Sulbutiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine, or Vitamin B1, first synthesized in Japan to aid in treating Beriberi and Asthenia. Although the exact date of first synthesization is unknown, the first reports containing Sulbutiamine were recorded in 1973. Sulbutiamine was first created to help increase the lipophilicity of Thiamine allowing an increase in Thiamine and Thiamine Esters in the brain causing a more effective treatment versus other analogues of Vitamin B1.
Sulbutiamine is a fat-soluble nootropic, that passes the Blood Brain Barrier more readily than Thiamine. Sulbutiamine is known to be cholinergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic. The potentiation of glutamatergic activity in the Prefrontal Cortex is believed to be one of the Mechanisms of Action that grants Sulbutiamine the ability to increase memory functionality. Sulbutiamine is shown to cause an increase in cholinergic activities in the Hippocampus, this area of the brain plays a pivotal role in the consolidation of both short and long term memory as well as spatial navigation and memory. Another plausible cause of Sulbutiamine improving cognition and memory is through the suppression and reduction of dopamine released in the Prefrontal Cortex. These various Mechanisms of Action make Sulbutiamine an understandable choice in improving cognitive and memory abilities.
Sulbutiamine has various benefits beyond cognition and memory improvement. In one study Sulbutiamine was shown to help treat erectile dysfunction in 16 participants out of 20 over a 30 day period, including those with arterial disorders. At the conclusion of the study Sulbutiamine was found to be a effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Clinical efficacy of the drug enerion in the treatment of patients with psychogenic (functional) erectile dysfunction (Urologiia. 2005 Jan-Feb).
It has also been shown to aid in treating various psycho-behavioural inhibitions such as shyness and depression, which when coupled with other Nootropics (such as Aniracetam) could prove beneficial in aiding those suffering from social anxiety and depression. Although Sulbutiamine is not an antidepressive it was concluded to be useful in the rehabilitation for those suffering with depression in their Social, Family and professional lives. Effects of sulbutiamine (Arcalion 200) on psycho-behavioral inhibition in major depressive episodes (Encephale. 2000 Mar-Apr).
In one double-blind trial Sulbutiamine was found to be a plausible treatment in early Alzheimer’s Disease through potentiation of both the glutamatergic and cholinergic transmissions of the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus versus donepezil and a placebo over a 3 month study period. Effects of the association of sulbutiamine with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in early stage and moderate Alzheimer disease. (Encephale. 2007 Mar-Apr)
Sulbutiamine Dosage
The recommended Sulbutiamine dosage is usually 600 mg per day, taken in three 200 mg doses, one in the morning and one in the afternoon and another in the evening. It is sold in tablet capsule and powder form, generally in doses 200 mg each.
Does Sulbutiamine Work?
Sulbutiamine is an analogue of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), that passes the blood brain barrier more readily as well as improves the functionality of several transmissions within the brain. Sulbutiamine is recognized widely as one of the only plausible treatments for Asthenia, a simple over the counter treatment for erectile dysfunction, a treatment for psycho-behavioural inhibitions, and as a cognitive and memory enhancing Nootropic by increasing the availability of Thiamine Triphosphate.
There are still many variables though that have to be looked at with improving cognitive abilities. As a result, it is very hard to determine just how effective Sulbutiamine would be for a specific person. It all comes down to their own needs and current cognitive ability as well as lifestyle choices.
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