Picamilon is a substance that is derived from the combination of niacin (vitamin B3) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It was developed in Russia in the 1960s and has been used in that country to treat a variety of conditions, mainly related to the nervous system.
Why is it considered a nootropic? Nootropics are substances that can improve cognitive function, especially memory, creativity or motivation, in healthy individuals. Picamilon is considered a nootropic because it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide calming and stimulating effects simultaneously, which can improve cognitive performance and mental health.
Mechanism of action: Once Picamilon crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is hydrolyzed into its constituent components: niacin and GABA.
-
Niacin acts as a vasodilator, improving blood circulation in the brain.
- GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning it reduces neuronal activity, leading to anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Picamilon Benefits:
Improved Cerebral Circulation:
- Optimization of Brain Metabolism: Improved blood circulation to the brain can help in the optimization of brain metabolism, which can translate into greater efficiency in the utilization of glucose and oxygen, both crucial for cognitive functions.
- Support in Ischemic Conditions: In cases of ischemia or conditions where blood flow to the brain is compromised, improved circulation may be beneficial in preventing neuronal damage.
Anxiolytic Effects:
- Reduction of Anxiety Symptoms: Due to the release of GABA, Picamilon may moderate the neuronal hyperactivity that is often associated with anxiety.
- Improved Sleep: The calming effect may help people who have trouble falling asleep due to anxiety or stress.
Neuroprotection:
- Defense against Toxins and Oxidative Stress: Picamilon may offer protection against certain toxins and against damage induced by oxidative stress, helping to preserve neuronal health.
- Prevention of Neuronal Damage: Under conditions of hypoxia or lack of oxygen, Picamilon may act to minimize or prevent neuronal damage.
Improved Cognitive Performance:
- Mental Clarity: User anecdotes suggest a more "clear" or "lucid" mind when using Picamilon.
- Memory Improvement: There may be an improvement in memory consolidation, retrieval and retention.
- Attention and Concentration: Some users have reported an increased ability to focus on tasks for extended periods.
Elevated Mood:
- Neurochemical Balance: By influencing GABA levels and improving cerebral circulation, Picamilon can help balance neurotransmitters, leading to a more stable mood.
- Reduction of Depressive Symptoms: Although it is not an antidepressant in the traditional sense, there are reports of improvements in symptoms of mild depression with its use.
Reduction of Stress and Fatigue:
- Stress Resistance: Picamilon can strengthen the brain's resistance to stress, helping in situations of high cognitive or emotional demand.
- Post-Exertional Recovery: Some users have noticed faster recovery after periods of intense mental exertion or stress.
Absorption: Picamilon is well absorbed from the digestive system and is able to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. For optimal absorption, it is advisable to take Picamilon on an empty stomach.
Adverse effects and contraindications:
- Adverse effects: Although generally considered safe, some users have reported side effects such as headache, irritability, nausea, or dizziness.
- Contraindications: Those with hypotension (low blood pressure) should use caution, as niacin can further dilate blood vessels. Its concurrent use with sedative or antipsychotic medications is not recommended without the supervision of a health professional.
- Although Picamilon is considered non-addictive, it is always important to follow the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any nootropic regimen.
Note: While Picamilon has shown benefits in scientific literature and anecdotal reports, it is essential that consumers conduct their own research and/or consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any supplement or medication.
