This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-08T03:33:20Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.
'''Coluracetam''' ('''BCI-540'''; formerly '''MKC-231''') is a [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] belonging to the [[chemical class::racetam]] family of drugs.<ref>Effect of the novel high affinity choline uptake enhancer 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b] quinolin-4-yl)acetamide on deficits of water maze learning in rats. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8740080</ref> It was originally developed and tested by the Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation for Alzheimer's disease. After the drug had failed to reach the endpoints in its clinical trials, it was in-licensed by BrainCells Inc for investigations into major depressive disorder (MDD), which was preceded by being awarded a "Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Program Grant" by the state of California. Findings from phase IIa clinical trials have suggested that it would be a possible medication for a comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
'''Coluracetam''' ('''BCI-540'''; formerly '''MKC-231''') is a [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] belonging to the [[chemical class::racetam]] family of drugs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Bessho, T.)), ((Takashina, K.)), ((Tabata, R.)), ((Ohshima, C.)), ((Chaki, H.)), ((Yamabe, H.)), ((Egawa, M.)), ((Tobe, A.)), ((Saito, K.)) | journal=Arzneimittel-Forschung | title=Effect of the novel high affinity choline uptake enhancer 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b] quinolin-4-yl)acetoamide on deficits of water maze learning in rats | volume=46 | issue=4 | pages=369–373 | date= April 1996 | issn=0004-4172}}</ref> It was originally developed and tested by the Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation for Alzheimer's disease. After the drug had failed to reach the endpoints in its clinical trials, it was in-licensed by BrainCells Inc for investigations into major depressive disorder (MDD), which was preceded by being awarded a "Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Program Grant" by the state of California. Findings from phase IIa clinical trials have suggested that it would be a possible medication for a comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Colouracetam is easily available and sold through online vendors as a dietary supplement in the United States. Dose for dose colouracetam's potency is nearly twice that of [[noopept]], making it require lower amounts while offering many similar effects. Due to its short acting and acute nature, the preferred [[Routes_of_administration|ROAs]] are generally [[insufflation]], [[sublingual]], or [[vaporisation]], though it is still active orally.
Colouracetam is easily available and sold through online vendors as a dietary supplement in the United States. Dose for dose colouracetam's potency is nearly twice that of [[noopept]], making it require lower amounts while offering many similar effects. Due to its short acting and acute nature, the preferred [[Routes_of_administration|ROAs]] are generally [[insufflation]], [[sublingual]], or [[vaporisation]], though it is still active orally.
The active dose range of this compound is between 5 and 20mg. This is much smaller than comparable doses of the racetam class of drugs ([[piracetam]], [[oxiracetam]], [[phenylpiracetam]], etc.). Dosages higher than 20mg do not seem to offer any additional benefit.
The active dose range of this compound is between 5 and 20mg. This is much smaller than comparable doses of the racetam class of drugs ([[piracetam]], [[oxiracetam]], [[phenylpiracetam]], etc.). Dosages higher than 20mg do not seem to offer any additional benefit.
==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
Coluracetam, or N-(2,3-Dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-yl)-2-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)acetamide, is a synthetic compound of the [[racetam]] family. Racetams share a pyrrolidine nucleus, a five-member nitrogenous ring with a ketone bonded oxygen at R<sub>2</sub>.<ref>Malykh, A. G., & Sadaie, M. R. (2010). Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: From basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders. Drugs, 70(3), 287–312. https://doi.org/10.2165/11319230-000000000-00000</ref> This 2-pyrrolidone ring is bound to the terminal carbon of an acetamide group, an ethyl amide chain with a ketone bond (C=O) at the alpha carbon.
