Noopept (n-phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester or GVS-111) is an ampakine nootropic similar in action to the racetam-class of compounds. Noopept is up to 1000-times more potent than the original racetam, Piracetam.
Noopept was patented by Russian-based pharmaceutical company JSC LEKKO Pharmaceuticals in 1996. Research shows Noopept has similar effects, but works differently than other nootropics in the racetam-family.
Noopept is not considered a true “racetam” because it doesn’t have a 2-oxo-pyrrolidine core.
Noopept does not appear in blood samples when taken as a supplement. Instead it elevates concentrations of cycloprolylglycine (CPG) in the brain.
CPG is a dipeptide consisting of proline and glycine which acts as a modulator of acetylcholine transmission and AMPA receptor function.[i]
Noopept is patented in both Russia and the USA. It is sold as a prescription drug in Russia, and other countries that were part of the Soviet Union. And as a supplement in the United States.
Neurohackers use Noopept to boost cognition, memory and learning. And to improve reflexes, perception, logical thinking and mood.
Noopept helps:
- Brain Optimization: Noopept increases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Critical for neuroplasticity and Long-Term Potentiation. Brain health gets a boost along with long-term memory.
- Neuroprotection: Noopept prevents the release of excess glutamate in your brain. Glutamate is the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter. When there’s a lack of oxygen in the brain, neurons can’t receive glutamate. This leads to toxic levels of glutamate within brain cells. And can result in neuron damage and death. Diminishing this neurotoxic overload with Noopept is potent neuroprotection.[ii]
- Brain Waves: Noopept boosts Alpha and Beta brain wave activity. You become calmer and more creative. It’s easier to go into a flow state. And you are prone to making innovative and resourceful decisions.
Table of Contents
Overview
Noopept (n-phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester or GVS-111) is often included in the racetam-family of nootropic compounds. But is not a true “racetam” because it does not have a 2-oxo-pyrrolidine nucleus.
Noopept was developed in Russia where it is called Ноопепт or GVS-111. Russian-based pharmaceutical company JSC LEKKO Pharmaceuticals synthesized Noopept in 1996 based off the endogenous neuropeptide cycloprolylglycine (CPG).
Researchers in Moscow found Noopept similar to Piracetam in not only it’s nootropic effect, but also anxiolytic activity.[iii]
Noopept is a water-soluble ampakine nootropic. AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic) refers to one of three glutamate receptors in your brain.[iv]
Noopept could also be considered a Cholinergic compound because it affects acetylcholine levels in the brain.
One of the newer synthetic nootropic compounds, Noopept is known as a cognitive enhancer. And is known for its anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety effects.
Noopept is considered to be up to 1000-times more potent than Piracetam. As an ampakine nootropic, it helps increase attention span, alertness and boosts all three levels of memory. Memory formation, retention and recall.
Ampakines tend to have a stimulant effect. But do not produce the same stimulant side effects as Ritalin or coffee from prolonged use.
Noopept vs. Piracetam: What’s the Difference?
Russian-based pharmaceutical company JSC LEKKO Pharmaceuticals developed Noopept in the late 1996 as a peptide analogue of the original nootropic Piracetam.[v]
Noopept and Piracetam are both water-soluble. And both Noopept and Piracetam are cognitive enhancers. Both have neuroprotective and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) qualities.[vi] Both racetams are able to improve learning and memory. And both are able to repair brain damage.
But Noopept has additional benefits not shared with Piracetam. First, the effective dose of Noopept compared to Piracetam is 1,000-times lower. A typical dose of Noopept is 10 – 30 mg while Piracetam is often dosed up to 3 or 4,000 mg.
Second, Piracetam facilitates only the early stages of the memory process. On the other hand, Noopept influences memory consolidation AND retrieval steps as well.
So Noopept helps you develop the memory, retain the memory, and then recall what you have stored in memory.[vii]
Noopept also has additional selective anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) action. Researchers believe this is due in part to Noopept’s antioxidant effect, anti-inflammatory action, and the ability to prevent the neurotoxic effect of too much calcium and glutamate.
How does Noopept work in the Brain?
Noopept boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Noopept modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors and acetylcholine (ACh) transmission. Noopept boosts the level of cycloprolylglycine (CPG) in the brain. CPG is a dipeptide consisting of proline and glycine which acts as a modulator of acetylcholine transmission, and AMPA and NMDA receptors.
