Nootropics: What they are, their origin, discovery, and applications in the food and supplement industry
In recent years, interest in cognitive health and mental well-being has grown significantly. Modern life demands constant attention, rapid adaptability, efficient memory, and high productivity. In this context, the term nootropics has gained international relevance. Also referred to as cognitive enhancers, they are described in the scientific literature as substances investigated for their possible relationship with parameters of mental performance (Nehlig, 2016).
Although they are now commonly associated with students, gamers, and professionals in competitive environments, their origin dates back to the 1960s, when researchers sought compounds capable of supporting neural plasticity, a topic that would later become one of the pillars of modern neuroscience (Kolb & Gibb, 2014).
As science advanced, nootropics expanded beyond the pharmaceutical field and entered the functional food industry, encapsulated supplements, and natural ingredients — driven by innovative botanical solutions such as Sylvestre Ingredientes Naturais’ Green Terpenes Line, which offers standardized aromatic compounds designed for the sensory positioning of formulations.
In general, nootropics are described in research for their potential to influence aspects such as focus, attention, processing speed, learning, and memory, recognizing that these effects vary, depend on context, and that much of the evidence remains preliminary (Pase et al., 2012). The literature mentions mechanisms such as neurotransmitter modulation, cellular energy support, participation in oxidative pathways, and interactions with regulatory systems of the body, including the Endocannabinoid System.
The term nootropic was coined in 1972 by scientist Corneliu Giurgea, who proposed three general criteria: supporting cognitive parameters, promoting neural integrity, and presenting an adequate safety profile. Piracetam became known as the first modern nootropic and sparked a new wave of research.
Over time, the category expanded beyond synthetic molecules, incorporating vitamins, natural compounds, and plants studied in ethnobotany. This expansion enabled their use in functional beverages, specialty coffees, nutrition bars, energy shots, and encapsulated supplements. The consumer base also diversified, following global trends such as well-being, productivity, and preventive health.
In the literature, nootropics are often grouped into four main categories. The first includes classic nootropics, such as racetams, recognized for their role in synaptic communication. The second consists of substances related to brain metabolism, investigated for their involvement in oxygen and glucose utilization, such as coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, creatine, and B vitamins (Kennedy, 2016). The third category includes cholinergics, associated with acetylcholine — a neurotransmitter linked to attention and memory — represented by choline, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylserine, all known for their history of use in foods and supplements. The fourth and rapidly expanding category includes plants and natural extracts such as ginkgo biloba, bacopa monnieri, rhodiola rosea, panax ginseng, and ashwagandha. Within this group, natural terpenes also stand out, recognized for their aromatic role and traditional associations with sensory perceptions related to focus, relaxation, or alertness.
Scientific literature indicates that certain terpenes are assessed in studies exploring behavioral responses, subjective perception, and sensory effects triggered by natural aromas (Lis-Balchin & Hart, 1999; Moss et al., 2010). Compounds such as linalool, limonene, and α-pinene appear in these studies associated with sensations reported by participants—including calmness, clarity, or attentive states—always within experimental contexts. These findings reinforce the growing interest in terpenes within contemporary botanical formulations, keeping their interpretation strictly within the scientific domain.
The food and supplement industries have identified nootropics as an opportunity to develop premium products aligned with mental well-being and emotional balance. In functional beverages, they appear in enriched coffees, specialty teas, ready-to-drink formulations, and protein bars. In encapsulated supplements, the format allows for stability, convenience, and strategic combinations—factors that support consumer acceptance.
Blends integrating vitamins, amino acids, adaptogenic plants, and terpenes have gained prominence for meeting a variety of product concepts inspired by well-being and sensory experience. This movement reflects the evolution of consumer preferences and highlights the importance of formulations developed with clarity, responsibility, and alignment with regulatory guidelines.
The relationship between nootropics and natural ingredients is among the most notable trends in the market. Consumers increasingly value clean, safe, and evidence-based formulations. The combination of plants and terpenes provides important descriptive synergies in the sensory construction of products. Citrus terpenes are traditionally associated with light energy sensations, linalool is commonly linked to perceptions of calmness and clarity, and pinene has historically been associated with alertness. In this scenario, the Green Terpenes Line stands out as a botanical tool capable of complementing formulations developed for different market positions.
The literature on mechanisms associated with nootropics is extensive and covers topics such as neuroplasticity, cholinergic modulation, oxidative stress, and interactions between plant compounds and neurological pathways (Clayton et al., 2021). Recent reviews highlight growing global interest but emphasize that effects in healthy individuals vary widely, reinforcing the need for cautious interpretation. Additionally, the literature distinguishes natural nootropics from pharmaceutical stimulants, which do not fall under the same concept.
The market continues to expand. Consumer research indicates that products associated with mental clarity and emotional well-being are among the most sought after, accompanied by increasing demand for transparent and scientifically grounded formulations. In this landscape, natural nootropics and terpenes assume an important role, offering versatility and innovation aligned with modern consumer expectations.
Thus, nootropics represent a multidisciplinary field in constant evolution. They are not miraculous solutions, but they form a set of ingredients with informational and sensory potential when incorporated into a balanced lifestyle. For the industry, especially within the natural segment, the moment is favorable — and ingredients from the Green Terpenes Line fit directly into this trend, expanding possibilities for innovative formulations and sensory positioning aligned with cognitive and emotional well-being.
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REFERENCES:
- Nehlig, A. (2016). Effects of coffee/caffeine on brain and cognition. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10:240.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00240 - Kolb, B., & Gibb, R. (2014). Searching for the principles of brain plasticity. Cortex, 58, 251–260.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2014.04.008 - Pase, M.P. et al. (2012). The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Research, 26(3), 317–323.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3540 - Kennedy, D.O. (2016). B vitamins and the brain: mechanisms, dose and efficacy—a review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 3:26.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2016.00026 - Lu, H.-C., & Mackie, K. (2016). An Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System. Neuropharmacology, 124, 3–17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0382-8 - Babson, K.A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Sleep: A Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4):23.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0786-y - Clayton, Z.S. et al. (2021). Nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and cognitive function: a review of mechanisms and evidence. Nutrients, 13(6):1773.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061773
