What is the difference between meclofenoxate and DMAE?

Meclofenoxate (centrophenoxine) is essentially an esterified, more brain-penetrant form of DMAE: the DMAE is bound to 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid and is cleaved in the body, so it acts as a cholinergic precursor and antioxidant. Many regard it as a more effective DMAE carrier than free DMAE itself.

Why is it called an anti-aging nootropic?

Because in addition to raising cholinergic tone it reduces the accumulation of lipofuscin (age pigment) in neurons and scavenges reactive oxygen species. That is why it was mainly studied in elderly and demented patients, where it produced modest cognitive improvement.

Is meclofenoxate legal and safe?

It has been approved as a medicine (Lucidril) in several countries and is sold as a supplement elsewhere. It was generally well tolerated in double-blind trials, but the most common side effects are insomnia and restlessness, so it is best dosed in the morning or early afternoon with food.

Late-StageResearch compoundModerate evidence

Meclofenoxate

Name: Meclofenoxate
Creator: MolekulaX

Cholinergic anti-aging nootropic: a DMAE ester that clears lipofuscin and raises cholinergic tone.

NootropicCholinergicCholinergicNeuroprotectionAcetylcholinenoo.affects.neuroprotectionnoo.affects.memory

Pharmacology

ClassCholinergic · Neuroprotection

Primary targetAcetylcholine precursor (via DMAE) and lipofuscin clearance

Targets4 receptor targets

Half-lifeShort: meclofenoxate is rapidly hydrolyzed to DMAE and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid; a precise human half-life is not well documented

OnsetOral, dosed morning to early afternoon with food; cognitive effects usually build over days to weeks

EvidenceModerate evidence

Affected systemsAcetylcholinenoo.affects.neuroprotectionnoo.affects.memory

Contents

WHAT IS MECLOFENOXATE?

Detailed overview

Meclofenoxate (centrophenoxine, brand name Lucidril) is the ester of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, a classic cholinergic, anti-aging nootropic. In the body it is thought to be cleaved to release DMAE, which acts as an acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine precursor to help maintain the structure and function of aging nerve cells. It also has antioxidant activity, scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing the accumulation of lipofuscin (age pigment) inside neurons. Double-blind trials in elderly patients with organic brain syndrome or dementia showed modest but measurable improvements in memory and cognitive performance, and the compound was generally reported as well tolerated.

Mechanism

DMAE release + lipofuscin clearance + antioxidant

Evidence

Double-blind trials in elderly/demented patients (modest effect)

Legal status

Medicine in some countries (Lucidril), supplement elsewhere

Receptor profile

Acetylcholine (via DMAE/choline)Moderate
Lipofuscin (age pigment) clearanceModerate
Phosphatidylcholine / membrane structureModerate
Antioxidant enzymes (ROS scavenging)Weak

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 5

Insomnia, restlessness or headache, especially with late or high dosing
Dizziness or nausea in some individuals
Mild muscle tension or neck stiffness attributed to the DMAE component
Irritability or overstimulation if dosed close to sleep
Generally reported as well tolerated in clinical studies

Contraindications · 4

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: DMAE derivatives should be avoided, safety not established
Epilepsy or seizure susceptibility: cholinergic enhancement may theoretically lower the seizure threshold
Severe agitation, manic states or uncontrolled hypertension
Avoid late-evening dosing due to the risk of sleep disruption

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

Studies

Related research and clinical findings

Age Ageing. 1977

The differential effects of meclofenoxate on memory loss in the elderly

Marcer D, Hopkins SM

PMID: 329662Open

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1990

Effects of centrophenoxine on body composition and some biochemical parameters of demented elderly people as revealed in a double-blind clinical trial

Fülöp T Jr, Wórum I, Csongor J, Leövey A, Szabó T

PMID: 15374499Open

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1989

Gerontopsychological studies using NAI ('Nurnberger Alters-Inventar') on patients with organic psychosyndrome treated with centrophenoxine in a double blind, comparative, randomized clinical trial

Pék G, Fülöp T, Zs-Nagy I

PMID: 2506844Open

Nervenarzt. 1983

Double-blind collaborative study of centrophenoxine versus placebo in patients with neurasthenic syndromes

Pieschl D, Angersbach P, Kolbe M, Toman M

PMID: 6405290Open

Folia Psychiatr Neurol Jpn. 1968

Double-blind controlled trial of lucidril (meclofenoxate) in the post-traumatic syndrome, especially dizziness

Ito H, Kudo Y, Kabeshima Y, Nobushima S, Komine K

PMID: 4386146Open

FAQ

Cholinergic anti-aging nootropic: a DMAE ester that clears lipofuscin and raises cholinergic tone.

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Structure & chemistry

TypeNootropic

FormulaC12H16ClNO3

UpdatedJuly 10, 2026

MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA

Updated: July 10, 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.