NooCube vs Alpha Brain - Which Is Right For You?
July 9, 2024
In this article we're directly testing and comparing NooCube vs Alpha Brain. During an extended test period of 12 months, we conducted a thorough comparison between NooCube and Alpha Brain. In the competitive field of nootropic supplements, selecting the optimal product to boost cognitive function is challenging. This review provides an in-depth examination of two leading contenders: NooCube by Wolfson Brands Ltd and Alpha Brain by Onnit Labs Inc. Both products have established themselves in the market, each promising enhancements in mental clarity, focus, and memory. But what truly differentiates them, and how valid are their claims?
Our analysis is particularly pertinent given the recent launch of NooCube's updated formula in February 2024, we used this product for the last 8 months of our test period giving us unique insights on how this latest version compares. This new NooCube formulation claims to offer a more potent mix of ingredients, aimed at enhancing cognitive performance more effectively. We have conducted direct tests on both NooCube and Alpha Brain, assessing their impact on cognitive enhancement. This evaluation not only considers their promotional claims but also scrutinizes the scientific support behind their ingredient selections and dosages.
We've also looked in detail at both brands' formulations, assessing ingredients such as NooCube's LuteMax 2020, Bacopa Monnieri, and the newly introduced Panax Ginseng, comparing them against Alpha Brain's proprietary blends, including Bacopa Monnieri and Huperzia Serrata. This comprehensive review aims to provide clear insights into the efficacy and distinctiveness of each product based on our extended test results over the past year.
Overall Verdict
Alpha Brain
2.6 / 5 Stars
NooCube - Winner
4.9/ 5 Stars
Introduction To Alpha Brain And NooCube
When discussing Alpha Brain and NooCube, we're comparing not just the products but also the companies behind them, each with its unique philosophy and reputation in cognitive enhancement. Let's examine the origins and methodologies of these brain-boosting formulas.
Onnit Labs, the creator of Alpha Brain, is based in Austin, Texas. Established in 2010, Onnit is renowned for its comprehensive approach to human optimization, offering a range of products from fitness equipment to supplements like Alpha Brain. Onnit emphasizes scientific research, collaborating with medical experts and institutions to substantiate their product's efficacy.
A prominent figure associated with Alpha Brain is Joe Rogan, the comedian, podcaster, and UFC commentator. Rogan has been an outspoken advocate of the supplement from its early days, highlighting its benefits for mental clarity and focus. More than just a fan, Rogan is a stakeholder in Onnit, actively participating in product development and serving as a brand ambassador.
In contrast, NooCube is produced by Wolfson Brands Limited, a company based in Cyprus that has established a solid reputation in the health supplement industry over the past decade. Their focus is on creating safe, natural supplements designed to enhance cognitive function. NooCube exemplifies this commitment, with its formulation supported by scientific research.
Unlike Onnit, Wolfson Berg does not rely on celebrity endorsements. Instead, they emphasize the quality and effectiveness of their products, using a blend of natural ingredients, scientific backing, and positive customer reviews to build their reputation.
At a superficial level, deciding between the celebrity-endorsed, research-driven approach of Onnit and the natural, science-based methodology of Wolfson Brands ultimately depends on personal preference. As we further explore the ingredients and effects of Alpha Brain and NooCube, our extended 12-month test results will offer a clearer understanding of which supplement might suit you best.
Benefits of Alpha Brain And NooCube
Onnit's Claimed Benefits
Alpha Brain is designed to work synergistically, boosting mental acuity. It operates primarily by enhancing acetylcholine levels, thus bolstering memory and learning abilities, while also augmenting overall mental clarity and focus. The effects usually manifest within 1-2 hours and last up to 3 hours. However, the effects might not be apparent for some people, possibly due to lower doses or individual sensitivity. The supplement is primarily used as a cognitive enhancer, often aiding students during exams or professionals needing to be 'on their game' for critical presentations. It's also touted as an effective tool for improving memory recall. Alpha Brain comprises 3 proprietary blends designed to promote Alpha wave synthesis, stimulate Acetylcholine production, and balance neurotransmitters, which are all crucial for cognitive function.
