Thesis Nootropic Review

The Thesis Nootropic Review is especially for you if you are just getting started in the world of nootropics. Because it’s easy to quickly feel overwhelmed and confused by all the options available.

The pre-made nootropic stack industry is ever evolving. With new kids on the block trying to stake their claim in this rapidly growing market of cognitive enhancers.

But I encourage you to step back for a minute.

And take a closer look at the very few companies who pioneered this industry. And who are still standing and growing based on their success.

Mind Lab Pro^® was founded in 2015 by Dave Wright. And the success of that premium and universal nootropic stack caught the attention of the supplement industry.

Two years later, Dan Freed founded Thesis Nootropic. But instead of offering one pre-made formula for cognitive enhancement. He formulated 6 different blends aimed at addressing more specific cognitive needs.

But Thesis has one major problem. And it may not be the best pre-made nootropic supplement to start out with. All explained later in this review.

In this post you will learn who Thesis Nootropic is, what kind of pre-made nootropic stacks they make, the ingredients of each formula. And my experienced assessment on what I think of each formula.

And whether you should spend your hard-earned money and buy one or more Thesis Blends.

This is a long post. But you can jump to whichever section interests you by clicking on the sub-head in the Table of Contents above.

Let’s learn more about Thesis Nootropics.

What is Thesis Nootropic?

Thesis is a New York-based company founded by Dan Freed in 2017. Mr. Freed says he started the company after struggling at school. And he started experimenting with various nootropic supplements to help improve his performance while studying.

Thesis Nootropic offers 6 different nootropic formulas designed to improve mental functions such as focus, memory, creativity, and motivation.

Thesis offers two main options for their customers. You can buy a pre-made blend which includes their formulas for Clarity, Energy, Motivation, Logic, Creativity, or Confidence.

Or you can go to their website and do a quiz instead. With the goal in the end of the Thesis algorithm choosing the best blends for whatever cognitive problems you input into their system.

Thesis markets their nootropic solution as customizable. Instead of providing a universal solution, Thesis claims you can customize which formulations you should try based on your individual assessment to meet your unique cognitive enhancement goals.

How Does Thesis Nootropic Work?

Thesis Nootropic works by supplying specific nutrients and botanical extracts that have been shown to provide positive benefits for cognitive function.

By addressing specific cognitive performance functions through tailored blends, Thesis aims to optimize brain chemistry, mental clarity, and cognitive performance.

The name of each nootropic blend is intended to guide the user to the formulation of supplements that targets that specific brain benefit you are looking to address.

What are the Nootropic Ingredients in each Thesis blend?

Thesis Nootropic offers “blends” that are designed to help with specific cognitive goals. This is a breakdown of their specialized formulas.

Thesis Clarity blend

Thesis Clarity blend price: $134.95 for 24 packets (Amazon)

The Clarity blend contains:

Lion’s Mane Mushroom 500 mg – increases the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor needed for neurogenesis and promotes neurite outgrowth.[i]

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) 30 mg – mimics the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which binds to TrkB receptors to form the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway, which is the most important signaling pathway for BDNF to exert its biological function. Affect cell survival, synaptic plasticity, axon, and dendrite growth.[ii]

Alpha GPC (AlphaGrain^®) 500 mg – is a precursor to acetylcholine production needed for learning and memory, cognitive processing and mental clarity.

Epicatechin 278 mg – found in green tea, this potent antioxidant can help boost short-term, working, and long-term memory, memory retention and retrieval.[iii]

Caffeine 100 mg – an adenosine antagonist which helps keep you awake. Boost the use of dopamine in your brain. Acts as a diuretic causing you to expel the B-Vitamins in urine. And increases cortisol production.[iv]

L-Theanine 200 mg – helps reduce cortisol which was increased by caffeine, boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes serotonin, GABA and dopamine production in your brain, and increases alpha and theta brain waves for an alert type of relaxation.

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide

This combo is supposed to be for better focus, flow state, and increased synaptic plasticity for improved working memory. And mentally demanding tasks.

Thesis Energy blend

Thesis Energy blend price: $71.95 for 12 packets (Amazon)

Thesis Energy blend includes:

Theacrine (Teacrine^®) 100 mg – an alkaloid metabolized from caffeine in various plants, an adenosine antagonist with a much longer half-life compared to caffeine. Shown to increase energy, focus, and concentration.[v]

Zynamite^® (mango leaf extract) 300 mg – a manufacturer sponsored study showed that Zynamite improved attention and long-term memory performance.[vi]

Sabroxy^® (Oroxylin A) 100 mg – a natural dopamine reuptake inhibitor and increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and shown to improve cognitive function, focus, and motivation.[vii]

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) 300 mg – a highly bio-available form of the L-Tyrosine which is a precursor to dopamine production. Used to boost libido, memory, focus, concentration, and mood.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) 500 mg – a precursor to the synthesis of glutathione which helps prevent glutamate toxicity, reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and free radical damage. And the only supplement I know of helps restore dysfunctional dopamine receptors.[viii]

CDP-Choline 300 mg – a precursor to the synthesis of acetylcholine. And enhances the release of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine in the brain.[ix]

Caffeine 100 mg – an adenosine antagonist which helps keep you awake. Boost the use of dopamine in your brain. Acts as a diuretic causing you to expel the B-Vitamins in urine. And increases cortisol production.

