In the quest for optimal cognitive performance and longevity, nootropics have gained significant attention. One such compound, centrophenoxine, has been the subject of research for its potential memory-boosting and anti-aging effects. Originally developed in France in 1959 to treat age-related cognitive disorders,[1] centrophenoxine has been used as the prescription drug Lucidril in some countries.
At Holistic Nootropics, our mission is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based resources to support mental health and cognitive performance. We believe in a holistic approach that extends beyond supplementation, encompassing lifestyle practices that foster overall mind-body health. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into centrophenoxine, exploring its mechanisms, potential benefits, dosing, safety, and more.
How Centrophenoxine Works
Centrophenoxine is a combination of two compounds: DMAE (dimethylethanolamine) and pCPA (parachlorophenoxyacetic acid).[2] It works through several mechanisms:
- Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain
- Reduces lipofuscin (age pigment) buildup in brain cells
- Improves glucose uptake and blood flow in the brain
- Increases RNA production to support protein synthesis in neurons
- Provides antioxidant and neuroprotective effects
Compared to other cholinergics like alpha GPC and citicoline, centrophenoxine may provide gentler effects due to its indirect action on acetylcholine via DMAE.
Centrophenoxine by Nootropics Depot
Centrophenoxine is a DMAE-like compound that enhances many crucial age-related functions of the brain such as memory, neuroprotection, and clearing oxidative stress.
Potential Benefits of Centrophenoxine
May Improve Memory and Cognition
Several clinical studies have explored centrophenoxine’s effects on memory in healthy elderly individuals and those with dementia. While some studies reported improved memory consolidation,[3] others showed mixed results. Animal studies have also demonstrated learning and memory benefits,[4] potentially due to increased acetylcholine, improved neural efficiency, and neuroprotective effects.
Anti-Aging and Longevity Effects
Centrophenoxine has shown promise in animal studies for extending lifespan.[5] It may reduce age-related lipofuscin accumulation in the brain,[6] a process associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Centrophenoxine also provides antioxidant defense against oxidative stress and cellular damage.[7] However, the relevance of these animal findings to human longevity remains unclear.
Neuroprotective and Detoxification Properties
Centrophenoxine has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, shielding brain cells from toxicity and oxidative damage.[8] It may also help clear heavy metals and cellular waste products,[9] with potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dosage of Centrophenoxine
Clinical studies have used centrophenoxine dosages ranging from 600 to 2000 mg per day.[3][12] Typical dosing schedules involve divided doses taken with meals. As with any nootropic, individual variation is significant, and it’s essential to start with a low dose and titrate up based on response and tolerability.
| Centrophenoxine Dosage | Usage |
|---|---|
| 250-1000 mg per day | Typical dosage range used by most individuals |
| 600-2000 mg per day | Dosage range used in clinical studies |
| Divided doses with meals | Recommended dosing schedule to minimize side effects |
| Start low and titrate up | Best practice to determine optimal individual dosage |
Safety and Side Effects
Centrophenoxine is generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects reported in some studies, including:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Irritability
Due to its cholinergic effects, centrophenoxine may be unsafe for individuals with seizure disorders, depression, or Parkinson’s disease.[13] Caution is advised for those sensitive to choline or at risk of acetylcholine excess. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid centrophenoxine due to a lack of safety data. Long-term safety in humans remains unknown, warranting further research.
Centrophenoxine Stacks and Interactions
Centrophenoxine may be combined with other nootropics for synergistic effects:
- Racetams: Potentially enhances acetylcholine and memory effects
- Choline sources (e.g., alpha GPC, citicoline): Provides additional choline for acetylcholine synthesis
However, centrophenoxine should not be combined with anticholinergic drugs due to the risk of counteracting effects. Interactions with many medications and supplements remain unknown, so caution and professional guidance are essential.
Where to Buy Centrophenoxine
When purchasing centrophenoxine, it’s crucial to choose reputable vendors that prioritize quality and purity. Some trusted sources include:
Look for products that offer:
- Third-party testing for purity and contaminants
- DMAE-free and pCPA-free centrophenoxine options
- Capsule and powder formats for dosing flexibility
Be cautious when purchasing centrophenoxine on Amazon, as supplement quality and purity may be a concern.[14]
Centrophenoxine Discussions on Reddit
Is Centrophenoxine Effective?
User experiences with centrophenoxine on Reddit vary from strongly positive to lackluster.
Personally I havent noticed negative side effects yet, but not necessarily positive ones either except maybe a slight feeling of thinking more clearly.
u/ianm481 in discussion “Anyone tried Centrophenoxine ?”
Hit or miss for me. Some days a pleasant boost in alertness and cognition, others a small boost then a steep decline in mood.
u/BadBiO in discussion “Any experience with Centrophenoxine?”
Optimal Centrophenoxine Dosage
Most Reddit users report taking centrophenoxine doses between 250-1000 mg per day. Higher doses may be more effective but also tend to increase the risk of side effects.
My optimal intake is about 3 times a week.
u/insidethegod in discussion “Does anyone have experience with centrophenoxine ?”