Coluracetam, or N-(2,3-Dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-yl)-2-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)acetamide, is a synthetic compound of the [[racetam]] family. Racetams share a [[pyrrolidine]] nucleus, a five-member nitrogenous ring with a ketone bonded oxygen at R<sub>2</sub>.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Malykh, A. G.)), ((Sadaie, M. R.)) | journal=Drugs | title=Piracetam and Piracetam-Like Drugs: From Basic Science to Novel Clinical Applications to CNS Disorders | volume=70 | issue=3 | pages=287–312 | date= February 2010 | url=http://link.springer.com/10.2165/11319230-000000000-00000 | issn=0012-6667 | doi=10.2165/11319230-000000000-00000}}</ref> This 2-pyrrolidone ring is bound to the terminal carbon of an acetamide group, an ethyl amide chain with a ketone bond (C=O) at the alpha carbon.
Coluracetam features an additional three-ring substituted fluoroquinolone component bonded to R<sub>N</sub> of the acetamide group. The fluoroquinolone group is comprised of a central nitrogenous pyridine ring fused to a benzyl and furan ring on either side. Two methyl groups are bonded to R<sub>2</sub> and R<sub>3</sub> of the structure on the furan ring. Coluracetam is structurally analogous to [[piracetam]] with an added fluoroquinolone group.
Coluracetam features an additional three-ring substituted fluoroquinolone component bonded to R<sub>N</sub> of the acetamide group. The fluoroquinolone group is comprised of a central nitrogenous pyridine ring fused to a benzyl and furan ring on either side. Two methyl groups are bonded to R<sub>2</sub> and R<sub>3</sub> of the structure on the furan ring. Coluracetam is structurally analogous to [[piracetam]] with an added fluoroquinolone group.
==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
Coluracetam enhances high-affinity [[choline]] uptake (HACU),<ref>Murai, S., Saito, H., Abe, E., Masuda, Y., Odashima, J., & Itoh, T. (1994). MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer, ameliorates working memory deficits and decreased hippocampal acetylcholine induced by ethylcholine aziridinium ion in mice. Journal of Neural Transmission - General Section, 98(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01277590</ref> which is the rate-limiting step of [[acetylcholine]] (ACh) synthesis. This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than normal. As acetylcholine is involved in the function of memory, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects.
Coluracetam enhances high-affinity [[choline]] uptake (HACU),<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Murai, S.)), ((Saito, H.)), ((Abe, E.)), ((Masuda, Y.)), ((Odashima, J.)), ((Itoh, T.)) | journal=Journal of Neural Transmission | title=MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer, ameliorates working memory deficits and decreased hippocampal acetylcholine induced by ethylcholine aziridinium ion in mice | volume=98 | issue=1 | pages=1–13 | date= February 1994 | url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/BF01277590 | issn=0300-9564 | doi=10.1007/BF01277590}}</ref> which is the rate-limiting step of [[acetylcholine]] (ACh) synthesis. This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than normal. As acetylcholine is involved in the function of memory, this could potentially account for its [[nootropic]] effects.
==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
In comparison to the effects of other nootropics such as [[noopept]], this compound can be described as focusing primarily on physical stimulation over that of cognitive stimulation.
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{effects/base
In comparison to the effects of other [[racetam]] nootropics such as [[noopept]], this compound can be described as focusing primarily on physical stimulation over that of cognitive stimulation.
|{{effects/physical|
====Sensory effects====
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which coluracetam presents can be considered as primarily subtle and short lasting, comparable to that of [[caffeine]].
}}
{{effects/sensory|
A prominent experience amongst coluracetam's effects is its ability to enhance the immediate five senses.
A prominent experience amongst coluracetam's effects is its ability to enhance the immediate five senses.
*'''[[Effect::Acuity enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Acuity enhancement]]'''
Line 27:
Line 32:
*'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]'''
}}
====Physical effects====
|{{effects/cognitive|
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which coluracetam presents can be considered as primarily subtle and short lasting, comparable to that of [[caffeine]].
====Cognitive effect====
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]'''<ref> RESULTS FROM EXPLORATORY PHASE 2A TRIAL OF BCI-540 IN DEPRESSION WITH ANXIETY | https://web.archive.org/web/20111121081645/http://www.braincellsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/BCI-PR-06142010.pdf</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]'''<ref> RESULTS FROM EXPLORATORY PHASE 2A TRIAL OF BCI-540 IN DEPRESSION WITH ANXIETY | https://web.archive.org/web/20111121081645/http://www.braincellsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/BCI-PR-06142010.pdf</ref>
Line 40:
Line 42:
*'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''
}}
}}
===Experience reports===
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here:
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance.
