Background
Centrophenoxine, also known as Meclofenoxate or Centro, is a powerful nootropic substance which is among the earliest and widely researched nootropics.
It is marketed as a prescription drug by the brand name, Lucidril® in some countries and also as an over-the–counter supplement in other regions of the world.
Centrophenoxine was first developed in the year 1959 by French scientists as a treatment for age related disorder, Alzheimer’s disease. It has since been widely studied for its potential in relieving age-related diseases and also in overall brain health.
Centrophenoxine is an ester of two chemical compounds, namely, Dimethyl-aminoethanol (DMAE) and Parachlorphenoxyacetic acid (pCPA).
- Dimethyl-aminoethanol (DMAE), occurs naturally in minute amounts in the brain and can also be found in certain foods such as fish. It is a good source of choline. It has been suggested to inhibit the uptake of choline in the peripheral body tissues hence raise the levels of choline in the brain. Choline, a precursor to acetylcholine, can also be converted to acetylcholine. More acetylcholine leads to better cognitive function.
- Parachlorphenoxyacetic acid (pCPA)is a chemically-derived form of the plant growth hormones known as auxins. PCPA basically helps DMAE to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier.
It is primarily popular for its benefits in improving cognitive function such as memory and learning and also boosting brain health. It is also a good anti-aging agent. Centrophenoxine stack works very well with other nootropic drugs especially the racetams.
Meclofenoxate mechanisms of action include increasing acetylcholine in neural cells, assisting in growth of new neural cells, enhancing communication between neurons, improving the flow of blood and oxygen uptake, eliminating lipofuscin and also inhibiting acetylcholine metabolism in peripheral body tissues.
Centrophenoxine is generally considered as a safe supplement. People often buy centrophenoxine powder online. It is sold in form of powder, tablets and capsules.
What is Centrophenoxine?
Centrophenoxine (Meclofenoxate) is a strong nootropic compound, which is a combination of Dimethyl-aminoethanol (DMAE) and Parachlorphenoxyacetic acid (pCPA). It is also called Centro or Lucidril.
It is referred to as a cholinergic nootropic whose primary function is to enhance cognitive function and general brain health. It also plays a vital role in boosting mood and also as anti-aging agent.
Centrophenoxine vs DMAE
Centrophenoxine and DMAE are both supplements which are used mainly for improving cognitive functioning. However, DMAE is the active component of centrophenoxine supplement, combined with PCPA. DMAE is a natural substance found in small amounts in the brain and also in some foods such as fish.
There is insufficient evidence showing that DMAE supplement can cross the blood-brain barrier effectively. But, when PCPA is added to DMAE, it helps with DMAE bioavailability. Therefore, centrophenoxine is considered a stronger nootropic supplement than DMAE as a supplement.
Consequently, centrophenoxine stack with other nootropics would yield better results than with DMAE.
How Does Centrophenoxine Work in the Brain?
Despite the extensive studies about centrophenoxine benefits, its exact mode of action is yet to be fully understood. However, researchers have proposed some few meclofenoxate mechanism of actions.
Some of these meclofenoxate mechanism of actions include;
Raising the levels of acetylcholine in the brain
This is the primary mode of action through which centrophenoxine nootropic ability is exhibited. Acetylcholine is the key neurotransmitter linked to the general cognitive functioning including learning and memory.
When centrophenoxine passes the blood-brain barrier it breaks down into choline which is later converted into acetylcholine. It is also able to convert into phospholipid which are used to make acetylcholine.
It therefore increases the acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Getting rid of cellular waste such as lipofuscin
Lipofuscin are the waste product of oxidation of unsaturated fats. They usually build up in cells as we age and appear as brown liver spots. These toxic waste might also contain heavy metals such as aluminum and mercury.
Centrophenoxine plays a vital role in eliminating lipofuscin from brain cells. It also removes the waste from other body cells.
Improving glucose uptake and blood flow in the brain
By increasing the uptake of glucose, centrophenoxine supplement stimulates more mental energy production. While the improved blood flow increases the levels of oxygen in the brain.