Centrophenoxine Side Effects and Warnings
Common side effects reported by Reddit users include depression, irritability, headache, and insomnia. Some individuals may be particularly sensitive to centrophenoxine’s cholinergic effects.
I get really bad frontal headaches when taking DMAE, i finally gave up on it… The headaches respond well to acetaminophen, but I’d rather skip both.
u/DopePedaller in discussion “DMAE giving me incredible focus and clarify of mind. This is insane”
Where to Buy Quality Centrophenoxine?
Finding reputable centrophenoxine sources is a frequent topic of discussion on Reddit. Users express concerns about product quality and purity from certain suppliers and Amazon.
I recommend buying Centrophenoxine from Nootropics Depot because their product is pure and they provide a Certificate of Analysis verifying that purity.
u/SnarfingChicken in discussion “Hard to find a reputable Centrophenoxine Source”
Biohack Your Brainpower
Conclusion
Centrophenoxine shows promise as a nootropic and anti-aging agent, with potential cognitive, neuroprotective, and longevity benefits. However, more human research is needed to clarify its effects and long-term safety. If you’re considering experimenting with centrophenoxine, exercise caution, choose high-quality products, and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s right for you.
For those seeking alternatives to centrophenoxine, citicoline and alpha GPC may provide similar cholinergic effects. To learn more about optimizing cognitive function and overall well-being, explore our guides on the best nootropics for memory, studying, and the top racetam nootropics.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Nandy K, Bourne G. Effect of centrophenoxine on the lipofuscin pigments in the neurones of senile guinea-pigs. Nature. 1966;210:313-314. doi:10.1038/210313a0
- Zs.-Nagy I, Floyd RA. Hydroxyl free radical reactions with amino acids and proteins studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and spin-trapping. Biochim Biophys Acta BBA – Protein Struct Mol Enzymol. 1984;790(3):238-250. doi:10.1016/0167-4838(84)90028-3
- Marcer D, Hopkins SM. The differential effects of meclofenoxate on memory loss in the elderly. Age Ageing. 1977;6(2):123-131. doi:10.1093/ageing/6.2.123
- Roy D., Pathak D.N., Singh R. Effect of Centrophenoxine on the Antioxidative Enzymes in Various Regions of the Aging Rat Brain. Exp Gerontol. 1983;18(3):185-197. doi:10.1016/0531-5565(83)90034-8
- Hochschild R. Effect of Dimethylaminoethanol on the Life Span of Senile Male A-J Mice. Exp Gerontol. 1973;8(4):185-191. doi:10.1016/0531-5565(73)90026-0
- Strehler BL, Mark DD, Mildvan AS, Gee MV. Rate and Magnitude of Age Pigment Accumulation in the Human Myocardium. J Gerontol. 1959;14(4):430-439. doi:10.1093/geronj/14.4.430
- Sharma D, Maurya AK, Singh R. Age-related decline in multiple unit action potentials of CA3 region of rat hippocampus: Correlation with lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin concentration and the effect of centrophenoxine. Neurobiol Aging. 1993;14(4):319-330. doi:10.1016/0197-4580(93)90117-t
- Nehru B, Bhalla P, Garg A. Evidence for Centrophenoxine as a Protective Drug in Aluminium Induced Behavioral and Biochemical Alteration in Rat Brain. Mol Cell Biochem. 2006;290(1-2):33-42. doi:10.1007/s11010-006-9164-0
- Bakhtogarimov IR, Kudryavtseva AV, Krasnov GS, Gladysh NS, Volodin VV, Kudryavtsev AA, Bulavkina EV, Goncharova MA, Ledyaeva VS, Pastukhov IS, Vershinina YS, Starkova AM, Snezhkina AV, Shuvalova AI, Pavlov VS, Nikiforov-Nikishin DL, Moskalev AA, Guvatova ZG. The Effect of Meclofenoxate on the Transcriptome of Aging Brain of Nothobranchius guentheri Annual Killifish. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 24;23(5):2491. doi: 10.3390/ijms23052491. PMID: 35269638; PMCID: PMC8910246.
- Riga S, Riga D. Effects of Centrophenoxine on the Lipofuscin Pigments in the Nervous System of Old Rats. Brain Res. 1974;72(2):265-275. doi:10.1016/0006-8993(74)90863-7
- Zs.-Nagy I, Semsei I, Riga D, Riga S. Centrophenoxine Increases the Rates of Total and mRNA Synthesis in the Brain Cortex of Old Rats: An Explanation of Its Action in Terms of the Membrane Hypothesis of Aging. Exp Gerontol. 1979;14(3-4):171-178. doi:10.1016/0531-5565(79)90015-x
- Zs.-Nagy I, Semsei I. Centrophenoxine Increases the Rates of Total and mRNA Synthesis in Different Organs of Young Adult Female Rats. Exp Gerontol. 1984;19(1):237-241. doi:10.1016/0531-5565(84)90037-6
- Cohen PA, Avula B, Khan I. The unapproved drug centrophenoxine (meclofenoxate) in cognitive enhancement dietary supplements. Clin Toxicol. 2022;60(10):1156-1158. doi:10.1080/15563650.2022.2109485