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance.
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
The chronic use of Coluracetam can be considered as [[Addiction potential::not addictive with a low potential for abuse]]. It does not appear to be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users.
The chronic use of Coluracetam can be considered as [[Addiction potential::not addictive with a low potential for abuse]]. It does not appear to be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users.
Tolerance to many of the effects of Coluracetam [[Time to full tolerance::develops with prolonged and repeated use]]. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::3 - 7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::1 - 2 weeks]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Coluracetam may presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[racetam]] [[nootropic]]s]], meaning that after the consumption of Coluracetam certain [[nootropics]] such as [[noopept]] and [[piracetam]] may have a reduced effect.
Tolerance to many of the effects of Coluracetam [[Time to full tolerance::develops with prolonged and repeated use]]. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::3 - 7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::1 - 2 weeks]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Coluracetam may presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[racetam]] [[nootropic]]s]], meaning that after the consumption of Coluracetam certain [[nootropics]] such as [[aniracetam]] and [[piracetam]] may have a reduced effect.
===Dangerous Interactions===
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}
{{DangerousInteractions/Depressants}}
==Legal issues==
==Legal status==
{{legalStub}}
{{legalStub}}
Coluracetam, being a member of the [[racetam]] family, currently is legally available to buy and sell in most countries, but may still vary by region.
Coluracetam, being a member of the [[racetam]] family, currently is legally available to buy and sell in most countries, but may still vary by region.
*'''United Kingdom''' - Coluracetam and other racetams are prescription-only drugs; however, there is no penalty for possession or importing them.
*'''United Kingdom''' - Coluracetam and other racetams are prescription-only drugs; however, there is no penalty for possession or importing them.
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Coluracetam (BCI-540; formerly MKC-231) is a nootropic belonging to the racetam family of drugs.[1] It was originally developed and tested by the Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation for Alzheimer's disease. After the drug had failed to reach the endpoints in its clinical trials, it was in-licensed by BrainCells Inc for investigations into major depressive disorder (MDD), which was preceded by being awarded a "Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Program Grant" by the state of California. Findings from phase IIa clinical trials have suggested that it would be a possible medication for a comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Colouracetam is easily available and sold through online vendors as a dietary supplement in the United States. Dose for dose colouracetam's potency is nearly twice that of noopept, making it require lower amounts while offering many similar effects. Due to its short acting and acute nature, the preferred ROAs are generally insufflation, sublingual, or vaporisation, though it is still active orally.
The active dose range of this compound is between 5 and 20mg. This is much smaller than comparable doses of the racetam class of drugs (piracetam, oxiracetam, phenylpiracetam, etc.). Dosages higher than 20mg do not seem to offer any additional benefit.
Coluracetam, or N-(2,3-Dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-yl)-2-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)acetamide, is a synthetic compound of the racetam family. Racetams share a pyrrolidine nucleus, a five-member nitrogenous ring with a ketone bonded oxygen at R2.[2] This 2-pyrrolidone ring is bound to the terminal carbon of an acetamide group, an ethyl amide chain with a ketone bond (C=O) at the alpha carbon.
Coluracetam features an additional three-ring substituted fluoroquinolone component bonded to RN of the acetamide group. The fluoroquinolone group is comprised of a central nitrogenous pyridine ring fused to a benzyl and furan ring on either side. Two methyl groups are bonded to R2 and R3 of the structure on the furan ring. Coluracetam is structurally analogous to piracetam with an added fluoroquinolone group.
Pharmacology
Coluracetam enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU),[3] which is the rate-limiting step of acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis. This process essentially allows acetylcholine to accumulate at higher levels than normal. As acetylcholine is involved in the function of memory, this could potentially account for its nootropic effects.