More information about Picamilon and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/picamilon/
References on studies:
[i] Lapin I. “Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug .” CNS Drug Reviews . 2001 Winter;7(4):471-81. ( source )
[ii] Mirzoyan RS, Gan'shina TS, Kosoi MY, Aleksandrin VV, Aleksandrov PN “Effect of picamilon on the cerebral cortical blood supply and microcirculation in the pial arteriolar system” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine May 1989, Volume 107, Issue 5, pp 668-670 ( source )
[iii] Nemeroff CB “The role of GABA in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin . 2003;37(4):133-46. ( source )
[iv] Mirzoyan RS, Gan'shina TS, Kosoi MY, Aleksandrin VV, Aleksandrov PN “Effect of picamilon on the cerebral cortical blood supply and microcirculation in the pial arteriolar system” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine May 1989, Volume 107, Issue 5, pp 668-670 ( source )
[v] Kuriyama K., Sze PY “Blood-brain barrier to H3-γ-aminobutyric acid in normal and amino oxyacetic acid-treated animals” Neuropharmacology Volume 10, Issue 1, January 1971, Pages 103–108 ( source )
[vi] Kuchmerovs'ka TM, Donchenko HV, Fomenko HI, Chichkovs'ka HV, Pakirbaieva LV, Klymenko AN “[Correction by nicotinamide and nicotinoyl-GABA of dopamine metabolism in rat brain in experimental Parkinson's disease].” in Ukrainian Ukr Biokhim Zh (1999). 2001 Nov-Dec;73(6):108-12. ( source )
[vii] Prousky R., Seely D. “The treatment of migraines and tension-type headaches with intravenous and oral niacin (nicotinic acid): systematic review of the literature” Nutrition Journal 2005 ( source )
[viii] Enna SJ “Role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in anxiety.” Psychopathology . 1984;17 Suppl 1:15-24. ( source )
[ix] Struzyńska L., Sulkowski G. “Relationships between glutamine, glutamate, and GABA in nerve endings under Pb-toxicity conditions.” Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry . 2004 Jun;98(6):951-8. ( source )
[x] Loriaux SM, Deijen JB, Orlebeke JF, De Swart JH “The effects of nicotinic acid and xanthinol nicotinate on human memory in different categories of age. “A double blind study.” Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1985;87(4):390-5. ( source )
[xi] Kuriyama K., Sze PY “Blood-brain barrier to H3-γ-aminobutyric acid in normal and amino oxyacetic acid-treated animals” Neuropharmacology Volume 10, Issue 1, January 1971, Pages 103–108 ( source )
[xii] Montagne A., et. Al. “Blood-brain barrier breakdown in the aging human hippocampus.” Neuron 2015 Jan 21;85(2):296-302 ( source )
[xiii] Kuchmerovskaia TM, Parkhomets PK, Donchenko GV, Obrosova IG, Klimenko AP, Kuchmerovskiĭ NA, Pakirbaeva LV, Efimov AS in Russian “[Correction of diabetic neuropathies using aldose reductase inhibitors and pikamilon].” Vopr Med Khim . 1998 Nov-Dec;44(6):559-64. ( source )
[xiv] Basinskiĭ SN, Krasnogorskaia VN, Lenis Iu.A. in Russian “[Pathogenetic treatment of central chorioretinal dystrophies with pikamilon].” Vestn Ophthalmol . 2001 Mar-Apr;117(2):42-4. ( source )
[xv] Kuchmerovs'ka TM, Donchenko HV, Fomenko HI, Chichkovs'ka HV, Pakirbaieva LV, Klymenko AN in Ukrainian “[Correction by nicotinamide and nicotinoyl-GABA of dopamine metabolism in rat brain in experimental Parkinson's disease].” Ukr Biokhim Zh (1999). 2001 Nov-Dec;73(6):108-12. ( source )
[xvi] Novikov VE, Kovaleva LA in Russian “[The effect of nootropic agents on brain mitochondrial function in the dynamics of craniocerebral trauma from the age aspect].” Eksp Klin Farmakol . 1998 Mar-Apr;61(2):65-8. ( source )
[xvii] Sapegin ID, Beketov AI in Russian “[The effect of pikamilon and phenibut on the blood supply of the brain at rest and under gravitational exposures].” Eksp Klin Farmakol . 1993 Jan-Feb;56(1):28-31. ( source )
[xviii] Mirzoian RS, Gan'shina TS in Russian “[The new cerebrovascular preparation pikamilon].” Farmakol Toksikol . 1989 Jan-Feb;52(1):23-6. ( source )