Nootropics or smart drugs refer to a range of medications – prescription drugs and otherwise, that are designed to enhance brain function and, as a result, improve cognitive abilities and mental performance. There is a clear divide between nootropics –
- The synthetic prescription drugs manufactured to remedy certain neurological or psychological conditions and
- Natural nootropics like herbs and botanicals that enhance brain health as a whole.
It is important to note that if you haven’t received a diagnosis for a cognitive or mental condition from a doctor, obtaining those prescription drugs will prove to be difficult. On the other hand, Natural nootropics are more easily acquired. If you are looking for a way to boost general cognitive functions like memory, learning, information processing, creativity, and focus, natural dietary supplements would be the way to go.
However, there is a stigma that is attached to many natural nootropic supplements. This stems from the fact that so many brands simply throw a few natural ingredients together and hope for the best. Such brain supplements, at best, don’t work at all. The challenge is to find a nootropic supplement that is dosed effectively, uses ingredients that work well together and can provide you with a wide range of benefits. Also, safety is another facet that should be checked. This does not happen with drugs, as prescription medication is closely monitored by the FDA. But does that make them safer? To understand this conundrum, we need to closely look at prescription drugs and natural supplements.
So, in this guide today, we will be taking a look at Alpha Brain – a natural nootropic, Adderall – a prescription drug, and NooCube – another nootropic supplement. When it comes to finding the best brain and cognitive boosters, we ought to be very careful.
Alpha Brain, Adderall & NooCube: A Brief Introduction
Alpha Brain
From Onnit – a supplement company, comes Alpha Brain. This natural nootropic is formulated to improve cognitive function, eliminate brain fog, and also, to some extent, arrest cognitive decline. This BSCG-certified product avoids the use of stimulants, drugs, and harmful substances and uses only natural and safe ingredients to promote brain health. This nootropic pill is designed around the principle of alpha brain waves and the effect of these brain waves on function and performance. Alpha Brain states that an individual is most productive when in a ‘flow-state’ – a state brought on by the action of alpha waves that promote focus, concentration, attention, and recall. When in a flow state, you are able to function quicker, with more efficiency and creativity. The state also deters distraction and procrastination. To help you achieve flow states, Alpha Brain ensures to supply nutrients that promote alpha waves and also enhance other cognitive functions such as memory, recollection, attention, and mental clarity.
How to Dose Alpha Brain?
Take 2 capsules a day, preferably with a light meal.
Adderall
Adderall is a prescription drug classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. A stimulant, Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and has a strong propensity to cause addiction and dependency. In truth, Adderall is one of the most abused medications in the US. This is because the drug stimulates the central nervous system, which perpetuates a state of increased focus, joy, and concentration. It is also able to improve cognitive function when deprived of sleep or rest, making it a favorite with students and adults who work high-pressure jobs.
Ideally, Adderall is prescribed for ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, anxiety, depression, and sometimes bipolar disorder. Adderall is available as an ‘immediate release’ or ‘extended release.’ Because of its highly addictive potential, Adderall is usually prescribed at the lowest possible dose. Adderall is used for children and adults, but dosages and strengths vary. Adderall is an FDA-approved drug and cannot be bought without a valid doctor’s prescription.
How to Dose Adderall?
Depends on the doctor’s recommendation.
NooCube Brain Productivity
NooCube Brain Productivity is a stand-alone natural nootropic supplement that is designed to bring about better brain health and function, cognitive performance, and mental processing. NooCube is based on studies that suggest that age and stress impair the ‘memory molecule’ – BDNF or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This brain chemical is essential for nerve cell protection and cognitive functions like learning, memory, retention, recall, and creative processing.
Macular carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin are compounds that keep BDNF in check, and by supplying these compounds, one could effectively improve mental processing, cognitive performance, and brain health. Stimulant-free, NooCube relies on natural compounds, nutrients, and botanicals to supply the brain with nourishment and protection, which would keep brain function at optimum. This nootropic is especially recommended for those over the age of 50 as it could effectively curb brain fog and age-related cognitive decline. NooCube also addresses external factors that affect brain performance, like stress, environment, diet, and lifestyle, something most nootropic supplements fail to do.
