Cholinergics Nootropics
10Cholinergic nootropics increase acetylcholine availability in the brain — the neurotransmitter most directly involved in memory formation, learning, and attention. These compounds are often stacked with racetams, which increase acetylcholine demand, making a choline source essential to avoid headaches and maximize cognitive benefits.
Alpha-GPC
The most bioavailable choline source for the brain. Alpha-GPC crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently and directly provides choline for acetylcholine synthesis. Used clinically in Europe for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. The go-to choline supplement for stacking with racetams and preventing the headaches that come from increased acetylcholine demand.
CDP-Choline
Also known as Citicoline, this is a naturally occurring compound that provides both choline and cytidine (which converts to uridine in the body). This dual action supports both acetylcholine synthesis and cell membrane repair, making it both a cognitive enhancer and a neuroprotectant. Prescribed in many countries for stroke recovery and cognitive decline.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
A naturally occurring intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the primary phospholipid in neuronal cell membranes. Citicoline provides both choline (for acetylcholine and phospholipid synthesis) and cytidine (converted to uridine, supporting RNA and synapse formation). It is prescribed in Europe and Japan for stroke recovery and cognitive decline. Cognizin is the most studied branded form.
Coluracetam
A racetam that enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) — the rate-limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. This makes it uniquely effective at boosting acetylcholine levels, which is why users commonly report enhanced color vision, sharper visual perception, and improved memory. It was briefly studied for treatment-resistant depression.
Huperzine A
A naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata). It powerfully inhibits acetylcholinesterase — the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine — resulting in significantly elevated acetylcholine levels in the brain. Used in Chinese medicine for centuries and now studied worldwide for Alzheimer's disease.
Huperzine A
A sesquiterpene alkaloid extracted from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata) that is one of the most potent natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitors known. It crosses the blood-brain barrier readily and provides longer-lasting cholinergic enhancement than most synthetic alternatives. Used in China as a drug for Alzheimer's disease and studied globally for cognitive enhancement. Particularly effective for memory formation and recall.
PRL-8-53
An obscure but fascinating research compound developed by Dr. Nikolaus Hansl at Creighton University in the 1970s. A single human trial showed extraordinary results — participants who scored below average on memory tests improved their recall by 87-107% after a single 5 mg dose. The compound enhances cholinergic, dopaminergic, and possibly serotonergic transmission. Very limited research but a cult following in the nootropic community.
Sunifiram
An experimental ampakine compound structurally related to piracetam but estimated to be 1,000x more potent. Sunifiram enhances AMPA receptor function, increases long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, and activates CaMKII and PKC signaling — molecular processes directly involved in memory formation. It has a noticeable acute effect on focus and memory, but very limited human safety data.
Uridine
A nucleotide base that plays a critical role in brain cell membrane synthesis, synapse formation, and dopamine receptor expression. Part of the well-known 'Mr. Happy Stack' (Uridine + Fish Oil + Choline) that synergistically supports mood and cognitive function. Uridine monophosphate is the preferred supplemental form for brain bioavailability.
Uridine Monophosphate
A nucleotide base essential for RNA synthesis and a key component of the 'Mr. Happy Stack' — uridine + omega-3 + choline. This combination promotes synaptogenesis (new synapse formation) by providing the building blocks for phosphatidylcholine in neuronal membranes. Uridine alone enhances dopamine release and supports mood. It is one of the few supplements with evidence for promoting new synapse growth in adults.