Centrophenoxine
Centrophenoxine is a popular cholinergic nootropic compound that serves as the precursor to DMAE, a proven treatment for cognitive enhancement in the elderly.
Younger users can also glean memory, learning, and lifespan longevity benefits from the powerful compounds in the supplement.
What is Centrophenoxine
Centrophenoxine is a member of the family of cholinergic nootropics. Produced synthetically, the compound is a precursor to DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), which has been proven to improve cognitive function in seniors, especially those diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease like Alzheimer’s. [1]
In a separate study, Centrophenoxine also helped improve brain stimulation and the formation of new long-term memories in the elderly population.
However, its positive nootropic effects aren’t limited to seniors. Younger users with healthy brains can also benefit from the enhanced cognitive functions and memory improvement.
In addition to the cognitive benefits, Centrophenoxine is thought to have powerful anti-aging properties and has been shown to increase the lifespan in mice by 30-50% in a 2002 study. [2]
The supplement can be purchased legally online or in stores at retailers throughout the US in either a powder or a pill form.
Older adults with any sort of memory issues, including Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as younger adults looking to improve their ability to form memories and learn new things can benefit from taking Centrophenoxine.
Other names for the product
Meclofenoxate, Lucidril, Centro
Editor’s Note
Centrophenoxine is a very popular supplement within the nootropics community, and based on the research there’s a good reason for it.
It delivers similar cognitive enhancement properties to what you’ll see in Alpha GCP but stands apart with the research on the anti-aging and possible longevity-boosting properties. I’m very interested in additional studies and information as it becomes available.
Another exciting observation of several online Centrophenoxine users is its ability to produce somewhat instant effects after a one-time use.
While other nootropics may offer similar effects over time, some users theorize that Centrophenoxine can produce lasting memory enhancement benefits after a single cycle of taking the product.
Centrophenoxine Reviews
Centrophenoxine users online are mostly drawn to the supplement’s ability to improve their short and long-term mental sharpness, concentration, and energy levels.
Blogger Area-1255 says:
“The effects of centrophenoxine (and btw this is REAL centro) are like a simmering pot of melting gold. Ok maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s a good description visually. The effects relate mostly to mental sharpness, but also to judgement. That’s how I can describe centro. It helps with judgement. It helped me with efficiency in handling some decisions relating to the building of a fence that had to be managed, and it helped when I was picking up a shift at the the nearby mental ward. It also helped when dealing with family matters. “ [3]
Student Stephen P. used the supplement to help him focus and eliminate distractions. He says:
“I used to take a lot of different medication to help me focus and have been switching every few months. After receiving Centrophenoxine I immediately started to feel like I could focus on my school work.These capsules allowed me to finish my projects and not become distracted or lose sight of what I was trying to accomplish. My memory was also becoming more prominent, I was retaining what I’ve studied the week before. Usually, I would study and forget everything the day of the test, but Centrophenoxine really helped me improve all levels of mental focus and memory. I definitely recommend this product to anyone struggling.”
Benefits and Effects
Centrophenoxine has a number of scientifically proven mental benefits to users. They include:
Reverse mental signs of aging
As centrophenoxine is a prodrug from DMAE, it enables the body to remove harmful molecules in the brain that would result in decreased cognitive function.
Through its ability to suppress these molecules, centrophenoxine can not only slow down the mental sides of aging, but it can also work to actively reverse them. [4]
Improve cognition
Centrophenoxine is an easy to absorb version of DMAE, giving the body a simple source of the compound responsible for improving cognition.
In patients with dementia, studies have found that Centrophenoxine can help to increase their ability to complete cognitive tasks over an 8-week period.
In both older and younger adults, the supplement can enhance cognitive ability, making it easier to complete tasks and form memories on a daily basis.
Increase lifespan
Although additional research is necessary, one study by the American Academy of Anti-Aging shows a significant lifespan increase of mice who were given centrophenoxine as a supplement. [5]
The study found that both healthy and diseased subjects saw the increase, meaning that a healthy adult could see a prolonged lifespan with the added benefit of better mental acuity by taking the supplement.
How It Works
Centrophenoxine primarily works as a cholinergic. As a combination of PCPA (paracholrphenoxyacetic) and a synthetically produced and more easily absorbed version of DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) it is easily able to cross the blood-brain barrier for use by the body.