How to Dose Noocube?
Take 2 easy-to-swallow capsules a day, with or without food.
Boost Productivity with Smart Supplements like Noocube, read more.
What Cognitive Benefits & Adverse Effects Can You Expect?
The main difference between the prescription drug and the natural Adderall alternatives, such as Alpha Brain and Noocube is the range of effects. While Adderall is synthesized to address very specific issues within the brain and neural system, Alpha Brain and NooCube provide a range of health benefits in an attempt to correct several inadequacies. Also, Adderall is used to correct medical conditions, while the natural options maintain health, improve general function, and provide support. The benefits you can expect from these smart drugs reflect these differences.
| Onnit Alpha Brain | Adderall | NooCube Brain Productivity | |
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How Do These Smart Drugs Work?
Here again, there is a difference between the prescription drug and the natural alternatives. While Adderall biochemically alters the way your body behaves, the natural nootropic supplements provide nutrition, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory support to the brain. This is why the latter has far fewer or no adverse effects. The natural pills work with the body, boosting already present support systems to improve the way the brain works. Of course, the way each of these nootropics works is reflected in the formula they adopt. Here is a closer look at each.
The Alpha Brain Formula
This nootropic pill uses a combination of herbs, nutrients, and amino acids to ensure more brain power. The components, save two, are grouped into Onnit proprietary blends. These ingredients include the following.
Vitamin B6 – 10mg
The B vitamins are usually associated with the proper metabolism of proteins, carbs, and fats. In addition to that, each vitamin in this group provides additional benefits.
- Vitamin B6 reduces homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a protein that can cause damage to brain cells, which over time, could lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease.
- Vitamin B6 may also help with raising levels of dopamine and serotonin, which help with mood and motivation.
Cat’s Claw – 350 mg
- A typical appearance in natural nootropic supplements, cat’s claw is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
- It can help with maintaining brain health and function, reducing brain fog, and promoting cognitive processing speed.
- It is also believed to increase BDNF levels, which promote cognitive functions like memory, recall, creativity, and attention.
Onnit Flow Blend – 650 mg
- This proprietary blend includes amino acid l-tyrosine, which aids the manufacture of adrenaline and dopamine for optimum function under stress and is also a precursor to catecholamine – the chemical that supports cognitive function when under stress.
- L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea (also known as -glutamylethylamide), which has been found to improve mood, reduce stress, and support regular sleep patterns.
- Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring fat that protects the brain cells for protecting the neural cells and optimizing neural communication.
- And, last but not least, oat straw extract promotes healthy brain function as it helps improve blood flow to and from the brain.
This blend is designed to promote alpha wave activity and to help you remain focused and relaxed when the pressure is on.
Onnit Focus Blend, 240 mg
This group of components aims to optimize levels of the brain chemical acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is required for several functions in the body and brain. The group includes:
- Alpha GPC, which is a precursor for acetylcholine and aids the production of the neurotransmitter, improves athletic performance, maintains brain cell integrity, alleviates fatigue, and boosts memory.
- Huperzia Serrat, also known as Toothed Clubmoss, has been a part of Chinese medicine for centuries to boost brain function and eliminate cognitive and physical fatigue
- Lastly, Bacopa Monnieri from Indian medicine can help with anxiety, memory issues, and maybe even epilepsy. The herb is known to promote spatial learning and information retention and enhance brain function.
Onnit Fuel Blend, 60 mg
This blend aims to improve the communication between the brain cells. The faster the communication, the better the function.
- Pterostilbene is added to promote cell health and integrity. However, the absence of resveratrol is sorely felt as the latter helps to activate and promote the action of pterostilbene.
- L-leucine is an amino acid that features in BCAA. This helps with the synthesizing of protein, and its presence in this formula is a bit confusing as leucine aids muscle building, fat loss, and metabolism.
