A Standardized Single Dose of the Nootropic CILTEP® Has No Effect on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Elderly Participants

Abstract Nootropics, often referred to as “smart drugs,” are substances purported to enhance cognitive functions, particularly executive functions and memory, in healthy individuals. While primarily used by younger adults, there is growing interest in the potential of nootropics to benefit elderly, particularly in the prevention and management of cognitive decline associated with aging. This study aimed to investigate the acute cognitive enhancing effects of a single standardized dose of the dietary nootropic stack CILTEP® (Neurofuel™) in healthy elderly participants. We evaluated the cognitive benefits of a single dose of CILTEP® in 33 healthy elderly participants using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way cross-over design. To assess various cognitive domains, a comprehensive test battery was employed which included tasks measuring memory performance, attention, and sensorimotor speed. The tests administered were the Verbal Learning Test, the Spatial Pattern Separation Task, the Digit Symbol Substitution Task, the Trail Making Test, the n-Back test, the Simple and Choice Reaction Time Task, and the Stroop Color-Word Task. No relevant effects attributable to acute CILTEP® treatment were observed on any cognitive measures, event-related-potentials (ERPs), or vital functions such as blood pressure and heart rate. The lack of significant cognitive enhancement in healthy elderly participants may suggest that a single acute dosing of CILTEP® is insufficient to exert measurable effects. Further studies are required to explore long-term effects, optimal dosing, and overall efficacy of the nootropic.