Cognition/Mood/Sleep

Noopept

Synthetic nootropic peptide studied for mild cognitive impairment, with limited evidence in healthy adults.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

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Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Overview

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Safety

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Quick Take

Only clearly studied in cognitively impaired populations; no reliable evidence for healthy adults.

Noopept is a synthetic dipeptide nootropic developed in Russia and closely related to piracetam. It is prescribed in some countries for mild cognitive impairment and traumatic brain injury. It is thought to modulate glutamate and acetylcholine neurotransmission and may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Small Russian clinical trials suggest it may improve memory and attention in older adults with cognitive decline, though replication in Western research is lacking. Evidence in healthy adults is essentially nonexistent.

Potential benefits

May improve cognition in MCI

May aid brain injury recovery

May reduce anxiety

May improve sleep quality

Protocol

Amount

10-30 mg

Frequency

Once or twice daily

When

Morning or early afternoon with food; avoid late-day dosing due to potential insomnia.

Onset Time

Acute within 1-2 hours; cognitive benefits in 4-8 weeks for clinical.

Who Should Consider

Adults with mild cognitive impairment

Individuals recovering from brain injury

Older adults with cerebrovascular insufficiency

Healthy adults interested in experimental nootropics

How It Works

Noopept is believed to modulate glutamatergic signaling via AMPA and NMDA receptors and enhance cholinergic transmission in the hippocampus. Animal studies indicate it increases expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which could support synaptic plasticity.

Updated 5/19/2026