A science-based nootropic stack to improve focus and motivation while supporting memory function without causing energy crashes or excessive stimulation.
Who it’s for: Professionals, students, and creators who need improved mental clarity, enhanced memory function, and sustained motivation while safeguarding their brain health.
Results You Can Expect (2–6 Weeks)
- Sharper focus and mental clarity
- Enhanced motivation and verbal fluency
- Improved memory retention and process new knowledge at a faster rate.
- Balanced energy levels, which will remain steady without causing anxiety or irritability.
TL;DR: At-a-Glance Stack (Daily)
Basic (Low-Cost Starter)
- L-Theanine 100–200 mg + Caffeine 50–100 mg (AM)
- Creatine Monohydrate 3–5 g (AM)
- Omega-3 (DHA-focused) 500–1,000 mg DHA (with food)
Core (Everyday Cognitive Support)
- Citicoline (CDP-Choline) 250–300 mg (AM)
- L-Tyrosine 300–600 mg (AM, empty stomach)
- Sabroxy® (Oroxylum indicum extract) 100–200 mg (AM)
- Bacopa monnieri (≥50% bacosides) 300 mg (PM, with food)
- L-Theanine 200 mg + Caffeine 50–100 mg (AM)
- Creatine 5 g (AM)
- Omega-3 (DHA) 1,000 mg (with food)
Advanced (Neuroplasticity & Motivation)
- Citicoline 300–500 mg (AM)
- Sabroxy 100–200 mg (AM)
- Rhodiola rosea (3% rosavins/1% salidroside) 100–200 mg (AM)
- Lion’s Mane (fruiting-body, NGF-standardized) 500–1,000 mg, 2×/day
- Bacopa 300 mg (PM, with food)
- Magnesium L-Threonate 1.5–2 g (evening)
- Creatine Monohydrate 5 g (AM)
- Omega-3 DHA 1,000 mg (with food)
- Optional: Saffron 28–30 mg (for mood & stress)
Stim-Free Version: Keep Theanine 200 mg + Sabroxy 100 mg AM. Drop caffeine, add Rhodiola 150 mg for smooth alertness.
What is Sabroxy?
The natural compound Oroxylin A from Oroxylum indicum extract in Sabroxy® demonstrates preclinical evidence for its ability to boost dopamine signaling, BDNF expression, and synaptic plasticity. It is an excellent addition to any nootropic stack.
Preclinical studies show that Oroxylin A can upregulate BDNF expression and synaptic plasticity via A2A receptor activation (Jeon et al., 2013).
Preclinical research has shown that Oroxylin A, the active compound in Oroxylum indicum extract (Sabroxy®), enhances dopamine signaling and attention performance by inhibiting dopamine reuptake and improving cognitive behaviors in animal models (Yoon et al., 2013).
- Motivation & Drive: The dopamine system support in Sabroxy provides sustained motivation and drive for maintaining focus and wanting to perform tasks.
- Working Memory: Enhances memory function and enables users to maintain their focus on tasks.
- Synergy: The combination of Sabroxy with Citicoline, Tyrosine, and Theanine + Caffeine produces a clean mental state with motivation.
- Typical Use: The recommended dosage of Sabroxy ranges from 100 to 500 milligrams, which should be taken in the morning with or without food. The effects of Sabroxy become noticeable after 1 to 2 weeks of regular use.
