Nootropic profile
Coluracetam
Coluracetam (MKC-231) is a synthetic racetam nootropic that enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in the brain. Originally developed in Japan for Alzheimer's research, it is valued by nootropic users for its reported effects on memory, colour perception, and mood.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Coluracetam?
Coluracetam (chemical name: 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-yl)acetoamide, also known as MKC-231 or BCI-540) was developed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma in Japan and later licensed to BrainCells Inc. for further development.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Typical dose: 20-80 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses
- Starting dose: 20 mg per day to assess tolerance and response
- Common protocol: 20-35 mg taken 2-3 times daily
- Sublingual use: Some users take coluracetam sublingually for enhanced absorption, as it is fat-soluble and may benefit from bypassing first-pass metabolism
- Fat-soluble: Take with a fat source (meal, fish oil, or MCT oil) for improved absorption
Watch out for
- Limited research: Coluracetam has very limited clinical data in humans. Two Phase 2a trials for depression/anxiety showed some promise but were small and...
- Side effects: Reported side effects from user experiences include headache (often mitigated by choline supplementation), fatigue, and mild anxiety at higher...
- Regulatory status: Not approved as a pharmaceutical anywhere. Unregulated in most countries. Not a controlled substance.
- Drug interactions: No formal interaction studies. Exercise caution with cholinergic or anticholinergic medications.
- Pregnancy: No safety data. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The science, if you're curious.
- Coluracetam enhances the activity of the high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1) in cholinergic neurons, increasing the rate at which choline is taken up...
- By boosting the rate-limiting step of ACh synthesis, coluracetam may increase acetylcholine production more fundamentally than racetams that simply modulate...
- Like other racetams, coluracetam may act as a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors, enhancing glutamatergic neurotransmission and supporting...
- The reported enhancement of colour perception and visual clarity may relate to cholinergic enhancement in the visual cortex, though this mechanism is not...
Where to find it
- Synthetic compound: Coluracetam does not occur naturally and must be synthesised
- Bulk powder: Available from specialty nootropic vendors, often in small quantities
- Capsules: Some vendors offer pre-measured capsules
- Solution: Liquid solutions for sublingual use are available from some suppliers
- Quality note: Due to its niche status, quality control is especially important. Only purchase from vendors with certificates of analysis.
Frequently asked
Coluracetam (MKC-231) is a synthetic racetam nootropic that enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in the brain. Originally developed in Japan for Alzheimer's research, it is valued by nootropic users for its reported effects on memory, colour perception, and mood.
The main benefits people report from Coluracetam are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Creativity, Focus, Memory, Mood.
Typical dose: 20-80 mg per day, divided into 2-3 dosesStarting dose: 20 mg per day to assess tolerance and responseCommon protocol: 20-35 mg taken 2-3 times dailySublingual use: Some users take coluracetam sublingually for enhanced absorption, as it is fat-soluble and may benefit from bypassing firs...
Limited research: Coluracetam has very limited clinical data in humans. Two Phase 2a trials for depression/anxiety showed some promise but were small and...Side effects: Reported side effects from user experiences include headache (often mitigated by choline supplementation), fatigue, and mild anxie...
Coluracetam enhances the activity of the high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1) in cholinergic neurons, increasing the rate at which choline is taken up...By boosting the rate-limiting step of ACh synthesis, coluracetam may increase acetylcholine production more fundamentally than racetams that si...
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