The Big Brain Pills Formula Explained

Big Brain Pills is smööts' productivity and focus formula, made for anyone who wants steadier concentration through a demanding day, whether that is back-to-back meetings, studying or deep work. It combines a functional mushroom studied for memory support, an Ayurvedic herb studied for attention, an amino acid found in tea that is well studied alongside caffeine, an adaptogen studied for mental fatigue, a botanical with one of the longest histories in cognitive research, and a vitamin with an authorised role in normal psychological function. It is meant as daily support for focus, not a stimulant and not a treatment for any diagnosed cognitive condition.

60 vegan capsules per pot, 2 a day = a 30-day supply. Each capsule combines Lion's Mane, Bacopa, L-Theanine, Rhodiola, Ginkgo and Vitamin B12. Because this formula includes Vitamin B12, its amount is set against the EU's Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin B12, as set out in Annex XIII of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.^[1]

Lion's Mane in Big Brain Pills

Lion's Mane is the fruiting body or mycelium of Hericium erinaceus, an edible mushroom traditionally used in East Asian cooking and medicine. It contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which have been studied in the laboratory for their ability to stimulate nerve growth factor, a protein involved in the growth and maintenance of brain cells.

Human trials are still relatively new but growing. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining both a single dose and several weeks of daily Lion's Mane in young adults found improvements on certain reaction-time and executive-function tasks after chronic use, alongside reduced stress ratings, though acute single-dose effects on mood and stress were more limited.^[2] A separate double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study in healthy younger adults testing a standardised extract found improvements on a subset of cognition and mood measures following supplementation, while other measures showed no significant change.^[3]

The honest picture is that Lion's Mane research in healthy adults is still an emerging field: trial sizes are small (typically well under 100 participants), the exact extract and dose varies between studies, and not every cognitive measure tested has shown a benefit within the same trial. We are including it on the strength of a plausible mechanism and encouraging early human data, while being clear that larger, longer trials are still needed to confirm which specific benefits are most reliable.

Bacopa in Big Brain Pills

Bacopa monnieri, also called Brahmi, is a creeping herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, traditionally associated with memory and learning. Its active compounds, bacosides, have been studied for effects on how quickly the brain processes information.

A meta-analysis of nine randomised, placebo-controlled trials in 437 people, all using daily Bacopa for at least 12 weeks, found consistent improvements in speed of attention, including faster performance on standard cognitive speed tests, compared with placebo.^[4] A six-week, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 60 medical students found a standardised Bacopa extract significantly improved backwards digit span and logical memory test scores compared with placebo.^[5] In healthy adults over 55, a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial found 12 weeks of Bacopa improved a measure of learning rate and memory consolidation compared with placebo.^[6] A more recent randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that while a Bacopa extract did not outperform placebo on the specific cognitive tests used, it did significantly reduce stress and fatigue ratings over the study period.^[7]

Two honest points stand out here. First, Bacopa needs consistent use of 6 to 12 weeks or more before benefits reliably appear in trials; it is not a same-day effect. Second, which specific outcome improves (speed of processing, memory consolidation, or stress and fatigue rather than raw test scores) varies between trials, so we present it as a considered, evidence-based inclusion rather than a guarantee of any one specific effect.

L-Theanine in Big Brain Pills

L-Theanine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea leaves. On its own, its effects on cognition are modest, but it has been studied extensively for what it does in combination with caffeine, where the two appear to work together on attention.

A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial found that L-theanine combined with a moderate dose of caffeine significantly improved accuracy on a demanding attention-switching task and increased self-reported alertness compared with either placebo or caffeine alone.^[8] A separate randomised, placebo-controlled trial found the same combination improved both the speed and accuracy of attention-switching tasks and reduced susceptibility to distracting information.^[9] Using EEG recordings, a randomised, placebo-controlled study found L-theanine and caffeine together increased alpha-band brain activity associated with attention, alongside improved task performance.^[10] A systematic review and meta-analysis of acute trials on tea constituents concluded that L-theanine combined with caffeine produced more consistent benefits for attention and alertness than either ingredient alone.^[11] A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis of trials using L-theanine on its own found a dose-dependent effect on some measures of visual attention and reaction time, while describing the overall evidence as promising rather than conclusive.^[12]

The clearest, most consistent evidence for L-theanine is in combination with caffeine, over short (single-dose) timeframes, in relatively small trials. The evidence for L-theanine taken entirely alone is a genuinely newer and less settled area of research.

Rhodiola in Big Brain Pills

Rhodiola rosea, also called golden root, is a plant traditionally used in Scandinavian and Russian folk medicine as an adaptogen, taken to help the body cope with physical and mental stress.^[13] It is included here for its studied effects on mental fatigue during sustained effort.

