Aniracetam | Anitropil™

Aniracetam | Anitropil™

Properties: Aniracetam, as the name suggests, belongs to the class of racetams. These compounds have the ability to improve our mental skills by supporting processes that occur in the human brain naturally. Many scientific studies have shown that aniracetam stimulates neuronal activity. It boosts processes which are essential for new information assimilation and considerably improves learning capabilities. What is more, aniracetam enhances the activity of the dentate gyrus – a brain region responsible for the consolidation of new information to long-term memory. That way, the acquired knowledge can be kept in our mind for a longer period of time. Aniracetam is effectively absorbed from the gastrointestinal system and is rapidly metabolized to its active form – the effects can be felt about half an hour after the administration. Activity improvement and normalization of the interplay between neurotransmitters is reflected in overall psychological well-being and mood stabilization. Scientists were highly surprised to find out that aniracetam can also considerably extend the duration of sleep in a group of people examined in the study. This might be the result of anxiety reduction, the effect which has also been confirmed in numerous studies. Aniracetam facilitates the learning process but also makes it easier for us to function in the world full of stress. Furthermore, it protects the nervous system.

Occurrence: Aniracetam, like other racetams, is not naturally present in nature. It is obtained by chemical synthesis in professional laboratories. This active substance was developed for the first time by Hoffmann-La Roche in the 1970s.

Biochemistry: Aniracetam (RO-13-5057) is an organic chemical compound belonging to the group of racetams. Like other compounds from this class, it includes a 2-pyrrolidone ring, which is the derivative of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Although it is the equivalent of piracetam, its structure is the most similar to nefiracetam. Aniracetam is quickly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Its maximal concentration in blood plasma occurs 20 minutes after taking it. About 70% of the taken aniracetam is rapidly metabolized in the liver to 4-p-anisaminobutyric acid (ABA) – its biologically active metabolite. This fat-soluble compound easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Then it interacts with AMPA receptors leading to increased activity of glutamic acid –  the main stimulating neurotransmitter. What is more, it increases choline level in neurons which is essential for acetylcholine synthesis. As a consequence, ABA indirectly leads to higher concentration of acetylcholine.

Fun fact: Aniracetam is commonly used in treatment of mood disorders. Not only does it stimulate cognitive functions but it also helps with anxiety and fear reduction. This effect is based on mechanisms involving serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine receptors. Aniracetam is also used as a medicine for patients who had a stroke. It increases blood supply in myelin sheath, thus nerve cells can get the right amount of oxygen and are well-nourished. Aniracetam stimulates repair processes and improves general brain health. It can also be taken in order to enhance sleep quality. One of the studies has shown that the REM phase of sleep was half the time longer in 78% of the participants after aniracetam administration.