When brain cells are starved of oxygen, glutamate which is your brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter, does not work efficiently with neuroreceptors. The result can be a toxic buildup of glutamate within brain cells. Causing neuron damage and ultimately, neuron death.
Noopept modulates neuroreceptor function keeping glutamate transmission at normal levels. Protecting neurons and other brain cells from glutamate damage.
Noopept has also been shown to modulate acetylcholine flow in your brain. Restoring the harmony of glutamate and acetylcholine function not only protects your brain from damage. It can boost cognition, memory, learning, recall, mood and relieve anxiety.
- Noopept increases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and mRNA. NGF and BDNF are directly related to neuroplasticity. This ability to repair and even grow new brain cells can have profound implications. Particularly with someone with neurodegenerative brain damage like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. And even affecting Long-Term Potentiation needed for long-term memory development.
mRNA affects the expression of genes and intracellular communication in brain cells. This ongoing brain signaling and gene expression within brain cells is required for healthy cognition.
One study conducted in Moscow showed long-term use of Noopept boosted NGF, BDNF and mRNA. The animal subjects in this study showed no sign of tolerance. And long-term use of Noopept even potentiated the neurotrophic effect.[viii]
How things go bad
Glutamate is an excitatory relative of GABA. While GABA has a calming effect, glutamate stimulates. Glutamate is the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
But glutamate can be toxic to neurons. And too much of it in your brain can kill brain cells. Lou Gehrig’s Disease for example, is caused by excess glutamate.
But glutamate is a pivotal neurotransmitter in the brain. It links the brain circuits involved in memory, learning and perception.
↑ Too much glutamate can kill neurons
↓ Too little glutamate can cause problems with memory, learning and perception
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline
↓ Nerve Growth Factor declines
↓ Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor declines
All of these changes can happen at any age. And are a product of the food we eat, what we drink, lifestyle habits, the air we breathe and more.
So Noopept can help for age-related cognitive decline, as well as a student looking to do better in school. By boosting NGF, BDNF and acetylcholine, and controlling glutamate in the brain.
Noopept benefits
Noopept modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors. AMPA receptors are associated with how glutamate and calcium is used in your brain. With Noopept, it’s more of a neuroprotective role.
Similar to the AMPA receptor, the NMDA receptor is also associated with glutamate and calcium use in your brain. They work together to modulate how neurons use glutamate.
Noopept modulates levels of glutamate within and between neurons. It prevents glutamate toxicity, and influences Long-Term Potentiation (LTP). LTP is associated with neuroplasticity that allows long-term memories to form.
There is clinical evidence that Noopept boosts communication and neuron signaling. By boosting Alpha and Beta brain wave activity. You become calmer and more creative. It’s easier to go into a flow state. And you are prone to making innovative and resourceful decisions.
Noopept produces an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. It stimulates dopamine receptors (D2 and D3) and acetylcholine nicotinic receptors. And Noopept also seems to modulate some serotonin receptors. All contributing to a better mood and less anxiety.
Noopept has been shown in the lab to boost Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). NGF and BDNF are both involved in neuroplasticity, and the repair and replacement of damaged brain cells. Resulting in overall better brain health, memory and cognition.[ix]
Noopept is water-soluble and quickly enters your brain after you take it. Once in your brain, it boosts signal transmission, and protects neurons.
How does Noopept feel?
Nootropics users report:
- Noopept as a study aid. On its own, Noopept increases focus and attention for many neurohackers. Mental arithmetic and grasping difficult concepts is easier.
- Increased verbal fluidity. Your conversation skills could increase with Noopept. Vocabulary comes easier. Being able to focus contributes to a more balanced dialogue. Neurohackers report being more outgoing, friendly and less self-conscious.
- Improved mood. With Noopept you may find yourself better able to deal with stressful situations and work issues that normally get you down. Once you get past the first few weeks of unpleasant memories related to PTSD you may find overwhelming emotions will subside. You could feel detached in a pleasant way from painful memories.
- Music appreciation. Many users report increased pleasure when listening to music while using Noopept. For some it takes music to a different plane. Distinguishing between instruments in sound tracks is easier. As a whole, music sounds better.
