DMAE - Deanolo

Introduction

Deanol, chemically known as Dimethyl-amino-ethanol (DMAE), is an analogue of choline; as such it is directly involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine both at the hepatic and cerebral level.

In addition to the direct synthesis of Acetylcholine, DMAE - suitably phosphorylated in phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and subsequently methylated in phosphatidylcholine - can actively re-enter the formation of nerve membranes, improving fluidity and permeability and preserving their structure and function.

Always used as a useful remedy for the neuroprotective and antioxidant action, in recent years DMAE has actively re-entered also among the possible instruments at the disposal of antiaging medicine, for its interesting cosmetological activity.

Benefits for human health

In light of the currently published studies, DMAE appears to present several clinical applications, mainly neurological.

In fact, most of the benefits described could be traced back to the role of precursor of acetylcholine ; the latter acts at the central level, where it is able to control the activity of different brain areas such as those involved in memory.

The macroscopic effects of this molecular activity would be:

Memory improvement, especially in subjects subjected to aging and progressive neuronal damage;
Improvement of concentration and attention, especially in individuals subjected to constant psycho-physical pressures;
Improvement of sleep and night rest;
Improvement of repetitive dyskinesia and involuntary movements present in some morbid conditions, of neurological interest, such as Huntington's;
Improvement of the degree of attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in small patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Delay of memory loss, severe and progressive, which is observed in some neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's, due to the loss of normal functionality of cholinergic neurons.

For the record, most of the aforementioned activities would be documented exclusively by clinical cases and mini trials.

This condition constitutes one of the most important limits to the spread of DMAE in normal clinical and integrative practice.

Antiaging action

In addition to the important neuroprotective effects, in recent years DMAE has risen to the headlines even for its anti-aging potential.

For over 10 years, in fact, various scholars in the field have been testing the usefulness of the topical use of DMAE, demonstrating how 3% applications can significantly improve the appearance of the face, rejuvenating it.

In these studies, in fact, in about 16 weeks of treatment we would have observed:

A flattening of frontal wrinkles;
An improvement in perilabial furrows;
An improvement in periorbital signs;
Greater skin density;
Better face brightness.

Data subsequently confirmed also by experimental models, in which it was possible to study the histological changes induced by DMAE on the dermis and epidermis.

Part of these effects, in addition to the cholinergic action, could also be attributed to a modest anti-inflammatory activity.

Dosages and methods of use

The dosages currently proposed in the literature, for DMAE, vary considerably depending on the purpose, but generally remain in the range of 300 to 1500 mg per day.

In sports, the effects on concentration and attention, as well as on improving endurance, would seem to be linked mostly to the simultaneous intake of plants with adaptogenic activity, such as Panax Ginseng and Eleuterococcus.

Side effects and precautions

Oral use of Deanolo could cause side effects such as constipation, itching, headaches and headaches, drowsiness, insomnia, vivid dreams, confusion, depression, hypertension and dyskinesias of the muscles of the face.

The incidence of these adverse reactions would be directly proportional to the dosage used and the timing of recruitment.

The use of this molecule would also be contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, while requiring medical supervision in the course of neuro-psychiatric diseases, due to the possibility of exacerbation of symptoms.

It is also evident, considering the biological role of Deanolo, how the aforementioned contraindications should also extend to patients on drug therapy, especially with cholinergics and anticholinergics, given the high risk of noteworthy drug interactions.

Currently (October 2015), in Italy, the use of DMAE in food supplements is not allowed.

Bibliography

Effect of Panax Ginseng root in exhaustive exercise in mice.

Saito H, Yoshida Y, Takagi K.

Jpn J Pharmacol. 1974 Feb; 24 (1): 119-27.

Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined withdimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on physical performance during exercise.

Pieralisi G, Ripari P, Vecchiet L.

Clin Ther. 1991 May-Jun; 13 (3): 373-8

Effects of dimethylaminoethanol and compound amino acid on D-galactose induced skin aging

Liu S, Chen Z, Cai X, Sun Y, Zhao C, Liu F, Liu D.

ScientificWorldJournal. 2014; 2014: 50735

Efficacy of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) containing vitamin-mineral drug combinations on EEG patterns in the presence of different emotional states.

Dimpfel W, Wedekind W, Keplinger I.

Eur J Med Res. 2003 May 30; 8 (5): 183-91

The role of dimethylaminoethanol in cosmetic dermatology.

Grossman R.

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005; 6 (1): 39-47

New insights on dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) features as a free radical scavenger.