Centrophenoxine antioxidant ability
The excellent centrophenoxine antioxidant properties are clearly exhibited by its ability to eliminate free radicals in the brain. These free radicals often cause oxidative stress which is associated with age-related disorders as well as other disorders in the body.
What is the importance that centrophenoxine cross blood-brain barrier?
The primary meclofenoxate mechanism of action is through increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the synaptic vesicles. Hence, it is necessary for centrophenoxine supplement to cross the blood-brain barrier in order to play its role as a nootropic.
When centrophenoxine crosses this barrier then it either breaks down into choline which is then converted to acetylcholine or converts into a phospholipid used in making acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine levels are thus increased resulting to better memory and learning.
There are also below products:
- J-147 powder
- Alpha GPC
- Phosphatidylserine
- Magnesium L-threonate
- GM1
Benefits of meclofenoxate (Centrophenoxine)
Studies have revealed a wide range of meclofenoxate benefits for both body and brain. These meclofenoxate benefits include:
i. Improves memory and learning
The most popular centrophenoxine benefits lies in its nootropic properties. Centrophenoxine primarily increases the levels of acetylcholine, which is the key neurotransmitter in the brain.
Some animal and human studies reveal centrophenoxine benefits in cognitive functioning. For instance, in a double-blind trial involving 76 elderly people, meclofenoxate was administered at 600mg daily for about 9 months. This was found to improve long-term memory and also increased mental alertness.
ii. It boosts mood and motivation
Centrophenoxine is suggested to enhance your mood through its active component DMAE. It could reduce anxiety and enhance motivation.
In a study of rats exposed to shock, meclofenoxate given at 100mg/kg bodyweight for 5 days was found to reduce anxiety
iii. Offers neuroprotection as well as anti-Aging benefits
The centrophenoxine supplement is claimed to possess neuroprotective properties. Centrophenoxine readily flushes out cellular waste and lipofuscin from the brain and body. These wastes are usually associated with aging hence their removal facilitates anti-aging processes.
In a study with 50 elderly patients suffering from dementia, centrophenoxine was found to get rid of free radicals hence restoring their healthy state, that to say, reversing aging.
iv. Can extend lifespan
The principle of removing free radicals and lipofuscin in the brain enables centrophenoxine to extend one’s lifespan. When the mind is clean it is able to remain functional for longer.
This was demonstrated in a study of mice where centrophenoxine was able to extend their lifespan by 30-40%.
v. Leads to more brain energy
Meclofenoxate is able to enhance blood flow in the brain allowing enough oxygen to get to the brain. It is also said to improve the uptake of glucose. These help in the generation of more brain energy as well as boosting motivation.
In a study with elderly persons, a high centrophenoxine dosage of 3 g daily was found to increase oxygen uptake and also reduce the fasting glucose.
Dosage
It is highly advisable to always start with a low dosage of any supplement and add as need be. A centrophenoxine dosage of 250 mg split twice a day is recommended and many people tolerate this dose.
However, a high centrophenoxine dosage of 500mg-1000mg a day split twice has also been used. Consulting your medical expert is required before indulging in the supplement as there are a few contraindications.
For maximum meclofenoxate benefits, it should be taken with food in the morning and in the afternoon. Avoid taking meclofenoxate supplement before bedtime as this often leads to insomnia.
Side effects & safety
Centrophenoxine supplement is regarded as safe. However, like any drug some people may report some mild or moderate side effects and more likely with higher doses.
Centrophenoxine nootropic benefits are exhibited primarily by raising acetylcholine levels. When the acetylcholine levels are in excess some side effects could be experienced.
Some of the meclofenoxate side effects include; headaches, anxiety, insomnia, mild to moderate depression, nausea, high blood pressure, stomach issues, irritation, and drowsiness.
If you experience such issues lower the dose and consult your medical practitioner.
Further, centrophenoxine could cause some birth effects and hence pregnant women and those planning to get pregnant should avoid this supplement.
