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Brain Candy.
CAUTION: This product is not intended for use by individuals who are currently being treated or at risk of being
treated for chronic or serious anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or any mental-health condition.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Brain Candy User Comments
―I feel 10 years younger!‖
As I‘ve gotten older I‘ve lost focus and drive. Lifting had become a drag, house projects were not getting done, etc.
Since I started Brain Candy, the early afternoon crash is GONE, and I‘ able to stay focused 100 % all the way through
the night. I‘m flat-out productive.
Getting old has been a bitch, but Brain Candy has knocked about 10 years off how I feel. I don‘t want to be without
Brain Candy, ever!
hatda02
―I‘m much more even-tempered and patient.‖
Since starting Brain Candy (one shot per day), I feel better than I ever. My ability to focus is off the charts and I have
energy all throughout the day that continues through my long night shifts. The mood enhancement effect is for real,
too. I‘m much more even-tempered and patient, which is a pretty big deal for me. Others have noticed these
differences in me, including the owners of the gym I go to, and have become daily Brain Candy users.
Having used Brain Candy for almost a month now, I have to say that this stuff is the real deal. Hands down my
favorite supplement.
Dave G
―No exasperated feeling at the end of the day.‖
I‘ve been using Brain Candy for seven days, including three long days at a conference, meeting with executives and
lobbyists. I didn‘t have the urge to fall asleep, throw anyone out a window, or feel the need for coffee. No exasperated
feeling at the end of the day, either. I just went right to the gym.
Hip Scar
―Home run, Biotest.‖
Absolutely loving Brain Candy. Home run, Biotest!
jedalger
―Amazing.‖
After a long night and only sleeping two hours, I woke up this morning feeling incredibly tired. I rolled over and took a
shot of Brain Candy, and 20 minutes later I was going about my morning as if I‘d slept like a baby all night. Amazing.
Anthony50
―I don‘t get it, but Brain Candy works!‖
Even though I was initially skeptical, I bought a case of Brain Candy. I took my first bottle on Wednesday and choked
out all my Jujitsu training partners at practice. And this is after a two-week spring-break vacation. Thursday I ran the
show during an international relations discussion. On Friday I won my first argument ever with my girlfriend. I don‘t
get it, but Brain Candy works!
jjmccue3
―Getting out of bed has never been so easy!‖
Taking Brain Candy, getting out of bed has never been so easy!
MontisVerdes
―Amazing day on Brain Candy.‖
Amazing day on Brain Candy. I worked on a project for my MBA class for six hours straight without taking a break,
and that wasn‘t my intention when I sat down. I just got dialed in and didn‘t want to get up from the computer. I
really wish I had this supplement when I was in undergrad.
MizzouDawg
―Aside from being in a great mood…‖
I love this stuff! Aside from being in a great mood and having great workouts, Brain Candy has really helped me focus
on my practice sessions (I play bass guitar). I‘ve been breezing through stuff that I had difficulty with before.
setor
―Brain Candy may have been too good.‖
Day four of Brain Candy may have been too good. I was talking with some friends last night and my wife had to drag
me away (to get to bed) because we simply wouldn‘t stop talking. I‘ve always been the one to see reason and say
goodbye, but last night I couldn‘t do it!
Also, I‘ve definitely had a better time mentally compartmentalizing tasks.
byukid
―Never been more pleased with a supplement.‖
When I‘m on Brain Candy, my ―hockey sense‖ during a game is at a very high and constant pitch. It‘s the difference
between good and great playing. Sometimes it‘s hard to get ―into the groove‖ and it‘s all too easy to get out of it.
I‘ve noticed on Brain Candy that I‘m in the groove immediately, and I pretty much stay that way. Which is mindblowingly awesome! It‘s almost as if Tim Patterson took the concept of ―flow‖ and being ―in the zone‖ and bottled it.
Seriously, that‘s the best way I could describe it.
Katzenjammer
―A winner if there ever was one!‖
As an official energy drink junkie, I can say, hands down, Brain Candy blows anything else on the market out of the
water. What Spike did to energy drinks, Brain Candy does to nootropic supplements. A winner if there ever was one!
Lonnie123
―Not usually talkative the morning.‖
The effects on my first day of Brain Candy were good. I was able to stay much more focused during classes, and I was
able to joke and laugh much more with classmates than usual (I‘m usually not in the mood for that in the morning.)
The effects by the fourth and fifth day were really something. I think Tim Patterson is on to something when he talks
about the cumulative effects when taking it routinely in the morning. With Brain Candy, once you‘re going about your
daily routine you‘ll notice you‘re much more focused (not jittery) and have a sense of well-being.
ashylaryyku
―Brain Candy is pure gold for social events.‖
Brain Candy is the real deal guys. I‘ve been quiet all my life and Brain Candy is pure gold for social events. I‘ve never
talked so much and said so many smart things in such a short time span.
kjmont
―I couldn‘t be lazy.‖
My plan for Sunday was to sit on my butt and watch TV. Well, I took my Brain Candy in the morning and could not be
lazy! I had to be productive!
sniper1
―Brain Candy has had a huge impact on my life.‖
I‘m currently taking Brain Candy daily right now and have no plans to stop. I wish I had this stuff when I was in
school. I‘ve been struggling with mild depression and anxiety since starting a new job, so this supplement has had a
huge impact on my life. My productivity at work in the last week has been unreal.
MizzouDawg
―Just in time…‖
Brain Candy showed up at my door just in time! Working on about five hours of sleep right, I was about to take a nap,
but once it kicked in I managed to finish the last set of assignments for this semester. It‘s a nice, clear focus. Can‘t
wait to experience the cumulative effects. This is going to come in handy for finals in the coming weeks!
Dmgctrl
―Alert, aware, effective..,‖
I woke up at 4:00 this morning and was out of the house by 5:00. Brain Candy consumed at 6:00 and I was very
surprised by the effects: alert, aware, effective and efficient throughout the morning. It was like my sympathetic
nervous system was up but under total control. Very cool!
Michael Ranfone, CSCS
―Brain Candy was really working magic….‖
I participated in a ―strongman‖ class our gym organized to help promote it. Along with my regular training session, I
totaled about 3.5 hours of training in a row. What‘s crazy is how I was very focused throughout both workouts. Brain
Candy was really working its magic tonight!
Anechoic
―Less anxiety about the tough day ahead‖
I had Brain Candy this morning. I noticed an elevated mood about 20 minutes after taking on an empty stomach.
Getting ready for the day was a more positive experience, with less anxiety about the tough day ahead.
Captain72
―Plus 5 Attitude‖
I spent all of last week in sleep deprivation staying up late with friends, but I still managed to train hard and have
energy. My attitude (on a – 5 / + 5 scale) has been at a ―+ 5″ these days. I‘ve even gotten my parents on Brain
Candy.
emenef
―Even doing my taxes didn‘t bother me.‖
I did my taxes after taking brain candy this weekend, and I didn‘t break a thing or kick the dog or anything…
westnole
―Love Brain Candy.‖
Loving this Brain Candy. Going to order another case today!
BradyZ
―Amazing weekend experience‖
Ok, Brain Candy update. I took it over the weekend and had a f‘n fabulous two days – great mental energy and clarity,
good mood, and got all my errands done. Even when I strained my shoulder on overhead press I didn‘t get pissed like
a normally would. Just kind of figured out a way to work around it and make the best of it.
Brain Candy is amazing stuff.
wallstrt
―Awesome!‖
Brain Candy is awesome!
jedalger
―Two days without made me understand.‖
For the first couple of hours I wasn‘t sure if it was working. Once I realized that it was – and how it was – it started
hitting me how amazing Brain Candy is. It took me 4 days to understand it – 2 days with Brain Candy, 2 days without.
BiP
―Mom greeted dad naked…‖
I handed my mom a bottle of Brain Candy and told her to drink it… She ended up cleaning the house, greeted my dad
naked (he thought he‘d share that with me, so now I‘ll do the same), did laundry, and even took doors off their hinges
and helped my dad sand and paint them. And this is from a woman with MS! So all and all, I like Brain Candy and my
mom wants to know WTF I gave her.
corstijeir
―I feel this!‖
Today when I got to work my Brain Candy had arrived, and here‘s my report: Well, I can actually feel the blood flow to
the brain. In the gym I was able to be more aggressive. It took me back to the intensity I had when I played
linebacker with in high school. I was very explosive with every rep. I actually had a sense of my neurons firing more
efficiently. It isn‘t often that I actually feel a supplement working and I‘m very critical of such claims. I‘m not one to
take something and expect it to be ―felt.‖ I feel this!
StandTall
―KD ratio is UP!‖
As a POV from the gaming community, I‘ve taken Brain Candy for 4 straight days now, and after day 2 I‘ve noticed an
improvement in my CoD performance (haha). KD ratio is UP!
diamonddelts59
―I‘m finding myself wanting to read more.‖
This morning I found myself wiping my counter tops before going to class (they weren‘t even messy). I‘ve also had
the sudden urge to read more throughout the day since taking Brain Candy. Just today I brought my Stephen King
book to campus, read it before class, and got excited when class let out 30 minutes early because I wanted more
reading time (lol). NURD!
ashylarryku
―Mentally focused, energetic, great mood, and the social effect is real.‖
I‘m 3 hours into my first go-around with Brain Candy. It ROCKS!
Starting Tuesday and finishing Wednesday, I worked 36 hours straight (with no sleep) and was totally slammed.
Today, even after sleeping nine hours, I should be wiped out. I know a bit about the extremes of mental performance
and the effects of no sleep. I‘m an anesthesiologist and had to deal with studying and working with no or minimal
sleep in residency. So I know how I should feel today.
I took Brain Candy right before 7:00 AM and I feel GREAT! I‘m mentally focused, energetic, in a great mood, and the
social effect is real. Instead of dragging and watching the clock, I feel ―ON.‖ I know I should be scraping along, but I‘m
energized and READY TO GO.
This supplement is REAL!
I need a palate of Brain Candy delivered, ASAP!
I am ready to sign a binding contract for year long auto-ship. I just need my first batch TOMORROW.
DogBiteCat
―Mentally focused and elevated mood all day‖
After taking Brain Candy, my mood was elevated all day. I was able to focus 10 hours after I took it for a great
workout. I was also told by two separate people I was funnier. My ability to tolerate people that would otherwise
annoy me was heightened. I was refreshed throughout the entire day, even up to the point of when I went to sleep. I
went to sleep easily and the sleep quality was great.
corstijeir
―I‘m usually in a terrible mood, but…‖
Took Brain Candy about an hour ago. Feeling pretty good at the moment. This is highly abnormal as I am usually in a
terrible mood when I‘m getting ready for work (to the point where I don‘t even want to respond when my wife talks to
me!). I actually found myself singing a song in my head while I was getting ready for work. The fact that I‘m even
looking forward to my day is weird. I‘ll report back more later. Oh, and I haven‘t even had my morning coffee yet,
which is usually a requirement for me to function at all.
MizzouDawg
―Brain Candy is friggin‘ awesome!‖
Brain Candy is friggin‘ awesome! I‘ve never been so happy while in a calorie deficit!
mattyg24
―Less anxiety about the tough day ahead‖
I had Brain Candy this morning. I noticed an elevated mood about 20 minutes after taking on an empty stomach.
Getting ready for the day was a more positive experience, with less anxiety about the tough day ahead.
Captain72
―Burning through the Wall Street Journal…‖
Tried Brain Candy this morning. I usually read the Wall Street Journal and New York Times on the train and just finish
as I‘m hitting my stop. This morning I burned through both with five minutes to spare.
