NooCube is a well known nootropic supplement. In this review, Alex Whybrow gives it a full test and aims to answer all your questions about this potentially game changing supplement. Find out if it’s a good fit for your needs in our full NooCube review below.
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Written by Alex Whybrow – fact checked by Jason M & the editorial team
Alex is a full time writer. He is a creative soul who loves to express himself through his written word. When focus or concentration becomes an issue he turns to nootropics. Aside from the world of nootropic supplementation and writing, Alex is a huge fan of coffee and can regularly be found consuming it and writing about it.
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NooCube – An Introduction
The world of nootropics is currently exploding into life, with new products being made more widely available all of the time and research in to this field becoming more and more substantial as the years pass by. The USA is undoubtedly at its centre, but we are lucky enough to have access to products from all over the world.
One such product is NooCube. Originally launched in 2016, Noocube is made under the Wolfson Brands umbrella – a wellness company based in Glasgow, Scotland. They pride themselves on their ‘cutting edge science’ and work closely with athletes to create their products. These range from beauty and wellness to strength and muscle building supplements. They even produce a magazine that covers exercise and wellness and editorials from the the world of fitness and supplementation.
NooCube is aimed at ‘people with deadlines’ – which we can take to mean students and professionals, basically men and women of all ages. The focus really seems to be on enhancing cognitive performance, but with an emphasis on what isn’t in these dietary supplements.
They are caffeine-free and made with all-natural ingredients. People can often be wary about what they are putting into their bodies, so this will come as a welcome relief to many who want to moderate their caffeine intake but still enjoy the benefits of a quality nootropic. They are natural, so nothing to worry about there.
In this Noocube review, we are going to be looking at the potential benefits of taking NooCube, before analyzing the ingredients and the best methods for taking this particular nootropic. Then I will detail my own experience when I put NooCube to the test, before a FAQ section, and then delivering my verdict on NooCube.
Ultimately, this NooCube review is designed to give you a complete overview of this ‘smart drug’, assess its efficacy and ultimately help you to decide if it’s a good fit for you and your needs.
So let’s get straight into it!
NooCube – Our Quick Verdict
NooCube is one of our all time favorite nootropic supplements. It tops pretty much all of our comparisons and is also our no.1 rated nootropic overall.
It has a great money back guarantee, but most importantly it is highly effective and has quick results.
NooCube Benefits
On the NooCube website, five main benefits are listed, so I thought it would be a good idea to look at each one in a bit of detail to give you a good idea of what you can expect if you decide to start taking this particular nootropic.
Razor Sharp Focus
We’ve all been there when we’re sat at our desks and…..nothing. Your phone, the desk next to you, the TV, the window – everything else seems to divert your attention away from the task at hand. Not only is it frustrating in the moment, but it also stops you from fulfilling your potential. NooCube promises ‘improved focus without distractions’, which would be welcome to almost everyone.
Lowered Stress Levels
Stress is a problem for a lot of reasons – for one it can really inhibit your productivity. It can form a thick fog in your head, which prevents you from seeing the solutions to your problems.
Stress, of course, is also not very good for your health. It can lead to all kinds of health problems, physical and mental, with serious consequences if it continues for a long period of time. Many of the ingredients that are included in NooCube are there to specifically target stress.
Boosted Memory
Struggling to remember certain key facts and information can seriously hamper your productivity. Having to stop to constantly look things up takes time, and stops you in your tracks when you are working in full flow.
With NooCube, you will apparently be able to ‘recall memories with ease’ as well as your ‘mental alertness’.
Enhanced Eye-Brain Connection
This is a benefit that you don’t get with many nootropics – a focus on eye health.
The theory is that as we are all staring at various screens for much longer these days – the blue light that is emitted from our phones and tablets can cause damage to our eyes, resulting in long-term damage as well as disrupted sleep.
To combat this, NooCube is packed full of ingredients that have a focus on the health of our eyes, which in turn will slow down the aging of our brains.
All of these benefits are produced by the unique combination of ingredients in NooCube. Let’s now take a more in-depth look at those ingredients and find out exactly what is inside these supplements.
NooCube Ingredients
A quick look now at all of the ingredients that you will find in NooCube, and what their individual impact is – or at least what the theory is behind each ingredient’s inclusion.
Bacopa monnieri extract (250mg)
Also known as water hyssop, this is a creeping herb that is commonly found in wetlands all over the world, but particularly in India. It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries as it is thought to have a positive impact on memory, as well as work to reduce anxiety, and has even been used to treat epilepsy.
It is the impact on memory that is particularly positive, and this has been backed up by some independent studies, albeit mainly in the elderly community. It has been recommended for use for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. However, its effect on healthy, younger minds is subject to more debate with no conclusive studies as yet.
L-tyrosine (250mg)
This is an amino acid that can be produced naturally within the body (from another amino acid – phenylalanine). L-tyrosine is essential for producing various brain chemicals, as well as helping to produce melatonin and aiding the function of organs that regulate hormones.
Its use in NooCube is focused on its involvement in stress neurotransmitters – epinephrine and norepinephrine. While research isn’t yet conclusive, it is thought that by taking L-tyrosine supplements you can improve your memory and perform better when put under stress.
