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Home > Blog > A Short History of Nootropics

A Short History of Nootropics

by Simon Manning (Last Updated: 2020-03-04)

I’m a bit of a history buff. I enjoy learning how things came to be and the stories behind them. Not surprisingly then, when I was first starting out with nootropics many moons ago, I pretty thoroughly dug into their past.

I won’t bore you with all the details. But, if you’re interested in finding out some background info on what smart drugs are and where they came from, you’re in the right place. BestNootropicsNow.com is obviously a site about nootropics. So, it only fits I provide a little more context and insight on them.

A Historical Look at Nootropics

The story of neuroenhancers is interesting (I wouldn’t waste your time talking about anything boring). They date back to the 1960’s, though it’s hard to pinpoint the exact year. It’s about then when the first nootropics drug was formulated. It wasn’t, however, meant to do what we know nootropics excel at, increase mental capabilities. Instead, it was created to help deal with motion sickness.

Research into nootropics in the 1960's

First Nootropic Supplements

With further research conducted, scientists realized their motion sickness pills did a great job of boosting memory function. It was also around that time when Romanian psychologist and chemist, Dr. Corneliu Giurgea, introduced the world to piracetam. Piracetam, rightfully or not, is considered the original nootropic supplement. Reports indicate piracetam variant usage even as early as the 1950’s for treatment of epilepsy.

As an aside, Dr. Giurgea is also who coined the term “nootropics” in the year 1972. It’s a combination of the Greek words “nous,” which translates to “mind” and “trepein,” which means “to bend.” So, the literal translation is a that is capable of bending the mind. That sounds pretty accurate to me.

The Evolution of Smart Drugs

As the decades rolled on, more studies took place. Those studies followed the standard pattern. Initial tests were performed on lab rats to establish toxicity levels. Studies on Alzheimer’s patients followed for those substances which met the safety thresholds. Memory function is a vital trait of that affliction. That fact made those individuals the perfect subjects.

Clinical studies of smart drugs

Back then, the general public was still too wary of potential risks this new breed of drugs could pose. With their long-term effects not entirely clear, few people were willing to try them out.

Nootropics Today

Fast forward to today, and most related concerns are alleviated. Nootropics have become popular and as widely accepted as any other type of supplement.

People from all walks of life have been flocking to smart drugs. Individuals who are looking to give their brain a boost use them. So do those who merely want to feel a little better overall. Society saw the benefits of substances which help with focus, block out distractions and increase productivity with few drawbacks. Unsurprisingly nootropics also became extremely popular among students.

It took time for smart drugs to catch on, but did they ever eventually. As research progresses, so do these supplements. Their potency, effectiveness, strength of effects and safety continue to improve.

These days, no matter what your needs, you can find a nootropic which will take care of them. My list of the best supplements is a great place to star, though is not by any means exhaustive. Over the last half-century, the use and acceptance of nootropics have grown tremendously. That’s a trend which will only continue for decades to come.

Simon Manning

Simon Manning is the creator and editor of Best Nootropics Now. A programmer by day, he has been researching and experimenting with brain enhancing supplements for close to a decade. If anyone knows a thing or two about nootropics, you can bet it's Simon.

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