Westnole
―I could feel the effects 13 hours later!‖
I took Brain Candy five minutes after I got up. Within an hour I could feel it. My mind was clear, I seem to have less
―ADD,‖ in that I could focus on work e-mails, spreadsheets, and other tasks more effectively. It definitely helped me
overcome the sluggishness I had from an uneven night‘s sleep. I could feel the effects 13 hours later! Amazing. I
cannot wait to get on a regular regimen of this!
jkwarsick
―I felt like a genius and a lot more social.‖
I tried the regular Brain Candy this morning on an empty stomach, around 7:30 AM. I had some breakfast at 8:15 and
class started at 8:30. The only effects I really noticed was being more awake for the first hour.
However, at 9:30 I felt like a genius. I was doing class work, while sitting with six other people and listening to two
other conversations on the side. For my next class I was wide awake, and paying attention in a class that all year I‘ve
never cared about. I was actually talking out loud and referring to questions raised by the professors. I got some
weird looks, because the whole quarter I had only talked once before!
So I definitely noticed more awareness, I was a lot more social, and the most impressive part was attention span was
highly raised. I can see myself drinking this Nectar of The Gods for the rest of my life.
bassip21
―Mentally fresh, cheerful, carefree, and more talkative‖
Overall, I feel more cheerful and carefree with Brain Candy. Mood was noticeably better and I was conversing more
with one of my new clients. Energy-wise, I felt pretty fresh mentally the entire day with no afternoon crash or
sluggishness. I took the dose on an empty stomach at 8:30 AM and was still noticing these effects around 6:00 PM.
It‘s around 7:15 PM now and I can feel the effects wearing off slightly, but I still feel mentally sharp.
seph89
―Definitely felt more focused on my work‖
I took Brain Candy and definitely felt more focused on my work and wanted to get sh*t done!
Cool feeling!
Jud68
―I‘m much more confident.‖
With Brain Candy my thinking is incredibly clear and I‘m much more confident.
Quite impressive.
Briansays
―Greater focus and a greater sense of being ‗aware‘ and ‗engaged.‘‖
I took Brain Candy yesterday and felt very ―even‖ all day, no ups or downs. Usually I need a 5-o‘clock coffee at work
(I work until 2 AM), but yesterday, I just plowed right through with no rundown feeling.
Been on for 3 days solid now. The main thing I notice is a decreased ―time to focus‖ — meaning I can basically be
ready to go in the gym in no time flat (no time needed to psych up or anything like that). I‘ve actually ditched the
headphones these last two days. I just don‘t need them.
There does seem to be an effect with regard to being social, as well. I‘m a bit more talkative at work, taking more
risks with jokes, things like that. But overall, Brain Candy has given me more of a sharpness of mind, a greater ability
to focus, and just a general sense of being ―aware‖ and ―engaged.‖
Lonnie123
―I was super-nice to my coworkers who are idiots.‖
I had an amazing workout this morning. But what is more amazing is that I was super-nice to my coworkers who are
idiots.
Breaux
―I need more time for extra chatting with everyone!‖
It‘s my second day on Brain Candy. I need to allocate more time for extra chatting with everyone!
GreekGodX
―Mental clarity and calmness that I don‘t think I‘ve felt in years.‖
I‘m really liking Brain Candy. It‘s a bit more caffeine than I‘m used to (in one shot), but that was mostly offset with a
kind of mental clarity and calmness that I don‘t think I‘ve felt in years. Mentally I was ready to GSD (get sh*t done).
wallstrt
―I love this stuff and can‘t believe how long I can stay focused.‖
I love this stuff and can‘t believe how long I can stay focused. I think I finally understood for a moment the distinction
Aquinas makes between esse and essentia. It really is a nice calm/warm focus: the kind of focus that seems to expand
time, if you know what I mean.
katzenjammer
―Woke up early and was ready to go.‖
I‘m on my third dose of Brain Candy right now. Today I set my alarm clock for 9:00 AM and woke up at 8:50 AM and
was up immediately. That never happens.
PB Andy
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Research Abstracts
Mood / Anxiety / Cognition / Attention
Clin Ter. 1990 Mar 31;132(6 Suppl):479-510.
Effects of L-acetylcarnitine on mental deterioration in the aged: initial results.
Cipolli C, Chiari G.
In this paper the preliminary findings of a multicentre study on the effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on mildly impaired
elderly are reported. Statistical analysis was carried out on 236 out of 469 subjects sampled in 42 different Italian
geriatric or hospital units. Each subject was treated over 150 days, and a battery of tests (investigating cognitive
functioning, emotional-affective state and relational behavior) was administered at the beginning on the treatment and
the conclusion of each of its four phases.
In the first and the last phases there was a 30 days placebo treatment (aimed respectively to wash-out the effects of
previous drug and to assess the residual effects of the treatment), while in the second and the third ones (both 45
days long) the subjects took 1500 mg/day of Acetyl-L-carnitine. Repeated multivariate analysis of variance and of
covariance (taking as independent variables phases of treatment, age, gender, etiology and severity of mental
impairment, as dependent variables the scores either of each test administered or of groups of items and as
covariants the level of depression and the sensitivity to placebo effect) showed that drug treatment significantly
increased the effectiveness of performance on all the measures of cognitive functioning and of emotional-affective
state and on some scores of the relational behavior. Age resulted significantly influential on cognitive functioning and
relational behavior, but not on emotional-affective state. Severity of mental impairment significantly influenced also
several measures of cognitive functioning and relational behavior, while less consistent results were shown for gender
and etiology of mental impairment.
The placebo effect, although significant for some cognitive processes, was lower than that of treatment. There
findings suggest that Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment is effective against the outcomes of mental impairment in the
cognitive (in particular, for memory functioning and constructional thinking) and emotional-affective domains, while its
effects on relational behaviour are less consistent, probably because they are partly biased in the subjective evaluation
of caregivers and relatives by factors such as age and levels of mental impairment and depression.
L-acetylcarnitine in depressed elderly subjects. A cross-over study vs placebo.
Tempesta E, Casella L, Pirrongelli C, Janiri L, Calvani M, Ancona L.