Once absorbed, the compound helps the body to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that is responsible for memory and cognitive acuity in the brain.
In addition to the cholinergic properties, Centrophenoxine also stimulates overall brain activity resulting in better glucose absorption and an uptake in oxygen.
These two mechanisms can provide a variety of results like better nutrient absorption, improved focus, clarity, improved mood, better problem-solving abilities, and enhanced concentration.
In regards to the anti-aging mechanisms, Centrophenoxine is thought to be able to flush out waste and toxins in the cells, specifically the material often seen in aging cells, lipofuscin.
Additionally, the compound is thought to be able to stop and possibly reverse the buildup of cellular potassium that is strongly associated with cognitive decline in the elderly.
The effects of Centrophenoxine can be felt shortly after taking your first dose. While the recommended dosage includes long-term daily supplementation, some anecdotal user reviews report long-lasting side effects after a short-term dose of the supplement.
Dosage
Typical nootropic doses can range from 250 to 1000 mg depending on the user, and whether or not the supplement is being taken as a stack.
In the elderly, it’s recommended to take three to six daily doses of 250 mg each, while younger individuals may see results from one to three 250 mg doses daily.
A dose of as many as 1000 mg daily is considered safe and effective, and higher doses may be necessary for adults experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease.
Work with your doctor if you’re considering taking a dose above the recommended amount.
Side Effects
Although Centrophenoxine is considered to be a safe and effective nootropic, there are some reported side effects to be aware of.
Some users report insomnia, especially when the supplement is taken later in the day or close to bedtime. Other anecdotal reports include dizziness and restlessness.
Cholinergic compounds in general may cause headaches as a side effect due to the metabolism of acetylcholine in the brain.
These symptoms can sometimes be managed by starting with a lower dose and slowly building up over time to the desired level.
Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast feeding should talk with their doctor before taking Centrophenoxine.
Stacking
As a powerful choline source, it’s popular to stack Centrophenoxine with other nootropics, especially racetams for an enhanced cognitive effect.
Simply put, the two compounds work together to help the brain release acetylcholine. Additionally, racetam users who suffer from headaches may find relief by stacking with a cholinergic like Centrophenoxine.
Alternatives
There are other nootropic supplements that provide a similar brain-boost and benefits in Alzheimer’s patients to Centrophenoxine. Here are three to note.
1. Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is one of the most popular and potent sources of choline available.
It delivers many similar brain-boosting benefits to Centrophenoxine and has also been shown to be an effective treatment in Alzheimer’s patients. [6]
One added boost that Alpha GCP provides is the stimulation of human growth hormone in the body, giving an advantage to athletes who are interested in not only the brain benefits but improved recovery and workout performance as well.
It’s traditionally a little pricier than Centrophenoxine, and it most stable in a capsule form.
2. Choline Bitartrate
Choline Bitartrate, also referred to as Lecithin, is an inexpensive choline supplement that delivers the dietary benefits of choline to users.
Although it offers a high percentage of the nutrient by weight, the nootropic benefits of Choline Bitartrate are limited.
This is a good alternative if you’re looking to improve the nutritional profile of your diet, but not necessarily for memory enhancement.
3. Citicoline (CDP Choline)
CDP Choline, also known as Citicoline, is not considered a cholinergic as it needs to first be metabolized before the choline can cross the blood-brain barrier and be used by the body.
While CDP Choline does undergo a two-step process, and therefore the immediate effects can take a bit longer to be felt, it is also a very effective nootropic with a number of cognitive enhancement benefits.
Thoroughly researching any supplement you’re considering adding to your daily stack is an important step to deciding which is the best fit for you.
Take the time to learn more about these three Centrophenoxine alternatives before making your choice.
Closing Thoughts
We put a lot of thought into preserving our bodies and physically aging in a healthful way, but it is equally as important to give our brain the tools it needs to stay sharp and focused as we grow old as well.
Whether you are an adult looking for enhanced short and long-term memory and cognitive function, or a senior who is experiencing signs of mental decline or even dementia, including a source of choline in your daily supplementation routine is important.
Centrophenoxine is a safe and effective cholinergic that has been scientifically proven to have both memory-boosting and life-enhancing benefits.