¶ Noopept (Omberacetam)
¶ Overview
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is a synthetic dipeptide originally developed in Russia. While structurally related to Piracetam, it is estimated to be 1,000 times more potent by weight. It is widely used for its neuroprotective properties and its ability to enhance memory consolidation and retrieval.
¶ Mechanism of Action
- Neurotrophin Expression: Noopept increases the expression of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, which are crucial for long-term memory and neuroplasticity[1].
- Cycloprolylglycine Pro-drug: It metabolizes into cycloprolylglycine, an endogenous neuropeptide that modulates acetylcholine and AMPA receptors.
- HIF-1 Activation: Noopept stabilizes Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1), helping neurons survive low-oxygen states (hypoxia) and reducing oxidative stress[2].
¶ Evidence
- Cognitive Recovery: Clinical trials in Russia have shown Noopept to be effective in improving cognitive function in patients with vascular brain damage and post-traumatic brain injury.
- Healthy Individuals: Evidence in healthy adults is limited largely to anecdotal reports and animal studies, which consistently show improved memory retention and faster learning rates.
¶ Dosage and Safety
- Dosage: 10–30 mg per day. Due to its potency, milligram-scale precision is required.
- Route: Oral or sublingual (sublingual is preferred by many to bypass first-pass metabolism).
- Safety: Generally well-tolerated. High doses may cause irritability or "brain fog."