On the more artifical side, caffeine has some small link to improved performance in tests, but this is often reversed by tolerance due to regular use (In fact regular coffee drinkers appear to perform worse!). Ciggerettes, being more closely tied to the memory system, Acetylcholine, in fact do give short term (half an hour) boosts in memory recall. Similarly the mild stimulant, betel nut improves memory recall.

For a more natural modulation of this receptor, one can supplement with DMAE, the pre-cursor, which has been positively linked to wakefulness, focus and such, and is a potential treatment for ADHD.

Now, if your studying, no doubt the stress will get to you, and if your aim is motivation and focus, that could carry you too far. Thats where adaptogens come in. They are capable of both decreasing stress, while allowing for motivation. They are sort of non-stimulant, stimulants. Ginseng, and Gotu Kola are the ones people may have heard of, but the one everyone is now raving about is Rhodiola rosea. This one is almost stimulant, giving focus and motivation but lowering stress. Very popular. Theanine, isn’t an adaptogen at all, but it is a mild gaba type drug (anti stress). Its found in tea along with caffeine, and by itself as a supplement is an ideal “smoothing” agent along with the other more wakeful options. (So if you are using rhodiola, dl-phen, and DMAE, some theanine could help you smooth it out)

Sulbutiamine is worth a mention, as it increases memory. And the Indian herb “Bramhi” is both an adaptogen, and has proven memory increasing effects. Theres still alot we have to learn about Indian herbal medicine, but that bramhi is one worth checking out! (Good effects of memory, yet calming if anything)

Using what is here, you should be able to significantly boost your focus, drive, memory and cognition. You’ll be able to get most stuff from the health food store, some just from the chemist, and what you can’t, you can get from the net.

I hope that helps someone! (God, I’m glad I’m not a student anymore!)