Official Site: stonehengehealth.com
Background Check
Memory, focus, clarity, and mental energy – this is the brand promise of Dynamic Brain. It claims to support brain health and bring the strongest natural ingredients together at the maximum dosage available for those committed to improve their cognitive function, memory, focus, and mental clarity.
Supplement Facts: 15/20
- Contains essential ingredients for brain health, namely omega-3 fat DHA, huperzine-A, phosphatidylserine (PS), and bacopin
- Combined with Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE), an ingredient clinically proven to help support brain function
- Claims to use a complete array of 40 vitamins and nutrients, 100% pure & natural ingredients, and no synthetic fillers or binders
- Contains no gluten, no animal by-products, and is made with 100% vegetarian capsules
Effects and Benefits: 15/20
Dynamic Brain proposes a comprehensive formula that provides the necessary neuro-nutrients to preempt additional memory loss and help users regain the ability to remember. Its nootropic blend helps improve cognitive function supposedly in a non-addictive and non-stimulating way. These natural ingredients help improve both the membrane structure of the brain and fight cell-damaging free radicals. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects are also deemed helpful to improve blood flow and oxygen to your mind, boosting concentration as well as alertness.
Potential Side Effects: 13/20
Scouring the internet, we found very few reports of serious adverse effects from using Dynamic Brain. However, this has to be contextualized: there are few reviews that exist on the supplement. In our own product trial that ran for a month, we noticed mild headaches and jitters, but understand that the effects may vary individually.
Pricing Options: 16/20
A 60-capsule bottle of Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain costs $40.99 on the main website but this can shoot up to $53.99 plus shipping costs on Amazon. The difference can be noticeable.
Online Reviews: 15/20
There appears to be a sort of balance between the positive and negative effects on its side effects. Some users claim to have religiously taken Dynamic Brain and followed the label directions to the letter, but noticed no benefit afterwards.
Recap:
Positives:
- Could enhance verbal recall and support healthy brain aging
- Has the potential to improve analytical thinking and mood
- Chock-full of vitamins and minerals
Negatives:
- Large vegan capsules are rather hard to swallow
- A little on the expensive side
Our Verdict: 80.4%
Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain deserves props for helping enhance cognitive performance, from focus and memory to verbal recall and mood. It might even be effective for people experiencing mild to moderate dementia. However, this comes at a cost, literally: the supplement can be quite expensive and may not be for all types of brain enhancement seekers as a result.
The Best Brain Supplements: Your Complete, Personalized Guide
In such a busy, harried world, people look for all the help they can get.
They’ve got problems remembering things, concentrating in school or focusing on a big work project, or being in the best energy and mood level for family and their personal goals.
Nootropics - also known as “smart pills” and brain enhancement supplements - are designed to help address these cognitive issues and improve memory and learning, focus and concentration, problem solving, and overall energy and vibrancy. These supplements are a potential fit for students (usually college students), professionals and business executives, and the elderly who want to enhance their brain power and performance.
Check the Best Smart Pills
The question, though, is…
Do you know the best brain-enhancing supplement for you?
Our product reviews will answer exactly this. By presenting accurate, up-to-date product information, conducting weeks-long product trial, and raising the alarm on fillers and low-quality ingredients, we’re about to guide you in your decision-making.
We take a long, hard look at the manufacturer, where they manufacture the pill, the website, pricing, customer testimonials, and different authoritative websites that point to how safe and effective a smart pill is.
At the end of it all, we present our Top 5 rated smart pills for your easy reference.
How Do Nootropics Work?
Known by many different names, nootropics act as brain enhancement aids and brain boosters that don’t leave your cognitive wellness to fate.
There are two kinds of nootropics: (1) pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers made up of chemicals believed to have a clear effect on the brain and nervous system, and (2) natural cognitive enhancers, which are mostly herbal or nutrient-based in their composition. Our reviews focus on the second group, which don’t require a prescription, not considered drugs, and thus are allowed to be sold the counter and online via vitamin retail shops like Amazon.
Are natural nootropics actually the savior they’re painted to be?
These plant-based extracts promise improved mental functioning, no less. Their surging popularity, particularly in recent years, can be attributed to their high overall safety value and few and minor side effects compared with their pharmaceutical counterparts.
If you’ve heard of the term “nootropic stack,” it means different herbal or nutrient-based nootropics “stacked” together to achieve your own cognitive targets.
Types of Natural Nootropics
- Neurotransmitter enhancers - These increase the activity of brain chemicals responsible for mental sharpness. Examples are acetylcholine, and other neurotransmitters.
- Vasodilators - Boost blood flow to the brain via widening the blood vessels.
