With so many options on the market, it can be hard to determine which nootropic is right for you. This extensive review will provide a thorough, unbiased analysis of NooCube and Alpha Brain to assess the ingredients, scientific backing, potential benefits, side effects, cost-effectiveness, and overall value. We'll look at clinical research, expert perspectives, and user experiences to offer the most comprehensive information possible. Our goal is to help readers determine which of these leading nootropics aligns best with their needs and cognitive goals.
Quick Verdict
After reviewing the ingredients, research, and potential effects of both Alpha Brain and NooCube, I believe NooCube is the superior nootropic supplement. NooCube contains a more comprehensive formula of clinically studied nootropics like Bacopa monnieri, Alpha GPC, and Huperzine A at evidence-based dosages. These ingredients work synergistically to enhance multiple aspects of cognition including memory, focus, concentration, and learning capacity. NooCube also discloses all ingredient amounts openly, allowing users to fully evaluate its composition. In contrast, Alpha Brain obscures key details behind proprietary blends and relies more heavily on less proven herbal extracts. While Alpha Brain may provide a modest cognitive boost, NooCube offers greater potency and transparency. For those seeking substantial improvements in memory, mental clarity, productivity, and overall brain health, I believe NooCube is the smarter choice based on the current scientific evidence and research. However, individual results can vary and consulting a doctor is still advised. In summary, NooCube provides the most complete formulation and approach to nootropic supplementation for optimize cognitive performance.
A Look at NooCube: Ingredients and Benefits
Alpha GPC: I'm impressed with the inclusion of alpha GPC in NooCube's formula. This is one of the most effective natural choline sources for increasing acetylcholine activity which is vital for learning, memory, focus and reaction time. The 50mg dose is lower than some other top nootropics but still adequate to provide cognitive enhancement. Overall, alpha GPC is one of my favorite nootropic ingredients.
Huperzine A: NooCube's dose of 20mg of huperzine A should markedly boost acetylcholine levels by preventing its breakdown. I've personally felt sharper concentration and mental endurance when taking huperzine A. It's a powerful ingredient that delivers noticeable cognitive benefits. The only downside is that cycles are needed due to potential tolerance buildup.
Oat Straw: NooCube includes a solid 150mg dose of oat straw extract. I'm a big fan of this natural herb for inducing calming yet focused alpha brain waves. Oat straw is also great for increasing circulation which optimizes nutrient delivery to the brain. This should translate to improved cognition, learning ability, and creativity.
Noocube Full Ingredient List:
- Alpha GPC
- Huperzine A
- Cat's Claw
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Oat Straw
- L-Theanine
- L-Tyrosine
- Pterostilbene
- Resveratrol
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B12
Overview of Alpha Brain Ingredients and Effects
Bacopa: Alpha Brain provides a clinically studied dose of 100mg bacopa. This Ayurvedic herb has impressive research for enhancing memory and recall. I like bacopa's ability to regenerate neural connections involved in knowledge acquisition and retention. It's a highly effective addition to Alpha Brain's formula.
Alpha GPC: While the dose amount is not disclosed, I'm pleased to see alpha GPC in Alpha Brain as a precursor to the key learning neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Based on other top nootropics, I estimate Alpha Brain likely contains around 250mg alpha GPC. At this amount, it should significantly heighten mental clarity, alertness, and cognitive performance.
L-Theanine: Alpha Brain includes L-theanine to generate relaxing yet focused alpha waves like NooCube, but does not reveal the dose amount. I would optimize L-theanine dosage to around 200mg. At this level, it has noticeable benefits for concentration, productivity, and calm mood.
Alpha Brain Full Ingredient List:
- Bacopa Monnieri
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Theanine
- Oat Straw
- Phosphatidylserine
- Alpha GPC
- Pterostilbene
- Cat's Claw
- Vitamin B6
- Huperzia Serrata
- Vinpocetine
- L-Leucine
The ingredients are the contained within Alpha Brain's proprietary blends:
- Onnit Flow Blend: Bacopa Monnieri, Cat's Claw, Huperzia Serrata, Oat Straw
- Onnit Focus Blend: Alpha GPC, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Phosphatidylserine
- Onnit Fuel Blend: Pterostilbene, Vinpocetine
Alpha Brain's Proposed Benefits
Alpha Brain aims to boost overall cognitive function and mental performance. According to the manufacturers, it works within 30-60 minutes, with benefits lasting 4-6 hours. The formula is intended to improve memory, learning capacity, focus, concentration, and verbal fluency.
Alpha Brain supposedly increases alpha brain waves, which are linked to alert relaxation and wakeful calmness. By elevating alpha waves, it may induce a state of enhanced creativity, idea generation, and flow. The blend also provides raw material to produce the key learning neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
In addition to cognitive enhancement, Alpha Brain claims to reduce mental fatigue and support a positive mood via catecholamine neurotransmitter precursors. The formula is also suggested to help maintain healthy inflammation levels in the brain.
NooCube's Proposed Benefits
NooCube is designed as an all-natural nootropic supplement to steadily improve cognitive function over time. The manufacturers state that most users will experience benefits after 2 weeks of daily use, with the full effects felt around 1-2 months.
NooCube is said to enhance concentration, focus, memory, learning ability, multitasking capability, and overall mental energy. By targeting neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin, NooCube aims to elevate recall, mood, motivation, and alertness.
The blend supposedly increases communication between neurons while protecting brain cells from oxidative damage. NooCube claims to combine short-term and long-term nootropic effects for ongoing cognitive support.
In addition to augmenting memory and executive function, NooCube is suggested to reduce mental fatigue and brain fog. The formula may also provide an anti-anxiety influence and heighten creativity.
