More men today are looking for ways to stay sharp, focused, and mentally strong—while also keeping their testosterone levels in check.
Testosterone plays a key role in mood, drive, memory, and clear thinking. When it dips, so can energy and motivation.
Thankfully, certain natural supplements, known as nootropics, may support both brain performance and hormone health.
In this guide, we’ll explore which nootropics are most effective, how they work, and what to keep in mind before adding them to your routine.
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are substances—either natural or synthetic—that support brain function. They’re often called “smart drugs,” but many are simply nutrients or herbs.
These natural cognitive enhancers may help improve memory, mental clarity, focus, and mood. Some stimulate brain activity, while others promote calm by balancing brain chemicals.
Others work by reducing inflammation or supporting the health of brain cells. Together, they offer a wide range of mental performance benefits with fewer risks than prescription drugs.
Nootropics and Natural Compounds That Support Both Cognition and Testosterone
Some natural nootropics can do double duty—enhancing mental sharpness while also supporting testosterone balance.
These compounds may help men feel more focused, energized, and emotionally balanced by influencing both brain activity and hormone levels.
Below, we highlight some of the most effective nootropics for boosting cognition and testosterone together.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a well-known herb in Ayurvedic medicine, often used to help the body manage stress and anxiety. You can explore Ashwagandha for stress and testosterone balance to see how it supports men’s health.
In one 2022 study, men with low sexual desire who took 600 mg of ashwagandha daily for 8 weeks reported improved well-being and higher testosterone levels compared to the placebo group.1
How Ashwagandha Works
✅ Lowers Cortisol: Acts as an adaptogen to reduce stress, promoting calm, mental clarity, and mood stability.
✅ Boosts Testosterone: Shown to increase testosterone in men, particularly under chronic stress.
✅ Enhances Brain Function: May improve memory and attention by reducing brain inflammation and oxidative stress.
✅ Improves Sleep Quality: Better rest supports recovery, hormone balance, and sharper thinking.
Ginseng
Ginseng is widely used for its potential to support brain performance. Research shows it may improve memory, focus, and overall mood—while also influencing testosterone levels.
In animal studies, Asian ginseng (and its active compound ginsenoside Rg1) increased testosterone and sexual activity in a dose-dependent way.
A human trial with 66 men found that Asian ginseng raised testosterone, LH, and FSH levels—effects not seen with American ginseng.2 These results suggest that Asian ginseng may be more effective for hormonal support.
How Ginseng Works
✅ Reduces Stress: Lowers cortisol, helping to improve focus, calmness, and emotional stability.
✅ Boosts Brain Function: Increases dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, supporting learning, memory, and motivation.
✅ Improves Energy: Enhances cellular energy production to reduce mental fatigue and support stamina.
✅ Supports Testosterone & Libido: May increase testosterone and improve circulation, benefiting both hormonal and cognitive health.
Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a traditional medicinal root from Southeast Asia, often used to support energy, libido, and stress relief. It has gained attention for its ability to influence both testosterone levels and mental clarity.
In a study of 63 moderately stressed adults, those who took Tongkat Ali for four weeks saw cortisol levels drop by 16% and testosterone levels rise by 37%. They also reported lower tension, anger, and confusion—signs of improved mood and hormonal balance.3
How does Tongkat Ali work?
✅ Boosts Testosterone: Stimulates natural testosterone production, especially in men with low levels or hormonal imbalances.
✅ Lowers Cortisol: Reduces stress hormones, helping to improve mood, focus, and emotional stability.
✅ Supports Brain Health: By balancing hormones, it enhances cognitive function and mental performance under stress.
✅ Promotes Hormonal Balance: Helps regulate estrogen-to-testosterone ratios, which plays a role in energy, libido, and brain clarity.
Fenugreek is a plant-based supplement commonly used in men's health formulas to support testosterone, libido, and mood.
