Reviews / Gorilla Mind Review 2026: High Doses,...

Gorilla Mind Review 2026: High Doses, Real Results?

My Store Admin July 27, 2026

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are independent and based on research and personal experience.

Gorilla Mind is a nootropic brand built around one idea: more is more. Created by Derek of the More Plates More Dates channel, it comes in two versions, Rush (stimulant-heavy) and Smooth (stimulant-free), and both use fully transparent labels with doses that are hard to ignore.

The question is whether high doses actually translate to better results, or whether some of those ingredients have issues that undercut the formula. This review breaks down exactly what you are getting, what the research says, and whether it is worth your money.

After testing both versions and digging through the clinical literature, Gorilla Mind Smooth stands out as the more interesting product. Rush is powerful but carries real risks that make it hard to recommend for most people.

Overall Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars

Quick Verdict: Gorilla Mind Smooth has some genuinely strong dosing on Alpha GPC and Bacopa, but the 750mg DMAE is a problem ingredient with thin evidence and real controversy. If you want a stimulant-free nootropic that is better researched and third-party tested, Mind Lab Pro is the cleaner, more trustworthy pick for most people.

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The most well researched, evidenced backed nootropic supplement to improve cognitive function.

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Pros

Fully transparent label with no proprietary blends
Alpha GPC dosed at 300mg (Smooth), 1,200mg (Rush) — both clinically relevant
Bacopa Monnieri at 300mg, at or above doses used in memory studies
Ginkgo Biloba at 240mg, the exact dose shown effective in clinical trials
Huperzine A at 200mcg, a well-studied acetylcholine protector
L-Tyrosine at 500mg, solid for stress-related cognitive support
Gorilla Mind Rush is one of the strongest stimulant nootropics on the market
Derek's channel provides detailed explanations of every ingredient choice

Cons

DMAE 750mg is controversial: research does not confirm it raises acetylcholine in the brain
No independent third-party certification (NSF, Informed Sport) for purity
Rush contains 400mg caffeine anhydrous plus DMHA, which is a high-risk combination
DMHA is banned by the FDA and has an unclear human safety profile
Rush is only 15 full servings per bottle at $49.99, making it expensive per use
Not suitable for anyone sensitive to stimulants, those on medications, or beginners
Some users report headaches, cholinergic pressure, and nausea with Smooth

What Is Gorilla Mind?

Gorilla Mind is a supplement brand founded by Derek, the creator of the More Plates More Dates YouTube channel. Derek built his reputation on evidence-based analysis of performance supplements, and Gorilla Mind was designed to reflect that: fully disclosed labels, no underdosed "fairy dusting."

The product line includes two nootropic capsule products: Gorilla Mind Rush, which is a high-stimulant formula aimed at intense focus and energy, and Gorilla Mind Smooth, which removes all stimulants and targets pure cognitive function.

Rush was originally discontinued and brought back in 2025 with a reformulated, larger-serving formula. Smooth has been updated several times and remains the brand's flagship daily-use nootropic.

Gorilla Mind Ingredients

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) — 750mg (Smooth)

DMAE is marketed as a choline precursor that raises acetylcholine in the brain. The research does not support this cleanly: animal studies found that DMAE raised choline in plasma and brain tissue but did not significantly change acetylcholine levels.

DMAE was sold as a prescription drug (Deaner) in the 1950s and 60s before being pulled from the market in 1983. There are no recent high-quality human clinical trials confirming cognitive benefit at 750mg, and the PMC comparative disposition study raises questions about how DMAE interacts with normal choline metabolism. [1]

Alpha GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) — 300mg (Smooth) / 1,200mg (Rush)

Alpha GPC is one of the most reliable cholinergic compounds in the nootropic space. A randomized, double-blind study found that both 315mg and 630mg of Alpha GPC significantly improved scores on the Stroop cognitive test 60 minutes after ingestion. [2]

Gorilla Mind Smooth's 300mg sits within the effective range studied. Rush's 1,200mg dose is extremely high and more likely to cause cholinergic side effects like headache and brain fog at that level.

