It is well known that some days we feel sharper and other days we may experience unrelenting brain fog. Increasingly, people find themselves caught in a cycle of relying on stimulants during the day to keep up with demands, then turning to depressants at night; likely because stimulants linger in the body without adequate recovery periods.

We wanted to create a stimulant-free solution to support cognition. Many products on the market use stimulants as their primary ingredient. Yet, the true definition of a nootropic is a substance that supports cognition and promotes healthy brain function. By that definition, stimulants alone cannot be considered nootropics.

The intended outcome of G Focus Limitless is to promote both acute and long-term improvements in memory, processing speed, attention span, and executive function. We selected the most well-supported ingredients from the literature and avoided the less promising ones, so you get the most from each capsule.

Wasabi Extract: 

This culinary ingredient has been concentrated into an extract which contains 6-MSITC (6-Methylsulfinyl Hexyl Isothiocyanate), a potent antioxidant which attenuates neurocognitive decline [1].

The latest randomized placebo controlled trial (as of writing this) on a sample of 72 older adults found that in 12 weeks, administration of wasabi extract found a moderate-large effect size in working & episodic memory [1]. 

Panax Ginseng: 

A medicinal root with a long use history as an adaptogen, the mechanistic evidence for this ingredient suggests an increase in dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission.

The outcomes of RCTs on panax ginseng extract in respect to cognition show that this ingredient can increase the amount of gray matter in the brain, which is the area of higher cognitive functions associated with learning & motor function [2]. Performance outcomes show an overall greater magnitude of cognitive enhancement compared to placebo (p= 0.03) [2].

Citicholine:

Citicholine is a potent cholinergic agent which increases the amount of acetylcholine in the presynaptic terminals of cholinergic neurons.

A meta analysis of seven studies in patients with cognitive impairment found a positive effect on cognition with citicoline supplementation [3].

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone): 

PQQ is an ingredient with a multifaceted mechanism, one of the primary identified benefits is its ability to promote the synthesis of new and highly functioning mitochondria.

PQQ has been shown to improve brain function and cognition in both young and old adults [4].

In a randomized controlled trial on adults aged between 20 and 65 years, PQQ supplementation was shown to improve the participants' scores in composite and verbal memory testing [4]. 

A further age-stratified analysis of the results was performed, showing younger adults (aged 20-40 years) had improved their cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and execution speed after 8 weeks of PQQ supplementation [4].

Sabroxy (Oroxylum indicum Extract):

A murine trial investigating the effects of Oroxylin A, the primary active component in Sabroxy, showed dopamine reuptake inhibition comparable to methylphenidate (ADHD medication) [5]. 

An RCT evaluating the human outcomes of Sabroxy supplementation found that the Sabroxy group demonstrated greater improvements in speed of learning, episodic memory, immediate word recall and numeric working memory compared to placebo [6].

Pregnenolone:

Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid that has been studied in disease models primarily related to schizophrenia and postpartum depression; they show an overall positive effect on treating these conditions probably due to its effects of increasing allopregnenelone in the brain (a neuroprotective agent with GABAergic activity) [7]. Pregnenolone can modulate myelination, neuroinflammation, neurotransmission, and neuroplasticity in the brain, implying its importance in cognition, aging, and addiction [7].

In a proof-of-concept investigation, 70 participants with bipolar disorder or recurrent major depressive disorder and history of substance abuse/dependence were randomly assigned to receive pregnenolone or placebo for 8 weeks [8]. 

The pregnenolone group showed trends toward greater improvement, relative to placebo, showing statistically significant reductions in manic and depressive symptoms [8]. Pregnenolone appeared to be safe and well tolerated; extrapolation of these results show that it has a generalized anxiolytic effect [8].

In another proof of concept trial, pregnenolone supplementation was shown to promote improved REM sleep in male test subjects, suggesting improved cognitive outcomes by promoting longer lengths of restorative sleep [9].

Befotiamine:

Befotiamine is a synthetic form of thiamine with greater lipophilicity than thiamine; meaning greater thiamine repleting potential than standard thiamine hydrochloride.

In preclinical models, benfotiamine showed potential in reversing pathologies associated with Alzheimer’s disease (impaired cognition, amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, diminished glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, increased advanced glycation end products) [10].

A randomized controlled trial conducted on patients with Alzheimer's disease / mild cognitive impairment found a small-moderate effect in reducing cognitive decline compared to placebo [10].

NADH:

NADH is the reduced form of NAD+, a compound that exists within our body that has been supported in a recent meta analysis to be an excellent supplement for ameliorating fatigue, providing the greatest benefits in those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome [11].

NADH is taken up by the mitochondria and is a critical component in generating cellular energy (functioning as an electron transporter in the electron transport chain).