People who take Sabroxy report feeling mentally clear and driven, which makes it suitable for tasks that require deep work, learning, and verbal fluency. Learn about the science behind Sabroxy®
Timing & Stacking Guide
Morning (within 30 min of waking)
- Citicoline, L-Tyrosine, Sabroxy, Theanine + Caffeine, Creatine, Rhodiola (optional)
Midday (optional)
- Second coffee (100 mg caffeine) + Theanine 200 mg
Evening
- Bacopa with dinner
- Magnesium L-Threonate 1–2 hours before bed
- Lion’s Mane second dose (if used)
Quick Science Summary
| Ingredient | Core Mechanism | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sabroxy | Enhances dopamine signaling & BDNF | Motivation, alert mood |
| Citicoline | Boosts acetylcholine & phospholipids | Attention, working memory |
| L-Tyrosine | Catecholamine precursor | Stress resilience, multitasking |
| Theanine + Caffeine | Balances stimulation | Smooth focus, no jitters |
| Creatine | Cellular ATP recycling | Cognitive stamina |
| Bacopa | Increases synaptic efficiency | Memory consolidation |
| Rhodiola | Adaptogenic fatigue reducer | Mental endurance |
| Lion’s Mane | Promotes NGF | Long-term neuroplasticity |
| Omega-3 (DHA) | Structural brain fat | Long-term cognitive health |
| Mag L-Threonate | Supports brain Mg²⁺ | Sleep, calm recovery |
Dosing & Cycling
- Sabroxy: 100–500 mg AM (1 month on / 1 week off optional)
- Citicoline: 250–500 mg AM
- Tyrosine: 300–1,000 mg AM; split if high dose
- Theanine: 100–200 mg per 50–100 mg caffeine
- Creatine: 3–5 g daily, no cycling
- Bacopa: 300 mg PM with food, long-term use (8–12 weeks)
- Rhodiola: 100–200 mg AM, 5 days on / 2 off
- Lion’s Mane: 500–1,000 mg 2×/day
- Mag L-Threonate: 1.5–2 g evening
- Omega-3 (DHA): 500–1,000 mg daily
Suggested Mini-Stacks
- Motivation & Focus (AM)
Sabroxy 100 mg + Citicoline 300 mg + L-Theanine 200 mg + Caffeine 100 mg - Deep-Work Day (Stim-Light)
Sabroxy 100 mg + Rhodiola 150 mg + Creatine 5 g + DHA 1,000 mg - Memory & Learning Cycle (PM)
Bacopa 300 mg + Lion’s Mane 1 g + Mag L-Threonate 2 g
Safety & Interactions
- Sabroxy: Avoid combining with other strong dopaminergics (L-Dopa, Selegiline).
- Rhodiola / Tyrosine: Use caution with stimulants or thyroid medication.
- Bacopa, DHA, Saffron: May potentiate SSRIs or blood thinners.
- Always start low, add one supplement at a time, and consult your healthcare professional if on medication or pregnant/nursing.
Recommended Nootropic Stack Products
| Supplement | Top Pick | Key Specs | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabroxy® (Oroxylum indicum extract) | Nootropics Depot Sabroxy Capsules – 100 mg, 60 count | Standardized Oroxylin A extract, 100 mg per cap | Clinically standardized; clean motivation and dopamine support without stimulation. |
| Citicoline (CDP-Choline) | Jarrow Formulas Citicoline 250 mg, 60 Caps | 250 mg Cognizin® Citicoline, 60 servings, non-GMO, gluten-free | Enhances memory and focus; pairs perfectly with Sabroxy. |
| L-Tyrosine | NOW Foods L-Tyrosine 500 mg, 120 Capsules | 500 mg per capsule, 120 servings | Amino acid precursor to dopamine & norepinephrine; improves focus and stress resilience. |
| L-Theanine + Caffeine | Natural Stacks Smart Caffeine | Balanced ratio; 60 servings | Open-source, clean-label nootropic that delivers calm, focused energy with no crash — ideal for motivation and balanced alertness |
| (Budget Option) | Vitamatic L-Theanine 200mg + Caffeine 100mg | 100 mg Caffeine + 200 mg L-Theanine (2:1 ratio) | Solid low-cost alternative providing the same synergy for sustained focus and mood balance. |
| Bacopa monnieri | Himalaya Organic Bacopa, 60 caps | 300 mg extract ≥50% bacosides | Supports memory formation and long-term brain health. |
| Lion’s Mane Mushroom | FreshCap Lion’s Mane Capsules, Fruiting Body Extract | 8:1 fruiting body extract, lab verified | Stimulates NGF and synaptic growth; pairs with Bacopa for memory support. |
| Rhodiola rosea | Gaia Herbs Rhodiola Rosea, 60 caps | 3% rosavins / 1% salidroside | Boosts endurance and mental stamina under stress. |
| Omega-3 DHA | Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, 60 softgels | 60 softgels 650 mg DHA + 450 mg EPA | Supports neuron structure and long-term brain performance. |
| Magnesium L-Threonate | Magtein® Life Extension Neuro-Mag, 90 caps | 2,000 mg Magtein® blend | Promotes calm, restorative sleep and cognitive clarity. |
| Creatine Monohydrate | Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder, 5g per serving | 99.9% pure Creapure® micronized creatine, 5g per scoop | Supports ATP production for brain and muscle energy; excellent mental stamina support. |
Buy Together: Smart Nootropic Stack Combos
Build your own routine or start simple with these tested pairings for focus, memory, and long-term brain support.