- Antioxidants - Preserve and protect brain cells from the damage caused by free radicals roaming in the body
A high-quality nootropic can change your brain wellness and make you limitless in many different ways. These include enhanced memory, increased attention to detail, outrageously good focus, increased alertness, better mental and visual acuity, improved learning and thinking, managed stress, better mood and energy, and a generally renewed sense of life and brain performance.
This is why this product review guide will help you in so many ways to know a nootropic inside and out. From the ABCs of the product formula to the overall verdict, you will have an informed choice of what to choose for your next nootropic bottle or product.
What Should You Look For In A Top-Rated Nootropic?
Offers essential vitamins and nutrients - Your brain gobbles up an unbelievable amount of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and nutrients for it to properly function for life’s everyday demands. The nootropic you deserve provides these crucial components and more. Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, Panax ginseng, and more - the list is endless, but only a few good ones deserve your attention. Click here for the top-rated ingredient list for a smart pill.
Backed by clinical data and experts - The best nootropics have a solid scientific basis through independent, third-party research data on their effectiveness and benefits.
There’s no reason for a credible health care expert not to endorse a well-created supplement for brain enhancement.
Superior manufacturing standards - It’s not just about the ingredients, but also creating the product with the highest standards of production. The best supplements are manufactured in the United States, in a laboratory registered by the FDA. The manufacturer should be GMP certified as well!
Independent reviews (Not just Amazon!) - Reviews can be bought and unverified, so keep an eye out for them. Our reviews, for instance, maintain their independence through a circle of product testers that really get to the bottom of things and assess individual product performance and quality.
What Should You Avoid In A Brain Enhancement Supplement?
Improper dosage - Incorrect levels of each active ingredient - yikes! This leads you to believe that you’re getting optimum value and not the cheaper, over-hyped product that it actually is.
Insufficient return policy and fraud - Reputablecompanies offer 100% money-back guarantee since they are confident enough that their product works. Read the fine print and don’t just trust what you see on the surface.
“Free trial” offers - Does it seem too good to be true? Then it probably is. If you have to enter your credit card details to get to try a product for a month for free, then it’s not free.
Let’s combine your due diligence in research and our honest, in-your-face product reviews that won’t leave you guessing and wanting more information.
The Best Smart Pills On The Market In 2022
We have dutifully compiled the top 5 brain enhancement supplements based on our independent review, product trial, and well-vetted product information. Here’s what we’ve come up with to help you make a smart decision on smart pills today.
Our Winning 5 Brain Boosting Supplements for 2025
#1 LumUltra
Pros
- Incredible results from a potent, fast-acting formula
- Effects are very well-rounded: improvements to memory, focus, mood, energy
- Formula is a fantastic combination of potent Noopept and many other natural nootropics
- Information online is very detailed and simple to understand, love their design and content
- Premium ingredients at a great price (daily cost is cheaper than a cup of coffee!), we suspect this won’t last long, they might be trying to reach a certain market share then raise their price.
- 90-day return policy!
Cons
- They communicate everything via ticketing for quality assurance reason, so if you don’t know how to place order online, then you are out of luck
- Might want to supplement with a multivitamin (only contains B12)
Why It’s TCE-Approved:
Avanse Nutraceuticals’ LumUltra (New and Improved) blows all our editors away with an innovatively new formula utilizing the potent Noopept, in combination with select key natural nootropics. Hands down, LumUltra is the best cognitive enhancer we’ve ever reviewed, and will probably top our list for a very long time.
#2 Brain Pill
Pros
- Good market presence, or product recall
- Availability of scientific studies delving on ingredient and product levels
- Proprietary ingredients for uniquely positioned benefits
- Discounts and savings for bulk orders
Cons
- Relative shortage of customer testimonials
- Lacking imagery around supplement facts and product labeling
Why It’s TCE-Approved:
We are impressed by the speed and precision at which BrainPill responds to brain enhancement needs – and without unwanted effects that could turn off first-time users. The benefits are sustained and evident from the first dose, and this doesn't happen every time with nootropic products.
#3 Alpha Brain
Pros
- Good for focus
- Great customer service team
- Could be great as a workout supplement
Cons
- Effects are a bit limited
- New formula might actually be less potent due to new focus on fitness and health
#4 Prevagen
Pros
- Unique formula and ingredient “Apoaequorin”
- Website is rich in information and resources for further reading
- Clear video on website that explains Prevagen in simplistic way
Cons
- Little to no effects on focus and mood
- Poor value at $59.95 (better nootropics available at that price)
- Studies on Apoaequorin are still quite limited today.
