Alpha Brain Black Label Review

Alpha Brain Black Label constitutes a novel cognitive enhancement formulation by Onnit, representing an ameliorated variant of the time-honored and highly favored Alpha Brain.

Black Label epitomizes an elite-grade nutraceutical, promoted as a sophisticated iteration of the antecedent Alpha Brain model; exhibiting expedited action, augmented potency, and heightened efficacy.

June 23, 2023

Analysis: Alpha Brain Black Label, the Premium
Version of the Nootropic Endorsed by Joe Rogan

Despite possessing numerous advantageous attributes, our evaluation does not rate Alpha Brain Black Label as the most effective nootropic supplement currently available. The rationale is as follows.

Alpha Brain Black Label incorporates Huperzine A, rendering it unsuitable for continuous utilization. Daily administration may precipitate adverse consequences. Conversely, other principal constituents in Alpha Brain Black Label - such as citicoline, Lion's Mane, and Phosphatidylserine - exhibit optimal performance when consumed consistently.

Additionally, Alpha Brain employs Mucuna Pruriens, a substance warranting caution among female users. This compound is among the most efficacious natural testosterone enhancers. It is unlikely that women would appreciate elevated testosterone levels as a consequence of a cognitive supplement.

Although Alpha Brain Black Label features a selection of efficacious ingredients, its formulation remains suboptimal. The requisite cycling regimen, combined with the inclusion of ingredients lacking cognitive augmentation properties, means Alpha Brain Black Label has too many shortcomings, preventing it from being rated among the best nootropics we've analysed.

Overall Verdict

Alpha Brain Black Label


3.7 / 5 Stars


Alpha Brain Black Label Reviews

NooCube


4.9/ 5 Stars


Alpha Brain Black Label Review
  • Alpha Brain Black Label presents itself as an intriguing nootropic option. Whilst it's not terrible, it fails to stand out and compete with the leading nootropics available in the market.
  • Based on our extensive research and testing, it is evident that NooCube is currently the top-tier product in its category. By blending scientific innovation with well-established ingredients, NooCube surpasses Alpha Brain Black Label in its ability to enhance cognitive function and support overall brain health.
  • NooCube's exceptional formulation is rooted in the most recent advancements in neuroscientific research. It combines a unique blend of natural ingredients that collaborate harmoniously to unleash the maximum capabilities of your brain. NooCube effectively enhances memory, focus, creativity, and mental agility, offering a comprehensive cognitive boost.

Alpha Brain Black Label And Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan, a prominent supporter of Alpha Brain and Alpha Brain Black Label, credits the supplement for his own performance abilities in demanding or high stress situations. However, Joe Rogan has a vested interest in promoting Alpha Brain and Alpha Brain Black Label. It's therefore worth treating his claims and endorsement with a degree of caution and skepticism. 

Alpha Brain Black Label Claimed Benefits

Does Alpha Brain Black Label live up to the claims?

Alpha Brain Black Label: Examination of Benefits

Alpha Brain Black Label represents a novel cognitive enhancement formulation from Onnit, constituting an ameliorated variant of the time-honored and highly favored Alpha Brain.

This elite-grade nutraceutical is promoted as a sophisticated iteration of the antecedent Alpha Brain model, exhibiting expedited action, augmented potency, and heightened efficacy. According to Onnit, users can anticipate the following advantages from its consumption:

  • Acute attentiveness
  • Tranquil, poised alertness
  • Amplified cognitive processing efficiency
  • Refined visual acuity
  • Elevated productivity

The latter benefits distinguish Alpha Brain Black Label as a somewhat singular offering. It is atypical to encounter a nootropic supplement that concurrently enhances visual perception. Vision-specific supplements and cognitive enhancers are often combined by gamers and individuals engaged in extensive screen-based tasks, yet seldom do they coexist within a single formulation.

Onnit Alpha Brain Black Label Ingredients Overview

While the Alpha Brain Black Label formula seems to contain a potent blend of ingredients aimed at promoting mental acuity, focus, and cognitive processing, it is important to approach its potential effectiveness with a degree of skepticism.

