What Is Centrophenoxine?
Centrophenoxine is a synthetic ester of dimethylaminoethanol, usually abbreviated DMAE, and p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, abbreviated pCPA. It was developed in France in 1959 and later marketed in several countries under names including meclofenoxate, Lucidril, and ANP 235. The compound is generally discussed as a cholinergic-supporting nootropic because the DMAE portion is related chemically to choline and may contribute to acetylcholine-related effects. pCPA is thought to alter the compound's physicochemical properties and distribution, while hydrolysis can release DMAE and p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid derivatives.
Centrophenoxine was developed partly to improve delivery of DMAE to the central nervous system. DMAE itself is a small, water-soluble amino alcohol, but its brain availability and pharmacological significance are uncertain. Centrophenoxine is more lipophilic than DMAE and has historically been described as crossing the blood-brain barrier more effectively than unmodified DMAE. This description should not be interpreted as proof of high brain concentrations or a predictable increase in acetylcholine in humans. Much of the supporting literature is old, involves animal or cell models, or concerns patients with cognitive impairment rather than healthy adults. It is not approved as a cognitive enhancer or longevity treatment in every jurisdiction.
The compound is commonly encountered as an oral tablet or capsule. Historical medical use has included investigation in senile dementia, cerebrovascular disorders, and other conditions associated with cognitive impairment. Contemporary interest is largely driven by nootropic communities and by mechanistic theories concerning cholinergic transmission, membrane phospholipid metabolism, oxidative damage, and the clearance or reduction of lipofuscin. These theories are biologically plausible in some respects, but evidence that oral centrophenoxine produces durable improvements in memory, slows human aging, or removes lipofuscin from human brain tissue is not established.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics
Gouliaev, A. H., Senning, A., et al., 1994, Brain Research Reviews - Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders
Malykh, A. G., Sadaie, M. R., et al., 2010, Drugs - Piracetam: a review of pharmacological properties and clinical uses
Winblad, B., et al., 2005, CNS Drug Reviews - Clinical efficacy of piracetam in cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis
Waegemans, T., Wilsher, C. R., Danniau, A., et al., 2002, Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders