Vinpocetine is a periwinkle plant extract that:
  1. dilates the arteries of the brain but does not dilate other blood vessels
  2. improves the brain's utilization of glucose.
  3. accelerates the rate of learning in animal studies by up to 40%.
  4. increases the length of time that short-term memory is retained.
  5. improves vision and eyesight disorders.
  6. improves impaired hearing and improves inner-ear problems.
  7. improves Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and Vertigo (dizziness).
  8. can prevent stroke and mitigate damage in the aftermath of stroke.
  9. increases Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within the brain's neurons

Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata) is an ingredient found in Chinese Moss that enhances mental functioning by prolonging the life of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.  This is the same mechanism of action by which the prescription drug Aricept works.

Pyritinol has been used in Europe since 1961 for various cognitive conditions such as dementia, head injury, stroke aftermath, coma, and cerebral circulatory disorders.
Pyritinol has shown to help Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and is used by people of all ages to improve memory, concentration, and to enhance information processing.  

Picamilon is a Russian nootropic that enhances cerebral circulation. Picamilon is used in Russia to treat anxiety, depression, headaches, glaucoma, and eye disorders.

Centrophenoxine raises brain acetylcholine levels thereby increasing alertness and attention span and improving learning ability.

Aniracetam and Oxiracetam are nootropics that improve communication between the two brain hemispheres.

Idebenone increases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain. Idebenone has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease and to lessen brain damage from strokes. Idebenone protects the brain from excitotoxins like MSG and aspartame.

Galantamine is extracted from the snowdrop plant (a type of daffodil) and is approved by the FDA as an Alzheimer's treatment under the brand name Reminyl. In addition to its use for Alzheimer’s, people of various ages including students use Galantamine as an aid to improve their memory and learning ability.