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
An open, cross-over study was performed on a population of 24 geriatric patients hospitalized because of depressive
syndrome. They were subdivided, according to Hamilton‘s Scale as modified for the aged, into low- and high-score
subgroups. The study period covered 2 months. Half the patients received acetylcarnitine for 1 month and placebo
thereafter (Group A); the other half received placebo and acetyl-carnitine thereafter (Group B). Statistical evaluation
was twofold: parametrical analysis of variance was carried out on 4 subgroups (A1, A2, B1 and B2) and analysis of the
score percentage modifications before and after treatment was performed on Groups A and B. The experimental
results showed that acetylcarnitine treatment was highly effective and statistically significant in subgroups A1/B1,
A2/B2, A1, B1 and B2. In particular, it should be noted that depressive tendencies were significantly modified in most
groups, whereas general somatic symptoms as well as anxiety, asthenia and sleep disturbances proved to be little
affected. Clinical evaluation, carried out by calculation of modifications in pre- and post-treatment score percentages,
provided clear evidence that acetylcarnitine was particularly effective in patients showing more serious clinical
symptoms. The drug caused no side-effects at the doses and regimens used.
Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1986 Sep;24(9):511-6.
Study of the efficacy and tolerability of L-acetylcarnitine therapy in the senile brain.
Bonavita E.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of L-acetylcarnitine therapy in the senile brain. The
trial was conducted on a double-blind basis, with a total of 40 patients divided into two groups of 20, treated for 40
days with L-acetylcarnitine and placebo, respectively–the therapeutic regimen being two 500 mg tablets t.i.d. Mental
parameters of the senile brain were assessed at 0, 20 and 40 days of treatment, while basal and final values were
recorded for a number of laboratory tests. Statistical analysis of results confirmed that short-term, intensive Lacetylcarnitine treatment can determine a significant improvement of the main mental parameters of the senile brain,
without incidence of significant side effects.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2008 Mar-Apr;46(2):181-90. Epub 2007 Jul 20.
Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue.
Malaguarnera M, Gargante MP, Cristaldi E, Colonna V, Messano M, Koverech A, Neri S, Vacante M, Cammalleri L, Motta
M.
Centro di Ricerca La Grande Senescenza, Universitˆ degli Studi di Catania, Via Messina 829, I-95126 Catania, Italy.
Fatigue is one of the conditions most frequently complained by the elderly. There are few effective treatment options
for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. To determine the efficacy, tolerability and impact on the fatigue, as well as
on cognitive and functional status of elderly subjects with acetyl L-carnitine (ALC), 96 aged subjects (>70 years, range
71-88) were investigated (50 females and 46 males; mean age 76.2+/-7.6 and 78.4+/-6.4 years, respectively). They
met four or more of the Holmes major criteria or at least six of Fukuda minor criteria. Fatigue was measured with the
Wessely and Powell [Wessely, S., Powell, R., 1989. Fatigue syndromes: a comparison of chronic postviral fatigue with
neuromuscular and affective disorders. J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry 52, 940-948] scores, with the fatigue severity
scale. At the end of the treatment, we observed a decrease of physical fatigue: 6.2 (p<0.001), of mental fatigue: 2.8
(p<0.001), of severity fatigue: 21.0 (p<0.001) and improvements in functional status: 16.1 (p<0.001) and cognitive
functions: 2.7 (p<0.001).
By the end of the treatment, significant differences between the two groups were found for the following parameters:
muscle pain -27% versus -3% (p<0.05); prolonged fatigue after exercise: 51% versus -4% (p<0.0001); sleep
disorders: 28% versus 4% (p<0.05); physical fatigue: 7 versus -0.5 (p<0.0001); mental fatigue: -3.3 versus 0.6
(p<0.0001); fatigue severity scale: -22.5 versus 1.2 (p<0.0001); functional status 17.1 versus 0.6 (p<0.0001); mini
mental state examination (MMSE) improvements: 3.4 versus 0.5 (p<0.0001). Our data show that administering ALC
may reduce both physical and mental fatigue in elderly and improves both the cognitive status and physical functions.
Ukr Biokhim Zh. 2005 Jul-Aug;77(4):30-50.
Vitamine-like substances L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine: from biochemical studies to medicine.
Kopelevich VM.
Recently reported data clarify our understanding of the molecular aspects of carnitine in medicine. Carnitine is a
compound necessary for the transport of acyl-CoA across the inner mitochondrial membrane for their beta-oxidation.
Only L-isomer of carnitine is biologically active. The D-isomer may actually compete with L-carnitine for absorption
and transport, increasing the risk of carnitine deficiency. By interaction with CoA, carnitine is involved in the
intermediary metabolism by modulating free CoA pools in the cell.
Detoxification properties and anabolic, antiapoptotic and neuroprotective roles of carnitine is presented. Carnitine
deficiency occurs as a primary genetic defect of carnitine transport and secondary to a variety of genetic and acquired
disorders. The pathophysiological states associated with carnitine deficiency have been summarized. L-Carnitine is
effective for the treatment of primary and secondary carnitine deficiencies. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves cognition in the
brain, significantly reversed age-associated decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and improved ambulatory
activity. The therapeutic effects of carnitine and acetylcarnitine are discussed.
Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment
of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer‘s disease.
Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R.
Imperial College University of London, London, UK.
The efficacy of acetyl-L-carnitine (gamma-trimethyl- beta-acetylbutyrobetaine (Alcar) in mild cognitive impairment
(MCI) and mild (early) Alzheimer‘s disease (AD) was investigated with a meta-analysis of double-blind, placebocontrolled prospective, parallel group comparison studies of at least 3 months duration. The duration of the studies
was 3, 6 or 12 months and the daily dose varied between studies from 1.5-3.0 g/day. An effect size was calculated to
reflect the results of the variety of measures used in the studies grouped into the categories of clinical tests and
psychometric tests. The effect sizes from the categories were integrated into an overall summary effect size. The
effect size for the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-CH) was calculated separately. Meta-analysis showed a
significant advantage for Alcar compared to placebo for the integrated summary effect [ES =0.201, 95% confidence
interval (CI)=0.107-0.295] and CGI-CH (ES =0.32, 95% CI=0.18-0.47). The beneficial effects were seen on both the
clinical scales and the psychometric tests. The advantage for Alcar was seen by the time of the first assessment at 3
months and increased over time. Alcar was well tolerated in all studies.