Alpha Brain Black Label does utilize scientifically-backed dosages for some ingredients, such as Citicoline (250mg per serving), which is known for enhancing both focus and memory retrieval efficiency. Additionally, the combined effects of elements such as L-Theanine, Phosphatidylserine, and Lion's Mane Mushroom, while purported to facilitate mood regulation and foster ongoing brain development, have yet to be definitively proven in every case.

Unfortunately, the inclusion of Hyperzine A renders it unsuitable for daily usage. It should therefore be used sparingly, if at all. Other nootropics have dosages and ingredients designed to support sustained improvements in cognitive performance, without the drawbacks present in the Alpha Brain Black Label formulation.

Alpha Brain Black Label Ingredients - Advantages And Disadvantages

Examining Onnit's Alpha Brain Black Label, it seems to be a significant improvement on the original Alpha Brain formula. Unlike its predecessor, this iteration lacks proprietary blends, thereby providing transparent dosage information that facilitates an assessment of safety and efficacy.

Let's get into a comprehensive analysis of each ingredient: its mechanism, its impact, and its scientific backing.

Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna Pruriens is an unconventional choice for a cognitive supplement like Alpha Brain Black Label. Predominantly utilized in male vitality products for its testosterone-boosting properties, Mucuna Pruriens isn't an entirely inappropriate addition. Evidence suggests even a mild increase in testosterone can yield cognitive, mood, and sleep improvements. However, the current dosage of 1,000mg per serving is excessive, and the additional capsule space could be allocated to other proven nootropic ingredients.

Lion's Mane
The incorporation of Lion's Mane Mushroom in Alpha Brain Black Label is commendable. One drawback of the original Alpha Brain is its lack of support for long-term brain functionality, an area where Lion's Mane excels. Research indicates that Lion's Mane extracts promote Nerve Growth Factors (NGF), proteins responsible for brain cell growth and repair. Increased NGF levels in the brain enhance learning, memory, and overall cognitive function, while also potentially reducing brain fog.

Citicoline
Also known as CDP-Choline, Citicoline is among the finest natural nootropics available. It elevates acetylcholine levels in the brain, which is the primary executive neurotransmitter, impacting speech, muscle contraction, learning, memory processing, and more. Studies associate Citicoline with significant improvements in various cognitive function markers. Alpha Brain Black Label utilizes Citicoline sodium, a standard form of Citicoline, at an optimal dose of 250mg. While some top-tier brain supplements opt for ultrapure Cognizin Citicoline, the regular form is acceptable. 

Phosphatidylserine Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an essential fatty component of brain cell membranes, found in abundance within the brain. As a cellular building block, declining PS levels with age result in cognitive function deterioration, slowed reaction times, and memory processing issues. PS supplementation reliably enhances concentration and other mental performance aspects while potentially mitigating stress and anxiety. Alpha Brain Black Label contains 250mg of a highly bioavailable PS form - SeriAid 50P Phosphatidylserine, an excellent choice.

L-Theanine L-Theanine, an amino acid abundant in tea, particularly green tea, is frequently used in caffeine pills and other energy-boosting supplements. This is due to L-Theanine's ability to mitigate caffeine's adverse effects while augmenting its benefits. Additionally, L-Theanine exhibits nootropic properties, such as anxiety reduction, Alpha Brain Wave enhancement, and focus improvement associated with a "flow state."

Caffeine Anhydrous Caffeine requires little introduction, as it is among the most potent nootropic agents and stimulants globally. It rapidly boosts motivation, alleviates fatigue, and enhances mood and energy. Caffeine also improves various cognitive performance parameters, such as increasing focus for task engagement.

A small 50mg dose of caffeine usually suffices for most people. Alpha Brain Black Label contains 25mg, which, although safe and risk-free, may be insufficient for significant effects.