Cat’s Claw concentrate (175mg)
This woody vine from the Amazon rainforest (so-called because its thorns resemble the claws of cats) has been used to protect against disease for 2,000 years in South and Central America.
Today it is seen as a dietary supplement for a vast array of medical conditions, ranging from hemorrhoids and arthritis to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. While its primary function seems to boost the immune system, it is thought to work to prevent aging of the brain as well, although there needs to be more research to back up this claim.
Oat straw concentrate (150mg)
This is another substance that has been used for centuries in various forms. Coming from the leaves and stems of unripened Sativa plants, Oat Straw is thought to regulate blood flow to the brain.
This is of interest to the producers of NooCube, who include oat straw with the ambition of making you more alter and attentive – which more blood to the brain can give you. Some studies have suggested that this is only noticeable in older patients with deteriorating brain function, though.
L-theanine (100mg)
Another amino acid, L-theanine is commonly found in green and black tea, as well as some mushrooms. While it is not essential for humans, it is thought to have a positive impact on the brain, particularly in combating anxiety.
It is thought that L-theanine encourages the production of serotonin – the chemical in the brain that stabilizes mood and makes you happier. Again, there is no concrete scientific evidence to support this. Some studies, though have shown some signs that it can help to reduce anxiety, but more work is needed there.
Alpha GPC (50mg)
Alpha GPC is a natural choline compound, which is found in the brain. It acts as a precursor to acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter that is involved in attention, memory, and skeletal muscle contraction.
For these reasons, Alpha GPC has often been used as a supplement to aid brain function, and also to ward off Alzheimer’s disease. It is also thought to increase vertical jump.
These benefits do have a little bit of backing from medical studies, but the results vary considerably between different subjects, so definitive conclusions are difficult to come to.
Marigold extract (20mg)
Marigold extract has traditionally mainly been used to combat skin complaints – it has soothing properties that can nullify the effects of inflammation.
However, recently it has been suggested that as marigold extract is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, it may give a boost to memory, cognitive function, and quick thinking. It has antioxidant properties, which may help to protect the brain, but more research is required.
Resveratrol (14.3mg)
Another substance that is rich in antioxidants now – resveratrol. It can be found in the skin of grapes, blueberries, mulberries, raspberries, and peanuts.
The theory behind including resveratrol in NooCube is similar to the inclusion of marigold extract – it works to slow down the aging of the brain. This is where the theory behind the health benefits of red wine comes from.
It is also anti-inflammatory, which means that it can help with alertness and focus. There is plenty of evidence to back up the positive effects of resveratrol, but more clinical trials are needed to be able to quantify its impact.
Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is another ingredient that is found in blueberries. It is thought to have an impact on all manner of health issues – it is anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and can help fight against diabetes and vascular diseases.
It has been found to help to combat neurodegenerative diseases, again in older patients. This impact on the brain is why it has been included in the production of NooCube. The exact impact, though, does require more research.
Biotin
Sometimes known simply as Vitamin B7, Biotin has many purposes within our bodies. It plays an important part in breaking down fats and carbohydrates, as well as helping to maintain your hair, liver, eyes, and nervous system.
It is that last point, the nervous system, that is of particular focus for the producers of NooCube. It can help to reduce anxiety, promote good sleep and maintain energy – all great for a well-functioning brain.
Who is NooCube aimed at?
As we alluded to at the start of this review, NooCube is aimed at pretty much all adults – both men and women. There are particular types of people, however, for which it may have more of an appeal.
Students: The long hours of studying do take their toll on the brain of a student. Motivating yourself to hit the books day after day, with so many other distractions, is tougher than ever. Having that little extra help to knuckle down is obviously incredibly appealing to students.
Athletes: When it comes to focus and motivation, athletes need every advantage they can get over their rivals. Not just to play better on the day, but to train better, with more intensity day-in-day-out. For that reason, NooCube could provide the advantage they desire.
High Achievers: It is often the case that with success comes extra stress. Whether at work or in education, the better you do, the more is expected from you – both from others and from yourself. This expectation can be overwhelming, and working with a nootropic like NooCube could be just the thing to help you stay focused and calm.
Parents: Ever heard of Baby Brain? It is very common for mothers to suffer from memory problems and absent-mindedness during pregnancy and after the birth of a child. This, coupled with the sleep deprivation and intense responsibility that comes with having young children, can lead to parents struggling to focus and concentrate at work. NooCube is designed to help that. Always seek medical advice before taking new supplements if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
The over 55s: You may have noticed that in the previous section we listed a lot of ingredients that are often used to help fight off Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other neurodegenerative issues. It is for this reason that nootropics like NooCube can be incredibly helpful for the over 55s, and help them to stay at their best.
How To Take NooCube
Different nootropics get into your system in slightly different ways, so it is always advisable to check on the preferred way to use a product before you start.
In the case of NooCube, it is recommended that you take two capsules with some water – ideally in the morning. The thinking behind this is that as the various ingredients take a little bit of time to get into your system, you will slowly get the release of their effects throughout the day, thus maximizing their benefit.