In an 8-week study involving 49 active men, those who took 500 mg of fenugreek daily experienced a small rise in testosterone and notable gains in strength and body composition.4
Another 12-week trial found that 90% of men taking 500 mg of a protodioscin-rich fenugreek extract had up to a 46% increase in testosterone. Many also reported better energy, libido, and mood.5
How Fenugreek Works
✅ Boosts Testosterone: Contains compounds like furostanolic saponins that help raise free testosterone by blocking its conversion to estrogen.
✅ Enhances Vitality and Libido: Often used to support sexual health and overall energy in men.
✅ Regulates Blood Sugar: Helps stabilize glucose levels, promoting steady mental focus and physical stamina.
✅ May Improve Cognition: Some evidence suggests it supports memory and alertness, possibly due to its metabolic effects.
Safety, Dosage, and Responsible Use
Natural supplements like Ashwagandha, Tongkat Ali, Fenugreek, and Ginseng can offer real benefits—but they must be used thoughtfully. Proper dosing, awareness of side effects, and interaction risks are essential for safe, effective use.
Ashwagandha
Safety: Generally safe for up to 3 months. High doses may cause stomach upset, nausea, or—rarely—liver issues.
Interactions: Immunosuppressants, CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, antihypertensives, and antidiabetes drugs.
Dosage: 300–1000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks.
Ginseng (Panax)
Safety: Typically safe for up to 6 months. May cause insomnia. Rare side effects include rashes or allergic reactions.
Interactions: Caffeine, insulin, MAOIs, antidepressants, warfarin, stimulants, immunosuppressants.
Dosage: 200 mg to 3 grams daily for 8–12 weeks.
Tongkat Ali
Safety: Considered safe at 100–200 mg daily for up to 9 months. Choose reputable brands—some contain heavy metals or undeclared substances.
Interactions: Propranolol, testosterone therapy, medications metabolized by the liver.
Dosage: 100–200 mg daily. Speak with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Fenugreek
Safety: Generally well tolerated. May cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions.
Interactions: Anticoagulants, warfarin, clopidogrel, antidiabetics, theophylline, sildenafil, metoprolol, phenytoin.
Dosage: 5–10 grams of seed powder or 600–1200 mg of extract per day.
Tip: Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement—especially if you’re on medication or have a health condition.
What lifestyle factors affect testosterone and cognitive health?
Supplements can offer great support—but lasting results come from healthy daily routines. Building strong lifestyle habits for testosterone and brain health lays the groundwork for optimal hormone balance and mental performance.
Nutrition
A diet rich in protein, leafy greens, healthy fats, and key nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D supports both brain and hormone function. Limiting processed foods and alcohol can also make a big difference.
Resistance Training
Strength-based workouts—like lifting weights or bodyweight training—help increase testosterone. They also improve mood, focus, and blood flow to the brain, which supports cognitive clarity.
Quality Sleep
Deep, restful sleep is when the body repairs itself and produces testosterone. Aim for 7–9 hours per night to stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced.
Stress Management
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can suppress testosterone and cloud thinking. Practices like meditation, journalling, or daily walks in nature help calm the nervous system and support hormonal health.
Conclusion
For men aiming to stay sharp, energised, and hormonally balanced, certain nootropics can offer powerful support. Natural ingredients like Ashwagandha, Tongkat Ali, Fenugreek, and Ginseng have shown promise in enhancing brain function while supporting healthy testosterone levels.
But supplements alone aren’t the whole picture. Combining them with a healthy lifestyle—strong nutrition, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress control—is what creates long-term results.
Always listen to your body, and consult a healthcare provider before adding new supplements, especially if you’re managing a health condition or taking medications.
For men seeking a well-rounded solution, the CereFlex Labs AM/PM Protocol provides a research-based system for all-day support:
AM – Brain Morning Formula: Designed to enhance memory, mental performance, and blood flow for daytime focus and clarity.
PM – Cognitive Support Evening Formula: A calming blend that supports brain cell recovery, reduces oxidative stress, and helps you wind down at night.
Together, these formulas combine top-tier nootropics with essential nutrients to help you feel mentally sharp and hormonally supported—day and night.