Marigold Extract Alpha Brain Black Label employs a patented Marigold Extract variant, a natural source of lutein. Lutein, a pigment found in certain foods like spinach, kale, and eggs, is known for its ability to combat macular degeneration, support visual acuity, and reduce eye strain. However, the rationale for lutein's inclusion in a cognitive supplement like Alpha Brain Black Label remains unclear. The product's focus is on enhancing concentration and learning, with little mention of eye health on the website.

Toothed Clubmoss Toothed Clubmoss, or Huperzia Serrata, contains a chemical called Huperzine A. This powerful and fast-acting nootropic helps maintain elevated acetylcholine levels in the brain, which, as discussed in the Citicoline section, subsequently improves focus, short-term memory, and information processing. Alpha Brain Black Label contains a sizable 200mcg of Huperzine A, necessitating periodic discontinuation to avoid side effects. Nonetheless, occasional use of Huperzine A may provide some short-term benefits.

Side Effects of Alpha Brain Black Label

Broadly speaking, Alpha Brain Black Label uses ingredients and dosages that are deemed innocuous for human intake. The majority of the ingredients are dosed optimally, barring a few exceptions, such as Huperzine A.

Could Alpha Brain Black Label induce adverse reactions?

In a limited subset of individuals, Alpha Brain Black Label has the potential to precipitate side effects. The presence of Huperzine A at elevated concentrations heightens the likelihood of experiencing headaches, diminished mood, reduced concentration, abdominal discomfort, and nausea. It is worth noting that the concurrent use of Huperzine A and Citicoline may be excessive, as both substances are classified as cholinergic compounds.

Owing to the incorporation of Huperzine A, daily consumption of Alpha Brain Black Label is not advised. While this compound facilitates rapid enhancements in focus and cognitive processing, its continuous use may result in side effects. This occurs because Huperzine A induces excessive acetylcholine accumulation, which ultimately congests neuronal pathways.

NooCube vs Vyvamind

NooCube


4.9 / 5


Unlike Alpha Brain Black Label, Noocube is formulated to improve multiple aspects of cognitive function, including memory, focus, and mental clarity. It contains a wider range of ingredients, including Alpha GPC, Huperzine A, and Bacopa Monnieri, which have been extensively studied and shown to have significant cognitive benefits. 

Overall, Noocube is a more comprehensive and evidence-based nootropic supplement.

Test

Result

Attention

9.5

Cognition

8

Memory

8

Mood

9

Stress

8.5

Brain Health

8

Learning

8

Overall

8.5

Alpha Brain Black Label - Pros and Cons

Pros

Unlike the standard Alpha Brain formulation, it avoids problematic proprietary blends

Most ingredients are at scientifically valid levels

Cons

Unsuitable for daily use

Inclusion of ingredients not recognized for their claimed effects on cognitive performance, instead focusing on visual acuity

Joe Rogan's Alpha Brain Black Label - Conclusion

Based on our empirical observations, Alpha Brain Black Label may work for some people. Users of this cognitive enhancer should anticipate discernible augmentations in attentiveness, mental lucidity, and executive functioning within several hours following the initial administration. Additionally, most individuals may experience a mild elevation in energy levels attributable to caffeine, and potentially a slight attenuation of anxiety owing to Phosphatidylserine.

Despite its favorable short-term effects, we don't recommend Alpha Brain Black Label as the most effective brain supplement currently available. While it is not an inferior product, certain concerns deter us from recommending it.

Alpha Brain Black Label is not suitable for daily consumption due to the presence of Huperzine A, which necessitates cycling to avoid long-term side effects. However, the remaining primary active constituents in this nootropic blend yield optimal results when taken consistently. Sporadic intake of Lion's Mane Mushroom, Citicoline, or Phosphatidylserine proves marginally efficacious.

Although the modest caffeine content in Alpha Brain Black Label is advantageous, the 25mg dosage may prove insufficient for those seeking to reap caffeine's benefits.

The inclusion of Mucuna Pruriens presents another complication, as this natural testosterone-enhancing plant renders the supplement potentially unsuitable for female users.

While Lutemax constitutes an excellent component for ocular support and vision enhancement, more potent nootropic ingredients could replace it within Alpha Brain Black Label to bolster overall cognitive function.