NooCube's Claimed Benefits
NooCube, on the other hand, is a potent, all-natural nootropic blend designed to dramatically boost memory power and focus over time. It operates by increasing the secretion of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, thereby enhancing focus, concentration, and mood. It also sparks the release of neurotransmitters that allow your brain to absorb and retain more information, consequently improving memory and general cognition[10]. Additionally, NooCube can improve mood by boosting serotonin levels in the brain and inducing dopamine release, which increases motivation11. NooCube's effects usually kick in after 2 hours of ingestion and can last up to 24 hours, with the recommendation of a 6-week daily intake to fully experience all the benefits. It consists of 12 effective ingredients that work together to enhance cognitive function without causing any unwanted side effects. People who take NooCube daily generally see benefits such as enhanced concentration levels, focus, memory and cognitive ability, improved multitasking capabilities, increased learning capacity, boosted brain energy, and an enhanced mood. The latest iteration of NooCube's formulation adds new ingredients and has removed those that some individuals may have some sensitivity to, namely oat straw and huperzine A.
Research And Evidence
Alpha Brain and NooCube, offer unique blends of ingredients aimed at optimizing mental acuity. However, a closer examination of their research and ingredient lists reveals some interesting contrasts.
Alpha Brain, developed by Onnit, includes a combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs designed to enhance cognitive function, memory recall, focus, and concentration. The supplement aims to increase acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, and support alpha brain waves associated with mental clarity and focus. However, the credibility of Alpha Brain's research methodologies has been questioned. Much of the research supporting its ingredients has been conducted on animals or in vitro, which doesn't necessarily translate to the same effects in humans. Furthermore, Alpha Brain obscures many of its ingredients within proprietary blends, making it difficult to assess their individual effectiveness. This lack of transparency raises questions about the validity of Alpha Brain's cognitive enhancement claims.
A 2016 randomized controlled trial sponsored by Onnit reported that Alpha Brain significantly improved verbal memory in healthy adults after six weeks. However, this finding has been criticized on several fronts. Firstly, the trial was funded by Onnit, potentially introducing bias. Secondly, no other trials or scientific papers have corroborated these results. Repeatability is a cornerstone of scientific discovery, and the lack of replication raises questions about the trial's findings. Lastly, the conclusion of the study itself emphasized the need for additional research, implying that the findings were not definitive.
On the other hand, NooCube offers a blend of nine natural ingredients, designed to enhance cognitive function, memory, concentration, and motivation. It works by increasing the secretion of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can enhance focus, mood, and motivation. The supplement also improves memory by stimulating the production of acetylcholine in the brain. NooCube's effects usually kick in after about 2 hours and can last up to 24 hours. It is designed to be taken daily, with full effects typically experienced after 6 weeks of daily use.
Unlike Alpha Brain, NooCube discloses the individual ingredients in its blend, which consist of clinically proven nootropic components. This transparency allows for a better understanding of the effects and potential benefits of NooCube. However, while NooCube uses established nootropic ingredients, comprehensive scientific studies directly assessing the blend as a whole are still needed to fully validate its claims.
While both Alpha Brain and NooCube offer potential cognitive benefits, they differ in terms of research transparency and ingredient disclosure. This examination underscores the importance of critical evaluation when considering nootropic supplements.
Ingredients - Ineffective Dosages in Alpha Brain
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
- Onnit Flow Blend (650 mg): This proprietary blend consists of Bacopa Monniera Extract, Cat's Claw Extract (AC-11), Huperzia Serrata Extract, and Oat Straw Extract.
- Onnit Focus Blend (240 mg): This blend includes Alpha GPC, Bacopa Monniera, and Huperzia Serrata
- Onnit Fuel Blend (65 mg): This blend comprises L-Leucine, Vinpocetine, and Pterostilbene
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Theanine
- Phosphatidylserine
- Alpha GPC
- Bacopa Monniera
- Huperzia Serrata
- Oat Straw Extract
- Vinpocetine
- Pterostilbene
- LuteMax 2020
- Bacopa Monnieri (250mg)
- Panax Ginseng 200:1 Concentrate (20mg)
- Pterostilbene (140mcg)
- Resveratrol (14.3mg)
- L-theanine (100mg)
- L-tyrosine (250mg)
- Choline (250mg)
- Cat’s Claw 4:1 Concentrate
- Vitamin B1 (1.1mg)
- Vitamin B7 (50mcg)
- Vitamin B12 (2.5mcg)
When we closely examine the ingredient profiles of these two supplements, striking differences emerge, particularly in their dosages and transparency.