Subjective effects
In comparison to the effects of other nootropics such as noopept, this compound can be described as focusing primarily on physical stimulation over that of cognitive stimulation.
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Stimulation - The stimulation which coluracetam presents can be considered as primarily subtle and short lasting, comparable to that of caffeine.
Sensory effects
A prominent experience amongst coluracetam's effects is its ability to enhance the immediate five senses.
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational coluracetam use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because coluracetam has very little history of human use. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried coluracetam within the community suggests that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this drug at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed).
The chronic use of Coluracetam can be considered as not addictive with a low potential for abuse. It does not appear to be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users.
Tolerance to many of the effects of Coluracetam develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Coluracetam may presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all racetamnootropics]], meaning that after the consumption of Coluracetam certain nootropics such as aniracetam and piracetam may have a reduced effect.
Dangerous Interactions
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Dissociatives - This combination can unpredictably potentiate the amnesia, sedation, motor control loss and delusions that can be caused by each other. It may also result in a sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by a dangerous degree of respiratory depression. If nausea or vomiting occurs before consciousness is lost, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants - Stimulants mask the sedative effect of depressants, which is the main factor most people use to gauge their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant effects wear off, the effects of the depressant will significantly increase, leading to intensified disinhibition, motor control loss, and dangerous black-out states. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if one's fluid intake is not closely monitored. If choosing to combine these substances, one should strictly limit themselves to a pre-set schedule of dosing only a certain amount per hour until a maximum threshold has been reached.
As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.
Coluracetam, being a member of the racetam family, currently is legally available to buy and sell in most countries, but may still vary by region.
United Kingdom - Coluracetam and other racetams are prescription-only drugs; however, there is no penalty for possession or importing them.
Literature
Murai, S., Saito, H., Abe, E., Masuda, Y., Odashima, J., & Itoh, T. (1994). MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer, ameliorates working memory deficits and decreased hippocampal acetylcholine induced by ethylcholine aziridinium ion in mice. Journal of Neural Transmission, 98(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01277590
Akaike, A., Maeda, T., Kaneko, S., & Tamura, Y. (1998). Protective Effect of MKC-231, a Novel High Affinity Choline Uptake Enhancer, on Glutamate Cytotoxicity in Cultured Cortical Neurons. The Japanese Journal of Pharmacology, 76(2), 219–222. https://doi.org/10.1254/jjp.76.219
Shirayama, Y., Yamamoto, A., Nishimura, T., Katayama, S., & Kawahara, R. (2007). Subsequent exposure to the choline uptake enhancer MKC-231 antagonizes phencyclidine-induced behavioral deficits and reduction in septal cholinergic neurons in rats. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 17(9), 616–626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2007.02.011
Bessho, T., Takashina, K., Eguchi, J., Komatsu, T., & Saito, K. I. (2008). MKC-231, a choline-uptake enhancer: (1) Long-lasting cognitive improvement after repeated administration in AF64A-treated rats. Journal of Neural Transmission, 115(7), 1019–1025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-008-0053-4
Takashina, K., Bessho, T., Mori, R., Eguchi, J., & Saito, K. I. (2008). MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer: (2) Effect on synthesis and release of acetylcholine in AF64A-treated rats. Journal of Neural Transmission, 115(7), 1027–1035. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-008-0048-1
Takashina, K., Bessho, T., Mori, R., Kawai, K., Eguchi, J., & Saito, K. I. (2008). MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer: (3) Mode of action of MKC-231 in the enhancement of high-affinity choline uptake. Journal of Neural Transmission, 115(7), 1037–1046. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-008-0049-0
↑Bessho, T., Takashina, K., Tabata, R., Ohshima, C., Chaki, H., Yamabe, H., Egawa, M., Tobe, A., Saito, K. (April 1996). "Effect of the novel high affinity choline uptake enhancer 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b] quinolin-4-yl)acetoamide on deficits of water maze learning in rats". Arzneimittel-Forschung. 46 (4): 369–373. ISSN0004-4172.
