PreclinicalResearch compound

Coluracetam

Selective HACU enhancer (BCI-540), visual experience and antidepressant profile.

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WHAT IS COLURACETAM?

Detailed overview

Coluracetam (BCI-540, formerly MKC-231) was developed by BrainCells Inc. to selectively activate the high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) system. Unique: cognitive effect can persist for 8 days after a single dose in animal models (PMID 18461272). In AF64A-damaged cholinergic neurons, hippocampal ACh release is restored (PMID 7710736). Reverses PCP-induced ChAT reduction in the medial septum (PMID 17467960) → potential therapy for schizophrenic symptoms. Phase 2A MDD/anxiety clinical trial (NCT00621270) under the BCI-540 name; did not reach statistical significance. Anecdotal user reports describe enhanced color perception and contrast ("HD vision"), explainable by ACh`s role in sensory gating.

Mechanism

Selective HACU activator

Half-life

~3 h

Legal status

Investigational, no approval

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Headache, often from increased acetylcholine demand (can be mitigated by choline intake)
  • Excess cholinergic effects: nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Anxiety, irritability, overstimulation (cholinergic overdrive)
  • Crash between doses due to short duration of action (~3 hour half-life)
  • Fatigue, brain fog when choline stores become depleted
  • Unpleasant, lingering taste with sublingual use

Contraindications · 5

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no safety data, should be avoided
  • Combining with other cholinergics (cholinesterase inhibitors, high-dose choline) may cause additive cholinergic excess
  • Caution in anxiety disorders: cholinergic overstimulation may worsen anxiety
  • Unapproved experimental compound with no long-term human safety data
  • Only under medical supervision when treating depression (Phase 2A trial did not confirm efficacy)

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.