If you’ve ever required some extra brain power when studying for a test or working on a tedious project, you might have already discovered “brain-boosting” drugs, or nootropics. Nootropics are a class of substances that can enhance brain function and cognition.

Many people use a nootropic daily, even if they don’t know it! Caffeine is one of the most popular nootropics available, and anyone who is a regular coffee or tea drinker can attest to caffeine’s ability to provide a much-needed boost of energy in the morning and the pick-me-up required in the afternoon. 

So, can you use kratom as a nootropic? Keep reading to find out more about using kratom as a nootropic. 

How do Nootropics Work?

Nootropics can work in several ways to improve brain performance, including:

  • Working on key neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, and norepinephrine 
  • Increasing the brain’s supply of blood, glucose, and oxygen—all vital components for optimum brain function
  • Maximizing the production of certain proteins in the brain
  • Improving the body’s stress response system

Nootropics can come in a variety of options available either over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. Nootropics are typically divided into the following categories:

Prescription Nootropics

Nootropics prescribed by a doctor are used to treat a disease or other health condition affecting the brain’s functioning, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, or those with a traumatic brain injury. Prescribed nootropics are usually amphetamines and work as stimulants to increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that help regulate attention, focus, alertness, and energy. 

Prescription nootropics are highly effective for treating diseases, but since they are usually amphetamines, they pose a higher risk for addiction and can come with negative side effects. For those searching for a substance with fewer side effects and without a prescription, there are synthetic and natural nootropic options available. 

Synthetic Compound Nootropics

Another category of nootropics is synthetic compounds—a class of substances that work on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is the chief neurotransmitter for memory, attention, and learning. Synthetic compounds include Racetams like piracetam, phenylpiracetam, pramiracetam, and aniracetam, which can be found over the counter in the United States but require a prescription in other countries. 

Studies show that synthetic compound nootropics generally have fewer adverse side effects compared to prescription nootropics, but a person should still consult a medical professional if deciding to add these to their daily regimen.

Herbal Supplement Nootropics

The final category of nootropics are compounds that can be found in nature and are consumed as a dietary supplement or vitamin. These substances do not require a prescription and generally can be taken alongside other nootropics with minimal negative side effects. Some popular herbal supplement nootropics include:

  • Ginseng
  • Caffeine
  • Amino Acids such as Creatine, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, and L-taurine
  • Ashwagandha
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Science does not yet have the data to back up the fact that many of these natural substances contribute to improved brain functioning. Much of what we understand about the effects of these herbal supplements is anecdotal and cannot be rooted in science, apart from amino acids, which do increase the number of neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Kratom as a Nootropic

Now that you have a basic understanding of nootropics, can you use kratom as a nootropic? Like the other herbal supplements we’ve discussed, there isn’t clear scientific evidence that kratom works as a nootropic. Since nootropics are a broad category of substances without a definitive classification for inclusion, the answer to the kratom as a nootropic question is subjective to the user. Though many daily kratom users report using kratom for nootropic purposes, it will depend on the strain, dosage, and individual’s reaction to determine the nootropic potential of kratom.   

Kratom Nootropic Potential

To learn how kratom produces certain effects, visit our Kratom 101 Blog. If you have a basic understanding of kratom, you know that the active ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, work on opioid receptors in the brain, which can affect dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine—the essential neurotransmitters for healthy brain functioning. Kratom’s nootropic potential can be found in its effect on these neurotransmitters.  

Mood

Kratom users report improved mood, including reduced anxiety and depression, and a general sense of calm and well-being. An improved mood can help with motivation, focus, and attention and allow users to complete hard tasks and remain positive. 

Energy

Like its cousin, coffee, kratom is said to provide the necessary energy to complete strenuous mental tasks. The energizing effects of kratom depend on the strain and the dosage—typically, lower doses contribute to higher energy. 

Cognition

Kratom’s studied effect on opioid receptors contributes to heightened cognitive functioning in the realm of focus, concentration, and motivation, again, depending on the strain and dosage. 

Best Kratom Strains for Nootropic Effects

Of the three vein colors, the green and white varieties will have the highest nootropic effect. 

  • Maeng Da- Energizing and stimulating
  • Green Malay- Mood boosting and energizing
  • White Borneo- Energizing and improved concentration

Things to Consider

Dosage

As mentioned above, the potential for kratom as a nootropic will depend on the dosage. Generally, it is believed that kratom taken in smaller doses will produce more energizing effects. Many kratom users report taking green or white strains of kratom in the morning to help provide energy, similar to a morning cup of coffee or tea.  

Nootropic Stacking

Though it is recommended to speak with a medical professional before trying nootropic stacking, many kratom users report using kratom along with other nootropics mentioned here to maximize the nootropic effects. We recommend reviewing possible side effects of nootropics before combining kratom with other supplements and alcohol or other drugs. 

Side Effects

Most negative side effects of taking kratom occur when taking large doses, so if you’re using kratom as a nootropic, you likely won’t experience any of these side effects. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of the possible side effects of taking kratom. Some of the most common side effects are:

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Dry Mouth
  • Liver Damage

Safety

Here are a few tips to follow when taking kratom as a nootropic:

  • Consult your physician
  • Research nootropics
  • Look for reputable brands
  • Start with a low dose and gradually increase over time
  • Listen to your body

Conclusion

Though the jury is still out on whether kratom can be considered a nootropic, we know that many people report using kratom to improve brain functioning. If you’re considering taking kratom as a nootropic, be sure to check out the Kratom Store’s offerings for affordable, high-quality kratom that you can trust. If you have any questions about specific strains and their nootropic properties, feel free to reach out to us!