- Long-term memory. Noopept affects NGF and BDNF which affects long-term potentiation. Some neurohackers report memories long forgotten suddenly spring up. Which could be good or bad I suppose depending on the memory. But reports say memories are clear. And if they’re unpleasant there is an emotional detachment shielding from unpleasant feelings.
You should be able to experience the effects of Noopept soon after you take it. It’s water-soluble and enters your cells quickly especially if you take it sublingually.
A word of caution however; don’t go over the recommended 10 – 30 mg per day dose! You will not experience any added benefit, and could bring on unwanted side effects.
There is some debate on the water-solubility of Noopept. It’s not truly fat-soluble but it certainly doesn’t hurt to use a quality “good fat” when taking your Noopept dose.
Noopept Clinical Research
Noopept increases Nerve Growth Factor & BDNF
A study published by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow shows that Noopept stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
In this study, researchers studied the effect of single and long-term treatment (28 days) of Noopept. They found that one-time treatment boosted mRNA in the cerebral cortex of rats. mRNA is a molecule in brain cells that carries codes from DNA where they specify the amino acid sequence of proteins.
And long-term treatment of Noopept increased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). The researchers speculated that this sequence of events in the brain plays a role in the restoration of neurons.
Improving neurotrophin synthesis in the hippocampus boosts cognitive function. Particularly consolidation and delayed memory retrieval.
The research team concluded that Noopept “holds much promise to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment”.[x]
Noopept boosts Brain Waves
Researchers in Moscow studied the effects of injecting Noopept in rats to see how it would affect brain waves.
The team found that Noopept increased Alpha and Beta brain wave activity throughout the brain.
You experience Alpha waves as you become more relaxed. Alpha waves are associated with super-learning, flow state and joy. Beta waves are associated with concentration, alertness and cognition.
The researchers observed that NMDA receptors were involved with a single injection of Noopept. While AMPA receptors were activated after longer-term use of Noopept.[xi]
NMDA receptors are associated with Long-Term Potentiation (long-term memory) and neuroplasticity. AMPA receptors are associated with increased brain signaling activity. Boosting cognition and memory.
Noopept improves memory
Noopept is known within the nootropic community for enhancing memory. And dozens of studies support this claim of better memory when using Noopept.
One study done at the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow experimented with Noopept on rats. The animals were trained in passive avoidance response.
The animal’s ability to both form a memory and retain a memory was impaired. But once the rats received a dose of Noopept, they were able to retain a memory and retrieve that memory later.
In other words, Noopept normalized learning capacity in animals with damage done to their cerebral cortex. And promoted training ability in rats with a hereditary learning deficit.
The researchers noted that “Noopept improves all three stages of memory”. And was most pronounced in those with impaired memory function.[xii]
Another study, again done with rats noted that Noopept stimulated learning after just a single administration. And repeated administration actually increased the number of successful learners among the animals who failed the initial training.[xiii]
Noopept Dosage
Recommended Noopept dosage is 10 – 30 mg per day.
Noopept is very bioavailable and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.[xiv]
Noopept is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 10 mg each.
Noopept is primarily water-soluble nootropic, but won’t easily dissolve in water or juice. So it may help if you take it with a meal containing healthy fats. Or with a tablespoon of extra virgin, expeller cold-pressed coconut or olive oil. Or other similar healthy fat to ensure quick absorption.
For even quicker absorption you can use Noopept sublingually. Let the tablet or powder dissolve under your tongue so it can go straight into your bloodstream, and into your brain. Bypassing your digestive system completely.
Noopept Side Effects
Noopept is a synthetic nootropic and consider non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe. As long as you stay within the recommended dosage.
Side effects are rare but can include fatigue, headaches, insomnia or stomach upset. Side effects are often a result of unusually high doses of the nootropic.
Headaches from using Noopept typically happen when you forget to combine it with a good choline supplement. Headaches are often a symptom of a choline deficit in your brain.
Where to buy Noopept
Noopept is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 10 mg each.
In the USA, the best place to buy Noopept is Cosmic Nootropic – Noopept
In Russia and some other Eastern European countries, Noopept is a prescription drug.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Noopept 10 – 30 mg per day
I recommend using Noopept as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Noopept on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Noopept is especially helpful for those looking to boost cognition, memory and recall. This nootropic helps boost the activity of acetylcholine in your brain. It modulates glutamate receptors which normalizes optimal neurotransmitter function. And increases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which helps the neuroplasticity needed for Long-Term Potentiation.