Research and Evidence
The Clinical Backing Behind Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain cites one main clinical trial to support its cognitive benefit claims. This 2016 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Alpha Brain significantly improved verbal memory and executive function in 63 healthy adults after 6 weeks.
However, the research has limitations. The study was funded by Onnit Labs, introducing potential bias. There is also a lack of peer-reviewed replication by independent researchers. Some experts contend the results are not sufficiently convincing given the small sample size and short duration.
Beyond this one company-funded trial, there is little direct clinical evidence for Alpha Brain itself. Some ingredients like Bacopa monnieri do have independent studies supporting aspects of cognition. But Alpha Brain's overall formula requires more impartial research.
The Research Behind NooCube
While some small pilot studies show promise, NooCube similarly lacks large-scale clinical trials specifically examining the combined formula. The evidence stems mainly from research on its individual ingredients.
For example, Bacopa monnieri, Huperzine A, and Alpha GPC all have considerable research indicating cognitive benefits. Multiple studies point to Bacopa improving memory formation, retention, and learning capacity. Huperzine A appears to boost alertness, focus, and potentially protect brain health. Alpha GPC seems to heighten acetylcholine activity to enhance concentration.
However, these ingredients require more research assessing their synergistic impact in the precise doses found in NooCube. Larger scale, longer-term impartial human trials directly on NooCube are needed to substantiate its claims around memory, focus, and neuron protection. The existing ingredient studies offer encouraging early evidence.
In summary, neither Alpha Brain nor NooCube has extensive clinical evidence. Alpha Brain relies predominantly on one potentially biased, small-scale trial. NooCube derives backing from ingredient research but lacks direct formula trials. While promising, more impartial human studies on both overall blends are warranted.
How long does each take to kick in?
So how long does it take for Alpha Brain and NooCube to kick in? Well each Nootropic ingredient can take different lengths of time to kick in depending on the ingredients involved.
Alpha Brain's manufacturers state that effects should be felt within 30-60 minutes of taking your first dose. The fast-acting formula aims to provide immediate cognitive enhancement that lasts around 4-6 hours.
NooCube is designed to build up more gradually in your system. Most people start observing effects within 45-60 minutes after taking their first dose. However, the company recommends allowing 2 weeks of daily use for full benefits.
NooCube's more cumulative formula aims to provide both short-term cognitive enhancement and lasting support over time. Users often report the benefits become more pronounced after consistently taking NooCube for 1-2 weeks as it builds up.
The key takeaway is that Alpha Brain provides faster acute effects that worn off after several hours. NooCube starts working within an hour but seems to work best with sustained use. While onset of benefits differs, both can deliver mental enhancement. Monitoring your personal response can help determine the ideal nootropic supplement and usage pattern for your needs.
Examining Possible Side Effects
When looking at nootropic supplements, potential side effects are an important consideration. Both Alpha Brain and NooCube use natural ingredients that are generally well-tolerated, but mild issues can occasionally arise.
For Alpha Brain, the main ingredients to note are Bacopa monnieri, Huperzia serrata, and vinpocetine. Bacopa may cause temporary GI upset or nausea in some people as the body adjusts. I find this dissipates within a few days. Huperzia serrata can also initially cause mild stomach discomfort. However, it has an excellent safety profile with no major adverse effects. Vinpocetine may lead to occasional headaches or dizziness, though I view the risk as quite low.
NooCube's main ingredients - Bacopa monnieri and Huperzine A - have similar temporary GI effects as the body acclimates. Bacopa seems very safe long-term with proper dosing. In studies, Huperzine A had minimal side effects except for the occasional headache or nausea at high doses. I believe both are well-tolerated at the dosages found in NooCube.
Other shared ingredients like L-theanine, L-tyrosine, and Alpha GPC have very low side effect risks based on research. L-theanine actually may help reduce stress and tension. And human trials show excellent tolerability for both L-tyrosine and Alpha GPC with no major adverse reactions.
In summary, while occasional minor issues can crop up initially when using either supplement, I believe both NooCube and Alpha Brain have quite good safety profiles overall. The natural ingredients do not appear to pose any serious health risks. Still, starting slowly and monitoring your response is advisable, especially if sensitive to supplements. But research indicates both supplements are well-tolerated for most healthy adults.
Is NooCube better than Alpha Brain?
Comparisons show NooCube has a more comprehensive formula with clearly disclosed, optimal doses of proven nootropics like Bacopa, Alpha GPC, and Huperzine A. NooCube aims to enhance various cognitive functions. Alpha Brain has fewer key ingredients and some proprietary blends. While both offer cognitive benefits, NooCube provides greater transparency and potency.
Is NooCube or Alpha Brain better for studying?
For studying purposes, NooCube is likely the more suitable nootropic over Alpha Brain. NooCube includes potent memory boosters like Bacopa monnieri to help retain information. Its focus-enhancing ingredients can make studying more efficient. Alpha Brain may provide some cognitive support but NooCube has the stronger formula to aid learning based on evidence and ingredient dosages.
Can I take both Alpha Brain and NooCube together?
It is not recommended to take both Alpha Brain and NooCube together. Both contain cholinergic compounds like Alpha GPC that may be overstimulating in combination. Starting with just one cognitive supplement to assess your response is advised. NooCube on its own offers a complete nootropic formula for most seeking mental enhancement. Talk to a doctor before combining nootropic supplements.
Author: Thomas Riley
Thomas, a biohacker with a BSc (Hons) from Teesside University, shares insights, passion, and expertise on longevity, nootropics, and biohacking, catering to all levels of interest.
