Who doesn’t want to be smarter, sharper and more focused and creative?

Nootropics (pronouncednew-traw-picks) promise all of this and more.

But do OTC nootropics work?

a hand holding a pill with an illustration of a brain in the background

Getty Images / JESPER KLAUSEN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / ViewStock

The research says: not so much.

And even that was mostly among sleep-deprived people.

There are also safety concerns.

One ginkgo biloba brand got a slap on the wrist for touting its ability to improve memory.

And a purveyor of colostrum supplements got called out for its Alzheimer’s prevention claims.

As for prescription nootropics?

“I’d hate to see people think they will benefit them in any meaningful way.”

Next time you’re looking for a brain boost?

Her advice: Try a strong cup of coffee.