Bio-hacking with Nootropic Adaptogens for Optimum Cognitive Functioning

Nootropic adaptogens enhance the “state of nonspecific resistance” to stress, a physiological condition linked with various disorders of the neuroendocrine-immune system. Adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, antidepressive, anxiolytic, nootropic, and CNS-stimulating active properties. Notice nootropic effects. Nootropic specifically refers to the actions of the adaptogens that stimulate memory, learning, and overall cognition.

How does one “bio-hack” with nootropic adaptogens? Bio-hacking refers to hacking into the body’s neuro-immune system with those adaptogens known most for their nootropic effects. This creates a sharper memory, bigger brainpower, and maybe even a reversal of mild cognitive impairment or MCI, affecting over 20% of the population.

Furthermore, chronic stress is known to compromise brain function in those already suffering from MCI and to be a risk factor for its development. About 284 million people suffer from anxiety disorders worldwide.

Given the need for stress relief, scientists have begun studying adaptogens more acutely. Nootropics are of specific interest, given the need for sharper brain power and ammunition against MCI.

Most Commonly Used Herbal Nootropic Adaptogens

• Ashwagandha
• Eleuthero
• Holy Basil
• Rhodiola rosea
• Panax ginseng
• Schisandra
• Bacopa monieri

How Do Nootropics Work?
The most widely studied effect of nootropic adaptogens has been their notorious stabilizing effect on the cortisol hormones, raising them or lowering them as needed. Since cortisol plays a vital role in cognition, keeping the levels regular is important in maintaining a good memory. Other than this effect, numerous other effects can be attributed to this class of plant medicinal, such as:

1. Balancing neurotransmitters.
2.  Improving the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain.
3. Increasing the level of phospholipids in the brain.
4. Improving cerebral blood flow. 
5. Protection from brain cell damage/death.
6. Promotion of neuroplasticity.
7. Upregulates nerve growth factor.
8. Ability to modify gene expression to prevent stress-induced and aging-related disorders.

Perspectives on the Use of Nootropic Adaptogens
This is a very new field in conventional medicine, and studies on the use of these agents in the field of mental health are evolving. Ginseng, for example, has been recently proven to enhance cognition in Alzheimer’s disease.  However, the widespread use of nootropics for general mental acuity has been utilized for centuries in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines.

Theoretically, nootropics can prevent or reverse MCI. Since adaptogens also act as nootropics, using an adaptogen to facilitate optimal cognition or reverse MCI is a strategic approach to decreasing stress-related changes that facilitate MCI and optimize existing cognition.

Conclusions may be that nootropics be regarded as a novel pharmacological category of anti-fatigue drugs that:

• Induce increased attention and endurance in situations of decreased performance caused by fatigue or a feeling of weakness.
• Reduce stress-induced impairments and disorders related to the function of stress in the neuroimmune systems.
• Be further studied for their role in the reversal of MCI and treatment of Alzheimer's.
• It can be safely utilized in most cases to increase everyday alertness and mental clarity.

Application
If you feel you need a cognitive bio-hack, choose one of the most commonly used nootropic adaptogens and, with the help of your clinician, design a mental health improvement plan. Dosages for each nootropic differ according to the herbal type (root, powder, tincture) and classification.