Bacopa Monnieri — 300mg (Smooth)

Bacopa is one of the most studied memory herbs in the nootropic literature. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials confirmed Bacopa improved free recall of verbal memory compared to placebo, with the strongest effects appearing after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. [3]

The 300mg dose in Gorilla Mind Smooth is consistent with doses used in positive studies, though the label does not specify the bacosides standardization percentage, which matters for potency.

L-Theanine — 300mg (Smooth)

L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that promotes calm focus without sedation. A randomized placebo-controlled trial found that 200mg daily for 4 weeks significantly improved verbal fluency and executive function scores. [4]

Most research uses 100 to 200mg doses. Gorilla Mind Smooth provides 300mg, which is above studied doses but unlikely to cause harm and may extend the calming effect.

L-Tyrosine — 500mg (Smooth)

Tyrosine is the precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine. Its main proven use is preserving cognitive performance under stress: a review of military studies found consistent positive effects on cognitive function during demanding conditions including sleep deprivation and cold exposure. [5]

The 500mg in Gorilla Mind Smooth is a reasonable dose. Some effective study protocols used 2g or higher, so the benefit here may be modest rather than dramatic.

Ginkgo Biloba — 240mg (Smooth)

Ginkgo Biloba at 240mg per day is the dose that clinical trials consistently identify as effective for cognitive support. A systematic review found that EGb761 at 240mg per day stabilized cognitive decline and showed dose-dependent improvements in attention speed at 2.5 and 6 hours post-dose. [6]

This is one of the strongest dosing choices in the Smooth formula. Most competitors use 120mg or less, which is below the threshold where consistent benefits appear.

Huperzine A — 200mcg (Smooth)

Huperzine A blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, effectively prolonging acetylcholine activity in the brain. Phase IV clinical trials in China showed that Huperzine A significantly improved memory in elderly patients with benign senescent forgetfulness and Alzheimer's disease with minimal side effects. [7]

Because Huperzine A has a long half-life, daily cycling is recommended. Taking it every day without breaks can cause acetylcholine accumulation, leading to headaches and nausea.

Caffeine Anhydrous — 400mg (Rush)

400mg caffeine per serving is at the upper limit of what the FDA considers safe for daily consumption for healthy adults. Rush also contains DiCaffeine Malate on top of this base dose, pushing the total stimulant load even higher. [4]

Combined with DMHA, this stack creates a significant cardiovascular load. First-time users and anyone with blood pressure concerns should avoid Rush entirely.

DMHA (2-Aminoisoheptane) — Rush

DMHA is a stimulant similar in structure to DMAA. The FDA has issued warning letters about DMHA in supplements, and there is very limited human safety data for this compound.

Its inclusion in Gorilla Mind Rush is the biggest safety red flag in the entire product line.

DMHA is not a banned substance in all jurisdictions, but it is not approved as a dietary ingredient in the United States, and its long-term effects are unknown.

Gorilla Mind Price

Product	Size	Price	Servings	Cost Per Serving
Gorilla Mind Smooth	90 capsules	~$39	30	~$1.30
Gorilla Mind Rush	150 capsules	~$49.99	15 full / 30 half	~$3.33 full
Rush + Smooth Bundle	Both bottles	~$79	Combined	Varies
Mind Lab Pro	60 capsules	~$69	30	~$2.30

Gorilla Mind Smooth is one of the more affordable stimulant-free nootropics when measured by cost per serving. Rush looks cheaper at $49.99 but delivers only 15 full-dose servings, which brings the per-serving cost to over $3.

Gorilla Mind Benefits

Gorilla Mind Smooth is designed for sustained cognitive output: focus during long work sessions, memory encoding over time with Bacopa, and calm alertness from the L-Theanine and Ginkgo combination. It is not a fast-acting stimulant product.

Gorilla Mind Rush delivers immediate, intense stimulation. Users report feeling it within 20 to 30 minutes of dosing, with sharp focus and high energy output.

The tradeoff is the hard crash and cardiovascular stress that comes with the stimulant load.

Who Is Gorilla Mind For?

Gorilla Mind Smooth suits people who want a stimulant-free cognitive stack and are comfortable with DMAE in the formula despite limited evidence. It works best for those doing focused work over several hours, not acute performance spikes.

Gorilla Mind Rush is for experienced stimulant users who know their tolerance and want maximum intensity for training or short work blocks. It is not appropriate for beginners, anyone with heart or blood pressure issues, or those on any medications that interact with stimulants.

