Nootropics got their start in Russian space programs

Russian medicine (including the nutritional supplement side of things) is VERY different from what you see in the USA. In medicine they use a wide variety of both pharmaceuticals and herbals that most people in the west have never even heard of. They also use some things that are widely used in the west. Russian research into medicine has kind of evolved on its own, and has come to some different conclusions than that of western countries.

It seems to me that Russia is a hotbed of sorts for nootropics. If not invented there, they seem to be in wider use and available in pharmacies as pills, as opposed to how I understand things to be in North America and the UK, wherein many are ordered in bulk powders or in pill form from other regions.

As far as nootropics and health supplements in general, there is some advertising for certain products – especially herbal formulations that help with various health conditions. Doctors routinely prescribe herbal and “natural” treatments over pharmaceutical ones. With mental health conditions – stress, anxiety, sleep, etc. Russia seems to have developed quite a few substances that are pretty much unknown in the west. Doctors will prescribe these for a wide variety of conditions.

I would say that use of these “unknown” nootropics and other substances is fairly widespread in Russia (not just a niche market), but not to the point where you could walk down the street and ask someone about one of these substances and they would necessarily know what you are talking about. I’m sorry I don’t have specifics, but I lived there 7 years ago and don’t remember these details.

As for whether the Russian way of health care and supplements work, well, that’s hard to say. Their life expectancy is FAR below the western average, but then again, most people drink a ton of vodka and smoke.

Nootropics for anti-depression, adaptogenic (antistress), and mood stabilization

Stress (specifically elevated levels of circulating corticosteroids) has been associated with the cognitive deficits seen in human aging.[58] Depression and depressed mood negatively affect cognitive performance.[citation needed] It is reasoned that counteracting and preventing depression and stress may be an effective nootropic strategy. The term adaptogen applies to most herbal anti-stress claims.

The substances below may not have been mentioned earlier on the page:

Beta blockers—evidence from controlled trials spanning 25 years supports the claim that beta-blockers are effective for reducing anxiety, likely through peripheral blockade of beta-receptors; most data comes from studies of generalized anxiety and acute stress.

Lemon Balm—displays adaptogen properties; in rats it has been shown to possess GABA transaminase inhibitor activity[60] and in homogenates of human cerebral cortical cell membranes possesses activity at acetylcholine receptors.[61] In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 18 healthy volunteers, 600 mg of ‘Melissa officinalis’ extract attenuated volunteers’ response to a laboratory-induced stress test 1 hour after administration; 300 mg significantly improved speed of mathematical processing 1 hour after administration.

Passion Flower—possible MAOI and neurotransmitter reuptake activity

Rhodiola Rosea—adaptogen; possible MAOI activity

St John’s Wort—herbal supplement approved (in Europe) to treat mild depression. Method of action is unproven but exhibits effects similar to both MAOIs and SSRIs. There is evidence that it may decrease the effectiveness of methylphenidate treatment.

Ginseng (including Siberian ginseng)—adaptogenic effects shown

Sutherlandia frutescens—possible anti-inflammatory, reducing pain from those illnesses

Kava—anxiolytic herb

Tea—contains many different adaptogens

Theanine—GABAergic activity producing relaxation, also increases brain serotonin and dopamine levels

Grape seed extract—has shown some efficacy in reducing bodily stress

Adafenoxate—possible anxiolytic effect

Valerian—possible anxiolytic effect through agonism at GABA-A receptors

Butea frondosa—possible anxiolytic effect

Gotu Kola—adaptogen and anxiolytic

Foti—adaptogen; possible MAOI activity

Nootropics like phenibut

Panax ginseng—Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies in healthy volunteers have been performed, results include increases in accuracy of memory, speed in performing attention tasks and improvement in performing difficult mental arithmetic tasks, as well as reduction in fatigue and improvement in mood.

Many Chinese herbs such as Polygala tenuifolia, Acorus gramineus and Huperzia serrata.

Bacopa monnieri

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, sweet holy basil)