N-phenylacetyl-L-Prolylglycine ethyl ester

non-nutrient/non-botanicalethyl ester

What is it

N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, commonly known as noopept, is a synthetic dipeptide nootropic developed in Russia in the 1990s. It is structurally related to piracetam but is far more potent on a per-milligram basis. Noopept is a prescription medication in Russia for cognitive impairment; in the US, the FDA has stated it does not qualify as a dietary supplement ingredient.

How it works

Noopept is rapidly metabolized to cycloprolylglycine, an endogenous neuropeptide that may serve as the active form. Mechanisms include modulation of AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), and antioxidant effects in animal studies. Despite its short plasma half-life (less than 1 hour), cognitive effects in animal studies appear to persist longer, perhaps via downstream neurotrophic effects. It is well absorbed orally and crosses the blood-brain barrier readily. Russian clinical studies have examined noopept in cognitive impairment associated with age, vascular disease, and post-traumatic conditions.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cognitive impairment (Russian clinical use)

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Russian clinical trials have reported improvements in cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment from various causes, including age-related decline, vascular disease, and post-traumatic conditions.

Anxiety / mood

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Some Russian studies have reported anxiolytic effects. Evidence in Western clinical practice is limited.

Memory and focus in healthy adults

Grade F

Limited evidence

Controlled trials in healthy adults are essentially absent. Self-reported effects on focus, memory, and verbal fluency are widespread among users but lack rigorous support.

Neuroprotection

Grade F

Limited evidence

Animal studies have shown neuroprotective effects, possibly via BDNF and NGF upregulation. Human clinical evidence for neuroprotection is lacking.

3 commercial forms

Noopept powder

Rapidly absorbed; crosses BBB

Common in supplements; very small doses (10-30 mg) make precise measurement important.

Noopept capsules

Same absorption profile

Pre-measured for convenience.

Sublingual noopept

Possibly faster onset; reduced first-pass metabolism

Less common form, claimed to provide faster onset, though pharmacokinetic comparisons are limited.

Dosage

Russian clinical use is 10 mg up to three times daily (20-30 mg per day total) for 1-3 months. Supplement labels often suggest 10-30 mg per dose, 1-3 times daily. Onset of effects is typically reported within 30-60 minutes.

When and how to take it

Take in 1-3 daily doses, with earlier dosing preferred to avoid sleep disturbance. Can be taken with or without food. Effects typically develop within 30-60 minutes. Cycling (using for 1-3 months then taking breaks) is commonly recommended to avoid tolerance.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in Russian clinical studies. Reported side effects include headache, irritability, sleep disturbance, mild blood pressure changes, and fatigue. Long-term safety data outside of Russian clinical use are limited. Quality of supplement-grade material is variable.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with high or unstable blood pressure, kidney disease, or psychiatric conditions should consult a clinician before use. In the US, the FDA has stated noopept does not meet criteria as a dietary supplement ingredient; consumers should be aware of its regulatory status.

Interactions

Noopept may interact with other nootropics, stimulants, CNS depressants, antihypertensive medications, and psychiatric medications. The neurotrophic effects raise theoretical interactions with antidepressants and other medications affecting BDNF.

Frequently asked questions

Is noopept legal?⌄

It is a prescription medication in Russia. In the US, the FDA has stated it does not qualify as a dietary supplement ingredient, so its sale as a supplement is technically not permitted.

How is noopept different from piracetam?⌄

Noopept is structurally related but roughly 1000 times more potent per milligram, with a different metabolite pathway (cycloprolylglycine) thought to mediate effects. Some users find it more focused on memory than energy.

Does noopept actually work in healthy people?⌄

Evidence specifically in healthy adults is limited. Most clinical data come from Russian studies in cognitively impaired patients.

Should I cycle noopept?⌄

Cycling (1-3 months on, then breaks) is widely recommended in nootropic communities to avoid tolerance, though formal evidence for this practice is limited.

Is noopept safe long-term?⌄

Long-term safety data are limited, especially outside Russian clinical use. Periodic breaks and clinician oversight are sensible.

References

  • Noopept (Wikidata) — Wikidata link
  • Noopept (PubChem CID 180496) — PubChem link
  • Noopept (ChEBI 23990) — ChEBI link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.