Alpha Brain Black Label undoubtedly possesses potency but falls short as the optimal choice for individuals seeking long-term improvements in memory, learning, focus, and general cognitive functions. Its occasional usage (e.g., a few times per week) may provide a temporary "boost," but it fails to contribute to enduring cerebral health. Superior nootropic supplements are available.

Alpha Brain Black Label may serve as an occasional performance enhancer, yet it does not fully address the long-term cognitive enhancement goals many users seek. Alternatives on the market may offer a more comprehensive approach to bolstering cognitive function and overall brain health, while also providing better value for money.

Alpha Brain Black Label


3.7 / 5 Stars


Alpha Brain Black Label Reviews

NooCube


4.9/ 5 Stars


Alpha Brain Black Label Review
  • Alpha Brain Black Label presents itself as an intriguing nootropic option. While it does not fall into the realm of being terrible, it fails to stand out and compete with the leading nootropics available in the market.
  • Based on our extensive research and testing, it is evident that NooCube is currently the top-tier product in its category. By blending scientific innovation with well-established ingredients, NooCube surpasses Alpha Brain Black Label in its ability to enhance cognitive function and support overall brain health.
  • NooCube's exceptional formulation is rooted in the most recent advancements in neuroscientific research. It combines a unique blend of natural ingredients that collaborate harmoniously to unleash the maximum capabilities of your brain. NooCube effectively enhances memory, focus, creativity, and mental agility, offering a comprehensive cognitive boost.

References

Giurgea, C. (1982). The nootropic concept and its prospective implications. Drug Development Research, 2(5), 441-446.

Secades, J. J., & Lorenzo, J. L. (1995). Citicoline: pharmacological and clinical review, 2006 update. Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology, 27(Suppl B), 1-56.

Malaguarnera, M., Cammalleri, L., Gargante, M. P., Vacante, M., Colonna, V., & Motta, M. (2007). L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 86(6), 1738-1744.

Kidd, P. M. (1999). A review of nutrients and botanicals in the integrative management of cognitive dysfunction. Alternative medicine review, 4(3), 144-161.

Li, I. C., Lee, L. Y., Tzeng, T. T., Chen, W. P., Chen, Y. P., Shiao, Y. J., & Chen, C. C. (2018). Neurohealth properties of Hericium erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines. Behavioural neurology, 2018.

Zhang, H. Y., Tang, X. C. (2006). Neuroprotective effects of Huperzine A: new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease. Trends in pharmacological sciences, 27(12), 619-625.

Glade, M. J., & Smith, K. (2015). Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition, 31(6), 781-786.

Lamport, D. J., Pal, D., Moutsiana, C., Field, D. T., Williams, C. M., Spencer, J. P., & Butler, L. T. (2015). The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults during conscious resting state: a placebo-controlled, crossover, acute trial. Psychopharmacology, 232(17), 3227-3234.

Cools, R., Gibbs, S. E., Miyakawa, A., Jagust, W., & D'Esposito, M. (2008). Working memory capacity predicts dopamine synthesis capacity in the human striatum. Journal of Neuroscience, 28(5), 1208-1212.

Lampariello, L. R., Cortelazzo, A., Guerranti, R., Sticozzi, C., & Valacchi, G. (2012). The magic velvet bean of Mucuna pruriens. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 2(4), 331-339.

Stringham, J. M., Stringham, N. T., & O'Brien, K. J. (2016). Macular carotenoid supplementation improves visual performance, sleep quality, and adverse physical symptoms in those with high screen time exposure. Foods, 6(7), 47.

Abascal, K., & Yarnell, E. (2006). Bacopa for the brain: a smart addition to Western medicine. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 12(1), 29-33.

Noble, E. E., Hsu, T. M., & Kanoski, S. E. (2017). Gut to brain dysbiosis: mechanisms linking Western diet consumption, the microbiome, and cognitive impairment. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 11, 9.


Join the Insiders & Never Miss an Article!

>