Noopept

In simple words

Noopept is a Russian nootropic, a small peptide-like molecule taken by mouth or under the tongue. It is studied as a way to improve memory and speed of thinking, including in age-related and vascular impairments.

What this molecule is

Dipeptide mimetic, C₁₇H₂₂N₂O₄, ~318 Da. An analog of a piracetam fragment, optimized for blood-brain barrier permeability. Registered in Russia as a nootropic.

Why it is studied

A registered Russian nootropic. Dose-dependent ↑BDNF and NGF in the hippocampus. Improves short-term and long-term memory, ↑speed of information processing. ↓anxiety in patients with MCI. 1000× more potent than piracetam per mg.

How it works

Hydrolyzed to cyclo-Gly-Pro (an NGF stimulator) + phenylacetic acid → ↑NGF + BDNF in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors → ↑synaptic plasticity. ↑EEG α1/β waves (attention). ↓acetylcholinesterase.

Doses used in studies

Studies used 10-30 mg sublingually or orally 1-2 times/day for a course of 1-2 months. The starting dose was 10 mg, no more than 30 mg/day.

Combined with in studies

• Semax — BDNF synergy, different mechanisms
• Selank — cognition + anxiolysis
• Racetam stack — AMPA + NGF
• DO NOT combine with psychostimulants

Level of evidence

Level B Human observational data. There are studies in humans, but they are small, uncontrolled, or cohort studies. The data are encouraging but need confirmation. Registered in Russia. Clinical data in MCI and vascular cognitive impairment.

Important to know

⚠️ The effect is felt from the first day. Because of its activating effect, it was not used after 4:00 PM. The sublingual route gives a faster effect. Doses above 30 mg/day provide no additional effect.

Studies in PubMed

1. [Noopept in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment in patients with stroke]. (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2011)
2. Comparative studies of Noopept and piracetam in the treatment of patients with mild cognitive disorders in organic brain diseases of vascular and traumatic origin. (Neurosci Behav Physiol, 2009)
3. Neuroprotective effect of novel cognitive enhancer noopept on AD-related cellular model involves the attenuation of apoptosis and tau hyperphosphorylation. (J Biomed Sci, 2014)
4. Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Action of Substituted Pro-Gly Dipeptide Noopept. (Acta Naturae, 2016)
5. Physicochemical and structural analysis of N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester (Noopept) - An active pharmaceutical ingredient with nootropic activity. (J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2025)