Thesis Nootropics Review: Is It Right For You?

3rd November 2023

Quick Decision Guide - Thesis vs Leading Nootropic (NooCube)

What Is Thesis Nootropics?

Thesis nootropics offers a tailored approach to cognitive enhancement, distancing itself from the "one size fits all" mentality that pervades the supplement industry. The brand asserts that personalization is key, crafting nutrient compounds designed to enhance mental performance that align with an individual’s specific cognitive goals and biological uniqueness.

The process begins with an online quiz, designed to capture your cognitive baseline and objectives. From there, Thesis proposes a Starter Kit, allowing users to sample four of their six pre-made blends over a month. These blends, named for the mental edge they purport to offer — such as Energy, Clarity, and Motivation — contain a variety of ingredients, from the adaptogen Ashwagandha to the amino acid L-Tyrosine, all with specified doses aimed at optimizing brain function.

Thesis also offers the service of a wellness coach, someone to help guide users through their 'nootropic journey,' suggesting adjustments to the blends based on the experiences reported.

Their claims are bold: Thesis nootropics can, they say, help elevate your energy, cut through mental fog, and enhance your focus and motivation. However, as with any supplement, the proof is always in the personal experience and the scientific backing of their selected ingredients. As we unpack these claims, we will objectively weigh the evidence and explore whether these tailored blends stand up to scrutiny.

Thesis Nootropics: Scientific Evaluation of Product Claims

When investigating the cognitive enhancement promises made by Thesis nootropic blends, it's crucial to discern the veracity of the claims made. Thesis markets its products with the claims of a comprehensive boost to cognitive functions - specifically: energy levels, motivation, brain fog clearance, and focus. However, a closer examination reveals that these claims are somewhat generalized and do not reflect the nuanced efficacy of each specific blend. To provide clarity, we have not only tested these products firsthand but also meticulously compared their ingredient profiles against existing clinical evidence. This dual approach allows us to delineate which of Thesis's assertions are likely to stand on solid ground and which may not, for each distinct blend. Below, we dissect each blend’s capacity to fulfill the advertised cognitive benefits, based on the scientific support for their ingredients and dosages.

Energy Blend

1. Claim: Raise your energy level. Supported by Zynamite® (mangiferin from mango leaves) and TeaCrine® (theacrine), both associated with increased energy without the typical 'crash' associated with caffeine [1,2].
2. Claim: Feel more motivated. Not directly supported as the ingredients have not been directly linked to motivation enhancement in clinical studies.
3. Claim: Clear brain fog. Indirectly supported through CDP Choline and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, which have cognitive enhancement properties that may indirectly influence clarity, although not specifically studied for brain fog [3,4].
4. Claim: Increase focus. Supported by CDP Choline and TeaCrine®, which are associated with improved focus in research [5,2].

Clarity Blend

1. Claim: Raise your energy level. Not supported as the blend doesn’t contain ingredients directly linked to energy production at studied dosages.
2. Claim: Feel more motivated. Not supported as no direct clinical evidence was cited for the ingredients enhancing motivation.
3. Claim: Clear brain fog. Indirectly supported by Lion’s Mane and Alpha GPC, known for cognitive function support, potentially aiding mental clarity, though not specifically for brain fog [6,7].
4. Claim: Increase focus. Partially supported by Alpha GPC and Epicatechin, which have been associated with cognitive benefits that may include focus, but without specific studies on focus [7,8].

Creativity Blend

1. Claim: Raise your energy level. Not supported as the ingredients have not been shown to directly increase energy in clinical studies.
2. Claim: Feel more motivated. Indirectly supported by Ashwagandha, which may reduce stress and improve motivation, with dosages in line with clinical studies [9].
3. Claim: Clear brain fog. Not supported due to a lack of direct evidence on the ingredients' effects on brain fog.
4. Claim: Increase focus. Partially supported by Panax Ginseng and Zembrin®, which have shown cognitive benefits including focus, but further research is needed [10,11].

Logic Blend

1. Claim: Raise your energy level. Not supported by clinical evidence at the dosages provided for the blend's ingredients.
2. Claim: Feel more motivated. Not supported due to a lack of evidence linking the ingredients to motivation.
3. Claim: Clear brain fog. Indirectly supported by Phosphatidylserine, Omega-3, and Bacopa monnieri, which might influence cognitive clarity, but not directly studied for brain fog [12,13,14].
4. Claim: Increase focus. Supported by Theobromine and Ginkgo Biloba, which have cognitive-enhancing effects that could include focus [15,16].

