Piracetam
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Piracetam (brand name: Nootropil), is a cerebral function regulator drug which is understood to be able to boost mental powers as well as slow down brain aging. Piracetam's chemical name is 2-oxo-pyrrolidone, or 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide. It is one of the racetams and is similar to the amino acid pyroglutamate.
Mechanisms of Action
Piracetam is understood to work by stimulating the cerebral cortex as well as by increasing the rate of metabolism and the energy levels of neurons. It possibly facilitates movement of information between the brain's two hemispheres, and improves the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
History
Piracetam was first synthesized in 1964 by scientists at the Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB Group led by Dr Corneliu E. Giurgea. The drug was the first of the so-called nootropics, that is, substances which purportedly enhance mental performance. The term nootropic who coined by Giurgea. Nootropil was launched clinically by UCB in the early 1970s and remains an important product of that company in Europe.
Approval
Piracetam has not been approved by the FDA for use in the United States, but it is legal to use and import piracetam on a personal use basis.