Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs” are a diverse group of medicinal substances whose action improves human thinking, learning, and memory, especially in cases where these functions are impaired. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the potential effectiveness and importance of nootropics. Based on their nature and their effects, this heterogeneous group of drugs has been divided into four subgroups: classical nootropic compounds, substances increasing brain metabolism, cholinergic, and plants and their extracts with nootropic effects. Many healthy people increasingly utilize "smart drugs" to try to improve their mental function, even though nootropics are intended to address cognitive issues associated with medical disorders. The clinical concerns around common nootropics and other drugs used for this purpose are reviewed in this paper. It is difficult to determine how effective these medications are as supplements or therapies because research on them varies widely, particularly for age-related brain diseases. The applications, indications, experimental treatments, dosage, potential side effects, and contraindications are covered for each of the numerous primary representatives of each class of nootropics. A brief explanation of each plant representative, including its occurrence, history, and chemical makeup of the therapeutic part, is also included for the nootropic plant extracts. Finally, detailed guidelines for the usage of nootropics by healthy and sick people are outlined. Methylphenidate, modafinil, amphetamines, and psychedelics are the most popular smart drugs, which are frequently taken under pressure or stress at work or school. The effectiveness of these medications in enhancing cognitive and decision-making abilities is still unknown, though. There are health dangers associated with using them, particularly if you don't have a prescription. Additionally, there is a dearth of up-to-date, comprehensive information regarding the prevalence of these substances and their effects. Improved training for physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals may assist identify issues early and increase patient safety.
Pakhlavon et al. (Tue,) studied this question.