The Adderall Formula
When compared to natural alternatives, the Adderall working comes across as harsh and invasive. Adderall boosts activity in the central nervous system and enhances the production and release of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. This is what leads to the ‘high’ that makes the drug highly addictive. The combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine brings about a balance of the neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex, which is where the reward center is located. This activation leads to better focus, concentration, and learning and moderates energy levels. It also curbs fidgeting, distraction, and aggression. These are the typical ADHD symptoms for which the drug is prescribed. The neurotransmitters also play a role in regulating the sleep cycle, which explains why the drugs are sometimes prescribed to those with narcolepsy.
Adderall immediate release is sometimes taken up to two or three times a day. Children are given lower doses of 5mg and a maximum of 40mg. Whereas, the extended-release version of the drug is prescribed to older children and adults. Side effects and drug interactions are to be expected from the drug.
The NooCube Formula
This dietary supplement uses natural cognitive enhancers that provide the brain and nervous system with as much support it needed. Because of the range of ingredients, there are several additional health benefits that this natural alternative can afford. The inclusions are 250 mg of Bacopa monnieri, 250 mg of L-tyrosine, 175 mg of Cat’s claw extract (all explained above), and the following.
Lutemax ® 2020, 20 mg
This is a blend of three macular carotenoids that are found in marigold flowers and has some serious clinical research backing stating that these compounds can improve verbal memory, learning, mental processing speed, and stress response. Carotenoids increase BDNF levels, which directly enhances brain health and cognitive functions.
Panax Ginseng, 20 mg
Ginseng is an herb that has been used to reduce anxiety for thousands of years. Ginseng is an adaptogen that helps the body to respond better to mental and physical stress. The herb can significantly reduce cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone that keeps your sympathetic nervous system activated. This state also stops your cognitive faculties from performing at an optimum.
Pterostilbene & Resveratrol, 140 mcg and 14.3 mg, respectively
While pterostilbene averts brain cell damage from free radical damage, resveratrol can provide anti-inflammatory support and curb age-related brain shrinkage. Both these compounds work in tandem with each other, which is why you would find that they appear together in most supplements.
Choline from VitaCholine®, 100 mg
The choline is used by the body to produce acetylcholine. VitaCholine is a registered premium source of choline with improved bioavailability so that the nutrient is quickly absorbed and utilized by the body.
L-Theanine, 100 mg
Another amino acid, l-theanine, has several functions in the body. For brain and cognitive enhancement, l-theanine boosts alpha brain wave activity, inducing a feeling of calm and relaxation. Tea is a rich source of theanine, which would explain why tea is the remedy to all ills. It also gives your brain and body an extra boost, which, unlike caffeine, does not cause jitters when the effects wear off.
Vitamin B1, B7 & B12 – 1.1 mg, 50 mcg and 2.5 mcg
The B vitamins are being looked at closely as nutrients that could influence mental health and performance.
- The B1 vitamin is believed to act as a mood balancer and also to improve energy production within the brain cells. It also has neuroprotective properties.
- Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin, is another strong neuroprotective that stops toxins, free radicals, and external influences from causing damage to the organ.
- And lastly, vitamin B12 is an antioxidant that rids the brain and nervous system of free radicals.
Where Can You Get Them?
Buy Alpha Brain
For Alpha Brain, you can purchase the product either from the official website or from several online merchant sites. However, some discounts and offers are available only on the website. You can purchase Alpha Brain in either a bottle of 90 or 30.
- A single purchase of 30 capsules would cost you $34.95, and a bottle containing 90 capsules would cost $79.95.
- You also have the option to subscribe, where you get a 15% discount on your purchases. Free shipping is available for purchases over $150.
- Onnit offers a 90-day money-back guarantee but this is available only on your first purchase from the brand.
Buy Adderall
Adderall can be bought from your local pharmacy or online portals. The drug is highly regulated and has a very high addiction potential, so it is available for purchase only if you have a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Adderall prices depend on a number of factors like strength, daily doses, and your current location.
- A 20mg pack of Adderall would cost approximately $125 and upwards. For refunds, you should check with the merchant you purchased the medication from.
Buy NooCube
NooCube can be purchased from the Noccube official website.
- A one-month supply of the product costs $64.99.
- A three-month supply (2 bottles + 1 free) costs $129.99
- And a five-month supply (3 bottles + 2 free) costs $194.99.
- Fast and free shipping is available on all purchases.