L-Theanine 200 mg – helps reduce cortisol which was increased by caffeine, boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes serotonin, GABA and dopamine production in your brain, and increases alpha and theta brain waves for an alert type of relaxation.

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide

This nootropic blend is supposed to combat burnout, increase energy, and optimize cognitive performance.

Thesis Motivation blend 

Thesis Motivation blend price: $134.95 for 24 packets (Amazon)

Thesis Motivation blend is an amped-up version of the CILTEP stack and contains:

Forskolin 250 mg – naturally boosts cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate) in your brain which produces proteins needed for neuron and synapse growth for long-term potentiation needed for long-term memory. And increases cerebral circulation.

Artichoke Extract 450 mg – is a natural PDE4 inhibitor in the brain. Forskolin increases PDE4 so when Artichoke Extract is combined with Forskolin it’s even more effective. Inhibiting PDE4 and boosting cAMP also makes the effect of normal dopamine production more effective for better learning and memory.[x]

L-Phenylalanine 500 mg – helps produce the catecholamine-triad of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. And stimulates the production of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which are crucial in maintaining both overall physical and cognitive health. Helping to improve decision making, flow state, creativity, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.

Dynamine^® (Methylliberine) 100 mg – a caffeine metabolite with a similar mechanism of action. Dynamine is an adenosine receptor antagonist which helps you feel more alert. Also a dopamine reuptake inhibitor which supports better cognitive function and mood.[xi]

Vitamin B₁₂ (methylcobalamin) 1000 mcg –  a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Affecting alertness, cognition, memory and mood.

Caffeine 100 mg – an adenosine antagonist which helps keep you awake. Boost the use of dopamine in your brain. Acts as a diuretic causing you to expel the B-Vitamins in urine. And increases cortisol production.

L-Theanine 200 mg – helps reduce cortisol which was increased by caffeine, boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes serotonin, GABA and dopamine production in your brain, and increases alpha and theta brain waves for an alert type of relaxation.

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid

The Thesis Motivation blend is intended to optimize concentration, increase focus, and ‘harness’ stable energy.

Thesis Logic blend

Thesis Logic blend price: $134.95 for 24 packets (Amazon)

The Thesis Logic blend contains:

Theobromine 100 mg – a caffeine derivative, acts as a PDE inhibitor in the brain which increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

cAMP activates the cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), which is involved in a large variety of brain processes, including the induction of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF supports cell survival and neuronal functions, including learning and memory.[xii]

Ginkgo Biloba 160 mg – acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which boosts dopamine use in your brain. And increases cerebral blood flow. Which improves cognition, learning and memory, and recall.[xiii]

Omega-3 (AvailOrri^®) (50% DHA from marine algae) 200 mg – Your brain is composed of 60% fat. 15 – 20% of your cerebral cortex is DHA. Even the retina in your eyes is 30 – 60% DHA. Making DHA the most essential nutrient for eye and brain health.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) 400 mg – a phospholipid that combines with DHA and  phosphatidylcholine (PC) to keep brain cell membranes healthy and permeable. For better working- and long-term memory, recall, logic, speech, attention, motivation, socialization and initiative.

Bacopa Monnieri (Synapsa^®) 320 mg – an ancient Ayurvedic herb, Bacopa has been shown to improve recall, attention, learning and memory, focus, and reduce anxiety.[xiv]

Triacetyluridine (TAU) 30 mg – potentially more potent compared to Uridine Monophosphate, helps relieve depression, and boost verbal fluidity, memory and focus.[xv] It’s effects are more pronounced when stacked with Omega-3s.

Caffeine 100 mg – an adenosine antagonist which helps keep you awake. Boost the use of dopamine in your brain. Acts as a diuretic causing you to expel the B-Vitamins in urine. And increases cortisol production.

L-Theanine 200 mg – helps reduce cortisol which was increased by caffeine, boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes serotonin, GABA and dopamine production in your brain, and increases alpha and theta brain waves for an alert type of relaxation.

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide

The Thesis Logic blend is said to boost attention span, enhance memory, and ‘tackle’ stress.

