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 constitution of nerve membranes, improving their 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 also been actively included among the possible tools available to anti-aging medicine, due to its interesting cosmetological activity.
Benefits for human health
In light of the studies currently published, DMAE appears to have several clinical applications, mainly neurological.
Much of the benefits described, in fact, would be attributable to the role of precursor of "Acetylcholine; the latter acts centrally, 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 pressure of a psycho-physical nature;
- Improvement of falling asleep and night rest;
- Improvement of repetitive dyskinesia and involuntary movements present in some morbid conditions, of neurological interest, such as Huntington's chorea;
- 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 diseases such as Alzheimer's, due to the loss of normal function of cholinergic neurons.
To be honest, 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 diffusion of DMAE in normal clinical and integrative practice.
Anti-aging action
In addition to its important neuroprotective effects, DMAE, in recent years, has also made headlines for its anti-aging potential.
For over 10 years, in fact, various experts in the sector have been testing the usefulness of 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 it would have been observed:
- A flattening of the frontal wrinkles;
- An improvement of the perilabial grooves;
- An improvement of the periorbital signs;
- Greater skin density;
- A better brightness of the face.
Data subsequently confirmed also by experimental models, in which it was possible to study the histological variations 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, however generally remaining in the range between 300 and 1500 mg per day.
In sports, the effects on concentration and attention skills, as well as on the improvement of endurance, would seem to be mostly linked to the contextual intake of plants with adaptogenic activity, such as Panax Ginseng and Eleutherococcus.
Side Effects and Precautions
The oral use of Deanol could cause the onset of 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 intake.
The use of this molecule would also be contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while it would require medical supervision during neuro-psychiatric pathologies, due to the possibility of exacerbation of the symptoms.
It is also evident, considering the biological role of Deanol, that the aforementioned contraindications to use must also extend to patients receiving 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.
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