Noopept is also particularly useful to students and executives who want to boost cognition, learning and memory. My experience using Noopept shows it helps boost study scores, workflow, learning and memory.
Noopept also helps improve verbal fluidity and sociability. Words seem to come easily, and vocabulary you didn’t know you had access to come into play.
Music sounds richer and fuller, and your listening experience enters a new level of music appreciation.
You should stack Noopept with a good choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. It helps boost neural acetylcholine, so demands the presence of more choline in your brain.
You should not exceed Noopept doses of more than 30 mg per day. Start with 10 mg and see how you respond.
In the USA, the best place to buy Noopept is Cosmic Nootropic – Noopept
[i] Gudasheva T.A. et. Al. “The major metabolite of dipeptide piracetam analogue GVS-111 in rat brain and its similarity to endogenous neuropeptide cyclo-L-prolylglycine.” European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. 1997 Jul-Sep;22(3):245-52. (source)
[ii] Us K.S., Klodt P.M., Kudrin A., Sapronova Ya., Ostrovskaya R.U., Ugryumov M.V., Rayevsky K.S. “The effect of the synthetic neuroprotective dipeptide noopept on glutamate release from rat brain cortex slices” Neurochemical Journal June 2007, Volume 1, Issue 2, pp 138-142 (source)
[iii] Gudasheva T.A., Konstantinopol’skii M.A., Ostrovskaya R.U., Seredenin S.B. “Anxiolytic activity of endogenous nootropic dipeptide cycloprolylglycine in elevated plus-maze test.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001 May;131(5):464-6. (source)
[iv] Purves D., Augustine G.J., Fitzpatrick D., et al., editors. “Glutamate Receptors” Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. (source)
[v] Ostrovskaya R.U., Mirsoev T.K., Romanova G.A., Gudasheva T.A., Kravchenko E.V., Trofimov C.C., Voronina T.A., Seredenin S.B. “Proline-containing dipeptide GVS-111 retains nootropic activity after oral administration.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001 Oct;132(4):959-62. (source)
[vi] Gudasheva T.A., Konstantinopol’skii M.A., Ostrovskaya R.U., Seredenin S.B. “Anxiolytic activity of endogenous nootropic dipeptide cycloprolylglycine in elevated plus-maze test.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001 May;131(5):464-6. (source)
[vii] Ostrovskaia R.U., Gudasheva T.A., Voronina T.A., Seredenin S.B. “[The original novel nootropic and neuroprotective agent noopept].” in Russian Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2002 Sep-Oct;65(5):66-72. (source)
[viii] Ostrovskaya R.U., Gudasheva T.A., Zaplina A.P., Vahitova J.V., Salimgareeva M.H., Jamidanov R.S., Seredenin S.B. “Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus.”Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7. (source)
[ix] Ostrovskaia R.U., Vakhitova Iu.V., Salimgareeva M.Kh., Iamidanov R.S., Sadovnikov S.V., Kapitsa I.G., Seredenin S.B. “[On the mechanism of noopept action: decrease in activity of stress-induced kinases and increase in expression of neutrophines].” in Russian Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2010 Dec;73(12):2-5. (source)
[x] Ostrovskaya R.U., Gudasheva T.A., Zaplina A.P., Vahitova J.V., Salimgareeva M.H., Jamidanov R.S., Seredenin S.B. “Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus.”Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7. (source)
[xi] Vorobyov V., Kaptsov V., Kovalev G., Sengpiel F. “Effects of nootropics on the EEG in conscious rats and their modification by glutamatergic inhibitors.” Brain Research Bulletin. 2011 May 30;85(3-4):123-32. (source)
[xii] Romanova G.A., Shakova F.M., Gudasheva T.A., Ostrovskaya R.U. “Impairment of learning and memory after photothrombosis of the prefrontal cortex in rat brain: effects of Noopept.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2002 Dec;134(6):528-30. (source)
[xiii] Ostrovskaya R.U., Mirsoev T.K., Romanova G.A., Gudasheva T.A., Kravchenko E.V., Trofimov C.C., Voronina T.A., Seredenin S.B. “Proline-containing dipeptide GVS-111 retains nootropic activity after oral administration.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001 Oct;132(4):959-62. (source)
[xiv] Boiko S.S., Ostrovskaya R.U., Zherdev V.P., Korotkov S.A., Gudasheva T.A., Voronina T.A., Seredenin S.B. “Pharmacokinetics of new nootropic acylprolyldipeptide and its penetration across the blood-brain barrier after oral administration.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2000 Apr;129(4):359-61. (source)
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Hi im trying to help my schizophrenic Son who will not take medication, but is Very open to natural things the problem is he smokes weed and I’ve discovered that there are many things that interact with weed. So my question is does NAC or Noopept interact with weed and Can you take these two together? Thank you so much for you wisdom!! Also Ive been studying his genes for about a year and wondered if you know anything about genes as he has a very slow D2 receptor among other things and I noticed that you mention this gene under noopept. Thank you soooo much! Andrea
Andrea, NAC has shown to be effective in promoting abstinence, medication adherence and reducing cannabis use and craving among cannabis dependent users. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460322000491). Not sure about Noopept however. There have not been any studies done with Noopept and cannabis as far as I know.
