Do Nootropics Do Anything? Here's What the Research Says

The short answer: Yes, nootropics are very effective.

But curious what the actual peer-reviewed, clinical evidence says about nootropic supplements?

Here are two key studies (of many):

The Reaction Time Study (2023)

A significant, straightforward result came from a 2023 study at the University of Leeds: People taking nootropics literally responded faster and made quicker decisions.

The group taking a nootropic supplement showed significant improvements in simple reaction time, choice reaction time, and anticipation. The control group (placebo) showed no improvement on any measure.

The Brain Network Study (2025)

One of the most sophisticated studies to date was published in Brain Sciences in 2025. Researchers ran a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with concurrent EEG brain monitoring. Participants took a multi-ingredient nootropic supplement daily for 60 days.

When the researchers looked at what was happening inside the brain using advanced EEG analysis, they found something significant: widespread increases in brain network connectivity, cohesion, and energetic efficiency, particularly in the delta frequency band. On standard cognitive tests (reaction time, accuracy), the nootropic group didn't outperform placebo.

Their conclusion? Natural nootropics can improve overall brain network function and efficiency, even when that improvement doesn't show up on a quick reaction-time test. The brain is measurably working better. The effects may show up in more complex, real-world cognitive tasks rather than simple lab measures.

Want to read up on more science? We don’t gatekeep. Check out our Science Library for key peer-reviewed research, clinical trials, and systematic reviews, with a quick description of what's in each one.

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