#5 Neuriva
Pros
- Low to no side effect potential
- Offers targeted benefits for five areas of brain function
- GMO and caffeine free
- Vegan-friendly supplement
Cons
- Contains only two major ingredients, which are relatively standard in nootropics
- Lack of ample clinical research presented
- Soy lecithin content is a potential allergen
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690227/
- https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/cognitive-enhancers-what-they-are-how-they-work-and-what-is-in-the-pipeline/11117394.article?firstPass=false
- https://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/2018-09-27/what-are-nootropics
- https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/peak-nootropics-llc-aka-advanced-nootropics-565256-02052021
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/fortifying-your-memory-with-supplements
- https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/natural-brain-boosters
- https://www.managedhealthcareconnect.com/article/role-nutrition-prevention-cognitive-decline
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3311304/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423755/
- http://theconversation.com/the-economics-of-the-money-back-guarantee-80876
- https://ispe.org/initiatives/regulatory-resources/gmp
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5545206/
- https://www.npr.org/2018/07/30/629800775/some-amazon-reviews-are-too-good-to-be-believed-theyre-paid-for
- https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/auto-renewals-endless-charges-complaints-1282.php
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects
- https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/
Citations
- Suliman, Noor Azuin, Che Norma Mat Taib, Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas, Mohd Ilham Adenan, Mohamad Taufik Hidayat Baharuldin, and Rusliza Basir. 2016. “Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced By Natural Nootropic”. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine 2016: 1-12. Hindawi Limited. doi:10.1155/2016/4391375.
- Bureau, U.S. 2021. “By 2030, All Baby Boomers Will Be Age 65 Or Older”. The United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/12/by-2030-all-baby-boomers-will-be-age-65-or-older.html.
- Kulkarni, Reena, KJ Girish, and Abhimanyu Kumar. 2012. “Nootropic Herbs (Medhya Rasayana) In Ayurveda: An Update”. Pharmacognosy Reviews 6 (12). http://www.phcogrev.com/article/2012/6/12/1041030973-784799949.
- Singh-Manoux, A., M. Kivimaki, M. M. Glymour, A. Elbaz, C. Berr, K. P. Ebmeier, J. E. Ferrie, and A. Dugravot. 2012. “Timing Of Onset Of Cognitive Decline: Results From Whitehall II Prospective Cohort Study”. BMJ 344 (jan04 4): d7622-d7622. BMJ. doi:10.1136/bmj.d7622.
- Del Parigi, Angelo, Francesco Panza, Cristiano Capurso, and Vincenzo Solfrizzi. 2006. “Nutritional Factors, Cognitive Decline, And Dementia”. Brain Research Bulletin 69 (1): 1-19. Elsevier BV. doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.09.020.
- Gómez-Pinilla, Fernando. 2008. “Brain Foods: The Effects Of Nutrients On Brain Function”. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9 (7): 568-578. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi:10.1038/nrn2421.
- Sandi, Carmen. 2007. “Memory Impairments Associated With Stress And Aging”. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK3914/#ch12.r3.
- Panossian, Alexander, and Georg Wikman. 2010. “Effects Of Adaptogens On The Central Nervous System And The Molecular Mechanisms Associated With Their Stress—Protective Activity”. Pharmaceuticals 3 (1): 188-224. MDPI AG. doi:10.3390/ph3010188.
- 2021. Ujconline.Net. http://ujconline.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/3-UJEAS-1314-Rv.pdf.
- McGlade, Erin, Allison Locatelli, Julia Hardy, Toshikazu Kamiya, Masahiko Morita, Koji Morishita, Yoichiro Sugimura, and Deborah Yurgelun-Todd. 2012. “Improved Attentional Performance Following Administration In Healthy Adult Women”. Food And Nutrition Sciences 03 (06): 769-773. Scientific Research Publishing, Inc,. doi:10.4236/fns.2012.36103.
- Beaty, Roger E., Yoed N. Kenett, Alexander P. Christensen, Monica D. Rosenberg, Mathias Benedek, Qunlin Chen, and Andreas Fink et al. 2018. “Robust Prediction Of Individual Creative Ability From Brain Functional Connectivity”. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences 115 (5): 1087-1092. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi:10.1073/pnas.1713532115.
- Glade, Michael J., and Kyl Smith. 2015. “Phosphatidylserine And The Human Brain”. Nutrition 31 (6): 781-786. Elsevier BV. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014.
- Cenacchi T, et al. 2021. “Cognitive Decline In The Elderly: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study On Efficacy Of Phosphatidylserine Administration. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed February 7 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8323999.
