Evidence supporting the use of: Oxiracetam
For the body system: Specific Neurotransmitters
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Oxiracetam is a synthetic compound in the racetam family, commonly classified as a nootropic. It is primarily studied and used for its effects on cognitive functions, including memory, learning, and attention. Its connection to the "Specific Neurotransmitters" body system stems from its modulatory effects on neurotransmitter activity, particularly acetylcholine and glutamate pathways. Preclinical studies in animals and a limited number of human trials suggest that oxiracetam may enhance the release or utilization of acetylcholine in the brain, which is critical for memory and learning processes. Additionally, some evidence points to effects on glutamatergic neurotransmission, potentially facilitating synaptic plasticity.
However, the scientific validation for oxiracetam’s efficacy in supporting neurotransmitter systems, and by extension cognitive enhancement in healthy humans, is modest. Most research to date is either preclinical or conducted in populations with cognitive impairment (such as elderly patients with dementia). The number and quality of well-controlled, large-scale clinical trials in healthy adults are limited, and regulatory bodies like the FDA have not approved oxiracetam for medical use in the United States. Therefore, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for its use in supporting specific neurotransmitter systems, the overall strength of the evidence remains moderate to low, justifying a rating of 2 on the scale provided.
Other ingredients that support Specific Neurotransmitters
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)acetyl l-carnitine
caffeine
choline
citicoline
cowage seed
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
huperzine A
l-phenylalanine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
melatonin
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
terpene lactones
St. John's Wort
DMPX
5-Methoxytryptamine
Alpha glyceryl
Agmatine
Adrafinil
Acetylcholine
Adrenaline
Alpha lactalbumin
Aniracetam
Beta Phenethylalamine
Biopterin
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
Catecholamine
Cytisine
Chocolate
D-Aspartic Acid
Dopamine
Deanol
Decarboxylase
Phenylethylamine (PEA)