Motivation Blend

1. Claim: Raise your energy level. Not supported due to no direct correlation in clinical trials between the ingredients and energy enhancement.
2. Claim: Feel more motivated. Indirectly supported by Forskolin and L-Phenylalanine, which affect brain processes linked to motivation, but their effect on motivation enhancement is not conclusive [17,18].
3. Claim: Clear brain fog. Not supported due to lack of direct evidence linking the ingredients to brain fog alleviation.
4. Claim: Increase focus. Partially supported by Methylcobalamin, which may support neurological function related to focus, though direct evidence is limited [19].

Confidence Blend

1. Claim: Raise your energy level. Not supported as the ingredients do not directly correlate with increased energy levels in clinical studies.
2. Claim: Feel more motivated. Indirectly supported through mood-enhancing properties of Saffron, Ashwagandha, and Zembrin® which might contribute to motivation [20,9,21].
3. Claim: Clear brain fog. Indirectly supported by Magnesium threonate, which may promote cognitive function, possibly addressing brain fog, though direct evidence is limited [22].
4. Claim: Increase focus. Not supported due to a lack of robust clinical evidence for focus enhancement among the ingredients.

It's also important to note that while some ingredients have evidence for certain cognitive benefits, the specific claims (like clearing brain fog or increasing motivation) may not be directly studied, and the combined effects of these ingredients are less understood.

Does Thesis Really Work?

Our Experience With Thesis Nootropics

Our journey with Thesis began with a spark of curiosity, fueled by the promise of a brain-boost tailored specifically to our cognitive desires. We waded through the online questionnaire with ease, a simple process that neatly gathered our personal data to craft what we hoped would be our mental panacea.

Our Energy Blend Experience: The Energy blend arrived with bold claims. Packed with ingredients like the touted Zynamite® and the stimulant TeaCrine®, we were expecting to conquer drowsiness and embrace a new zenith of vitality. While there was a noticeable uptick in our energy levels, akin to a cup of green tea, it fell short of the electrifying charge we were enticed to expect. When pitted against the broader market of energy supplements, it became clear that while Thesis's concoction was gentle and sustained, it wasn't the breakthrough we were seeking.

Our Clarity Blend Experience: Clarity, that elusive mental state where thoughts align like stars, was what the Clarity blend aimed to provide. Lion’s Mane and Alpha GPC are respected in the nootropic community for their potential benefits, and we were optimistic. The fog in our minds did lift somewhat, allowing for moments of enhanced focus. Yet, the zenith of cognitive sharpness, that 'eureka' clarity we aspired to, seemed to hover just beyond our reach. The blend was like a soft spotlight in a dim room—helpful, yes, but not the blaze of mental illumination that had been advertised.

Our Creativity Blend Experience: The Creativity blend, with adaptogens like Ashwagandha, was supposed to be our muse in a bottle. A sip of inspiration from this vial, and we anticipated a deluge of innovative ideas. While there was a modest easing into creative endeavors and a mild reduction in the resistance to artistic pursuits, the blend was more a whisper of inspiration than the chorus of muses we were promised. It's not that the blend was ineffective, but rather that it didn't quite reach the high notes of creative ecstasy we were intrigued by.

Our Logic Blend Experience: Our trial with the Logic blend was an intellectual adventure. With Synapsa® Bacopa monnieri extract and Ginkgo Biloba, we expected a transformation into more formidable thinkers, our logic crystalline and infallible. Indeed, there were times when problem-solving seemed more intuitive, when decisions came with less hesitation. However, the cognitive leaps we made were not the bounds we had envisioned. The blend improved our mental processes, that much was true, but it wasn't the profound sharpening of wit that we'd been led to anticipate.

Our Motivation Blend Experience: The Motivation blend promised to be the wind at our backs, the driving force propelling us towards our goals. Forskolin and Artichoke Extract were among the heralded ingredients. Our drive did receive a gentle nudge; tasks seemed a tad less daunting. But the motivational surge, that burning zest for productivity we hoped for, simmered softly instead of blazing. Again, we found the effect to be subtler than the transformative firestorm suggested by Thesis.

