Centrophenoxine
Centrophenoxine (Meclofenoxate)
Centrophenoxine (meclofenoxate) is a cholinergic nootropic compound combining para-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (pCPA) and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), developed in the 1950s and used clinically in Europe and Japan to treat age-related cognitive decline and dementia. It is primarily used to enhance memory, reduce brain lipofuscin accumulation, and support neuronal membrane health. Research suggests it may have neuroprotective and mild anti-aging effects on the central nervous system.
Mechanism of Action
Centrophenoxine is hydrolyzed in the body to release DMAE, a precursor to acetylcholine, thereby increasing cholinergic neurotransmission important for learning and memory consolidation. The pCPA component mimics the action of auxins, stimulating cellular metabolism and enhancing glucose and oxygen utilization in neurons. It also reduces the accumulation of lipofuscin (cellular waste aggregates) in neurons and potassium-induced accumulation in glial cells, contributing to its proposed anti-aging and neuroprotective effects.
Evidence by Health Goal(15 goals)
Dosing Protocols
With meals, preferably morning and midday to avoid sleep disruption
Cycle: 8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Start at 250mg twice daily and assess tolerance before increasing. Avoid taking in the afternoon or evening as it may cause insomnia. Total daily dose typically ranges from 500-1000mg; doses above 1000mg/day are not well-supported by evidence and increase side effect risk.
Safety & Side Effects
Centrophenoxine has a reasonably well-established safety record from decades of clinical use in Europe and Japan, and is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses in healthy adults. However, it is a prescription medication in some countries (including parts of Europe), individuals with epilepsy, severe depression, or bipolar disorder should avoid it due to possible CNS stimulation, and long-term safety data in healthy young populations remains limited.
Possible Side Effects
- !Insomnia or sleep disturbances if taken too late in the day
- !Headache, particularly during initial use or at higher doses
- !Nausea and mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- !Irritability or increased excitability in sensitive individuals
- !Jaw clenching or muscle tension (cholinergic overstimulation)
- !Dizziness or lightheadedness at higher doses
- !Fishy body odor (associated with DMAE/choline metabolism)
Interactions
- -May potentiate the effects of cholinergic drugs (e.g., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil), risking cholinergic excess
- -Concurrent use with other choline sources (alpha-GPC, CDP-choline) may increase risk of cholinergic side effects such as headache and muscle tension
- -May interact with anticholinergic medications (e.g., diphenhydramine, scopolamine), potentially reducing their efficacy
- -Use caution with stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines) as additive CNS stimulation may increase anxiety and insomnia risk
- -May enhance CNS effects of racetam nootropics (e.g., piracetam), which is sometimes intentional but requires dose adjustment
Cost & Where to Buy
Available as an OTC supplement in the US and Canada under various brand names; prescription status in parts of Europe may affect availability and cost. Price varies by brand, capsule strength, and supplier quality. Bulk powder is cheaper but requires precise measuring.
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