Noopept
A synthetic peptide-derived nootropic often grouped with racetams due to similar effects, though it is technically a dipeptide analog of piracetam. Roughly 1000x more potent by weight than piracetam, requiring only 10-30 mg per dose. It provides both immediate cognitive enhancement and long-term neuroprotective benefits through BDNF and NGF upregulation.
Dosage
Standard: 10-30 mg sublingually or orally, 2-3 times daily. Sublingual administration provides faster onset. Do not exceed 30 mg per dose.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
30-60 minutes (active metabolite cycloprolylglycine persists longer)
Administration
Oral or sublingual (sublingual preferred for faster onset and higher bioavailability). Available as powder, capsules, or sublingual tablets.
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Mechanism of Action
Noopept modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors similarly to racetams through positive allosteric modulation. Its key distinguishing feature is upregulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NGF (nerve growth factor) via activation of TrkB and TrkA receptor signaling cascades — these neurotrophins are essential for neuronal growth, survival, dendritic arborization, and synaptic plasticity. Noopept inhibits glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by reducing calcium influx through NMDA receptors and modulating the NR2B subunit. It activates the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways downstream of neurotrophin receptors. The active metabolite cycloprolylglycine (a cyclic dipeptide) has endogenous nootropic activity, potentially acting as a trace amine-associated receptor ligand. Neuroprotection is further mediated through antioxidant effects and mitochondrial stabilization.
Regulatory Status
Prescription medication in Russia. Available as a research compound or supplement in most other countries.
Risks & Safety
Common
Headache (especially without choline supplementation), irritability at higher doses, brain fog in some users.
Serious
No serious adverse effects documented.
Rare
Emotional blunting at high doses, insomnia, allergic reactions.
Compare Noopept With
Research Papers
10Published: September 19, 2020
AI Summary
Noopept was shown to increase both the basal DNA-binding activity of HIF-1 and the activity induced by various hypoxia mimetics. It was revealed that the effect of noopept is accompanied by changes in gene expression, which belong to different metabolic pathways and are controlled by the transcription factor HIF-1.
Published: November 21, 2023
AI Summary
Renal tubule diameter and corneal and retinal thickness were increased significantly in DC groups compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that noopept is protective against DM end organ complications in streptozotocin induced diabetic pubertal rats.
Published: September 14, 2019
AI Summary
Of this reason new approaches in treatment are needed. Noopept researches suggest it to have anti-diabetic properties.
Published: February 24, 2002
AI Summary
Experimental investigations of noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-polyglycine ethyl ester) showed that the new drug exceeds pyracetam both with respect to the effective dose level (1000 times lower for noopept than for pyracetam) and in the spectrum of mnemotropic activity.
Published: December 26, 2019
AI Summary
Despite moderate hyperglycemia and increased malondialdehyde level, the intensity of DNA damage in cells of the pancreas, liver, and kidneys significantly surpassed the control values. They indicate the possibility of pharmacological protection of pancreatic β cells with the neuroprotective drug and provide an important argument in favor o...
Published: July 7, 2007
AI Summary
Noopept, a peptide analog of piracetam, enhanced phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages, stimulated humoral and cellular immune response to various antigens, and markedly increased spontaneous proliferative activity of splenocytes. In animals with secondary immune deficiency caused by c
Published: February 19, 2019
AI Summary
The possible mitogenic action of Noopept was estimated by its effect on cell proliferation. These data suggest that Noopept does not stimulate cell growth.
Published: February 11, 2021
AI Summary
Our findings revealed hyperalgesia and spinal cell apoptosis significantly increased during the acute phase of CFA-induced inflammation but was then followed by a decrement in the chronic phase of the study.
Published: October 8, 2021
AI Summary
Noopept (NP) acted several protective antioxidant actions against oxidative neurotoxicity. In conclusion, the treatment of NP induced protective effects against STZ-induced adverse peripheral pain and HIPPO oxidative neurotoxicity.
Published: October 31, 2022
AI Summary
We have previously shown that NP significantly increased the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells mediated by the activation of inhibitory interneurons in stratum radiatum. These results imply the involvement of α7 nAChRs in the modulation of hippocampal neuronal activity caused by NP and indicate that a7 nAChR...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Noopept used for?
A synthetic peptide-derived nootropic often grouped with racetams due to similar effects, though it is technically a dipeptide analog of piracetam. Roughly 1000x more potent by weight than piracetam, requiring only 10-30 mg per dose. It provides both immediate cognitive enhancement and long-term neuroprotective benefits through BDNF and NGF upregulation.
What are the side effects of Noopept?
Common: Headache (especially without choline supplementation), irritability at higher doses, brain fog in some users. Serious: No serious adverse effects documented. Rare: Emotional blunting at high doses, insomnia, allergic reactions.
How is Noopept administered?
Noopept is administered via oral or sublingual (sublingual preferred for faster onset and higher bioavailability). available as powder, capsules, or sublingual tablets..
What is the half-life of Noopept?
The half-life of Noopept is 30-60 minutes (active metabolite cycloprolylglycine persists longer).
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