Overview
Noopept, also known by its chemical name N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester and the identifier GVS-111 or omberacetam, is a synthetic dipeptide compound with a molecular weight of 318.4 g/mol. It belongs to the nootropic class of compounds and is structurally related to the racetam family, though it is considered distinct due to its unique mechanism and comparatively low effective concentrations in laboratory settings. Originally developed in Russia, Noopept has attracted considerable scientific attention for its potential neuroprotective properties and its interactions with cognitive pathways in preclinical models. Researchers have studied it in the context of memory, attention, and executive function, making it a subject of ongoing investigation in the broader field of cognitive neuroscience. Noopept is intended strictly for laboratory research purposes and is not approved for human consumption or therapeutic use.
Research & Bioactivity
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is a synthetic dipeptide compound that researchers have studied primarily in the context of cognitive function, neuroprotection, and nootropic activity. Studies have examined its physicochemical and structural properties as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, with research investigating its relationship to memory, attention, and executive function in the broader landscape of cognitive enhancement strategies. Animal model research has explored Noopept's effects on ocular, pancreatic, and renal tissue histopathology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models, suggesting areas of interest beyond cognition alone. In vitro and pharmacological studies have characterized its structural differences from classical racetam compounds, noting that despite being grouped within the nootropic family, its chemical architecture is notably distinct from related substances. Researchers have also examined Noopept within market surveillance contexts, as its appearance in illicit or unregulated nootropic products across Europe and Australia has prompted investigations into product authenticity, regulatory classification, and associated safety considerations.
Published Research
A Mini-Review on Unlocking Cognitive Enhancement: An Innovative Strategy for Optimal Brain Functions.
Vikal A, Maurya R, Patel BB, Patel P, Kumar M, et al. — 2025
Cognitive enhancement, aimed at improving or preserving memory, attention, and executive functions, has gained significant interest from both the scientific community and the public. This review explores various strategies for enhancing cognitive function, including natural compounds, synthetic enhancers, and behavioural approaches. Natural compounds like curcumin, , and are examined for their cognitive benefits, with ongoing research on their mechanisms and potential nanoformulation-based drug delivery. Synthetic enhancers such as Modafinil, Piracetam, Methylphenidate, and Noopept show promise in improving cognitive functions. Additionally, substances influencing brain metabolism, like Creatine and Coenzyme Q10, are discussed. Behavioural interventions, including sleep optimization, meditation, and physical exercise, are evaluated for their cognitive-enhancing effects. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, such as TMS and tDCS, along with innovative methods like whole-body vibration and brain-machine interfaces, are also explored. The review emphasizes the complex interplay of these strategies and the need for continued research to fully exploit their potential. By highlighting natural compounds, synthetic drugs, and behavioural approaches, the review advocates for a multifaceted approach to cognitive enhancement and calls for more detailed and longitudinal studies to understand their long-term benefits and mechanisms.
The Occurrence of Illicit Smart Drugs or Nootropics in Europe and Australia and Their Associated Dangers: Results from a Market Surveillance Study by 12 Official Medicines Control Laboratories.
Vanhee C, Deconinck E, George M, Hansen A, Hackl A, et al. — 2025
In recent years, an increasing number of case reports have mentioned the presence of illicit nootropics, smart drugs or mind doping products on the market. To better understand the extent of the problem, a market surveillance study was organised by the General European Official Medicines Control Laboratory Network and associated member Australia to detect substandard, falsified or illegal medicines or dietary supplements containing unauthorised nootropic molecules of natural or synthetic origin. From January 2020 to September 2024, 159 different samples were documented, which yielded a comprehensive dataset of 166 molecular identification entries. Within this dataset, 34 distinct molecules were identified. Most samples were sold or presented as dietary supplements (49%) or medicines (32%). The vast majority (69%) were collected from the illegal market. Prescription drugs and non-authorised drugs only available on prescription in Russia were found in pharmacological quantities; some of the latter (noopept, phenylpiracetam and phenibut) were intercepted as large bulk quantities of raw material. Unauthorised novel foods, prescription or higher amounts of melatonin, and clinically uncharacterised research molecules were also reported. This study highlights the need for more active monitoring and screening of such products, as consumption of some of the reported samples could have detrimental health effects. Furthermore, as a large number of the samples were presented as dietary supplements, consumers may not be aware of the possible dangers and side-effects of these products.