Rhodiola Rosea Extract:

A systematic review on Rhodiola Rosea extract found a strong trend for Rhodiola supplementation leading to improved cognitive outcomes in periods of acute mental stress [12].

The conclusion was that Rhodiola Rosea supplementation was effective for reducing mental fatigue, improving attention and concentration under stress, and in clinical settings such as depression or stress-related fatigue [12].

Bacopa Monnieri Extract:

A meta analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (437 subjects) evaluating the effectiveness of Bacopa Monnieri extract on cognitive outcomes found a consistent effect on improved cognition, decreased reaction time and improved cognitive flexibility [12]. The intervention was deemed largely safe and the studies included were at low risk of bias [12].

Saffron Extract:

Saffron possesses potent mood boosting properties in the literature. With several RCTs being conducted on saffron extract on a yearly basis, it is established as a widely safe and effective compound in improving one's mood and cognition [13]. 

In a randomized controlled trial on 202  adults (18–70yrs old) with depressive symptoms, saffron was associated with statistically significant improvements in the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scales compared to placebo [14]. 

1. Nouchi, R., Kawata, N. Y. S., Saito, T., Nouchi, H., & Kawashima, R. (2023). Benefits of Wasabi Supplements with 6-MSITC (6-Methylsulfinyl Hexyl Isothiocyanate) on Memory Functioning in Healthy Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: Evidence from a Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 15(21), 4608. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214608

2. Namgung, E., Kim, J., Jeong, H., Hong, G., Kim, M., Kim, R. Y., Kim, S., & Lyoo, I. K. (2021). Effects of Korean red ginseng on human gray matter volume and cognitive function: A voxel-based morphometry study. Human psychopharmacology, 36(2), e2767. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2767

3. Bonvicini, M., Travaglini, S., Lelli, D., Antonelli Incalzi, R., & Pedone, C. (2023). Is Citicoline Effective in Preventing and Slowing Down Dementia?-A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 15(2), 386. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020386

4. Tamakoshi, M., Suzuki, T., Nishihara, E., Nakamura, S., & Ikemoto, K. (2023). Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adults. Food & function, 14(5), 2496–2501. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2fo01515c

5. Yoon, S. Y., dela Peña, I., Kim, S. M., Woo, T. S., Shin, C. Y., Son, K. H., Park, H., Lee, Y. S., Ryu, J. H., Jin, M., Kim, K. M., & Cheong, J. H. (2013). Oroxylin A improves attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like behaviors in the spontaneously hypertensive rat and inhibits reuptake of dopamine in vitro. Archives of pharmacal research, 36(1), 134–140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-013-0009-6

6. Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Majeed, M., & Drummond, P. D. (2021). Effects of an Oroxylum indicum Extract (Sabroxy®) on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-reported Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 13, 728360. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.728360

7. Lin, Y. C. (2022). Function, regulation, and pharmacological effects of pregnenolone in the central nervous system. Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research, 22, 100417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coemr.2021.100417 

8. Osuji, I. J., Vera-Bolaños, E., Carmody, T. J., & Brown, E. S. (2010). Pregnenolone for cognition and mood in dual diagnosis patients. Psychiatry research, 178(2), 309–312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2009.09.006

9. Steiger, A., Trachsel, L., Guldner, J., Hemmeter, U., Rothe, B., Rupprecht, R., Vedder, H., & Holsboer, F. (1993). Neurosteroid pregnenolone induces sleep-EEG changes in man compatible with inverse agonistic GABAA-receptor modulation. Brain research, 615(2), 267–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(93)90037-n

10. Gibson, G. E., Luchsinger, J. A., Cirio, R., Chen, H., Franchino-Elder, J., Hirsch, J. A., Bettendorff, L., Chen, Z., Flowers, S. A., Gerber, L. M., Grandville, T., Schupf, N., Xu, H., Stern, Y., Habeck, C., Jordan, B., & Fonzetti, P. (2020). Benfotiamine and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase IIa Clinical Trial. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 78(3), 989–1010. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200896

11. Gindri, I. M., Ferrari, G., Pinto, L. P. S., Bicca, J., Dos Santos, I. K., Dallacosta, D., & Roesler, C. R. M. (2023). Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 10.1152/ajpendo.00242.2023. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00242.2023

12. Kongkeaw, C., Dilokthornsakul, P., Thanarangsarit, P., Limpeanchob, N., & Norman Scholfield, C. (2014). Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528–535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008

13. Lu, C., Ke, L., Li, J., Zhao, H., Lu, T., Mentis, A. F. A., Wang, Y., Wang, Z., Polissiou, M. G., Tang, L., Tang, H., & Yang, K. (2021). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and health outcomes: a meta-research review of meta-analyses and an evidence mapping study. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 91, 153699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153699

14. Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Marx, W., Díez-Municio, M., & Morán-Valero, M. I. (2025). An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal of nutrition, 155(7), 2300–2311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.05.024