My Experience With Gorilla Mind

On Gorilla Mind Smooth, the effects are noticeable but subtle during the first week. The combination of Alpha GPC, L-Theanine, and Tyrosine creates a clean, low-pressure focus state that is well suited to reading and writing work.

By week three, with Bacopa building up, word retrieval and task-switching feel slightly easier. The main issue is a mild headache around day 10, which is consistent with the cholinergic load from combining Alpha GPC and Huperzine A daily without cycling.

Gorilla Mind Customer Reviews

On Amazon, Gorilla Mind Smooth averages around 4.0 to 4.2 stars across hundreds of reviews. Positive reviews frequently mention improved ability to sit down and focus without distraction, and several note it is the first nootropic where they felt something concrete.

Negative reviews cluster around two themes: users who felt nothing at all, and users who experienced headaches after 1 to 2 weeks of daily use. The headache complaints are consistent with overloading the cholinergic system, particularly for people already eating choline-rich diets.

On Reddit's r/nootropics, Gorilla Mind Smooth is regarded as one of the better-dosed cholinergic stacks available without a prescription. The main criticism from the community is the inclusion of DMAE, which experienced nootropic users generally consider a low-value ingredient compared to the other compounds in the formula.

Gorilla Mind Side Effects

The most reported side effects with Gorilla Mind Smooth are headache, mild nausea, and what some describe as "brain pressure." These are classic signs of excessive acetylcholine activity, driven by the combination of Alpha GPC, Huperzine A, and possibly DMAE.

Gorilla Mind Rush side effects are more severe and more predictable. At 400mg caffeine plus DMHA, users commonly report jitteriness, elevated heart rate, anxiety, and a noticeable crash 4 to 6 hours after dosing.

Anyone with cardiovascular sensitivity should not take Rush under any circumstances.

Alternatives to Gorilla Mind

Thesis

Thesis takes a completely different approach to nootropics: instead of a single formula, it sells personalized monthly blends matched to your cognitive goals.

Each of its six formulas (Focus, Clarity, Energy, Logic, Motivation, Confidence) targets one domain rather than trying to cover everything in one capsule.

In direct ingredient terms, Gorilla Mind Smooth provides Alpha GPC at 300mg versus Thesis Clarity which uses Alpha GPC alongside Lion's Mane and Zembrin.

Gorilla Mind provides Bacopa at 300mg; Thesis Logic includes Bacopa standardized to 45% bacosides with Triacetyluridine and Ginkgo Biloba.

Gorilla Mind's 240mg Ginkgo is matched or exceeded in Thesis Logic's blend, and Thesis does not include DMAE in any formula. Thesis also offers a caffeinated or caffeine-free version of every blend, giving far more flexibility than Gorilla Mind's fixed two-product structure.

Thesis costs $79 per month for the starter kit and $119 per month thereafter, compared to $39 per month for Gorilla Mind Smooth. The personalization and coaching call may justify the premium for users who have had poor results from one-size-fits-all nootropics.

Gorilla Mind wins on price but Thesis wins on formula transparency, third-party testing credibility, and the absence of controversial ingredients like DMAE.

Read my Thesis review for the full ingredient breakdown and my experience taking it.

NeuroQ

NeuroQ, formulated by Dr. Dale Bredesen and sold by LifeSeasons, targets memory and neuroprotection with a short, conservative ingredient list.

It focuses on a different strategy than Gorilla Mind: it avoids high-dose cholinergics entirely and instead combines Phosphatidylserine, Gotu Kola, Turmeric, and Ginkgo Biloba for a gentler, anti-inflammatory approach to brain health.

The dosing comparison is stark. Gorilla Mind Smooth delivers Ginkgo at 240mg, the proven clinical dose.

NeuroQ uses only 120mg of Ginkgo, below the 240mg threshold where most positive studies operate. NeuroQ provides Phosphatidylserine at 100mg, well below the 300mg daily dose used in studies showing memory benefits.

Gorilla Mind includes no Phosphatidylserine, but its Alpha GPC at 300mg and Huperzine A at 200mcg offer stronger cholinergic support than anything in the NeuroQ formula. NeuroQ does not contain DMAE, Tyrosine, or L-Theanine.

