Protocol stack
Cognitive Enhancement Protocol — Beginner
This protocol is designed for individuals new to cognitive peptides who want to begin with well-characterised, lower-risk compounds. Selank addresses the anxiety-cognition connection — reducing stress-related cognitive impairment while enhancing BDNF expression. NMN restores NAD+ levels that decline with age and underpin mitochondrial energy production in neurons. Lion's Mane mushroom provides the supplement foundation, directly promoting NGF synthesis for long-term neural support.
What's in this stack
NMN
500 mg · Once daily
Timing: Morning, before food
Begin here in week 1. Available without prescription at Australian supplement retailers and pharmacies. Start at 500mg for the first 4 weeks; increase to 1000mg if well tolerated.
Lion's Mane mushroom (full-spectrum extract)
500–1000 mg · Once daily
Timing: Morning with food
Start in week 1 alongside NMN. Look for dual-extraction products standardised to beta-glucan content. Effects on NGF synthesis are cumulative — expect 4–8 weeks before peak benefit. Available OTC in Australia.
Bacopa Monnieri (standardised to 45% bacosides)
300 mg · Once daily
Timing: With largest meal — fat enhances absorption
Add in week 2. Bacopa requires 8–12 weeks of consistent use for memory consolidation benefits. Mild GI discomfort common initially — take with food. Available OTC in Australia.
Selank
Prescription required250–500 mcg · Once daily
Timing: Morning — intranasal spray or subcutaneous injection
Add in week 3. Prescription required — access via telehealth consultation with an AHPRA-registered practitioner. Begin at 250 mcg for the first week. Cycle: 2–4 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off. Noticeable anxiolytic effect often felt within the first few doses.
Magnesium L-Threonate
145 mg elemental magnesium · Once nightly
Timing: 30–60 minutes before sleep
The only form of magnesium that crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently. Supports sleep quality and synaptic density — both critical for cognitive consolidation. Andrew Huberman's primary sleep supplement. Available OTC in Australia.
Step-by-step guide
NMN — 500 mg Once daily
Morning, before food
Begin here in week 1. Available without prescription at Australian supplement retailers and pharmacies. Start at 500mg for the first 4 weeks; increase to 1000mg if well tolerated.
Lion's Mane mushroom (full-spectrum extract) — 500–1000 mg Once daily
Morning with food
Start in week 1 alongside NMN. Look for dual-extraction products standardised to beta-glucan content. Effects on NGF synthesis are cumulative — expect 4–8 weeks before peak benefit. Available OTC in Australia.
Bacopa Monnieri (standardised to 45% bacosides) — 300 mg Once daily
With largest meal — fat enhances absorption
Add in week 2. Bacopa requires 8–12 weeks of consistent use for memory consolidation benefits. Mild GI discomfort common initially — take with food. Available OTC in Australia.
Selank — 250–500 mcg Once daily
Prescription requiredMorning — intranasal spray or subcutaneous injection
Add in week 3. Prescription required — access via telehealth consultation with an AHPRA-registered practitioner. Begin at 250 mcg for the first week. Cycle: 2–4 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off. Noticeable anxiolytic effect often felt within the first few doses.
Magnesium L-Threonate — 145 mg elemental magnesium Once nightly
30–60 minutes before sleep
The only form of magnesium that crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently. Supports sleep quality and synaptic density — both critical for cognitive consolidation. Andrew Huberman's primary sleep supplement. Available OTC in Australia.
Free tool
Your protocol timeline
See your titration schedule, expected results, and blood work dates mapped to real calendar dates.
Protocol starts
16 Apr 2026Begin nootropic stack. Start sleep optimisation protocol. Establish cognitive performance baseline.
Week 0 · StartAdaptation
23 Apr 2026Initial neurochemical adaptation phase. Some users notice subtle changes in focus and clarity.
Week 1 · MilestoneSleep optimisation
30 Apr 2026Sleep quality improvements support cognitive gains. REM and deep sleep percentages should be tracked.
Week 2 · Expected resultCognitive gains
14 May 2026Sustained focus, verbal fluency, and working memory improvements typically emerge by week 4.
Week 4 · Expected resultProtocol assessment
11 June 2026Assess cognitive performance against baseline. Evaluate stack efficacy and consider adjustments.
Week 8 · Blood workTimelines are general estimates. Your prescribing practitioner will personalise your schedule.
Prescription required
All protocols listed on ProtocolHub require a prescription from an Australian AHPRA-registered medical practitioner. Do not attempt to self-prescribe or source peptides without medical supervision.
Get this protocol prescribed
Thrive Rx
Telehealth ClinicAustralia's most thorough longevity and peptide clinic — blood panel first, protocol second.
ProtocolHub may earn a commission if you visit this partner. This does not affect our ratings.
Alpha Edge Clinic
Telehealth ClinicSpecialist peptide therapy and body optimisation — telehealth with compounding pharmacy integration.
ProtocolHub may earn a commission if you visit this partner. This does not affect our ratings.
Related protocols
The Neuroscience Performance Protocol
Inspired by Andrew Huberman's publicly documented research — optimise testosterone, cognition, sleep, and GH axis.
GLP-1 Fat Loss Protocol
The clinically proven pathway for sustainable weight loss — combining GLP-1 therapy, targeted supplements, and a nutrition framework designed for Australian patients.
ProtocolHub provides educational information only. All peptide therapies require consultation with an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner. This site may earn affiliate commissions from partner referrals.
Not sure this is right for you?
Answer three questions and we'll match you to the best protocol for your goal, experience, and priorities.
Build your personalised protocol