Acetyl L-carnitine slows decline in younger patients with Alzheimer‘s disease: a reanalysis of a double-blind, placebocontrolled study using the trilinear approach.
Brooks JO 3rd, Yesavage JA, Carta A, Bravi D.
Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the longitudinal effects of acety-L-carnitine (ALC) on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer‘s
disease.
DESIGN: Longitudinal, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled.
SETTING: Twenty-four outpatient sites across the United States.
PARTICIPANTS: A total of 334 subjects diagnosed with probable Alzheimer‘s disease by NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. These
data were originally reported by Thal and colleagues (1996).
MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) given every 3 months for 1
year.
RESULTS: The average rate of change was estimated using the trilinear approach, which allows for periods of both
change and stability. Both the ALC group and the placebo group exhibited the same mean rate of change on the ADAS
(0.68 points/month). However, a multiple regression analysis revealed a statistically significant Age x Drug interaction
characterized by younger subjects benefiting more from ALC, significant, cutpoint for ALC benefit was 61 years of age.
CONCLUSIONS: ALC slows the progression of Alzheimer‘s disease in younger subjects, and the use of the trilinear
approach to estimate the average rate of change may prove valuable in pharmacological trials.
Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1994;20(4):169-76.
L-acetylcarnitine treatment of mental decline in the elderly.
Salvioli G, Neri M.
Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Estense Hospital, University of Modena, Italy.
A single-blind clinical trial was carried out on 481 subjects enrolled in 44 geriatric and neurologic units following a
strict selection criteria: age, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) Global Deterioration Scale and Geriatric
Depression Scale (GDS). After the initial screening and enrollment, the trial was run for 150 days in four phases:
phase T0 (placebo treatment for 30 days), phases T1 and T2 (L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) 1500 mg/day for 90 days),
phase T3 (further 30 days of placebo treatment). Drug efficacy was evaluated according to changes occurring from the
beginning to the end of the tests which evaluate either whole and specific cognitive performances, or emotionalaffective and relational behaviour. The outcome of phase T3 enabled the authors to estimate the possible favourable
effects persisting after termination of L-acetylcarnitine therapy. The cognitive sphere evaluated by MMSE showed a
significant increase in the total score at the end of LAC treatment (p < 0.0001).
The Randt Memory Test also revealed that LAC treatment improved the items tested: the total score and the memory
index increased significantly and the favourable effect persisted after LAC was discontinued. The emotional-affective
area showed a significant improvement in the total score of the GDS after LAC therapy, and the positive results were
confirmed by the Hamilton Rating Scale (p < 0.0001). The behavioural-relational aspects evaluated by the Family
Stress Scale showed a significant decrease in the total score after treatment (p < 0.0004); the same trend was
observed in the scores for instability and negative feeling. No significant adverse drug reaction occurred during the
trial. In conclusion, the statistical analysis of the data from this single-blind, multicentre trial of mild mental
impairment in the elderly showed a significant improvement of several performances during and after LAC treatment.
Other reports indicate that this drug may be effective in the treatment of dementia.
Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 1991;5 Suppl 1:S7-12.
Efficacy and clinical relevance of cognition enhancers.
Herrmann WM, Stephan K.
Department of Psychiatry, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
Changes from the end of 4-week placebo (washout) baselines to the end of 3-month therapy with three chemically
different cognition enhancers (CEs) , and parallel changes in placebo controls, were compared to determine the
influence of the severity of disease at study entry. Four trials published elsewhere, showing significant treatment
differences between active drugs and placebo, were selected according to their (a) sharing at least one global measure
for treatment outcome and having shown effects on at least one additional scale or test, and (b) presenting an obvious
rank order in the severity of disease.
Each study was a standard-controlled clinical phase III trial with greater than 100 psychogeriatric in-or outpatients.
The patients‘ symptoms met the criteria for mild to moderate/severe age-related organic brain syndrome, a core
syndrome of senile dementia, either from the primary degenerative, mixed, or multi-infarct type. The extent of
changes on placebo was clearly influenced by the mean pretreatment severity of disease. On the whole, the
improvements on active drugs reached or exceeded the baseline variability of psychogeriatric scales and tests.
Clin Ter. 1990 Mar 31;132(6 Suppl):479-510.
Effects of L-acetylcarnitine on mental deterioration in the aged: initial results.
Cipolli C, Chiari G.
In this paper the preliminary findings of a multicentre study on the effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on mildly impaired
elderly are reported. Statistical analysis was carried out on 236 out of 469 subjects sampled in 42 different Italian
geriatric or hospital units. Each subject was treated over 150 days, and a battery of tests (investigating cognitive
functioning, emotional-affective state and relational behavior) was administered at the beginning on the treatment and
the conclusion of each of its four phases. In the first and the last phases there was a 30 days placebo treatment
(aimed respectively to wash-out the effects of previous drug and to assess the residual effects of the treatment), while
in the second and the third ones (both 45 days long) the subjects took 1500 mg/day of Acetyl-L-carnitine. Repeated
multivariate analysis of variance and of covariance (taking as independent variables phases of treatment, age, gender,
etiology and severity of mental impairment, as dependent variables the scores either of each test administered or of
groups of items and as covariants the level of depression and the sensitivity to placebo effect) showed that drug
treatment significantly increased the effectiveness of performance on all the measures of cognitive functioning and of
emotional-affective state and on some scores of the relational behavior.
Age resulted significantly influential on cognitive functioning and relational behavior, but not on emotional-affective
state. Severity of mental impairment significantly influenced also several measures of cognitive functioning and
relational behavior, while less consistent results were shown for gender and etiology of mental impairment. The
placebo effect, although significant for some cognitive processes, was lower than that of treatment. There findings
suggest that Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment is effective against the outcomes of mental impairment in the cognitive (in
particular, for memory functioning and constructional thinking) and emotional-affective domains, while its effects on
relational behaviour are less consistent, probably because they are partly biased in the subjective evaluation of
caregivers and relatives by factors such as age and levels of mental impairment and depression.