Our Confidence Blend Experience: Finally, Confidence, the blend supposed to instill unshakeable self-assurance, was perhaps the most enigmatic of all. Ingredients like Saffron extract and Magnolia bark extract are backed by studies suggesting mood-enhancing properties. While we felt a sense of calm assurance, the profound self-belief, the robust fortification of our inner poise, was not as potent as the narrative we were sold.

Our month-long dalliance with Thesis' personalized nootropic blends was a study in nuance. Each blend provided a mild to moderate nudge in the desired direction, but none delivered the revolution within us that Thesis promised. In our discussions with the wellness coach, we attempted to fine-tune the blends, yet the experience continued to underscore a critical point: personalization is only as potent as its real-world efficacy. Compared to our experience with more comprehensive nootropic stacks, Thesis felt like a narrow beam of light in a spectrum where we were seeking a full rainbow of cognitive enhancement [23-32].

While the individual effects of the ingredients are supported by scientific research, and the process of customization is certainly commendable, the overall impact of Thesis' personalized approach was less pronounced than anticipated. The venture into this personalized nootropic space was intriguing and held moments of subtle cognitive enhancement, but it didn't quite meet the high expectations set by the brand's claims or the standards set by the wider nootropic landscape.

The exploration of Thesis' specialized blends has brought to light a fundamental limitation in their approach. The downside of such narrowly focused formulations is akin to tuning only one string on a multi-stringed instrument; the resultant note may be clear, but it lacks the harmony that a fully tuned instrument provides. Singular cognitive benefits, while valuable, cannot match the symphony of effects that more comprehensively formulated nootropic stacks offer. These competitor products, designed with a broader spectrum of cognitive enhancers, aim to provide a more holistic improvement to brain health. They are akin to a well-orchestrated cognitive concerto, where the ingredients work in concert to enhance memory, focus, energy, motivation, and mood simultaneously. The narrow scope of Thesis blends might offer one piece of the puzzle, but for those seeking the complete picture of cognitive enhancement, it falls short.

In essence, while targeting a specific cognitive domain can be beneficial for certain goals, the absence of a multifaceted approach can leave other cognitive needs unaddressed. It’s this realization that has led many to prefer the comprehensive solutions that address multiple areas of brain health, ensuring that the benefits are not just felt in isolation but are part of a greater enhancement of overall cognitive function.

Thesis Ingredients: A Scientific Overview

Energy Blend: Thesis' Energy blend showcases Zynamite® (300mg) and TeaCrine® (100mg) as its marquee ingredients. Zynamite®, derived from mango leaves, is purported to enhance brain function. A study [33] demonstrated its ability to promote cognitive performance without the overstimulation often associated with caffeine. TeaCrine®, akin to caffeine but without the jitters, is shown to boost mental clarity and energy levels in a controlled trial [34]. However, their effects could be context-dependent, and the 100mg of TeaCrine® is at the lower end of the studied efficacious spectrum. The additional components, like CDP Choline (300mg) and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (300mg), have individual merits, with choline being essential for neurotransmitter synthesis (A3), and tyrosine known to improve cognitive function under stress [35]. However, the synergy of these ingredients at the specified dosages requires more extensive research to validate their combined nootropic impact.

Clarity Blend: The Clarity blend's Lion’s Mane extract (500mg) is noteworthy, with studies indicating its potential to support nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis [36] which is crucial for neuronal health. Alpha GPC (250mg), another key constituent, is well-documented for enhancing memory and learning performance [37]. While the dosages provided align with some research, individual responses can vary, and the other components such as 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone and Camellia Sinesis Extract also contribute to neuroprotective effects [38], though their direct impact on cognitive clarity is less substantiated.

Creativity Blend: In the Creativity blend, KSM-66 Ashwagandha (300mg) takes the spotlight, a substance with adaptogenic properties that may mitigate stress and promote mental well-being [39]. Its dosage aligns with the amounts commonly used in research. GS15-4 Panax Ginseng (200mg) and Zembrin® (25mg) are included for their potential mood and cognitive benefits [40], but the literature surrounding their role in creativity per se is sparse. The combination and dosages are promising, yet further studies are necessary to understand how these ingredients might foster creative thinking specifically.

Logic Blend: The Logic blend is centered around Synapsa® Bacopa monnieri extract (320mg), with robust evidence supporting its memory-enhancing effects [41]. Paired with Ginkgo Biloba (160mg), known for its cerebral blood flow enhancement properties [42], and the specified dosage is in line with studies suggesting cognitive benefits. Yet, the true extent to which this blend supports logic and complex problem-solving remains to be elucidated in comprehensive studies, as many trials focus on memory or anxiety reduction.