NeuroQ costs around $69.95 per bottle for 30 servings, making it more expensive than Gorilla Mind Smooth at roughly the same serving count. For someone who wants mild, low-stimulation cognitive support with an anti-inflammatory angle and no cholinergic side effect risk, NeuroQ is the safer choice.

For anyone willing to tolerate more complexity in exchange for a stronger nootropic effect, Gorilla Mind Smooth delivers considerably more active ingredients per dollar.

Read my NeuroQ review for the full ingredient breakdown and my experience taking it.

Neuro Gum

Neuro Gum is a fundamentally different product category: a chewing gum delivering caffeine and L-Theanine for fast-onset, portable cognitive support. It does not aim to be a comprehensive daily nootropic stack.

Its strength is speed and convenience, with effects felt in 5 to 10 minutes via buccal absorption through the lining of the mouth, faster than any capsule product.

Gorilla Mind Smooth provides L-Theanine at 300mg alongside Alpha GPC, Bacopa, Ginkgo, Huperzine A, and Tyrosine. Neuro Gum delivers 40mg caffeine and 60mg L-Theanine per piece, with nothing else.

Gorilla Mind Smooth's L-Theanine dose alone is five times higher per serving. Neuro Gum has no cholinergic support, no adaptogens, and no memory-specific compounds.

It is a focused caffeine plus L-Theanine delivery system, not a memory and neuroprotection stack.

Neuro Gum runs $0.25 to $0.46 per piece, and most people use 1 to 2 pieces per session, putting the daily cost well under $1. Gorilla Mind Smooth costs around $1.30 per day. If all you need is cleaner, calmer caffeine energy for a work session, Neuro Gum is dramatically simpler and cheaper.

If you want the broader nootropic stack covering memory, focus, and stress resilience, Gorilla Mind Smooth does things Neuro Gum cannot touch.

Read my Neuro Gum review for the full ingredient breakdown and my experience taking it.

Frequently Asked Gorilla Mind Questions

Is Gorilla Mind Smooth safe to take every day?

Most of the ingredients are safe for daily use.

Huperzine A is the exception: it has a long half-life and daily use without breaks can cause cholinergic overload. Cycling 5 days on, 2 days off is a common recommendation.

Can I take Gorilla Mind Rush and Smooth together?

No. The brands sells them as separate products for different purposes.

Combining them would create an excessive cholinergic and stimulant load and significantly increase side effect risk.

Does Gorilla Mind Smooth work without caffeine?

Yes.

The cognitive effects from Bacopa, Alpha GPC, Ginkgo, and Huperzine A are independent of stimulants. They build over weeks rather than providing the immediate kick caffeine gives.

Many users who are caffeine-sensitive or already drinking coffee find Smooth fits better into their daily routine.

Is DMHA legal?

DMHA occupies a legal grey area in the United States.

The FDA has issued warning letters to companies selling products with DMHA as an ingredient. It is not approved as a dietary ingredient.

Several athletic governing bodies ban it, so competitive athletes should avoid Gorilla Mind Rush entirely.

How long does Gorilla Mind Smooth take to work?

Alpha GPC and L-Theanine produce noticeable effects within 1 to 2 hours of dosing.

Bacopa and Ginkgo require 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use to deliver their full memory and neuroprotective benefits.

Does Gorilla Mind have third-party testing?

Gorilla Mind conducts some ingredient-level testing through Dyad Labs.

However, the products do not carry independent third-party certification marks like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport, which is the gold standard for athletes and people with zero tolerance for contamination risk.

Summary

Gorilla Mind Smooth is a well-dosed stimulant-free nootropic with several genuinely strong ingredient choices. The 240mg Ginkgo, 300mg Alpha GPC, 300mg Bacopa, and 200mcg Huperzine A are all clinically relevant and hit doses that the research supports.

The DMAE remains the formula's weakest point: 750mg of an ingredient without credible evidence for its core mechanism is hard to justify when the rest of the stack is this strong.

Gorilla Mind Rush is for a very specific user: experienced, high-tolerance, not drug-tested, and not sensitive to stimulants. Everyone else should stay with Smooth or look at something cleaner.

If you want the best-evidenced, third-party certified stimulant-free nootropic on the market, Mind Lab Pro remains the standard to beat.