Neurobiol Aging. 1995 Jan-Feb;16(1):1-4.
Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer‘s disease.
Pettegrew JW, Klunk WE, Panchalingam K, Kanfer JN, McClure RJ.
Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, PA
15213, USA.
In a double-blind, placebo study, acetyl-L-carnitine was administered to 7 probable Alzheimer‘s disease patients who
were then compared by clinical and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic measures to 5 placebo-treated probable AD
patients and 21 age-matched healthy controls over the course of 1 year. Compared to AD patients on placebo, acetylL-carnitine-treated patients showed significantly less deterioration in their Mini-Mental Status and Alzheimer‘s Disease
Assessment Scale test scores.
Furthermore, the decrease in phosphomonoester levels observed in both the acetyl-L-carnitine and placebo AD groups
at entry was normalized in the acetyl-L-carnitine-treated but not in the placebo-treated patients. Similar normalization
of high-energy phosphate levels was observed in the acetyl-L-carnitine-treated but not in the placebo-treated patients.
This is the first direct in vivo demonstration of a beneficial effect of a drug on both clinical and CNS neurochemical
parameters in AD.
J Nutr Health Aging. 2010 Mar;14(3):224-30.
A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without
dementia.
Chan A, Remington R, Kotyla E, Lepore A, Zemianek J, Shea TB.
Center for Cell Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Lowell MA 01854,
USA.
Adults of both genders without dementia consumed a nutriceutical formulation (―NF,‖ consisting of folic acid, B12,
Vitamin E, S-adenosylmethionine, N-acetyl cysteine and Acetyl-L-carnitine), previously shown to improve cognitive
performance in Alzheimer‘s disease, or placebo. Participants receiving NF but not placebo improved statistically and
clinically in the California Verbal Learning Test II and the Trail-Making Test. Both groups improved further during a 3month open-label extension. Additional individuals displayed identical improvement during a separate 6-month openlabel trial. Performance declined to baseline following withdrawal of NF, and statistically improved when participants
resumed taking NF. Additional participants receiving NF but not placebo demonstrated improvement within 2 weeks in
Trail-making and Digit-Memory tests; both groups improved in a 2-week open-label extension.
An increased percentage of participants > or = 74 years of age did not show improvement with NF, which may relate
to age-related difficulties in adsorption and/or basal nutritional deficiencies, or age-related cognitive decline during the
course of this study. These findings support the benefit of nutritional supplements for cognitive performance and
suggest that additional supplementation may be required for the elderly.
Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1988;8(5):367-76.
Mental impairment in aging: selection of patients, methods of evaluation and therapeutic possibilities of acetyl-Lcarnitine.
Passeri M, Iannuccelli M, Ciotti G, Bonati PA, Nolfe G, Cucinotta D.
Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate School of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Parma, Italy.
The authors carried out a double-blind study in two randomized homogeneous groups of both sexes of 15 patients
each, over 65 years of age and suffering from mild mental impairment. One group of patients underwent therapy with
acetyl-L-carnitine, 2 g/day for three months, while the other group was treated with a placebo. The statistical
evaluation of the results were carried out using nonparametric methods (Friedman-Nemenyi two-way Anova and Mann
Whitney U-Test). However, the two groups did not differ significantly in either test at the end of treatment.
It is possible to affirm that the acetyl-L-carnitine treated patients showed statistically significant improvement in the
behavioural performances (Blessed Dementia Scale p less than 0.02; Stuard Hospital Geriatric Rating Scale p less than
0.01), in the memory tests (Rey short-term p less than 0.02; Rey long-term p less than 0.05; Corsi p less than 0.05),
in the attention test (Barrage test p less than 0.01) and in the Verbal Fluency test p less than 0.01).
Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2008 Jun;17(6):827-43.
Acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid: possible neurotherapeutic agents for mood disorders?
Soczynska JK, Kennedy SH, Chow CS, Woldeyohannes HO, Konarski JZ, McIntyre RS.
University of Toronto, Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, ON, Canada.
BACKGROUND: Mood disorders are associated with decrements in cognitive function, which are insufficiently treated
with contemporary pharmacotherapies.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the putative neurotherapeutic effects of the mitochondrial cofactors, L-carnitine, acetyl-Lcarnitine, and alpha-lipoic acid; and to provide a rationale for investigating their efficacy in the treatment of
neurocognitive deficits associated with mood disorders.
METHODS: A PubMed search of English-language articles published between January 1966 and March 2007 was
conducted using the search terms carnitine and lipoic acid.
RESULTS: L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid may offer neurotherapeutic effects (e.g., neurocognitive enhancement) via
disparate mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation. Preliminary controlled trials
in depressed geriatric populations also suggest an antidepressant effect with acetyl-L-carnitine.
CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid are pleiotropic agents capable of offering neuroprotective and
possibly cognitive-enhancing effects for neuropsychiatric disorders in which cognitive deficits are an integral feature.
Mol Aspects Med. 2004 Oct-Dec;25(5-6):533-49.
Role of carnitine esters in brain neuropathology.
Virmani A, Binienda Z.
Scientific Affairs, Sigma-tau HealthScience, Pomezia 00040, Italy.
L-Carnitine (L-C) is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound endogenous in all mammalian species and
is a vital cofactor for the mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids. Fatty acids are utilized as an energy substrate in all
tissues, and although glucose is the main energetic substrate in adult brain, fatty acids have also been shown to be
utilized by brain as an energy substrate. L-C also participates in the control of the mitochondrial acyl-CoA/CoA ratio,
peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids, and the production of ketone bodies. Due to their intrinsic interaction with the
bioenergetic processes, they play an important role in diseases associated with metabolic compromise, especially
mitochondrial-related disorders. A deficiency of carnitine is known to have major deleterious effects on the CNS.
Several syndromes of secondary carnitine deficiency have been described that may result from defects in intermediary
metabolism and alterations principally involving mitochondrial oxidative pathways.