Motivation Blend: Forskolin (250mg), in the Motivation blend, has been researched for its role in increasing cellular levels of cAMP which may enhance energy levels and potentially drive [43]. The combination with Artichoke Extract (450mg) could theoretically work to prolong the effects of increased cAMP [44]. However, motivational states are multifactorial, and while these components are promising, they might not universally ignite the fervor for goal-directed behaviors as suggested.

Confidence Blend: Saffron extract (affron®) at 28mg, within the Confidence blend, is supported by studies for mood improvement [45], and Ashwagandha extract (Shoden®) at 120mg is recognized for its anxiolytic effects [46]. Magnolia bark extract (DHH-B) is a more novel inclusion, with some evidence pointing to anxiolytic effects as well [47]. However, confidence is a complex psychological construct, and while these ingredients may help lay a groundwork for mood stabilization, their direct contribution to self-assurance is not well-established in the scientific literature.

Overall: Across all blends, optional additions of Caffeine (100mg) and L-Theanine (200mg) are supported by a synergy known to enhance cognitive performance and attention while mitigating the stimulatory side effects of caffeine alone [48].

Whilst Thesis' blends incorporate scientifically researched ingredients, the interplay between them at the stipulated dosages within a real-world context needs more empirical backing. The dosages generally adhere to those examined in scientific studies, yet the bioavailability and individual user metabolism can cause variance in efficacy. The pursuit of nootropic excellence is a complex interplay between individual biology and the precise calibration of ingredient ratios. Thesis' approach appears to be scientifically inspired but isn't as robust as the approach followed by other brands.

Overall Results

Overall Verdict

Thesis Nootropics' suite of supplements presents an intricate approach to cognitive enhancement, with six distinct blends each designed to target specific mental functions. While the customizability of Thesis is commendable, allowing users to tailor their cognitive support to personal needs, the experience can be quite complex. The main issues with Thesis center around this complexity and the narrow specificity of each blend, which may not cater to the broader cognitive needs or the synergistic effects seen with more comprehensive formulas.

From an efficacy standpoint, the individual blends offer varying degrees of support for energy levels, motivation, mental clarity, and focus, as evidenced by clinical research. For instance, ingredients like Zynamite® and TeaCrine® in the Energy Blend are supported by research suggesting an increase in energy without the subsequent crash often associated with stimulants. However, the Clarity Blend's claims, like raising energy levels, are not as well-supported, given the absence of ingredients directly linked to energy production at clinically studied dosages.

The Creativity and Logic Blends provide partial support for motivation and focus, thanks to ingredients like Ashwagandha and Ginkgo Biloba, which have some backing in cognitive enhancement literature. Yet, in terms of clearing brain fog, most blends offer indirect support at best. The Motivation and Confidence Blends similarly offer indirect benefits for motivation and mental clarity but lack robust evidence for enhancing focus and energy levels.

In contrast, NooCube, our top rated nootropic, offers a more streamlined, comprehensive approach. NooCube is an all-in-one nootropic that provides a wider spectrum of cognitive benefits in a single, simple-to-use product. This approach bypasses the complexity and specificity of Thesis' offerings, delivering an impactful cognitive boost through a synergistic blend of ingredients.

NooCube includes components like Bacopa Monnieri, well-regarded for its memory-enhancing properties, and Huperzine A, known for its neuroprotective effects. These elements are bolstered by cognitive-enhancing antioxidants like Resveratrol and neuro-supportive amino acids such as L-theanine and L-tyrosine. The comprehensive nature of NooCube’s formula allows for the simultaneous support of multiple cognitive processes, including memory, focus, energy, and overall brain health.

The inclusive and synergistic formula of NooCube potentially offers several advantages over the segmented approach of Thesis. With NooCube, users can experience a significant improvement in various domains of cognitive function, such as enhanced memory recall and mental clarity, supported by its scientifically-backed ingredients. This makes NooCube an appealing option for those looking for an efficient and more impactful cognitive enhancement solution without the need to navigate through multiple products or to worry about combining the right blends for all-around cognitive support.

In summary, while Thesis Nootropics offers personalized pathways to cognitive enhancement, NooCube provides a broader, more straightforward nootropic experience. It stood out in our testing as a more comprehensive alternative, promising a more significant cognitive performance boost with the ease of a single, well-rounded supplement.

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