 The
Smart Pill
DMAE is a natural product that is found most abundantly in suck
"brain" foods as anchovies and sardines. It stimulates the
production of choline and acetylcholine, the brain neurotransmitter
involved in learning, memory, movement, and sensory function.
One of the earlier research papers on DMAE stated that the total
oral doses as low as 10 to 20 mg. of Deanol (DMAE) per day will
produce a mild and pleasant degree of central nervous stimulation
within seven to ten days. There is a decrease in daytime fatigue,
sounder sleep at night, and a decrease in the amount of sleep needed
each night.
A clinical trial conducted with healthy human subjects (medical
student volunteers) produced valuable results. DMAE was compared to
an identical-appearing placebo tablet under double blind test
conditions.
In addition, blood pressure, pulse, body weight, hand steadiness,
muscle power, and vital lung capacity were measured and recorded
weekly. Gastric analysis was done in 8 subjects and determinations
of blood cholesterol, thyroid function, and liver function tests
were done on 19 subjects throughout the experiment.
The dose was regulated at one tablet per day for the first week
and two tablets per day for the second week. The total daily dose
was taken in the morning of each day. After two weeks, the subjects
were allowed to increase or decrease their daily dosage with the top
limit set at three tablets per day. Treatment was continued for a
six-week period during which time 17 subjects received DMAE and 18
subjects received placebo therapy. After five weeks, the double
blind portion of the experiment was terminated. All subjects were
then placed on DMAE therapy, and the experiment was continued for an
additional six week period.
Analysis: The First Six Weeks
Statistical analysis of the data from the first six weeks of the
experiment showed the following significant changes when the DMAE
group was compared to the placebo group.
1. The subjects taking DMAE showed an overall improvement in
muscle tone.
2. The DMAE group had an increase in their ability for mental
concentration.
3. DMAE produced changes in sleeping habit. In most instances,
less sleep was required. Others reported sleeping sounder, waking
earlier, and having a clearer mind upon awakening.
No significant changes occurred in heart rate, blood pressure,
muscle strength, hand-steadiness, vital capacity, body weight, the
levels of fasting gastric activity, thyroid function, blood
cholesterol, and liver function.
Analysis: The Second Six Weeks
The weekly questionnaire observations were continued during the
last six weeks of therapy when 35 subjects were on DMAE in doses of
10 to 30 mg. During this time, 25 of the 35 subjects noted a
definite stimulant effect. Five students thought the effects were
indefinite, and 5 did not discern any stimulant action.
Most subjects who noted stimulation with Deanol (DMAE), reported
greater daytime energy, attentiveness at lectures (but greater
intolerance for poor lecturers), sounder sleep with a reduction in
the hours of sleep needed, and better ability to concentrate on the
writing of papers or studying. The usual apprehension before and
during examinations was noticeably decreased.
Many reported a more affable mood and outspoken personality. Two
subjects reported they were able to stop smoking without difficulty,
whereas previous attempts had been unsuccessful. Two other subjects
reported that amphetamines taken at examination time were devoid of
its customary stimulant action. Several subjects noticed an increase
in their tolerance to alcoholic beverages and freedom from
"hangover" depression or headache.
Life Extension
DMAE is one of the memory enhancing nutrients that seems to also
have tremendous potential in the area of life extension. The health
of the brain and the health of the body are intimately connected, so
it is not surprising to find that some of the drugs which enhance
mental capacities and prevent or reverse the aging of the brain have
a similar effect on our general health. Programs for optimal health
naturally lead to life extension.
DMAE is also the immediate precursor to choline in the building
and repair of cellular membranes, especially in the brain and
central nervous system.
It is the choline inside cells that is converted into
phosphatidyl choline and then into cell membranes. Research has
shown that dietary choline is inferior to DMAE as a source of
choline for membrane synthesis. This is because choline is not able
to be transported across cellular membranes to the sites where it is
needed. This leads to the interesting conclusion that Deanol, but
not dietary choline, serves as the prime source of choline and
acetylcholine in humans.
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