Physicochemical and structural analysis of N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester (Noopept) - An active pharmaceutical ingredient with nootropic activity.
Araj SK, Szeleszczuk Ł, Gubica T, Zielińska-Pisklak M, Bethanis K, et al. — 2025
N-Phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester (Noopept, GVS-111, omberacetam) is an orally available active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), with neuroprotective properties and ability to enhance cognitive function. It belongs to nootropic family of drugs and is included in the group of racetams, although its chemical structure is quite different than the other compounds from this group, including the most popular one - piracetam. The mechanism of action of this API is multifaced and is considered to be involving modulation of various neurotransmitter systems within the brain. Despite the significant amount of works devoted to the pharmacodynamics of Noopept, very little is known about its structural and physicochemical properties. Therefore, the aim of current study was to investigate this API in a very thorough way. In this work, the detailed physicochemical analysis of Noopept has been done using TGA/DSC, H and C liquid state NMR, C CP/MAS NMR, SEM, SCXRD, and PXRD. Additionally, quantum chemical DFT computations under periodic boundary conditions, using CASTEP, were conducted to facilitate the analysis of experimental results. Besides, we've performed a polymorphism screening of this molecule.
Characterization and prebiotic potential of polysaccharides from Rosa roxburghii Tratt pomace by ultrasound-assisted extraction.
Chen ZH, Yuan XH, Tu TT, Wang L, Mao YH, et al. — 2024
In this study, polysaccharides (RRTPs) were extracted from Rosa roxburghii Tratt pomace by hot water or ultrasound (US)-assisted extraction. The structural properties and potential prebiotic functions of RRTPs were investigated. Structural characterization was conducted through HPAEC, HPGPC, GC-MS, FT-IR and SEM. Chemical composition analysis revealed that RRTPs extracted by hot water (RRTP-HW) or US with shorter (RRTP-US-S) or longer duration (RRTP-US-L) all consisted of galacturonic acid, galactose, glucose, arabinose, rhamnose and glucuronic acid in various molar ratio. US extraction caused notable reduction in molecular weight of RRTPs but no significant changes in primary structures. Fecal fermentation showed RRTPs could reshape microbial composition toward a healthier balance, leading to a higher production of beneficial metabolites including total short-chain fatty acids, curcumin, noopept, spermidine, 3-feruloylquinic acid and citrulline. More beneficial shifts in bacterial population were observed in RRTP-HW group, while RRTP-US-S had stronger ability to stimulate bacterial short-chain fatty acids production. Additionally, metabolic profiles with the intervention of RRTP-HW, RRTP-US-S or RRTP-US-L were significantly different from each other. The results suggested RRTPs had potential prebiotic effects which could be modified by power US via molecular weight degradation.
Effects of noopept on ocular, pancreatic and renal histopathology in streptozotocin induced prepubertal diabetic rats.
Gurbuz P, Duzova H, Taslidere AC, Gul CC — 2023
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease at all ages including childhood and puberty. Failure to treat DM can cause retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Endocrine and metabolic changes during the pubertal period complicate management of DM. Noopept is a cognitive enhancer that exhibits antidiabetic properties. We investigated the effect of noopept on the histopathology of the cornea, retina, kidney and pancreas in pubertal diabetic rats. We allocated 60 prepubertal male rats randomly into six groups of 10: untreated control (C), DM control (DC), noopept control (NC), DM + noopept (D + N), DM + insulin (D + I) and DM + insulin + noopept (D + I + N). DM was induced by streptozotocin in the DC, D + N, D + I and D + I + N groups. Noopept was administered to the NC, D + N and D + I + N groups; insulin was administered to the D + I and D + I + N groups for 14 days. On day 18 of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and eyes, kidneys and pancreata were excised for histological investigation. Renal tubule diameter and corneal and retinal thickness were increased significantly in DC groups compared to the control group. The D + I, D + N and D + I + N groups exhibited fewer DM induced pathological changes than the DC group. The D + I + N group exhibited no significant differences in renal tubule diameter and corneal and retinal thickness compared to the DC group. Our findings suggest that noopept is protective against DM end organ complications in streptozotocin induced diabetic pubertal rats.