I am currently taking 10mg of Trintellix to treat anxiety and depression. I have purchased some Noopept from NootropicsDepot. I take 500mg of Lion’s Mane 8:1 extract a day to help me getting into studying to become a software developer. Requires a lot of focus which I have a hard time with. I stay away from L-Tyrosine as it has interactions with SSRIs (can cause Serotonin Syndrome) and can also cause high blood pressure which creates anxiety.
I was wondering if it is safe to combine Noopept on Trintellix at 10-20mg once or twice a day.
Also, my anxiety manifested itself into speech disturbances and heard that Noopept can help in that aspect. What are your thoughts on this?
As a note, I dropped caffeine over 3 months ago. I currently only take a B-complex with my SSRI as it potentiates its effects, omega 3s, vitamin d3, zinc, magnesium bisglycinate, Lion’s Mane and veggie greens.
I stay away from bacopa and rhodiola as they can be dangerous with SSRIs, as well as Gingko, and I also stay away from Ashwaganda as it can create too much feeling of apathy on SSRIs.
Youssif, it sounds like you need a consultation. Here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60-minute-consultation-with-report. You will come away with a stack you can use as well as a schedule to follow.
Maybe I do. Currently at 20mg Trintellix. My current stack is the following:
– 10mg Noopept 3x a day
– 150mg Alpha-GPC 99% 2-3 x per day (choline source)
– 500mg Lion-s Mane 8:1 0-3 x per day (as needed)
– 100 to 200mg L-Theanine 0-3 x per day (as needed, to calm down when in an agitated state induced by the stack)
Currently using a formula as well called Brain Gains by a lab in the UK.
It is a very complete formula.
Besides that, I used Vitamin D3, Omega3, Zinc, Magnesium Bisglycinate as for vitamins.
Noopept can be confusing because people take it sublingually or nasally and say the oral bioavailability is %9. But it doesn’t even exist in the blood when taken. But it’s also a prodrug of cycloprolylglycine in which it needs to be matabolised to become cycloprolylglycine. So what is this effect that people are feeling when taking it Sublingually? Also, how is noopept reviewed before this site site before Teacrine/Dyanamine?
Kevin, Russian-based pharmaceutical company JSC LEKKO Pharmaceuticals synthesized Noopept in 1996 based off the endogenous neuropeptide cycloprolylglycine (CPG). it is not a “prodrug”.
And I do not understand your last sentence re. Teacrine/Dyanamine.
One of Noopept’s Metabolites is, cycloprolyglycine (cPG). What I meant by “prodrug”, is Metabolite. Which confuses me why people who take this drug, says it works sublingually.
https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Noopept-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf (page.2, paragraph 2)
Also Teacrine and Dyanamine are just trademarked substances of alkaloids which are similar to caffeine, but don’t increase adenosine. Which has a lot more popularity than Noopept. Was wondering why there is not an article on it.
Kevin, I’m still not sure what you are driving at. Use Noopept or don’t use Noopept. Seems like a straightforward decision to me at least.
There is not enough clinical research on Theacrine or Dynamine to support a full nootropic review.
So Noopept modulates glutamate so I won’t have too much or too little. I have epilepsy so is this something I could look into supplementing?
Hunter, that is indeed what it means.