Oxiracetam | Oxitropil™

Oxiracetam | Oxitropil™

Properties: Oxiracetam is a synthetic compound with nootropic properties. Its beneficial influence on the nervous system stems mostly from its effects on the activity of key neurotransmitters: acetylcholine, dopamine, and glutamate. The key benefit of oxiracetam supplementation is its positive impact on two crucial cognitive abilities: learning and memory.  This effect is a direct result of improved acetylcholine secretion. Moreover, oxiracetam stimulates neuronal connectivity and thus, makes information transmission more efficient. Then, gathering knowledge becomes easier and faster. The mind registers more pieces of information while simultaneously maintaining clarity and avoiding overstimulation. The improved activity of acetylcholine supports the memory too, especially the aspect of information recollection. This effect is strengthened by the influence of glutamate on neuronal signaling. What is more, acetylcholine is also responsible for our ability to focus. When its activity is optimal, it becomes easier to maintain concentration on a given task. Thus, we avoid distractions and our productivity peaks.   

Additionally, oxiracetam supplementation brings about the upregulation of dopamine level. Since this neurotransmitter stimulates the so-called “reward system”, it is crucial for good mood and motivation – especially in combination with acetylcholine. In sum, oxiracetam is an excellent support to the intellectual capacities of the mind. It helps to get the best learning outcome, while simultaneously it takes care of our mental health.

Occurrence: Oxiracetam, just like other racetams, does not occur in nature. Instead, it is synthesized in the laboratories.

Biochemistry: Oxiracetam (ISF 2522) is an organic chemical compound classified as a racetam. As all substances from this family, its molecule contains a 2-pyrrolidone ring, which is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is the equivalent of piracetam, which differs in the presence of a hydroxyl group on the fourth carbon atom in the pyrrolidine ring. This structural difference increases the bioactivity of oxiracetam. It is absorbed from the digestive tract well, and its bioavailability reaches up to 82%. Its blood plasma density peaks between 1 and 3 hours after administration. About 84% of the administered dose is expelled unchanged with urine. 

Oxiracetam easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the central nervous system it increases the activity of the main excitatory neurotransmitter – glutamate – through an interaction with positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors. Moreover, it upregulates the level of acetylcholine – an excitatory neurotransmitter especially relevant for the hippocampus, a key structure responsible for memory processing.

Fun fact: Up to this day scientists discovered 17 compounds that belong to the group of racetams. Besides oxiracetam the group includes popular nootropic substances such as: aniracetam, nefiracetam or coluracetam. The other interesting examples are brivaracetam and omberacetam (commonly known as noopept).