Alpha Brain features a composition that heavily relies on proprietary blends - the Onnit Flow, Focus, and Fuel blends. The use of these blends is a bone of contention as it masks the individual dosages of the components, making it challenging to ascertain their effectiveness. For instance, the Onnit Flow Blend comprises 650mg, but we don't know the specific amount of each ingredient - Bacopa Monniera Extract, Cat's Claw Extract (AC-11), Huperzia Serrata Extract, and Oat Straw Extract - it contains.
NooCube, on the other hand, opts for a more straightforward approach, clearly stating the amount of each ingredient. For example, it contains 250mg of Bacopa Monnieri and 20mg of Huperzine A. This transparency allows users to understand exactly what they're consuming, aligning with the principles of evidence-based medicine.
However, Alpha Brain is not entirely without merit. It incorporates several ingredients known for their cognitive-enhancing effects, such as L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, and Phosphatidylserine. The drawback lies in their undisclosed dosages within the proprietary blends, which potentially undermines their efficacy.
NooCube utilizes similar ingredients but discloses the exact amounts. For instance, it contains L-theanine and L-tyrosine at 100mg and 250mg, respectively, reflecting the dosages found to be effective in scientific studies(1,2).
Alpha Brain's usage of Alpha GPC, Bacopa Monniera, Huperzia Serrata, and Vinpocetine within blends also raises concerns about under-dosing. These ingredients have demonstrated nootropic benefits at specific dosages(3,4,5), which are difficult to confirm within Alpha Brain’s proprietary mixtures. Conversely, NooCube provides a dose of 50mg of Alpha GPC, while the amounts of Bacopa Monnieri, Huperzine A, and Pterostilbene are explicitly stated.
While both Alpha Brain and NooCube contain ingredients with potential cognitive benefits, the lack of transparency in Alpha Brain's proprietary blends makes it difficult to assess their true efficacy. NooCube's transparent approach, disclosing the precise dosages of each ingredient, aligns more closely with the tenets of scientific research and offers users a clearer understanding of what they're consuming.
Potential Side Effects of Alpha Brain And NooCube
When considering the possible side effects of Alpha Brain and NooCube, it is important to note that both products are generally well-tolerated, and any side effects reported are rare and mild in nature. However, it is still crucial to be aware of the potential effects to make an informed decision.
Alpha Brain contains various ingredients, such as Bacopa Monniera, Huperzia Serrata, and Vinpocetine. While these ingredients have been generally regarded as safe, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or stomach upset, when taking Bacopa Monniera(6). Huperzia Serrata, another component of Alpha Brain, has been associated with mild digestive issues and potential allergic reactions in rare cases(7). Vinpocetine, found in the Onnit Fuel Blend, may rarely cause mild side effects such as headaches, dizziness, or gastrointestinal disturbances(8).
On the other hand, NooCube incorporates ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri and Panax Ginseng. Similar to Alpha Brain, Bacopa Monnieri may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals(9).
Both products also contain L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine. These ingredients are considered safe, with minimal reported side effects. L-Theanine, an amino acid commonly found in tea, is generally well-tolerated, and any side effects are infrequent and mild(10). L-Tyrosine is also well-tolerated, with rare reports of gastrointestinal issues or headaches(11). Alpha GPC is present in Alpha Brain - it's a precursor to acetylcholine, has demonstrated good tolerability, with occasional reports of mild side effects like digestive discomfort or skin rash(12).
Recommendation
If you're interested in nootropics that provide brain health support, greater mood enhancement properties and memory support there are better options than Alpha Brain. The best overall nootropic in our view is NooCube.