Mitochondrial superoxide formation resulting from disturbed electron transfer within the respiratory chain may affect
the activities of respiratory chain complexes I, II, III, IV, and V and underlie some CNS pathologies. This mitochondrial
dysfunction may be ameliorated by L-C and its esters. In addition to its metabolic role, L-C and its esters such as
acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) poses unique neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and neurotrophic properties which may play
an important role in counteracting various disease processes. Neural dysfunction and metabolic imbalances underlie
many diseases, and the inclusion of metabolic modifiers may provide an alternative and early intervention approach,
which may limit further developmental damage, cognitive loss, and improve long-term therapeutic outcomes. The
neurophysiological and neuroprotective actions of L-C and ALC on cellular processes in the central and peripheral
nervous system show such effects. Indeed, many studies have shown improvement in processes, such as memory and
learning, and are discussed in this review.
J Neurochem. 2011 Sep;118(5):864-78. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07355.x. Epub 2011 Jul 18.
Acetyl-L-carnitine ameliorates spatial memory deficits induced by inhibition of phosphoinositol-3 kinase and protein
kinase C.
Jiang X, Tian Q, Wang Y, Zhou XW, Xie JZ, Wang JZ, Zhu LQ.
Department of Pathophysiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan,
China.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) plays a crucial role in memory deficits and tau hyperphosphorylation as seen
in Alzheimer‘s disease, the most common dementia in the aged population. We reported that ventricular co-injection
of wortmannin and GF-109203X (WT/GFX) can induce tau hyperphosophorylation and memory impairment of rats
through activation of GSK-3 [Liu S. J., Zhang A. H., Li H. L., Wang Q., Deng H. M., Netzer W. J., Xu H. X. and Wang J.
Z. (2003) J. Neurochem. 87, 1333]. In the present study, we found that feeding the rats with Acetyl-L-Carnitine
(ALCAR, 50 mg/dayárat, per os) for 2 weeks rescued the WT/GFX-induced spatial memory retention impairment of the
rats by antagonizing GSK-3β activation independent of Akt, PKCζ and Erk1/2. We also found that ALCAR arrested
microtubule-associated protein tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple Alzheimer‘s disease sites in vivo and in vitro.
Moreover, ALCAR enhanced the expression of several memory-associated proteins including c-Fos, synapsin I in rat
hippocampus. These results suggest that ALCAR could ameliorate WT/GFX-induced spatial memory deficits through
inhibition tau hyperphosphorylation and modulation of memory-associated proteins.
Neuromolecular Med. 2007;9(3):264-9.
Effects of dietary supplementation with N-acetyl cysteine, acetyl-L-carnitine and S-adenosyl methionine on cognitive
performance and aggression in normal mice and mice expressing human ApoE4.
Chan A, Shea TB.
Center for Cellular Neurobiology & Neurodegeneration Research, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
01854, USA.
In addition to cognitive impairment, behavioral changes such as aggressive behavior, depression, and psychosis
accompany Alzheimer‘s Disease. Such symptoms may arise due to imbalances in neurotransmitters rather than overt
neurodegeneration. Herein, we demonstrate that combined administration of N-acetyl cysteine (an antioxidant and
glutathione precursor that protects against A beta neurotoxicity), acetyl-L-carnitine (which raises ATP levels, protects
mitochondria, and buffers A beta neurotoxicity), and S-adenosylmethionine (which facilitates glutathione usage and
maintains acetylcholine levels) enhanced or maintain cognitive function, and attenuated or prevented aggression, in
mouse models of aging and neurodegeneration.
Enhancement of cognitive function was rapidly reversed upon withdrawal of the formulation and restored following
additional rounds supplementation. Behavioral abnormalities correlated with a decline in acetylcholine, which was also
prevented by this nutriceutical combination, suggesting that neurotransmitter imbalance may contribute to their
manifestation. Treatment with this nutriceutical combination was able to compensate for lack of dietary folate and
vitamin E, coupled with administration of dietary iron as a pro-oxidant (which collectively increase homocysteine and
oxidative damage to brain tissue), indicating that it provided antioxidant neuroprotection. Maintenance of
neurotransmitter levels and prevention of oxidative damage underscore the efficacy of a therapeutic approach that
utilizes a combination of neuroprotective agents.
Psychosom Med. 2004 Mar-Apr;66(2):276-82.
Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR.
Research Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
OBJECTIVES: We compared the effects of acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine and both compounds on the symptoms of
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
METHODS: In an open, randomized fashion we compared 2 g/d acetyl-L-carnitine, 2 g/d propionyl-L-carnitine, and its
combination in 3 groups of 30 CFS patients during 24 weeks. Effects were rated by clinical global impression of
change. Secondary endpoints were the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Stroop
attention concentration test. Scores were assessed 8 weeks before treatment; at randomization; after 8, 16, and 24
weeks of treatment; and 2 weeks later.
RESULTS: Clinical global impression of change after treatment showed considerable improvement in 59% of the
patients in the acetylcarnitine group and 63% in the propionylcarnitine group, but less in the acetylcarnitine plus
propionylcarnitine group (37%). Acetylcarnitine significantly improved mental fatigue (p =.015) and propionylcarnitine
improved general fatigue (p =.004). Attention concentration improved in all groups, whereas pain complaints did not
decrease in any group. Two weeks after treatment, worsening of fatigue was experienced by 52%, 50%, and 37% in
the acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, and combined group, respectively. In the acetylcarnitine group, but not in the
other groups, the changes in plasma carnitine levels correlated with clinical improvement.
CONCLUSIONS: Acetylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine showed beneficial effect on fatigue and attention concentration.
Less improvement was found by the combined treatment. Acetylcarnitine had main effect on mental fatigue and
propionylcarnitine on general fatigue.
Mol Psychiatry. 2000 Nov;5(6):616-32.
Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in
Alzheimer‘s disease and geriatric depression.
Pettegrew JW, Levine J, McClure RJ.