Thesis Creativity blend

Thesis Creativity blend price: $134.95 for 24 packets (Amazon)

The Thesis Creativity blend includes:

Panax Ginseng (GS15-4^®) 200 mg – a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) which helps some with depression and ADHD.[xvi] Ginseng is also an anti-inflammatory by reducing proinflammatory cytokines. And boosts ATP in mitochondria for more energy.[xvii]

Alpha GPC (AlphaGrain^®) 300 mg – is a precursor to acetylcholine production needed for learning and memory, cognitive processing and mental clarity.

Ashwagandha (KSM66^®) 300 mg – helps regenerate axons and dendrites and reconstruct synapses, the junctions where nerve cells communicate with other cells.[xviii] Ashwagandha extract inhibits acetylcholinesterase. And appears to work on neuron receptors, enabling GABA to connect easier. This inhibits the signals present under a stress response in the brain. Anxiety is reduced.

Sceletium Tortuosum (Zembrin^®) 25 mg – reported to inhibit PDE4 and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in the amygdala and hypothalamus which provides an anxiolytic effect.[xix]

Agmatine Sulfate 250 mg – is a metabolite of the amino acid arginine. 100 years of research has shown that Agmatine helps reduce seizures, alcohol and opiate withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and acts as an antidepressant. [xx]

Caffeine 100 mg – an adenosine antagonist which helps keep you awake. Boost the use of dopamine in your brain. Acts as a diuretic causing you to expel the B-Vitamins in urine. And increases cortisol production.

L-Theanine 200 mg – helps reduce cortisol which was increased by caffeine, boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes serotonin, GABA and dopamine production in your brain, and increases alpha and theta brain waves for an alert type of relaxation.

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide

The Creativity blend is intended to “spark idea generation”, improve verbal fluidity, and reduce stress.

Thesis Confidence blend

Thesis Confidence price: $134.95 for 24 packets (Amazon)

The Thesis Confidence blend includes:

Ashwagandha (Shoden^®) 120 mg – helps regenerate axons and dendrites and reconstruct synapses, the junctions where nerve cells communicate with other cells.[xxi] Ashwagandha extract inhibits acetylcholinesterase. And appears to work on neuron receptors, enabling GABA to connect easier. This inhibits the signals present under a stress response in the brain. Anxiety is reduced.

Magnolia Bark (DHH-B) 10 mg – DHH-B a partially reduced derivative of honokiol which is a compound found in Magnolia Bark. And has been shown to have a significant anxiolytic effect due to it effect on the GABAa receptor.[xxii]

Magnesium BiGlycinate 50 mg – a cofactor in the synthesis of RNA, DNA, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 600 enzymatic reactions throughout your body and brain, myelin, glutamate, norepinephrine and serotonin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), modulates ion channels, and is an agonist of GABA_A-R (type A receptor) just like benzos.

Sceletium Tortuosum (Zembrin^®) 25 mg – reported to inhibit PDE4 and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the amygdala and hypothalamus which provides an anxiolytic effect.

Saffron (Affron^®) 28 mg – Inhibits the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine (DNRI) in your brain which helps improve mood. It is a potent antioxidant and scavenges free radicals which reduces inflammation. And is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which promotes the use of acetylcholine. Saffron helps with depression, PMS symptoms, memory, appetite suppression, energy and stamina.

Sage Extract 333 mg – studies show Sage Extract helps boost working memory and performance accuracy.[xxiii] And as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, it also improves mood and cognitive performance.[xxiv]

Caffeine 100 mg – an adenosine antagonist which helps keep you awake. Boost the use of dopamine in your brain. Acts as a diuretic causing you to expel the B-Vitamins in urine. And increases cortisol production.

L-Theanine 200 mg – helps reduce cortisol which was increased by caffeine, boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes serotonin, GABA and dopamine production in your brain, and increases alpha and theta brain waves for an alert type of relaxation.

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid

The Confidence blend is for improving mood, fighting stress, and increasing mental clarity.

Thesis Starter Kit

Thesis Starter Kit price: $139.95 (Amazon)

Only available in the Thesis Amazon store, Thesis offers a start kit for $139.95 which includes 24 nootropic pouches. Providing a sample of the Thesis Blends including Logic, Energy, Clarity, and Confidence.

Each ingredient is selected for its unique role in supporting different cognitive functions, allowing you to test 4 different Thesis blends to see which works best for you.

Thesis Nootropic Recommended Dosage

Each Thesis Blend is dosed as one packet per day. With a one day per week holiday. Most Blends are sold in packets of 24 to accommodate this dosage recommendation for a one month supply.