| Stack Name | Includes | When to Use | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Focus Stack | Sabroxy®, Citicoline, Theanine + Caffeine | Morning or early work hours | Combines dopamine and acetylcholine support for clean motivation and mental clarity without overstimulation. |
| Memory & Neuroplasticity Stack | Bacopa, Lion’s Mane, Omega-3 DHA | Afternoon or evening | Supports memory formation, synaptic growth, and long-term brain cell resilience. |
| Stress & Stamina Stack | Rhodiola Rosea, L-Tyrosine, Creatine Monohydrate | High-pressure days or mental fatigue | Adaptogenic and energy-enhancing combo for sustained performance and stress recovery. |
| Recovery & Sleep Support Stack | Magnesium L-Threonate, Lion’s Mane, Omega-3 DHA | Evening | Enhances restorative sleep, neurorepair, and overnight memory consolidation. |
Pro Tip: Start with one morning and one evening stack for 2–3 weeks. Add new ingredients one at a time and track focus, motivation, and sleep quality.
Nootropic Stack Further Research
Sabroxy® (Oroxylum indicum extract)
- Jeon, S. J., Kim, B., Lee, J. S., Park, S. H., Lee, J. H., Song, M. K., Ryu, J. H. (2013). Oroxylin A induces BDNF expression on cortical neurons through adenosine A2A receptor activation. Neuroscience Letters, 555, 7–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2013.09.004 (PMC3792198)
- Yoon, S. Y., dela Peña, I., Kim, S. M., Woo, T. S., Shin, C. Y., Son, K. H., Park, H., Lee, Y. S., Ryu, J. H., Jin, M., Kim, K. M., & Cheong, J. H. (2013). Oroxylin A improves attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like behaviors and inhibits dopamine reuptake in vitro. Archives of Pharmacal Research, 36(1), 134–140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-013-0009-6
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
- Cognizin® Clinical Research Portal. Cognizin® Citicoline: Scientific Studies and Brain Health Benefits. https://cognizin.com/science
- Examine.com. Citicoline – Evidence-based supplement overview. https://examine.com/supplements/citicoline/
L-Tyrosine
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). PubChem Compound Summary for L-Tyrosine (CID 6057). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-Tyrosine
- Examine.com. L-Tyrosine – Benefits, dosing, and mechanisms. https://examine.com/supplements/tyrosine/
L-Theanine + Caffeine
- Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2008). The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biological Psychology, 77(2), 113–122. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6836118/
- Examine.com. Theanine – Overview and human study data. https://examine.com/supplements/theanine/
Creatine Monohydrate
- Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH. Creatine – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Creatine-HealthProfessional/
- Rae, C., Digney, A. L., McEwan, S. R., & Bates, T. C. (2003). Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 270(1529), 2147–2150. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14561278/
Bacopa monnieri
- Stough, C., Lloyd, J., Clarke, J., Downey, L. A., Hutchison, C. W., Rodgers, T., & Nathan, P. J. (2001). Chronic effects of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) on human memory. Psychopharmacology, 156(4), 481–484. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11813256/
- Examine.com. Bacopa monnieri – Summary of human research. https://examine.com/supplements/bacopa-monnieri/
Rhodiola rosea
- Darbinyan, V., Kteyan, A., Panossian, A., Gabrielian, E., Wikman, G., & Wagner, H. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress-induced fatigue—a double-blind crossover study. Phytomedicine, 7(5), 365–371. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10839209/
- Examine.com. Rhodiola rosea – Evidence summary and dosing guide. https://examine.com/supplements/rhodiola-rosea/
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake) on mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19789225/
- Examine.com. Lion’s Mane Mushroom – Evidence-based review. https://examine.com/supplements/lions-mane-mushroom/
Omega-3 (DHA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
- Gómez-Pinilla, F. (2008). Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(7), 568–578. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2805706/
Magnesium L-Threonate
- Slutsky, I., Abumaria, N., Wu, L. J., Huang, C., Zhang, L., Li, B., Zhao, X., Govindarajan, A., Zhao, M.-G., Zhuo, M., Tonegawa, S., & Liu, G. (2010). Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium. Neuron, 65(2), 165–177. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20145664/
- Life Extension. Neuro-Mag® (Magtein®) Product Science Summary. https://www.lifeextension.com/vitamins-supplements/item01603/neuro-mag-magnesium-l-threonate
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Medical Disclaimer: The information presented serves educational purposes but should not substitute professional medical guidance or therapeutic interventions. Consult your healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine.
