When it comes to nootropics or smart drugs, there is a fierce misconception – that they make you smarter, help you develop superhuman cognitive abilities, or that IQ shifts a few points ahead. All of that is false, but we can explain the myth. A nootropic does not change the fundamentals of brain capacity and function, but it can improve performance. That is essentially what a nootropic supplement does – it provides the brain with nutrients that boost brain energy, reduce oxidative stress, and augment communication between the brain cells. This results in the brain functioning better than before; as a result, you would be able to process information quicker, come up with better answers, be more creative, and even deal with stress effectively. So, you could forgive that a few believe that nootropics made them smarter.
The use of natural herbs and botanicals to improve brain health is not a new practice; traditional medicinal practices from around the globe are a testament to that. However, this part of the world has been catching onto this. The surge in brain supplements reflects a shift in attention towards investigating the benefits of natural components in optimizing brain performance. However, this has also led to a rise in the number of supplements that are, at best, mediocre. To actually improve memory, stop cognitive decline, and boost brain performance, you have to use a supplement that:
a) Uses the right ingredients
b) Uses ingredients in the right doses and
c) Doesn’t harm the body or brain in any way.
To help you choose a supplement that works for you, we compared three supplements that claim to be the best at what they do. Let’s take a closer look at them to see if they are worth the hype.
Prevagen, Cognium & Hunter Focus: A Quick Introduction
#3 – Prevagen
Prevagen is a memory supplement that claims to support healthy functioning of the brain and memory improvement. Quincy Bioscience is the company responsible for the supplement and Prevagen is available in three options – regular, extra, and professional strength. The brand claims that when Prevagen is used, it could help with memory problems. However, there is a snag – the main ingredient in Prevagen is apoaequorin, which is found in jellyfish. There is very limited research about the said ingredient, and even though the brand claims to have human clinical studies to support the efficacy of the pill, there is very little information about the actual trials – which strength was used, what was the subject pool like, and the statistics.
What’s more is that a claim was filed against Prevagen in 2017 by the Federal Trade Commission, stating that the claims it made about improving memory and cognitive performance were false. Though the brand is still available, a significant dent was made in sales because of it. These warning signals aside, Prevagen still markets itself as an effective and potent natural nootropic brand.
How to use Prevagen?
Take 1 pill a day.
#2 – Cognium
Next up is the Cognium and for this review, we will be looking at Natrol Cognium Extra Strength. The Natrol brand has a number of dietary supplements for several aspects of health like promoting sleep, overall health of the brain, mood, and stress. Natrol Cognium is dedicated to boosting cognitive performance and keeping memory sharp and clear. The brain supplement claims to be able to boost memory and recall, enhance mental agility, and increase brain function. The Cognium ingredient, though, like Prevagen, is dicey. It uses silk protein hydrolysate, which has some clinical backing, but the results are not as promising as the brand claims. Silk protein does have its benefits with skin elasticity and protects from certain types of cancer, but as far as nootropic benefits are concerned, the results are limited.
At best, it may help with the removal of brain plaque or amyloid plaque, which is closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The official website itself provides very little information on the supplement.
How to use Cognium?
Take 2 tablets a day, 1 tablet with the morning meal and 1 table with a evening meal.
#1 – Hunter Focus
From Roar Ambition Ltd., – an established dietary supplement giant, comes Hunter Focus. Hunter Focus is part of a trio – Hunter Test, Hunter Burn, and Hunter Focus. The three supplements can either be used together or in isolation. This nootropic supplement claims to be the most potent brain pill available as it is armed to the teeth with nutrients that can nourish the brain and upgrade the way it functions. Unlike the previous two supplements, Hunter Focus does not depend on just one-star ingredient. Instead, it adds quite a variety of herbs that help with concentration, creativity, mood, and memory. This nootropic is designed to bring out your best, whether you are at home or at work.
Hunter Focus explains that improving brain health automatically will help boost mental agility and cognitive function. The supplement is designed to provide the brain with the raw materials to:
- Enhance metabolic pathways
- Increase neurotransmitter production, and
- Improve signaling between brain cells, all of which would ultimately change the way you perform.
How to use Hunter Focus?
Take 6 capsules a day.
More details of Hunter Focus is available here!
What Positive Results Should You Expect from Each Supplement?
The benefits listed below are claims that the brands themselves have stated. Whether they can deliver these results can be checked only once we take a closer look at the ingredients; which we shall do in a bit. For now, here is what each product can offer.
| Quincy Bioscience Prevagen | Natrol Cognium | Roar Ambition Hunter Focus |
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As far as the count goes, we already have a clear winner in Hunter Focus, but before we draw conclusions, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.
The Formula
Quincy Bioscience’s Prevagen Ingredients
Prevagen includes two active ingredients.