There are some contraindications of centrophenoxine with other drugs such as those used to treat diseases such as advanced depression, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, and bipolar disorders. Anyone taking such medications should avoid meclofenoxate supplement as this would worsen their conditions.
Centrophenoxine Stacks
Centrophenoxine choline source works well in combination with other nootropics. Always consider nootropics that work synergistically with centrophenoxine stack. Below are some centrophenoxine stacks;
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Piracetam
Piracetam is a racetam regarded as a nootropic to boost brain health including memory, concentration, mood, and learning. Piracetam makes an excellent centrophenoxine stack since these two complements very well. Piracetam actually requires choline to work efficiently.
Noopept is among the most effective nootropics in the market today. When used as a stack with centrophenoxine it significantly improves cognition, memory, and reasoning.
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Aniracetam
Aniracetam is also a racetam but unlike piracetam that works to regulate the effects of acetylcholine, aniracetam acts as a stimulant to the receptors of the brain that respond to acetylcholine.
When taken together with centrophenoxine, it is found to improve in effectiveness. Aniracetam leads to decrease in the choline levels hence when used in a centrophenoxine stack one is able to eliminate this side effect.
FAQ of Centrophenoxine
What is the half-life of centrophenoxine?
Centrophenoxine is highly bioavailable and is easily taken up by the brain. It can take about 30-60 minutes to start working. However other studies report a half-life of 2-4 hours to reap significant meclofenoxate benefits.
What is the best time to take centrophenoxine supplement?
Centrophenoxine supplement is best taken in two doses in the morning and afternoon. Avoid taking centrophenoxine before bedtime as some people may experience some sleeplessness when taken at this time.
Is Centrophenoxine a choline source?
Yes, Centrophenoxine is an excellent choline source. Centrophenoxine choline source is considered stronger than that of DMAE. Centrophenoxine crosses the blood-brain brain where it breaks down into choline.
Is centrophenoxine an anti-aging supplement?
Centrophenoxine is a good anti-aging supplement. Centrophenoxine is able to remove cellular waste and lipofuscin which are associated with aging. Centrophenoxine antioxidant properties also help in preventing oxidative stress that is associated with age related disorders.
What does DMAE do for the brain?
DMAE improves the flow of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine which is responsible for cognitive function such as memory, learning and concentration. It also acts as an antioxidant thus prevents the brain from oxidative stress.
DMAE can be converted into phosphatidyl which a vital component of the neural membranes. This helps enhance neural plasticity.
Furthermore, DMAE can raise the level of acetylcholine production. It converts into choline which is later converted into acetylcholine and also can convert into phospholipids used to make acetylcholine.
Where to buy meclofenoxate (Centrophenoxine) powder?
In the modern world, you can buy centrophenoxine powder at the comfort of your home online. However, you will have to check widely for high quality centrophenoxine powder bulk suppliers.
Customer reviews are one way to guarantee the centrophenoxine nootropic benefits and also gather information on possible side effects. Alternatively, you can source for centrophenoxine powder bulk suppliers authorized to sell these supplements.
Consider purchasing centrophenoxine powder bulk quantities to enjoy the discounts there-in.
References
- Marcer, D., & Hopkins, S. M. (1977). The differential effects of meclofenoxate on memory loss in the elderly. Age and Ageing, 6(2), 123–131. doi:10.1093/ageing/6.2.123.
- Petkov, V. D., Mosharrof, A. H., & Petkov, V. V. (1988). Comparative studies on the effects of the nootropic drugs adafenoxate, meclofenoxate and piracetam, and of citicholine on scopolamine-impaired memory, exploratory behavior and physical capabilities (experiments on rats and mice). Acta physiologica et pharmacologica Bulgarica, 14(1), 3–13.
- Liao, Yun & Wang, Rui & Tang, Xi-can. (2005). Centrophenoxine improves chronic cerebral ischemia induced cognitive deficit and neuronal degeneration in rats. Acta pharmacologica Sinica. 25. 1590-6.
- Verma, B. Nehru (2009). Effect of centrophenoxine against rotenone-induced oxidative stress in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease Neurochemistry International.
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