Top 6 Natural Nootropics for Improved Mood

In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon for people to experience stress, anxiety, and low mood. While prescription medications are often used to treat these issues, many individuals are turning to natural nootropics for relief. Nootropics are substances that can enhance cognitive function, including mood, focus, and memory. In this article, we'll explore the top five natural nootropics that have been shown to improve mood.

Updated April 4th 2023

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a traditional Indian herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This herb has been shown to have anxiolytic effects, which means it can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. One study found that ashwagandha reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression by up to 56%.

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2. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is a herb that grows in cold regions of the world. It has been used for centuries as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress. Rhodiola has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

3. Lions Mane Mushroom

Lions Mane Mushroom is a type of edible mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been shown to have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects, which means it can help protect and regenerate brain cells. Studies have also shown that it can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.





4. Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and learning ability. Bacopa has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

5. Saffron

Saffron is a spice that is derived from the crocus flower. It has been shown to have antidepressant effects and can help improve mood. One study found that saffron was as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant medication for reducing symptoms of depression.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to have mood-boosting properties. Omega-3s are essential fats that are found in fatty fish such as salmon, as well as in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Research has found that consuming omega-3 supplements or increasing intake of omega-3 rich foods can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. One study found that participants who took a high-dose omega-3 supplement experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to those who took a placebo.

Conclusion

There are several natural nootropics that have been shown to improve mood and promote overall well-being. These ingredients have been shown to have a positive impact on mood, and they can be an effective tool for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. There are many natural nootropic formulations available that combine these ingredients in the right dosages to provide even more comprehensive support for mood improvement and overall cognitive support.

References

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Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9. doi: 10.1016/s0944-7113(00)80078-1. PMID: 10839209.

Phan CW, David P, Naidu M, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V. Therapeutic potential of culinary-medicinal mushrooms for the management of neurodegenerative diseases: diversity, metabolite, and mechanism. Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2015;35(3):355-68. doi: 10.3109/07388551.2013.794774. Epub 2013 May 23. PMID: 23701575.

Pase MP, Kean J, Sarris J, Neale C, Scholey AB, Stough C. The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: a systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Jul;18(7):647-52. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0367. PMID: 22747190.

Hausenblas HA, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Integr Med. 2013 Nov;11(6):377-83. doi: 10.3736/jintegrmed2013056. PMID: 24299602.

Martinsen M, Rundblad G, Flaten MA, Ødegårdstuen LI, Leknes S. The neurochemical basis of mu- and kappa-opioid receptor-mediated antinociceptive and mood modulating effects in humans. J Psychopharmacol. 2015 Jul;29(7):783-91. doi: 10.1177/0269881115581288. Epub 2015 Apr 16. PMID: 25882750.

Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Belury MA, Andridge R, Malarkey WB, Hwang BS, Glaser R. Omega-3 supplementation lowers inflammation and anxiety in medical students: a randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun. 2011 Nov;25(8):1725-34. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.07.229. Epub 2011 Jul 29. PMID: 21801821; PMCID: PMC3191260.

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262.

Edwards, D., Heufelder, A., & Zimmermann, A. (2012). Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS® 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms–results of an open-label study. Phytotherapy Research, 26(8), 1220-1225.

Phan, C. W., David, P., Naidu, M., & Wong, K. H. (2015). Sabinsa standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. Journal of Child Neurology, 30(6), 766–771.

Hausenblas, H. A., Saha, D., Dubyak, P. J., & Anton, S. D. (2013). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and cognitive performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 11(6), 377–383.

Sinn, N., Bryan, J., & Wilson, C. (2008). Cognitive effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms: A randomised controlled trial. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 78(4-5), 311-326.

Kaur, H., & Singh, D. (2018). Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): a review of potential therapeutic effects. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 9(3), 914-923.


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