Formulating nootropic stacks can sometimes be a difficult or time-consuming process. While the research that goes into drug combinations and synergy can be rewarding and even enjoyable, sometimes it’s difficult to find the right information on specific nootropics. Even when the right ratios are figured out, making multiple capsules of a certain stack can be even more time-consuming than the research.
Although pre-made nootropic stacks can be more expensive than buying bulk powder, they are sometimes well worth the price. Nootropic blends can be specially formulated by individuals with a deep understanding of neuroscience, giving the best cognitive benefits possible. Axon Labs’ NEXUS Nootropic Stack is an encapsulated blend of aniracetam, CDP-choline, phosphatidylserine, and Pycnogenol. The serving size is two capsules, and each serving contains 1.250 mg of this nootropic blend. Although the amounts of each component are not specifically listed, we can make a plausible assumption based on standard dosages for these compounds.
The key component to this blend is aniracetam, a well-respected nootropic that is gaining popularity for its unique ability to improve cognition and reduce anxiety at the same time. A more detailed look at aniracetam’s mechanism can be found here on our site. Essentially, aniracetam modulates the action of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) by reducing glutamate receptor desensitization. [1] This, in theory, would improve memory and strengthen the connections between neurons. Aniracetam is also unique among racetams in the fact that it has the ability to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It most likely accomplishes this by means of serotonergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic mediation. [2]
CDP-choline (also known as citicoline) is a source of choline that also serves as a prodrug to uridine, another nootropic supplement. Choline is essential for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the body, which is the neurotransmitter thought to be closely involved with the regulation of cognitive processes. Aniracetam is partially cholinergic in its mechanism of action, as it potentiates the action of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.[3] When aniracetam is paired with a choline source, the increase in acetylcholine will theoretically potentiate the cholinergic effects of aniracetam.
Phosphatidylserine is a naturally-occurring fatty acid derivative that helps comprise cell membranes. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized sellers of phosphatidylserine to label their products with the claim that “consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly.” [4] Various studies have indeed confirmed that supplementation of phosphatidylserine can improve cognition[5], memory[6], and processing speed[7], among other factors. Phosphatidylserine also has the potential to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain, an effect that would work synergistically with aniracetam’s cholinergic mechanisms. [8]
Pycnogenol is a patented extract of pine bark, containing a number of antioxidant flavonoids known as procyanidins. Pycnogenol’s most notable effects include its ability to increase blood flow[9], while also improving attention and cognition.[10] Pycnogenol’s main mechanism seems to be its ability to increase concentrations of nitric oxide (NO). It does this by preventing NO from oxidizing while also inducing the Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) enzyme, which catalyzes the production of NO.[11]
My Experience
Note: When dealing with anecdotal experiences, it is difficult to completely rule out the placebo effect as the cause of certain perceived changes in cognition and mood. This is simply my own experience, and it is likely that every individual’s experience with these nootropics will vary. These are simply the effects I perceived.
Previous to this experience, I had taken aniracetam on a few occasions with modest success, taking it with a choline source.
My dosing regimen of Nexus consisted of taking 2 capsules in the morning after I woke up. I took another dose in the afternoon or evening if I was working on tasks that benefit from boosts in cognition (i.e. writing, analysis). During this time period, I was also taking fish oil, bacopa monnieri, and centrophenoxine, which I have been taking regularly for at least a month. I was thus familiar with their effects and would be able to perceive any changes brought on by adding this stack. I took Nexus regularly for about one month.
One of the most marked improvements I noticed was a modest reduction in anxiety that set in about an hour after taking Nexus. I am typically a fairly anxious person, both in general and in social situations. I felt more able to focus on important tasks, rather than focusing on anxious thoughts I was having. I also felt a noticeable clear-headedness and ability to think straight.
There was also a subtle improvement in being able to pick up on new concepts more easily. During college courses, I felt very engaged in the materials being presented, even in the classes, I do not normally find very interesting. I also found it easier to contribute to the discussion.
Taking another dose before working on writing essays and papers seemed to help a great deal with my cognition. Aniracetam has anecdotally been touted to improve holistic and collective thinking, and that seemed to be the case in my experience. It was much easier to weave different concepts and themes together in a way that presented a coherent bigger picture.
Again, when it comes to nootropics, it can be difficult to differentiate legitimate effects from placebo. However, many of the effects I experienced were extreme enough that I am fairly convinced that they were effects of this stack.
Conclusion
Everyone is likely to react differently to a nootropic like aniracetam. There are some people I know who experience little to no effect from taking it. For others, the effects seem to be almost life-changing. However, I do feel like the additional ingredients in Nexus’s blend contribute a good deal to its effects. It seemed to have greater effects than just aniracetam alone.
This being said I can definitely recommend trying Nexus out. It is a good stack for those who are fairly new to nootropics and aren’t sure how to formulate their own stacks, but for the expert nootropic user, it is definitely overpriced. That said, I would definitely like to use it again in the future.
References