Centrophenoxine

non-nutrient/non-botanical

What is it

Centrophenoxine (meclofenoxate) is a synthetic compound consisting of DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) bound to a chlorinated phenoxyacetic acid carrier. Developed in France in the 1950s, it has been used as a prescription medication for cognitive impairment and age-related cognitive decline in several European countries.

How it works

Centrophenoxine functions as a carrier delivering DMAE to the brain more effectively than oral DMAE alone. DMAE is a precursor or analog of choline involved in acetylcholine synthesis. Centrophenoxine has been shown in animal studies to reduce accumulation of lipofuscin (the 'age pigment') in neurons, increase brain glucose and oxygen uptake, and have antioxidant effects. In human clinical studies, primarily from Europe, centrophenoxine has been used in elderly patients with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and stroke recovery, with reports of modest cognitive improvements. Western clinical evidence by modern standards is limited.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Age-related cognitive decline / dementia

Grade C

Moderate evidence

European clinical studies have reported modest improvements in cognitive function in elderly patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Effect sizes are small and methodological quality varies.

Stroke recovery

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Some clinical studies have used centrophenoxine adjunctively for cognitive recovery after stroke. Evidence is modest and not widely replicated.

Lipofuscin reduction / anti-aging

Grade F

Limited evidence

Animal studies have shown reductions in cellular lipofuscin accumulation, leading to anti-aging claims. Human evidence for meaningful anti-aging effects is lacking.

Cognitive enhancement in healthy adults

Grade F

Limited evidence

Controlled trials in healthy adults are essentially absent. Self-reported effects are widespread but lack rigorous support.

1 commercial form

Centrophenoxine HCl

Better delivery of DMAE to brain than oral DMAE alone

The standard form used in clinical practice and most supplements.

Dosage

Typical clinical doses range from 1000 to 2000 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. Supplement labels often list 250-500 mg per capsule. Some users start at lower doses and titrate up to assess tolerance.

When and how to take it

Take in 1-2 doses, with morning and early afternoon timing preferred to avoid sleep disruption. Can be taken with or without food. Effects on cognitive function develop over days to weeks of regular use rather than acutely.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in clinical studies. Possible side effects include headache, irritability, insomnia, hyperactivity (especially at higher doses), nausea, and muscle tension. Long-term safety data outside of European clinical use are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with epilepsy, bipolar disorder, severe hypertension, or those taking psychiatric medications should consult a clinician before use. Avoid in people with Parkinson's disease (theoretical concern about effects on neurotransmitter balance).

Interactions

Centrophenoxine may interact with cholinergic medications (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors), anticholinergic drugs (potential opposing effects), antidepressants, and CNS stimulants. Combining with other nootropics or stimulants may amplify effects.

Frequently asked questions

How is centrophenoxine different from DMAE?⌄

Centrophenoxine includes a carrier (chlorophenoxy acid) that helps DMAE cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. Oral DMAE alone has lower brain bioavailability.

Is centrophenoxine legal?⌄

It is a prescription medication in several European countries. In the US, it is sold as a supplement but is not widely recognized as a legal dietary supplement ingredient.

Does centrophenoxine really reverse aging?⌄

Animal studies show lipofuscin reduction, but human evidence for meaningful anti-aging effects is not established. Most claims rely on extrapolation from animal data.

Does centrophenoxine cause headaches?⌄

Headaches are sometimes reported, possibly related to changes in cholinergic activity. Starting at lower doses may reduce this risk.

How long does it take to see effects?⌄

Cognitive effects typically develop over days to weeks of regular use, not immediately.

References

  • Centrophenoxine (Wikidata) — Wikidata link
  • Centrophenoxine (PubChem CID 4039) — PubChem link
  • Centrophenoxine (ChEBI 6712) — ChEBI link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.