Description
Summary
Table of Contents
Picamilon (nicotinyl-y-aminobutyric acid) was first synthesized in the Soviet Union, [1,2] and facilitates the absorption of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) by the human body.
How Picamilon Works
Picamilon consists of two metabolites: Niacin and GABA. GABA is an important amino acid that serves to transmit inhibitory impulses to the CNS. [5]
Picamilon activates GABA receptors, increasing blood flow to the brain. [13] This process facilitates more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, enhancing focus, alertness and motivation.
Picamilon, pre-workout, improves blood flow and oxygen consumption. The optimal picamilon dosage for sleep is less than 100 mg; higher doses are likely to cause sleep disturbances.
Picamilon Benefits and Effects
Picamilon can be used as nutritional support by individuals who wish to improve mood and energy levels. [5] Picamilon has also been shown to increase concentration and focus for many individuals[8]
Reducing Anxiety and Depression
Picamilon lowers anxiety by providing the brain with extra GABA [3] Picamilon is also believed to be an effective antidepressant. [4]
Improving Vision
Picamilon improved the vision of patients suffering from macular degeneration. [5] Likewise, picamilon supplementation has helped patients with central chorioretinal dystrophy better distinguish certain shapes and colors in addition to improving peripheral vision and reducing the severity of glaucoma. [6]
Enhancing Memory and Protecting the Brain
Rats fed picamilon showed improved short and long term memory. Additionally, picamilon prevented memory loss following electroshock treatments. [7] Picamilon increased mitochondrial functioning in brain cells of brain trauma rats. [8]
Picamilon also protects brain and immune cells from membrane damage and oxidative stress resulting from sleep deprivation. [9]
Promoting Blood Flow to the Brain
In a comparative study, picamilon was more effective than piracetam and vinpocetine at increasing blood flow to the brain. [10]
Treating Parkinson’s Disease
Picamilon stabilized serotonin and dopamine levels in rats with Parkinson’s disease. [11]
Preventing Inflammation of Nerves
In a study of diabetic rats, picamilon successfully reduced neuropathy, or nerve inflammation. [12]
Dosage
In studies, 50-400 mg/day have proven effective for various conditions. Recommended adult dose is initially 50-100mg/day, increasing if needed to a maximum dose of 200mg in the morning and 100mg in the mid-afternoon.[8]
Picamilon capsules are available, along with picamilon sublingual lozenges. Picamilon powder is water soluble, mixing well with most beverages including juices and smoothies.
The effects of picamilon occur within 1 hour. 4-6 hours should be given between doses to allow picamilon to work.
Side Effects
Picamilon may cause mild dizziness and nausea. [14]. Allergic reactions and skin rashes occur rarely. In high doses, picamilon can cause drastic drops in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for users with hypotension. [15]
Avoid taking picamilon with other drugs that affect the GABA receptors. Mixing picamilon and alcohol is particularly dangerous because it can exacerbate the negative effects of both substances.
Avoid aspirin and uricosuric agents when taking niacin supplements. Picamilon bulk powder sometimes contains additives which may be allergenic.
In the US, there is no law prohibiting individual possession or consumption of picamilon. It can be purchased online.