- Vitamin D3
Studies suggest that a deficiency of this vitamin could cause brain fog, and fatigue, and could lay the base for cognitive decline. If the deficiency occurs during pregnancy there is a greater chance of the child being born with cognitive difficulties or autism but more research is being done in this area. The vitamin does have neuroprotective properties and can help to maintain the balance of calcium within the brain.
- Apoaequorin
This is a calcium-binding protein that is found and extracted from luminescent jellyfish. The protein binds with calcium and regulates levels of it to ensure that a delicate balance is maintained. Research suggests calcium imbalances in the brain are the cause of age-related cognitive and memory loss. Many take the supplement orally for:- Better sleep,
- To ward off memory issues, and
- As a safeguard against eventual cognitive decline.
Natrol Cognium Ingredients
The Cognium formula is scantier than Prevagen, with just one ingredient.
- Silk Protein Hydrolysate
Derived from silkworm cocoons, silk protein hydrolysate is rich in the amino acid glycine which improves the bioavailability of protein within the brain. Even though the actual chemical action of silk protein is unclear, it does seem to have a positive influence on the brain.
The good effects of the ingredient on brain function, however, were not as evident as with other nootropic ingredients, according to the research that has already been conducted. There are many claims of how this ingredient can increase glucose uptake in the brain and improve brain energy production.
Roar Ambition’s Hunter Focus Ingredients
Hunter Focus believes that mental clarity results when the brain is nourished; as a result, it does not have to fight free radicals, is able to concentrate, is stress-free, and has a better mood. To enable these factors, this nootropic pill has added quite a few ingredients to its arsenal – nutrients, adaptogens, antioxidants, and amino acids, which together improve brain health and, eventually, the way it performs.
Nutrients
Hunter Focus also includes nutrients that help to nourish the brain, improve brain function, promote antioxidation, and enhance neurotransmitter production. These include B vitamins B6, B9 and B12, C, D3, and K2.
Concentration Activation Blend
This combination of ingredients is entrusted with the removal of factors that hinder concentration and cause unnecessary distractions when engaged in a task.
- This blend includes 250 mg of Citicoline which is a natural anti-depressant and stress reliever but it also curbs cognitive decline.
- 500 mg of L-tyrosine, an amino acid at helps to stabilize cortisol levels which stops the mind from falling bits in times of stress, improves sleep quality, and even helps with impulse control.
- 200 mg of L-theanine can help to calm the mind in times of stress without making the body feel drowsy, lowers anxiety, promotes sleep, and improves judgment.
- 120 mg of Gingko Biloba can increase blood flow to the brain ensuring that it has a steady supply of nutrient and oxygen while also reducing the severity of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.
- And last but not least, 25 mg of Spanish Sage, along with a number of other health benefits, was proven to improve memory, accuracy and help with depression.
Memory Matrix Blend
Most misunderstand that memory is the center of cognitive function which is untrue. Memory is vital but without the ability to create memories, recollections, information processing, and logic. Memory will fail. This group of ingredients keeps all aspects and underlying processes of memory sharp and in working order. The group consists of
- 500 mg of Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom is still used in traditional Asian medicine as a cognitive booster for older people and for its ability to calm and reduce anxiety.
- 300 mg of Bacopa Monnieri, which can boost memory, recall, and thought processing and reduce cortisol levels, too.
- And none other than 50 mg of Rhodiola Rosea because it can reduce physical and mental fatigue, boost physical and mental performance, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Mood Amplification Blend
The way you feel also influences the way your brain functions. Humans are most productive when they are calm, feeling good, and stress-free. Hunter Focus included the use of certain adaptogens – natural mood lifters that help the body and mind to feel refreshed and industrious. This group includes:
- 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine is believed to be the answer to ADHD and cognitive decline; this compound can help healthy adults with fatigue, reduce stress, and boost memory function.
- 300 mg of Ashwagandha root can promote calm, provide stress relief, and improve sleep patterns; it can also help balance hormones.
- 100 mg of Caffeine Anhydrous is a stimulant that provides focus and extra energy, which continuously encourages you to maintain high levels of productivity throughout the day.
- And 40 mg of Panax Ginseng is being looked at as a possible remedy for Alzheimer’s disease and is a staple in many nootropic supplements because of its ability to reduce fatigue, boost energy levels, promote healthy sleep patterns, and reduce cortisol levels.
There is considerable research backing each of the inclusions, and each of the three supplements has been through rigorous quality checks. These products are safe to consume. However, there is always a risk of allergies or interactions with prescription drugs. To avoid any mishaps, we suggest that you speak to your physician before you start the use of these or any other dietary supplements. This is vital if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or being medicated for a pre-existing medical condition.
Where and how can you procure these Brain Pills?
Buy Prevagen
Prevagen can be bought from websites like Amazon, GNC, Walmart, and Walgreens or from its official source. Local drug stores might also offer this formula.