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) contains carnitine and acetyl moieties, both of which have neurobiological properties.
Carnitine is important in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the acetyl moiety can be used to maintain acetyl-CoA
levels. Other reported neurobiological effects of ALCAR include modulation of: (1) brain energy and phospholipid
metabolism; (2) cellular macromolecules, including neurotrophic factors and neurohormones; (3) synaptic
morphology; and (4) synaptic transmission of multiple neurotransmitters.
Potential molecular mechanisms of ALCAR activity include: (1) acetylation of -NH2 and -OH functional groups in amino
acids and N terminal amino acids in peptides and proteins resulting in modification of their structure, dynamics,
function and turnover; and (2) acting as a molecular chaperone to larger molecules resulting in a change in the
structure, molecular dynamics, and function of the larger molecule. ALCAR is reported in double-blind controlled
studies to have beneficial effects in major depressive disorders and Alzheimer‘s disease (AD), both of which are highly
prevalent in the geriatric population.
Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2006 May;16(4):281-7. Epub 2005 Nov 28.
A double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial of acetyl-L-carnitine vs. amisulpride in the treatment of dysthymia.
Zanardi R, Smeraldi E.
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Vita-Salute University San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
AIM: Evaluation of the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) vs. amisulpride measured by total Hamilton Depression
Rating Scale score (HAM-D(21)) in patients with pure dysthymia (DSM IV). Two hundred and four patients were
randomised and treated with ALCAR 500 mg b.i.d. or amisulpride 50 mg u.i.d. in a double-blind study, for 12 weeks.
RESULTS: A solid improvement of HAM-D(21) was observed in both treatment groups throughout the study. The
results did not disclose statistically significant differences between treatments, although the confidence interval for the
non-inferiority of the primary end-point exceeded the pre-established limit of 2 by 0.46 points. According to a noninferiority margin of 3 (considered acceptable by recent published data) the primary end-point could have been fully
satisfied. CDRS, MADRS and CGI, employed to further measure the clinical outcome, reported similar results in both
treatment groups. The greater tolerability of ALCAR is of clinical relevance considering the chronicity of dysthymia,
which often requires prolonged treatment.
Urology. 2004 Apr;63(4):641-6.
Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue
associated with male aging.
Cavallini G, Caracciolo S, Vitali G, Modenini F, Biagiotti G.
Andrological Operative Unit, Headquarters of Societˆ Italiana di Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy.
OBJECTIVES: To To compare testosterone undecanoate versus propionyl-L-carnitine plus acetyl-L-carnitine and
placebo in the treatment of male aging symptoms.
METHODS: A total of 120 patients were randomized into three groups. The mean patient age was 66 years (range 60
to 74). Group 1 was given testosterone undecanoate 160 mg/day, the second group was given propionyl-L-carnitine 2
g/day plus acetyl-L-carnitine 2 g/day. The third group was given a placebo (starch). Drugs and placebo were given for
6 months. The assessed variables were total prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, peak systolic velocity, enddiastolic velocity, resistive index of cavernosal penile arteries, nocturnal penile tumescence, total and free
testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia
Scale score, fatigue scale score, and incidence of side effects. The assessment was performed at intervals before,
during, and after therapy.
RESULTS: Testosterone and carnitines significantly improved the peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive
index, nocturnal penile tumescence, International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale
score, and fatigue scale score. Carnitines proved significantly more active than testosterone in improving nocturnal
penile tumescence and International Index of Erectile Function score.
Testosterone significantly increased the prostate volume and free and total testosterone levels and significantly
lowered serum luteinizing hormone; carnitines did not. No drug significantly modified prostate-specific antigen or
prolactin. Carnitines and testosterone proved effective for as long as they were administered, with suspension
provoking a reversal to baseline values. Only the group 1 prostate volume proved significantly greater than baseline 6
months after testosterone suspension. Placebo administration proved ineffective. Negligible side effects emerged.
CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone and, especially, carnitines proved to be active drugs for the therapy of symptoms
associated with male aging.
Bipolar Disord. 2002 Feb;4(1):61-6.
31P-MRS study of acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in geriatric depression: preliminary results.
Pettegrew JW, Levine J, Gershon S, Stanley JA, Servan-Schreiber D, Panchalingam K, McClure RJ.
Neurophysics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
15213, USA.
OBJECTIVE: This 12-week study of two elderly, depressed subjects investigated the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine
(ALCAR) treatment on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and on measures of high-energy phosphate and
membrane phospholipid metabolism.
METHODS: Two mildly depressed (HDRS 15-20), non-demented male subjects 70 and 80 years old were compared
with six non-demented controls (all males, mean age of 73.6 +/- 3.6 years). High-energy and membrane phospholipid
metabolites were measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (31P MRSI) analysis. HDRS and
31P MRSI measurements were taken at entry, 6 and 12 weeks for the depressed subjects.
RESULTS: 31P MRSI analysis revealed elevated levels of phosphomonesters [PME(s - tau(c))] in the prefrontal region
of these mildly depressed subjects, which decreased with ALCAR treatment and showed a trend for correlation of the
PME(s – tau(c)) levels with HDRS. ALCAR treatment also resulted in increasing levels of the prefrontal phosphocreatine
(PCr), which correlated with HDRS.
CONCLUSIONS: In the prefrontal region, the mildly depressed subjects compared with controls had elevated PME(s –
tau(c)) levels which normalized after 12 weeks of ALCAR and increased PCr levels after ALCAR treatment. These
preliminary findings suggest further studies are warranted.
Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1990;10(6):355-60.
Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on geriatric patients suffering from dysthymic [chronic depression] disorders.
Bella R, Biondi R, Raffaele R, Pennisi G.
Department of Neurophysiopathology I, University of Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Sixty senile subjects (60-80 years old) with dysthymic disturbances as defined by DSM III (Cat. 390.40) were
randomized into two homogeneous groups, one of which was given acetyl-L-carnitine (3 g/day per os) while the other
received a placebo. After a washout phase of one week, each patient was evaluated by scoring on the Hamilton Rating
S