A systematic review of 11 randomised controlled trials on Rhodiola for physical and mental fatigue found the overall evidence base was inconsistent, with some trials suggesting benefit and others showing no meaningful difference from placebo.^[14] A parallel-group, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in nursing students under shift-work stress found that a 42-day course of Rhodiola did not improve fatigue scores compared with placebo, and fatigue actually worsened slightly more in the Rhodiola group, a result the study authors said should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample.^[15]

We think it is important to be direct here rather than cherry-pick older, more favourable Rhodiola studies: the evidence for Rhodiola and mental fatigue is genuinely mixed, and at least one well-conducted trial found no benefit, or a slightly worse result, compared with placebo. We include Rhodiola on the strength of its long traditional use and some earlier positive trials, but we want this page to reflect that the picture is not uniformly positive.

Ginkgo in Big Brain Pills

Ginkgo biloba is an extract from one of the oldest living tree species, and it has one of the longest and largest research histories of any cognitive-support botanical, studied since the 1990s for effects on blood flow and antioxidant activity in the brain.^[16]

The evidence splits clearly by population. In people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found Ginkgo biloba produced modest but measurable improvements in cognitive test scores compared with placebo.^[17] In healthy people without cognitive impairment, the picture is different: a meta-analysis pooling randomised trials on memory, executive function and attention found no significant cognitive-enhancing effect of Ginkgo biloba compared with placebo in this population.^[18] That said, single-dose studies have shown some short-term effects: a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in healthy young adults found a single dose of Ginkgo improved secondary memory task performance a few hours after dosing.^[19] A 2025 network meta-analysis comparing multiple natural extracts for cognitive function in healthy adults found Ginkgo combinations performed better than Ginkgo alone on several cognitive domains.^[20]

We want to state this plainly: the best-quality evidence suggests Ginkgo alone does not reliably enhance cognition in healthy adults over the longer term, even though it has shown benefit in people with diagnosed cognitive impairment and in some short, single-dose studies. We include a modest amount as part of a wider formula rather than presenting it as a strong, stand-alone cognitive enhancer for healthy users.

Vitamin B12 in Big Brain Pills

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient needed to make red blood cells and maintain the nervous system. Under authorised EU health claims, vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function, contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.^[21][22]

The clearest human evidence for cognitive benefit comes from people with raised homocysteine, a marker linked to brain ageing. A randomised controlled trial in people with mild cognitive impairment found two years of high-dose B vitamins, including B12, significantly slowed the rate of brain shrinkage compared with placebo, particularly in those with higher starting homocysteine levels.^[23] A follow-up analysis from the same trial found improved cognitive outcomes in the sub-group with high baseline homocysteine.^[24] A randomised, placebo-controlled trial in older adults with diabetes and borderline-low B12 levels found B12 supplementation over two years helped prevent further cognitive decline compared with placebo.^[25] However, a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression across 16 randomised trials and over 6,000 participants concluded that in people who are not clearly deficient, the evidence that B12 supplementation improves cognitive function, mood or fatigue is uncertain.^[26]

The honest summary: B12 has clear, well-established benefits for people who are deficient or borderline-low, and a supporting role in normal nervous system and psychological function for everyone. What the evidence does not show is a reliable cognitive boost from extra B12 in someone who already has adequate levels, so we include it as foundational nervous-system support alongside the other ingredients rather than as the formula's main "focus" driver.

How to take

Take 2 capsules a day with water, in the morning or before a period of focused work. One pot lasts 30 days. Several ingredients in this formula (Bacopa in particular) build their effect with consistent daily use over 6 to 12 weeks, so give the formula time rather than judging it after a single day.

Ingredients and nutritional information

Each pack contains: 60 capsules · 30 days

Serving: 2 capsules in the morning, with breakfast.

Active ingredients: Lion's Mane mushroom extract, Bacopa monnieri extract, L-Theanine, Rhodiola rosea extract, Ginkgo biloba extract, Vitamin B12.

*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. † No NRV established.

Cautions and allergen advice

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Speak to your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as Lion's Mane, Bacopa, Rhodiola and Ginkgo have not been adequately studied at supplement doses in these groups.
• Medications: Ginkgo has a mild blood-thinning effect and should not be combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication (such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel) without medical advice, and should be stopped before planned surgery. Rhodiola may interact with antidepressants, including MAOIs and SSRIs, due to its effect on serotonin and dopamine pathways. Bacopa may increase the effect of thyroid medication and sedatives.
• Children: Not intended for anyone under 18.
• Medical conditions: Avoid Lion's Mane if you have a known mushroom allergy. Use Rhodiola with caution if you have bipolar disorder, as adaptogenic herbs have occasionally been linked to overstimulation in sensitive individuals. Speak to your doctor before use if you have a bleeding disorder, a thyroid condition, or are due to have surgery.
• Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Allergen advice

Big Brain Pills is formulated without any of the 14 EU-listed allergens as intentional ingredients: Lion's Mane, Bacopa, L-Theanine, Rhodiola, Ginkgo and Vitamin B12 are all mushroom, plant or vitamin-derived, and the capsule shell is vegan. Mushroom is not one of the 14 EU-listed allergens, but anyone with a known mushroom allergy should avoid Lion's Mane, as noted in the medical conditions caution above.