- 1 Bottle of Prevagen Extra Strength (30 capsules) would cost you $39.95.
- If you wish, join the subscription program, which would allow a 10% discount on the purchase of all products.
- Shipping cost is calculated at checkout.
- If you are not happy with the product, Prevagen offers you a 45-day refund window within which you can claim your total purchase price.
Buy Cognium
Cognium can only be bought from local drugstores and online merchants like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Instacart. The official Natrol website does not allow direct purchases from the brand.
- A single bottle of the pills containing 60 tablets (1 month supply) can be bought at $32.99 at Walgreens. Other merchant prices may vary. Shipping, tax, and refund policy would depend on where you made your purchase.
Buy Hunter Focus
Hunter Focus can be bought only from the Official Hunter Evolve Website.
- A single bottle would cost $90.
There is no subscription option here, but you save more when you buy more in one go.
- For 2 bottles, free nutrition ebooks, video programs, and free delivery, you pay $180.
- For $270, you get 3 bottles of Hunter Focus plus a one-month bottle free and access to the video programs and free delivery.
- Hunter Focus gives you a 30-day return window from the date of receipt of the product for returns. You only need to contact customer service and return sealed and unused bottles to the company
Which Is the Best Nootropic Supplement among the 3 Brands?
The ability to remember things alone does not boost cognitive performance. There are a lot of moving parts that are interconnected, and tweaking just one portion of the machine will not enhance the quality or quantity of output. This is where Prevagen and Cognium went wrong.
The two supplements, Prevagen and Cognium revolve only around improving memory and recall but completely ignore other factors that make up mental performance and also ignore various factors that affect brain health and function. Memory is the only issue that seems to be addressed with both supplements, and with all the competition around, they cannot afford to be stuck to just one aspect of brain function.
‘Clinically proven’ and clinical studies are terms that you would find on both websites. However, a few problems have been found with these clinical studies. For Prevagen, the clinical studies conducted and the results are unclear – what strength was used during the trials, and were they placebo-controlled or double-blind? Also, test results were never replicated elsewhere by any third parties. The same is the issue with Cognium.
Results are another point of contention. While Cognium claims to manifest results in three to four weeks, while Prevagen has no timeline at all. What these results are, though, are unspecified. Both manufacturers claim to have results, but they do very little in terms of telling the customer what these results are and how to check them.
Prevagen is subject to several legal battles thanks to the fact that it did not mention the possible adverse effects of apoaequorin and also for making false claims of reducing cognitive decline. Because of this, there are some serious doubts about the efficacy of the product. Both Prevagen and Cognium appear to rely heavily on effective marketing strategies, as neither product offers the same level of benefits as Hunter Focus.
Hunter Focus may not have the advertising or marketing skills, but it has a great product on its hands. With the higher dosage alone, Hunter Focus can start to improve the way your brain works. There is no one main ingredient but a combination of natural components that can nourish and maintain the physical, cognitive, and mental aspects of performance.
What is better is that Hunter Focus is not simply centered on improved memory but also addresses aspects like mood, creativity, information processing, and physical health. Each component has been clinically shown to be effective., and the benefits they can provide have a far wider range than Cognium or Prevagen.
To drive home how different the three smart drugs are, here is a side-by-side comparison of them.
| Prevagen | Cognium | Hunter Focus | |
| Purpose | Formulated for healthy brain function & improved memory. | Designed for enhanced memory & recall. | Designed to improve all aspects of brain health and cognitive function. |
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| Cons |
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| Dosage | 1 pill a day | 1 tablet a day | 6 pills a day |
| Ingredients | 2 | 1 | 20 |
| Price | $39.95 | Depends on the merchant. | $90 |
| Refund Policy | 45-day return policy | Depends on the merchant. | 30-day return window. |
| Where to Buy? | Amazon, GNC, Walmart, and Walgreens or from its official source. | Local drugstores and online merchants like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Instacart. | Hunter Focus is available on the Hunter Evolve Official Website. |
Summary & Verdict
Nootropics are used to enhance brain function, which would result in improved mental health and cognitive function. However, for the supplements to work, they must include ingredients that have a sound scientific backing, and those ingredients must be added in doses that work. We compared three nootropic products to check if they can actually deliver on the many claims that they make.
Prevagen and Cognium were found to be sub-par at most. Even though Prevagen and Cognium reviews state otherwise, there is very little scientific backing for the sparse ingredients they use, and they focus on only one aspect of cognition – memory. On the other hand, Hunter Focus includes a number of researched ingredients that are proven to protect, repair, maintain, and nourish the brain. The pill is also designed to reduce cortisol levels, elevate mood, and aid physical performance. This brain-boosting supplement also boasts of using potent and effective dosages so that you feel the difference almost immediately.
Of the three, Hunter Focus is the supplement we recommend as researchers.
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