticeable

Blueberry Extract (isolated anthocyanins)

Too long-term use focused

Limited studies suggest cognitive benefits.

No significant safety concerns reported.

Usually takes a few weeks of consistent use to be noticeable

Promising animal studies, but limited human trials! More focused on enegy enhancement and general mental alterness rather than sustained attention.

Limited studies; potential cognitive benefits.

No significant safety concerns reported.

Shortly after consumption

300mg (as EnXtra®) in Kwik Mind

Benefits overlap with caffeine but more expensive, limited long-term data on safety

Preliminary studies suggest improved focus and energy, especially as a caffeine alternative.

Considered safe with minimal side effects; non-habit forming.

Immediate impact, but also long-term brain health support over time

L-Theanine basically just better, not immediate, more stress-first

Some evidence supports improved mood and cognitive function.

Considered safe; may cause sedation in high doses.

Often within an hour

300mg in Parable

Better taken separately for tolerance management

Numerous studies confirm enhanced alertness and attention.

Safe in moderate amounts; excessive intake can lead to insomnia and increased heart rate.

50mg in Thorne Memoractiv (as PurEnergy w/ 66mg of Pterostilbene), 100mg in Thesis Clarity, 100mg (as CognatiQ®) in Kwik Mind

Good but more interaction concerns than selected ingredients

Mixed results; some studies show improved memory.

Generally safe; may increase bleeding risk.

Usually takes a few weeks of consistent use to be noticeable

240mg in Thorne Memoractiv (as Virtiva)

Excellent but better taken separately at higher doses

Some evidence suggests cognitive benefits, especially under stress.

Considered safe; high doses may cause water retention.

Has immediate impact, but neuroprotective benefits over time

Powerful antioxidant effect, but most preventative & protective and long term

Limited human studies; potential antioxidant benefits.

No significant safety concerns reported.

Consider ErgoTru, from golden oyster mushrooms

Strong antioxidant properties, but limited human evidence for cognitive enhancement

Generally safe; excessive intake may cause allergic reactions.

Mostly temporary and aroma-based effects

Some evidence suggests improved alertness.

Generally safe; may cause heartburn in sensitive individuals.

Most studies focus on energy-enhancing rather than direct cognitive benefits, potential digestive side effects in high doses

Considered safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal issues.

Repetitive and don't want too much

Contains caffeine and L-theanine; may improve alertness.

Generally safe; excessive intake may cause insomnia.

Primary through it's scent and very transient

Some evidence suggests improved memory.

Considered safe; high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

DFE Folate (calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate)

Generally good, but not directly for brain fog-- heart health

Essential for brain health; limited evidence on cognitive enhancement.

Generally safe; excessive intake may mask vitamin B12 deficiency.

167mg in Momentous Brain Drive

Helps reduce anxiety more than improve cognitive clarity, limited cognitive trials, poor bioavailability

Limited human cognitive trials

Limited studies suggest neuroprotective effects.

No significant safety concerns reported.

Doesn't cross blood brain barrier

Generally safe; high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Source of green tea; see green tea extract above.

278mg in Thesis Clarity

Primarily long-term and neuroprotective, minimal human research

Limited human studies; potential neuroprotective effects.

No significant safety concerns reported.

30mg in Thesis Clarity

Huperzine-A is fast-acting but short-lived, high doses can make people sick

Some evidence suggests improved memory.

May cause nausea or dizziness; long-term safety not well-studied.

10mg in Onnit Alpha Brain

Benefits overlap, limited human trials

Limited studies suggest cognitive benefits.

Generally safe; may interact with medications.

66mg in Parable Daily

See Huperzia, requires cycling

See Huperzia Serrata Extract.

Not FDA aproved, limited long-term safety research

Limited studies suggest cognitive enhancement.

Generally well-tolerated; long-term safety not well-studied.

Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester)

Limited long-term safety data, cycling

Early studies support cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, particularly in cognitive impairment.

Generally well-tolerated; caution with dosage as it’s highly potent.