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Meclofenoxate
An old cholinergic nootropic — an ester of DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) and the synthetic auxin pCPA — promoted for memory and 'anti-aging' via clearance of lipofuscin (the age-related cellular waste pigment). The clinical evidence is genuinely old and small: a handful of decades-old dementia and memory studies with modest, mixed results.
What the evidence says
Most Centrophenoxine studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from medium-quality randomised trials published 1977–2008.
Based on 5 studies · 3 RCTs
Confidence
Moderate confidenceBy outcome
Only two small, decades-old double-blind trials showed modest memory gains, with the anti-aging rationale resting on animal and review data and no modern replication, keeping the score emerging.
Centrophenoxine (generic name meclofenoxate) is a compound from the 1950s-1960s nootropic era, formed by esterifying DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) with para-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (pCPA).
It is thought to act as a cholinergic agent — DMAE is a putative precursor in choline/acetylcholine metabolism — and is best known for the claim that it helps clear lipofuscin, the brown 'wear-and-tear' lipopigment that accumulates in neurons with age. This is the basis for its 'anti-aging brain' marketing.
Honest appraisal: the supporting human studies are old, small, and methodologically limited.
A 1989 double-blind trial in 50 elderly nursing-home residents with mid-level dementia found memory improvements in 48% of the centrophenoxine group versus 28% on placebo; a 1977 double-blind study in healthy elderly subjects found improved consolidation of new information into long-term memory and increased self-reported alertness.
The lipofuscin-clearance rationale rests largely on animal data and review-level discussion. There is no modern, adequately-powered replication, so the overall evidence is weak/emerging.
Delivers DMAE, a putative precursor in choline/acetylcholine metabolism, the basis for its cognitive rationale.
Proposed to reduce neuronal lipofuscin — the age-related lipopigment waste — mainly demonstrated in animal models.
Thought to reduce free-radical-related cellular damage, supporting the lipopigment-reduction hypothesis.
How Centrophenoxine works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Use caution — cholinergic stimulation; consult a clinician.
Only modest old-trial evidence; manage expectations and involve a clinician.
Not studied — avoid.
Additive cholinergic effects are possible when combined with cholinesterase inhibitors or other cholinergic agents — use caution.
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Dose earlier in the day
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reduce dose or discontinue
The current evidence for Centrophenoxine is insufficient to assign an evidence score, based on 4 indexed studies. An old cholinergic nootropic — an ester of DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) and the synthetic auxin pCPA — promoted for memory and 'anti-aging' via clearance of lipofuscin (the age-related cellular waste pigment). The clinical evidence is genuinely old and small: a handful of decades-old dementia and memory studies with modest, mixed results. Representative study: PMID 2506844.
The commonly studied dose of Centrophenoxine is Old trials used ~1000-2000mg/day in divided doses; no modern validated dose. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Centrophenoxine is in the morning. Take it with food. Taken earlier in the day to avoid sleep disruption from its stimulating/cholinergic activity; trial doses were divided across the day with meals.
Centrophenoxine is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. Reported side effects are uncommon and include headache, insomnia or restlessness (overstimulation), GI upset. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy/breastfeeding (not studied); Seizure disorders (cholinergic stimulation caution); Severe hypertension.
Alpha-GPC
Likely helpsCrosses the blood-brain barrier to fuel acetylcholine synthesis — supports focus, memory, and power output in athletes.
Citicoline
Probably helpsDual precursor to acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine — enhances memory, focus, and brain cell membrane repair.
Huperzine A
Likely helpsAcetylcholinesterase inhibitor from club moss, studied mainly for Alzheimer's and dementia; cognitive evidence is mixed and limited by trial quality.
Phosphatidylserine
Mostly mechanism / observationalKey brain membrane phospholipid that facilitates neurotransmitter release, memory formation, and post-exercise cortisol reduction.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 5 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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