- Kato-Kataoka, Akito, Masashi Sakai, Rika Ebina, Chiaki Nonaka, Tsuguyoshi Asano, and Takashi Miyamori. 2010. “Soybean-Derived Phosphatidylserine Improves Memory Function Of The Elderly Japanese Subjects With Memory Complaints”. Journal Of Clinical Biochemistry And Nutrition 47 (3): 246-255. The Society for Free Radical Research Japan. doi:10.3164/jcbn.10-62.
- F, Russo. 2021. “Bacopa Monniera, A Reputed Nootropic Plant: An Overview. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed February 7 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15898709.
- Stough C, et al. 2021. “The Chronic Effects Of An Extract Of Bacopa Monniera (Brahmi) On Cognitive Function In Healthy Human Subjects. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed February 7 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11498727.
- Peth-Nui, Tatimah, Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Supaporn Muchimapura, Terdthai Tong-Un, Nawanant Piyavhatkul, Poonsri Rangseekajee, Kornkanok Ingkaninan, and Sakchai Vittaya-areekul. 2012. “Effects Of 12-Weekbacopa Monniericonsumption On Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, And Functions Of Both Cholinergic And Monoaminergic Systems In Healthy Elderly Volunteers”. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine 2012: 1-10. Hindawi Limited. doi:10.1155/2012/606424.
- Aguiar, Sebastian, and Thomas Borowski. 2013. “Neuropharmacological Review Of The Nootropic Herb Bacopa Monnieri”. Rejuvenation Research 16 (4): 313-326. Mary Ann Liebert Inc. doi:10.1089/rej.2013.1431.
- Vollala, Venkata Ramana, Subramanya Upadhya, and Satheesha Nayak. 2011. “Enhancement Of Basolateral Amygdaloid Neuronal Dendritic Arborization Following Bacopa Monniera Extract Treatment In Adult Rats”. Clinics 66 (4): 663-671. FapUNIFESP (SciELO). doi:10.1590/s1807-59322011000400023.
- Vishnupriya, P., and V. Padma. 2017. “A Review On The Antioxidant And Therapeutic Potential Of Bacopa Monnieri”. Reactive Oxygen Species 3 (8): 111‒120-111‒120. https://www.aimsci.com/ros/index.php/ros/article/view/75.
- Sun QQ, et al. 2021. “Huperzine-A Capsules Enhance Memory And Learning Performance In 34 Pairs Of Matched Adolescent Students. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10678121.
- Thuy Trang Nguyen, Tuong Kha Vo. 2017. “Current Advances In Transdermal Delivery Of Drugs For Alzheimer’s Disease”. Indian Journal Of Pharmacology 49 (2): 145. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5497436/.
- Xu, Zhi-Qiang, Xiao-Min Liang, Juan-Wu, Yuan-Feng Zhang, Chun-Xia Zhu, and Xiao-Jiang Jiang. 2011. “Treatment With Huperzine A Improves Cognition In Vascular Dementia Patients”. Cell Biochemistry And Biophysics 62 (1): 55-58. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi:10.1007/s12013-011-9258-5.
- “Huperzine A, A Novel Promising Acetylcholinesterase… : Neuroreport”. 2021. LWW. https://journals.lww.com/neuroreport/Abstract/1996/12200/Huperzine_A,_a_novel_promising.20.aspx.
- Ved HS, et al. 2021. “Huperzine A, A Potential Therapeutic Agent For Dementia, Reduces Neuronal Cell Death Caused By Glutamate. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9141073.
- Yang, Guoyan, Yuyi Wang, Jinzhou Tian, and Jian-Ping Liu. 2013. “Huperzine A For Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials”. Plos ONE 8 (9): e74916. Public Library of Science (PLoS). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074916.
- Yang, Guoyan, Yuyi Wang, Jinzhou Tian, and Jian-Ping Liu. 2013. “Huperzine A For Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials”. Plos ONE 8 (9): e74916. Public Library of Science (PLoS). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074916.
- Gibson, Gary E., Joseph A. Hirsch, Pasquale Fonzetti, Barry D. Jordan, Rosanna T. Cirio, and Jessica Elder. 2016. “Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) And Dementia”. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences 1367 (1): 21-30. Wiley.
doi:10.1111/nyas.13031.
- Harrison, Fiona, Gene Bowman, and Maria Polidori. 2014. “Ascorbic Acid And The Brain: Rationale For The Use Against Cognitive Decline”. Nutrients 6 (4): 1752-1781. MDPI AG. doi:10.3390/nu6041752.
- Amazon Flooded With Millions Of Fake Reviews In 2019 – Reviewmeta Blog “. 2019. Reviewmeta.Com. https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/.