Big Brain Pills is produced in a facility that also handles other food supplement ingredients and follows standard allergen control procedures to minimise the risk of cross-contact. Always read the label before use, particularly if you have a diagnosed food allergy or intolerance.

References

1. European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2011). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex XIII: Reference intakes. Official Journal of the European Union. eur-lex.europa.eu
2. Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 20;15(22). doi:10.3390/nu15224842
3. Surendran G, Saye J, Binti Mohd Jalil S, et al. Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane mushroom) on cognition and mood in healthy younger adults. Front Nutr. 2025 Apr 10;12:1405796. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1405796
4. Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-35. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008
5. Kumar N, Abichandani LG, Thawani V, Gharpure KJ, Naidu MU, Venkat Ramana G. Efficacy of Standardized Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six-Week, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:4103423. doi:10.1155/2016/4103423
6. Morgan A, Stevens J. Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jul;16(7):753-9. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0342
7. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. The Effects of a Bacopa monnieri Extract (Bacumen®) on Cognition, Stress, and Fatigue in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Clin Drug Investig. 2025 Dec;45(12):967-982. doi:10.1007/s40261-025-01492-1
8. Giesbrecht T, Rycroft JA, Rowson MJ, De Bruin EA. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutr Neurosci. 2010 Dec;13(6):283-90. doi:10.1179/147683010X12611460764840
9. Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. doi:10.1179/147683008X301513
10. Kelly SP, Gomez-Ramirez M, Montesi JL, Foxe JJ. L-theanine and caffeine in combination affect human cognition as evidenced by oscillatory alpha-band activity and attention task performance. J Nutr. 2008 Aug;138(8):1572S-1577S. doi:10.1093/jn/138.8.1572S
11. Camfield DA, Stough C, Farrimond J, Scholey AB. Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2014 Aug;72(8):507-22. doi:10.1111/nure.12120
12. Mátyus RO, Szikora Z, Bodó D, Vargáné Szabó B, Csupor É, Csupor D, Tóth B. Promising, but Not Completely Conclusive-The Effect of l-Theanine on Cognitive Performance Based on the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials. J Clin Med. 2025 Oct 30;14(21). doi:10.3390/jcm14217710
13. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Rhodiola. National Institutes of Health. nccih.nih.gov
14. Ishaque S, Shamseer L, Bukutu C, Vohra S. Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 May 29;12:70. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-70
15. Punja S, Shamseer L, Olson K, Vohra S. Rhodiola rosea for mental and physical fatigue in nursing students: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2014;9(9):e108416. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0108416
16. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Ginkgo. National Institutes of Health. nccih.nih.gov
17. Yang G, Wang Y, Sun J, Zhang K, Liu J. Ginkgo Biloba for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Top Med Chem. 2016;16(5):520-8. doi:10.2174/1568026615666150813143520
18. Laws KR, Sweetnam H, Kondel TK. Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2012 Nov;27(6):527-33. doi:10.1002/hup.2259
19. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults. Physiol Behav. 2002 Apr 15;75(5):739-51. doi:10.1016/s0031-9384(02)00665-0
20. Wang ZY, Deng YL, Zhou TY, Liu Y, Cao Y. Effects of natural extracts in cognitive function of healthy adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2025 Mar 27;16:1573034. doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1573034
21. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B12 and contribution to normal neurological and psychological function, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and normal functioning of the nervous system, among others, pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1756. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1756
22. Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Vitamin B12: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health. ods.od.nih.gov
23. Smith AD, Smith SM, de Jager CA, et al. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment. PLoS One. 2010 Sep 8;5(9):e12244. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012244
24. de Jager CA, Oulhaj A, Jacoby R, Refsum H, Smith AD. Cognitive and clinical outcomes of homocysteine-lowering B-vitamin treatment in mild cognitive impairment. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2012 Jun;27(6):592-600. doi:10.1002/gps.2758
25. Kwok T, Lee J, Ma RC, Wong SY, Kung K, Lam A, Ho CS, Lee V, Harrison J, Lam L. A randomized placebo controlled trial of vitamin B12 supplementation to prevent cognitive decline in older diabetic people with borderline low serum vitamin B12. Clin Nutr. 2017 Dec;36(6):1509-1515. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2016.10.018
26. Markun S, Gravestock I, Jäger L, Rosemann T, Pichierri G, Burgstaller JM. Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 12;13(3). doi:10.3390/nu13030923