Every Thesis Blend sold on Amazon includes caffeine and L-Theanine. While the caffeine + L-Theanine combination is the most popular nootropic stack on the planet, including it in every blend is counterproductive.

Because while you may ‘feel’ the effects of the other nootropic ingredients in that blend, the effects of caffeine will overpower whatever other nootropic benefits you’re looking for.

And long-term use of any Thesis Blend that includes caffeine is not recommended.

To get the nootropic benefits of caffeine, it needs to be supported with L-Tyrosine to replace the dopamine that caffeine forces your brain to use.

And caffeine must also be supported with a B-Complex because caffeine is a diuretic. The B-Vitamins are expelled in urine while using caffeine.

If you’re looking for a great caffeine supplement, I highly recommend: Performance Lab^® Caffeine 2 which contains Natural Caffeine (from Coffea Robusta seeds) 50 mg, L-Theanine 100 mg, L-Tyrosine 250 mg, with a balanced NutriGenesis^® B-Complex. For alert clean energy without the jitters.

The Thesis Energy blend and Thesis Motivation blend are the only two blends to contain an ingredient to boost dopamine levels. And no Thesis Blend includes any of the B-Vitamins lost while using caffeine.

Thesis Nootropic Reviews – Are Customers Happy with Thesis Nootropic?

Some users report the Thesis Clarity Blend helped them focus. They felt more in the zone, better mental clarity, and more productive.

Overall, users who tried each of the Thesis Blends report that the Thesis Energy blend provided the most noticeable benefit. Which is not surprising since this blend is the only blend that contains ingredients that boost dopamine and acetylcholine.

Consistent feedback from those who used the Thesis Starter Kit was 100 mg caffeine in each packet for all the blends sampled in this Kit. Many found the high caffeine dose often caused the jitters. And negated the potential benefits of that blend.

Some users said they preferred the Thesis Clarity formula which helped them focus, better memory and less anxiety.

The Thesis Creativity blend helped with public speaking where they didn’t get a nervous, thinking was clearer, and they felt more confident.

In general, each Thesis blend appealed to people with different cognitive function needs.

If you want to try Thesis, I encourage you to closely look at each Blend ingredient list. And choose the Blend with the ingredients shown to help with whatever cognitive issues you’re dealing with.

Thesis Nootropic Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Custom formulations tailored to individual cognitive needs.
• Scientifically-backed, high-quality ingredients.
• Supplement Facts label transparency – you how much of each ingredient is in each packet.
• Should help with mild cognitive impairment
• Generally positive user reviews highlight effectiveness.

Cons:

• Thesis Nootropic is a much higher cost compared to competitors.
• Every Thesis Blend contains Caffeine and L-Theanine, so you are going to ‘feel’ something no matter which blend you try.
• You need to order directly from the Thesis website if you want the option of buying a blend that is caffeine-free. But it appears to only be available with a monthly subscription.
• Some users may experience minimal or varied effectiveness.
• “Other ingredients”. The additives used in each blend is unnecessary and some of the ingredients have been proven to be toxic. See my article on “7 Tips for Choosing the Highest Quality Nootropic Supplements”

Thesis Nootropic Side Effects

The supplements that Thesis Nootropic offers are considered non-toxic and safe to use by most people.

Individual ingredients can cause side effects in some such as headaches or gastrointestinal problems.

If you are particularly sensitive to stimulants like caffeine or herbal extracts like Ginseng, then you may want to avoid using Thesis supplements.

And make sure that none of the ingredients in the Thesis Blend you choose is contraindicated with any med you are using. See the “Side Effects” section in each of the nootropic ingredients I link to above for more.

Is Thesis Nootropic Right for You?

If you’re looking for a customized cognitive enhancer designed specifically for your unique needs, Thesis Nootropic is worth a look.

But if budget is a concern, then a Thesis blend may not be a good option for you. Because Thesis charges a premium for each of their blends. You have more affordable but equally or even more effective options available to you.

For example, consider trying Mind Lab Pro^® if you are looking for a ‘universal’ and clinically proven pre-made nootropic stack. Mind Lab Pro^® works and is caffeine-free.

Or if your needs are more specific you may want to try any of the Performance Lab^® “blends” which are more cost effective and pure with zero “Other ingredients”.

For example, Performance Lab^® Energy includes ALCAR, R-Lipoic Acid, CoQ10 and PQQ which helps produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in your mitochondria. A natural and jitter-free form of energy that does not rely on caffeine for an energy boost.

How Much Does Thesis Nootropic Cost?

The cost of Thesis Nootropic Blends range between $71.95 and $134.95 for a one-month supply.

Although higher priced than most of its competitors, individual Thesis nootropic blends may appeal to some with specific cognitive needs. And who are familiar with the nootropic benefits of each nootropic ingredient in a blend.