Coluracetam (MKC-231) Product Description
Optimized for Research and Cognitive Enhancement Applications
1. Product Overview
Chemical Name: Coluracetam (MKC-231, BCI-540)
CAS No.: 135463-81-9
Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₂₃N₃O₃
Molecular Weight: 341.40 g/mol
Purity: ≥98% (HPLC verified)
Coluracetam is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family, originally developed for Alzheimer’s disease research. It acts as a high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) enhancer, uniquely modulating acetylcholine synthesis by improving neuronal choline absorption .
2. Key Mechanisms & Applications
- Mechanism of Action:
- Enhances choline transport via membrane transporters/ion channels, increasing acetylcholine synthesis—a neurotransmitter critical for learning, memory, and cognitive processing .
- Potentiates AMPA receptor activity, improving neural signaling and synaptic plasticity .
- Research Applications:
- Cognitive enhancement: Improves memory retention, learning deficits, and attention in preclinical models .
- Mood modulation: Shows potential in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in rodent studies .
- Neuroprotection: May support neuronal repair and reduce oxidative stress in cholinergic pathways .
Note: Current applications are limited to preclinical research. Human efficacy and safety remain unverified .
3. Usage Guidelines
- Dosage Recommendations:
- In vitro studies: Use concentrations based on literature (e.g., 1–10 μM) .
- Animal studies: 2.5–3 mg/kg (oral) or 50–150 mg/day (anecdotal human reports) .
- Always optimize doses for specific experimental conditions.
- Solubility & Preparation:
- Soluble in DMSO (≥20 mg/mL), slightly soluble in water (0.4 mg/mL) .
- Prepare stock solutions at 1–10 mM and store frozen to avoid degradation .
4. Storage & Handling
- Powder Form: Store at -25°C to -15°C; stable for 3 years .
- Solution Form: Store at -85°C to -65°C; stable for 2 years .
- Handling Precautions:
- Wear lab coats, gloves, and eye protection. Avoid inhalation or skin contact .
- Protect from light and repeated freeze-thaw cycles .
5. Safety & Compliance
- Research Use Only: Not for human, veterinary, or diagnostic applications .
- Potential Side Effects:
- Mild headaches, nausea, or fatigue reported in anecdotal use .
- No severe toxicity observed in animal studies .
- Regulatory Status:
- Unregulated in the US (sold as a supplement). Restricted in Canada/UK without prescription .
6. Key Benefits for Researchers
- Enhanced Cognitive Models: Ideal for studying cholinergic pathways, memory deficits, and neurodegenerative diseases .
- Rapid Bioavailability: Reaches peak plasma levels within 30 minutes (animal data) .
- Synergistic Use: Pair with choline sources (e.g., Citicoline) for optimized acetylcholine synthesis .
Keywords
Coluracetam, MKC-231, Nootropic, Cognitive Enhancer, Choline Uptake, Acetylcholine Synthesis, Research Chemical, Racetam Family, Neuroprotection