Winner - NooCube
4.9 / 5
After conducting a direct comparison of Alpha Brain and NooCube over an extended test period of 12 months, we found that NooCube is more effectively designed to enhance various aspects of cognitive function, such as memory, focus, and mental clarity. NooCube incorporates a broader range of ingredients, including Alpha GPC, Panax Ginseng, and Bacopa Monnieri, all of which are well-researched and have demonstrated substantial cognitive benefits.
Alpha Brain, does contain several promising ingredients known to boost energy and alertness but these are not dosed at effective levels. NooCube adopts a more holistic and scientifically-supported approach to nootropic supplementation. It addresses multiple cognitive functions and supports overall brain health, making it a more comprehensive option for those seeking to improve their cognitive performance.
Conclusion
Over our 12-month test period, we've found that NooCube is more effective than Alpha Brain for improving various aspects of mental performance, such as memory, focus, and clarity.
NooCube includes a wide range of ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri, Huperzine A, and Alpha GPC, which are well-researched and known to boost brain function. These ingredients work together to enhance memory, concentration, and overall brain health.
The major advantages of NooCube are its transparency, scientific approach and real world results. The exact amounts of each ingredient are clearly listed, so you know exactly what you're getting. Alpha Brain, on the other hand, uses proprietary blends, meaning the exact doses aren't disclosed, which can make it hard to judge its effectiveness.
NooCube's ingredients are also generally well-tolerated, with any side effects being mild and rare. This makes NooCube a reliable choice for those looking to improve brain function safely. Overall, NooCube's focus on proven ingredients in effective amounts makes it the best choice for anyone looking to boost their mental performance, mood, and memory.
FAQs
Many nootropic ingredients and formulations have been shown to improve attention, memory, and learning, while others may promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. For example, caffeine is a commonly used nootropic that can increase alertness and reduce fatigue, while L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Nootropics that contain natural ingredients and have undergone clinical testing are generally considered safe when used properly. It is important to follow recommended dosages and to avoid taking more than the recommended amount. It's also worth being aware of any potential side effects and if necessary consult with your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions.
When taking a nootropic supplement, you should expect to experience some improvement in cognitive function, such as enhanced memory, concentration, and mental clarity. The effects of a nootropic will vary depending on the specific ingredients and dosage of the supplement, as well as individual factors such as age, overall health, and your lifestyle.
Popular nootropic supplements include NooCube, Mind Lab Pro, and Vyvamind. NooCube contains a blend of ingredients that may improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. Mind Lab Pro is designed to support brain health and cognitive performance through a variety of ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds. Vyvamind is a premium nootropic supplement that focuses almost exlcusively on cognitive function and mental performance. Read DBEM's guide to nootropics to see how the leading nootropic brands compare.
References
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- Jongkees, B. J., et al. (2015). Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands—A review. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 70, 50-57.
- Zeisel, S. H. (2012). Dietary choline: Biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology. Annual Review of Nutrition, 32, 247-273.
- Pase, M. P., et al. (2012). The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(7), 647-652.
- Zhang HY, Tang XCHuperzine B, a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, attenuates hydrogen peroxide induced injury in PC12 cellsNeurosci Lett.(2000 Sep 29).
- Stough, C., et al. (2008). Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized trial. Phytotherapy Research, 22(12), 1629-1634.
- McPhee, G., & Higham, H. (2007). Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 21(6), 680-692.
- Subhan, Z., & Hindmarch, I. (1985). Psychopharmacological effects of vinpocetine in normal healthy volunteers. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 28(5), 567-571.
- Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, Du ZM, Xu WA, Yang JS, Zhang ML, Tong ZH, Fang YS, Chai XS, et al. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1995 Sep;16(5):391-5. PMID: 8701750.
- Nobre, A. C., et al. (2008). L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17(S1), 167-168.
- Young, S. N. (2007). L-tyrosine to alleviate the effects of stress? Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 32(3), 224.
- Giménez, R., et al. (2016). Effects of alpha-GPC on cognition and brain oxidative stress in aged SAMP8 mice. Current Alzheimer Research, 13(11), 1129-1138.