The New Straits Times, March 21, 1997
Q: My children have been taking locally manufactured 'memory enhancing' pills after it was recommended by a friend who is also a distributor.
The manufacturers claim that the pills are able to increase one's IQ as well as act as a 'mental energy' source. Recently I read of another (imported) product and I would like to try it. Can you please advise?
A: Drugs like the ones you have just described are generally called 'smart' drugs. The label is rather unfortunate because until today there is no hard scientific evidence to support claims like enhancing memory and also increasing intelligence or IQ.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as late as May 1992 has this to say about such products: 'No drugs or other products have been approved by FDA to improve memory or intelligence.' But it recognises that many people even in the US have been duped into using the product with just those aims in mind. Similarly no such product to date have been approved or endorsed officially in this country.
The term 'smart' drugs has been applied to a variety of other ingredients ranging from herbs to vitamins as well as amino acids like phenylalanine and alanine. It is at times disguised as nutrients like choline, which is derived from lecitihin.
Similarly modern drugs too have been implicated in such 'smart' claims since the 1950s and 60s, for example procaine, and anaesthetic product. And more recently vasopressin, a blood vessel constrictor; propranolol, a heart drug; and hydergine, a cerebral vasodilator. Caffeine, the active substance found in tea and coffee, has also be classified by some as a smart drug.
The word 'nootropics' - from Greek meaning 'acting on the mind' has also been used to covey similar meanings, that is, improve learning, memory consolidation and memory retrieval without acting on other parts of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
While there is a list of so-called 'nootropics' we are actually still far from producing products that would neatly fit into such a description. Other big sounding names often used interchangeably are 'cognitive enhancers' and 'cerebroactive agents' or even 'brain tonics'.
In any case, some proponents of smart drugs claim that the product acts by correcting diseases like epilepsy or dementia (senility) or generally 'waking up the brain'. In what way or how do these actually can contribute to improving memory and intelligence has not be thoroughly investigated or explained. There may have been some sparsely conducted study which may or may not stand up to vigorous scientific scrutiny.
As far as we know, in all these cases, there is still a lack of convincing evidence arising from proper scientific validation or well-controlled studies to substantiate the claims. Infact, a few years ago our investigation on some of the 'smart' products sold in the local market showed to contain no known active ingredients except for various common minerals in varying proportion.
As such, we would like to caution consumers on the use of the products, for the various reasons mentioned above as well as the following:
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The drugs often do not meet the necessary criteria for quality, safety and efficacy required in this country. This especially so if the products is not registered here. Look for the PBKD number on the packaging to verify if the product has been approved for registration.
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Since many of these products are easily available, there is risk that such drugs will be used without proper supervision from a qualified health professional especially for purposes for which there is no evidence that they are safe or effective.
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Even ordinary nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids can be toxic when taken in excessive amounts. Especially if there are fat-soluble, they tend to be retained and accumulate in the body.
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Be careful of products that are promoted directly to you based largely on persuasive advertisements and sales pitches by promoters of companies and organisations. Any superfluous claims printed on the box and leaflets should be verified with the relevant authorities. Some of the claims made, and hence the products, may be considered illegal.
If you have doubts and queries about such products and its registration, please contact the appropriate health authorities or call the National Poison Centre. If you would like to have more information about this place enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope (6x9inch) to The Director, The National Poison Centre, USM, 11800 Penang.