You can take NooCube with or without food.
Using NooCube – The Results
In order to write an authoritative piece about NooCube, I put myself on a month-long trial of it. I took two pills every morning with my breakfast, and I will detail the effect they had on me below.
Just before I start, though, it may help to know a little bit about me. I am a father to two young children, the youngest has just turned one. As a writer and researcher, I often find myself working to tight deadlines, and the last year or so has been tough, what with the lack of sleep I have been experiencing. To be honest, this trial came at just the right time for me!
For the first week or so, I didn’t really notice much difference. I think this is to be expected as, even though supplements tend to affect people in slightly different ways and at slightly different speeds, it is perfectly normal for it to take at least a week for things to kick in.
It was around this time though that I started to notice that I was starting to get a lot more work done. I had got into the habit of pausing my work while I had dinner with my family and then got my children bathed, dressed, and in to bed, before then going back to my desk to finish various bits of work.
All of a sudden, I noticed that all of my work was done before dinner. This meant that I could spend more time with my wife once the children were asleep and that when I was with my children I really was there. I wasn’t thinking about the work that I still needed to finish, I was fully committed to my role as Ryder from Paw Patrol!
This made a huge difference to me. Those few hours quickly became my favorite time of the day – not because I am a huge Paw Patrol fan, but because I could really enjoy my children. They weren’t just a barrier to getting my work done, as I had already done everything that I needed to do. Then the time that I got to spend with my wife, even if we were just watching TV on the couch, was really valuable to me
I found that I was properly unwinding in the evenings, and so I started to sleep a bit better – not lying in bed with a million thoughts racing through my mind. I was relaxed and would just drift off to a night of deep sleep.
It was the opposite of a vicious circle. The more sleep I got, the more work I could do the next day, so the more relaxed I was and then I got more sleep. I was just a bit better at most aspects of my life.
In truth, the gains I got from NooCube itself were probably quite minor – but they started a domino-like chain of positivity that enabled me to get a grip of my life, and really take control. My work/life balance was working in my favor, and I was so much more at peace with the world. It has certainly enhanced my relationship with my family members.
As I mentioned above, everybody has slightly different experiences with supplements like this, so it is important to point out that it is not uncommon for people to experience some side effects after taking NooCube. These can include headaches, dizziness and stomach pain, as well as low mood and confusion.
These seem to be quite rare, but if you find that you feel any negative effects from taking NooCube, or any other nootropic or supplement, then it is important to seek medical advice.
I was keen to speak to others about their experiences of NooCube and I was lucky enough to have James de Lacey, co-founder of Lift Big Eat Big share his experiences with Noocube with me:
“Having recently added a newborn baby to the family, the inevitable energy and cognitive fade comes over me as the day wears on. But, I still need to work and I host a few podcasts that need an hour of undivided focus, attention, and memory recall. Taking Noocube before hosting the podcasts has dramatically improved the quality of my interviewing from remembering questions to alertness. I’ll be taking it before every episode!”
James is big in the health space and so this is a pretty big testimony as to the efficacy of NooCube and his experience certainly shared parallels with my own.
Pros and Cons
I have detailed my own experiences above but in order to give you a more complete picture of what you can expect when you start taking NooCube, we have researched and spoken to other people to get an idea of other experiences.
Pros of NooCube
Greater concentration: Most people that take NooCube report that they have much greater concentration and better focus for whatever tasks they have to do – from work projects to playing with their children. They find that they end up getting a lot more done, in less time.
Less stress: You could argue that this is a by-product of getting more done with your time, rather than a direct impact of NooCube, but the fact remains that a lot of people that take NooCube report that they noticed that they were generally less susceptible to stress.
Caffeine-free: There are plenty of supplements out there that contain caffeine, and these can cause people problems when it comes to sleep, or just feeling a bit jittery. Thankfully NooCube is caffeine-free and made from natural ingredients, so this isn’t a problem.
Cons of NooCube
Expensive: While the recommended starting dose is for two capsules a day, you are able to take up to four a day. If you find you get better results with this level of dose, you will find that you are paying quite a lot a month for NooCube.
Difficult to purchase: As things stand, NooCube is only available through the manufacturers’ website. You have to be a bit more organized and order them in advance to ensure you don’t run out.
Verdict
NooCube is a great option if you are looking to begin your nootropic journey. As it is fully natural and caffeine/GM-free, you can be assured that you aren’t putting anything harmful into your body, which is a great base to start from.
The impact that it could potentially have on your body could change your life. You may find that you get more work done and that your work/life balance is much better aligned.
It is expensive, so we would recommend taking advantage of any trial/money-back guarantee if you want to give it a go. If you are like most NooCube customers, you will probably find that it works for you and you won’t look back.
This article was written by: Alex Whybrow – Full Time Writer, Coffee Connoisseur & Nootropic Fan
Alex spends a lot of his time writing. He is a creative soul who loves to express himself through his written word. When focus or concentration becomes an issue he turns to nootropics. Aside from the world of nootropic supplementation and writing, Alex is a huge fan of coffee and can regularly be found consuming it and writing about it.