- With each purchase, you get access to NooCube’s Brain Productivity newsletter and e-guides.
- The brand offers you a 60-day money-back guarantee.
How Do the Three Nootropics Compare?
When it comes to correcting or avoiding cognitive impairment, taking a risk with shoddy supplements is not the ideal path to follow. To maintain a healthy brain environment, you should ensure that the brain is supplied with essential nutrients, is free from oxidative stress and inflammation, and is free of stress and disease. Now, let’s see if Alpha Brain, Adderall, and NooCube can actually fulfill these criteria.
Verdict on Adderall
The prescription drug Adderall first. The use of this drug makes sense if you suffer from attention deficit disorder or narcolepsy. Adderall or an Adderall alternative would be the best remedy for a medical condition once diagnosed. Adderall was developed with the sole purpose of remedying specific psychiatric issues, but that is about its extent of influence. Yes, the medication can help with focus, attention, and concentration, but there are side effects, risk of addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms, which make it a less preferred nootropic.
Verdict on Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain works if reviews are to be believed. These brain pills do have the potential to deliver on the claims that they make. However, the product does have a significant flaw – the use of proprietary blends. Even though the supplement features clinically tested nootropic ingredients, these ingredients are grouped into blends. The presence of the nootropic elements alone is not enough; they have to be present in doses that are safe yet potent. When you buy Alpha Brain, you can’t be absolutely sure of how much of an ingredient you are getting. Proprietary blends are usually avoided by brands that are not afraid to feature their formulae as a whole – like NooCube.
Verdict on Noocube
When compared to Adderall and Alpha Brain, NooCube is a clear winner. This is not simply because it avoids the use of blends.
- It is also because it is one of the few natural nootropic pills that supports all facets of brain health, cognitive functioning, and mental performance.
- NooCube provides nutrition and addresses stress, antioxidation, inflammation issues, blood flow, and the production of neurotransmitters.
- Unlike Adderall, NooCube is safe, does not need a prescription, and can be used by anyone over the age of 18 without getting a medical doctor involved.
- Unlike Alpha Brain, which focuses on ‘flow states,’ NooCube looks at brain and cognition as a whole, looking at the factor – BDNF, which facilitates almost every cognitive activity.
To help you see how different the three smart drugs are, here is a quick comparative recap of everything we have discussed so far.
| Onnit Alpha Brain | Adderall | NooCube Brain Productivity | |
| Purpose | To promote flow states that aid cognitive performance & mental calm. | To reduce ADHD symptoms and reduce the severity of narcolepsy, anxiety & depression. | To increase BDNF that facilitates brain function, all aspects of cognitive performance & also improve sleep cycles. |
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| FDA Approval | No | Yes | No |
| Prescription | No | Yes | No |
| Audience | Adults over the age of 18. | Children & adults found to have medical conditions that warrant the use of the drug. | Adults over the age of 18. Especially for adults over the age of 50. |
| Dosage | 2 capsules a day. | As prescribed by the physician. | 2 capsules a day |
| Price | $34.95 for 30 capsules – 15-day Supply. | $125 approximately & upwards. | $64.99 for 60 capsules – 1 Month Supply |
| Refund Policy | 90-day money-back guarantee | Depends on the source | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Where to Buy? | Alpha Brain is available on Amazon, GNC, Walmart, Walgreens or on its official website. | It can be bought only from the drug store with a valid prescription. | Noocube Brain Productivity Pills are exclusively available at the Noocube Official Website; click here! |
Summary & Verdict
If cognitive enhancement is on your mind, starting the use of brain supplements is a good way to start. We compared Alpha Brain, Adderall, and NooCube to check which of them would be able to provide the best possible cognitive benefits. On closer inspection, we found that:
- Adderall has its medical uses, but for long-term use, the drug would not be a suitable solution as it has dependency issues and side effects.
- Alpha Brain is a natural nootropic supplement that has the potential to improve brain function. However, the use of proprietary blends makes it less of a favorable choice.
- NooCube was found to be the ideal supplement with appropriate ingredients, doses, and range of influence that could benefit you in the best possible way.
NooCube is the brain pill that we recommend.
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