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Nootropic Moderate risk

Centrophenoxine

Meclofenoxate · Evidence-based safety and harm-reduction overview.

Not medical advice. Centrophenoxine is discussed here for informational and harm-reduction purposes only. We do not endorse use, and any dosing context is informational, not a protocol.
Also known asMeclofenoxate
CategoryNootropic
metaboliteDimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)
brand_namesLucidril (France), other European trade names
chemical_familyDMAE ester derivative
US legal statusNot FDA-approved; sold as research chemical in US gray market. Approved pharmaceutical in some European and South American countries.
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What is Centrophenoxine?

Cholinergic compound proposed to enhance acetylcholine levels and reduce lipofuscin (age-related pigment) accumulation. Centrophenoxine is a combination of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) and parachlorophenoxyacetate, designed for improved neuronal uptake and cholinergic support.

How it works

Centrophenoxine metabolizes to DMAE, which enhances acetylcholine synthesis and membrane phospholipid composition. The compound is theorized to improve neuronal energy production and facilitate cellular clearance of lipofuscin (age pigment) accumulation, though this has not been demonstrated in humans.

Background & history

Developed in France in the 1950s-1960s as a cholinergic nootropic. Marketed as Lucidril and other brand names in Europe and South America. Moderate popularity in aging research but never pursued for FDA approval in the United States.

What the research says

Clinical data from aging studies in Europe; some animal neuroprotection evidence. Replication is limited and study quality variable. Most rigorous data is from 1980s-1990s; modern replication studies absent.

Reported effects

Dosing & administration (informational)

Clinical trials employed 250-1500 mg daily, typically in divided doses. Most common studied doses were 750-1000 mg daily. Gray-market products range 250-500 mg per tablet or capsule.

This is general research/context information, not medical advice or a recommended protocol.

Safety & side effects

Drug & supplement interactions

Who should avoid it

How it is commonly combined

Traditionally stacked with choline and thiamine in European clinical contexts, though controlled studies do not exist. DMAE derivatives sometimes combined with phosphatidylserine in anecdotal use.

Quality & harm reduction

Safer, legal alternative we recommend

Phosphatidylserine (PS). FDA-recognized dietary supplement with evidence for cognitive function and cellular health; legal and well-regulated in US.

See our recommended pick

Lab testing & harm-reduction tools

If you are going to research a compound, verifying identity and purity is the single most protective step. Independent analytical testing and sterile-handling supplies reduce risk.

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Frequently asked questions

Is centrophenoxine sold legally in the US?

It is sold by online vendors but is not FDA-approved and not an accepted dietary supplement ingredient.

What does lipofuscin reduction mean?

Lipofuscin is cellular debris that accumulates with age; animal studies suggest centrophenoxine may help clear it, but this is not proven in humans.

Is it the same as DMAE?

Centrophenoxine metabolizes into DMAE; it is a modified form designed for better neuronal uptake and cholinergic effectiveness.

What did European doctors use it for?

Centrophenoxine was marketed in France and other European nations for age-related cognitive decline, mood, and energy; considered relatively safer than other nootropics at the time.

Can it affect my heart?

Older data noted potential cardiovascular effects; anyone with cardiac concerns should avoid centrophenoxine without medical evaluation.

References & further reading

  1. French pharmaceutical archives from Lucidril development
  2. European aging and cognitive decline literature 1980s-1990s
  3. Lipofuscin biology and cellular aging in gerontology journals
  4. DMAE cholinergic mechanism studies
  5. South American pharmaceutical marketing records for meclofenoxate

Medical & legal disclaimer. This site is for informational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. The compounds discussed are largely not approved by the FDA for human use and many are sold strictly as research chemicals 'not for human consumption.' Nothing here is an endorsement to purchase, possess, or use any substance. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified physician and follow the law where you live.

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