I Tried Thesis Nootropics—Here’s My Honest Review

My curated sampler kit, based on my survey results, contained the following blends.

Energy

This blend contains four capsules and is formulated to promote energy, fight fatigue and increase mental stamina. The key ingredient theacrine, which is a naturally-occurring compound found in plants, has been shown to improve energy levels, motivation and concentration, the company notes. It also contains N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which research suggests possesses promise as a supplement for cognitive function. However, clinical trials studying the effects of these two particular ingredients are inconclusive, and more research is needed.

That said, a large body of research supports the combination of caffeine and L-theanine (also contained in the Energy blend) for increased energy and attention, says Umo Callins, a board-certified sports dietitian and fitness coach at Well Rooted Health and Nutrition in Oklahoma City.

Active ingredients of the Energy blend include:

Citicoline: 300 milligrams
Mango leaf extract: 300 milligrams
Indian trumpet leaf extract: 100 milligrams
Theacrine: 100 milligrams
N-acetyl L-tyrosine: 300 milligrams
N-acetyl cysteine: 500 milligrams
Caffeine: 100 milligrams
L-theanine: 200 milligrams

Creativity

This four-capsule blend is designed to spark imagination, maintain confidence and support verbal fluency, according to the company. The focus ingredient, ashwagandha, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in clinical trials. The blend also contains L-theanine, which may have relaxing effects, acting as a buffer for stress and anxiety.

Active ingredients of Creativity include:

Ashwagandha root: 300 milligrams
Panax ginseng: 200 milligrams
Sceletium tortuosum: 25 milligrams
Agmatine sulfate: 250 milligrams
Alpha GPC: 150 milligrams
Caffeine: 100 milligrams
L-theanine: 200 milligrams

Motivation

This blend, containing three capsules, is designed to help maintain willpower, prevent procrastination and manage stress, notes the company. The featured ingredient, CDT (Dynamine)—which is a patented, standardized form of methylliberine, a compound found in plants—may assist with cognitive control and improve reaction time during mentally challenging tasks, the company claims, but supporting research is limited.

Because the blend also contains caffeine and L-theanine, Callins says it will likely help with productivity, especially in a stressed or anxious state.

Active ingredients of Motivation include:

Artichoke extract: 450 milligrams
Vitamin B12: 1,000 micrograms
L-phenylalanine: 500 milligrams
CDT (Dynamine): 100 milligrams
Forskolin: 250 milligrams
Caffeine: 100 milligrams
L-theanine: 200 milligrams

Clarity

Thesis claims that this three-capsule blend is designed to maintain focus, support attention and help individuals enter a flow state. According to the company, the featured ingredient, alpha-GPC, a compound found in the brain and in trace amounts in food sources like egg yolks and organ meats, supports healthy cognitive function and physical performance, but supporting research is limited. The blend also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can help boost focus and attention, says Callins.

Active ingredients of Clarity include: