PRL-8-53: Nootropic Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects

PRL-8-53 is a synthetic nootropic compound developed in the 1970s by chemist Nikolaus Hansl at Creighton University. PRL-8-53 works by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly affecting acetylcholine and dopamine systems to enhance memory formation and retention.

PRL-8-53 demonstrates promising cognitive enhancement capabilities with a single human study showing significant improvements in verbal memory retention—participants experienced a 42.7% increase after 24 hours and 45.2% after one week. PRL-8-53 appears most beneficial for memory enhancement, learning capacity, and verbal information processing.

Despite its potential benefits, PRL-8-53 remains understudied with limited human trials available to fully validate its effectiveness and safety profile. PRL-8-53 dosages typically range from 5-20mg daily, with most users reporting optimal results when taken in the morning approximately 60-90 minutes before learning activities.

What is PRL-8-53?

PRL-8-53 (Methyl 3-2-benzyl methyl amino ethyl benzoate hydrochloride) is a synthetic nootropic compound first synthesized in the 1970s by chemist Nikolaus Hansl at Creighton University, which works by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain, specifically acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) to enhance memory formation and retention.

PRL-8-53 is a synthetic nootropic used for research purposes and cognitive enhancement. PRL-8-53 is derived from benzoic acid (found in dairy products, fruits, and plants) and phenylethylamine (a stimulant chemical).

Scientific evidence supporting PRL-8-53 comes primarily from one human research study that found the compound causes a statistically significant improvement in verbal information retention, with participants showing a 42.7% increase in memory retention after 24 hours and a 45.2% increase after 1 week following administration.⁽¹⁾

Studies on PRL-8-53 are limited, but this one clinical trial done by committed researchers has shown promising results regarding memory enhancement in healthy people over 30.

Pros:

• Improves memory and cognitive function
• Improves learning capacity 
• A potent nootropic with no severe side effects reported

Cons:

• Limited data available (only 1 human study conducted)
• A niche-market nootropic that can be hard to find

Mechanism of Action

The PRL-8-53 mechanism of action works through several processes in the brain.

Let’s delve into how this powerful nootropic influences our cognitive function and mood.

1. Modulates Brain Dopamine: PRL-8-53 modulates dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood, motivation, and reward. By influencing dopamine levels, PRL-8-53 may enhance cognitive performance and improve memory.
2. Enhances Acetylcholine Production: PRL-8-53 might boost acetylcholine production. High levels of acetylcholine are vital for people who need to increase memory and learning capacity. Therefore, enhancement of acetylcholine activity could lead to improved short-term memory and avoidance learning.
3. Influences Serotonin Levels: This nootropic supplement potentially affects serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin regulates mood and stress response. As a result of low oral doses of a new psychotropic agent like PRL-8-53, there could be an improvement in motivation and a reduction in stress due to a rise of this mood-regulating neurotransmitter.
4. Increases BDNF: It’s hypothesized that PRL-8-53 increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the formation of new ones. Thus, increased BDNF can counteract cognitive decline and enhance cognitive function.

Nootropic Benefits of PRL-8-53

PRL-8-53 (Methyl 3-2-benzyl methyl amino ethyl benzoate hydrochloride) is a nootropic that could potentially enhance your cognitive abilities.

Here are some of PRL-8-53’s key benefits and ways it may improve your brain function.

1. Boosts Short-Term and Long-Term Memory Performance

PRL-8-53 can potentially enhance your short-term and long-term working memory recall and reduce memory loss. Psychopharmacology studies gave this theory a test and invited healthy subjects to take PRL-8-53. It was found that verbal information was improved to a statistically significant degree after the administration.

According to Dr. Hansl et al., PRL-8-53 delivers cognitive benefits that can be broken down into 3 major categories, which include immediate short-term memory improvement, greater long-term retention of information, and enhanced learning abilities with significant improvements in verbal memory recall.

The immediate memory and learning improvement is thought to be due to PRL-8-53’s cholinergic properties.⁽²⁾

The long-term retention and increased learning ability may be due to PRL-8-53’s ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain.⁽³⁾

2. Increased Learning Ability

Through studies conducted using the serial anticipation method under double-blind conditions, it was observed that PRL-8-53 resulted in a slight improvement in the acquisition of information. 

More significantly, the retention of verbal information was found to improve to a statistically significant degree. These improvements were observed with low oral doses of the supplement. 

This increased learning ability is because of PRL-8-53’s ability to affect the cholinergic system. Oral intake of PRL-8-53 boosts your acetylcholine levels to improve your cognitive performance and allow you to take in new information. 

3. Assists with Verbal Fluency and Language Learning

Finally, PRL-8-53 may assist with verbal fluency and language learning. If you’re trying to learn a new language or improve your speaking skills, this nootropic might be beneficial.

During the double-blind placebo study conducted with human subjects (referenced previously in the article), verbal information was found to improve by a statistically significant degree.

4. Improves Focus and Concentration Levels

Concentration levels could possibly be boosted by PRL-8-53. It helps in maintaining focus on the tasks at hand, making it easier for you to stay productive throughout the day. PRL-8-53 reviews highlight this nootropic’s benefit as a study aid for students who need a cognitive boost.

Comparing PRL-8-53 Benefits to Other Nootropics

PRL-8-53 differs from other popular nootropics in the cognitive enhancement landscape, which shows more targeted effects on dopamine and acetylcholine systems compared to racetams, potentially stronger effects on verbal memory than pure cholinergics, and a faster onset of action (30-60 minutes) than many comparable compounds.

PRL-8-53 vs. Racetams

Unlike piracetam and other racetams that work primarily through modulating glutamate and acetylcholine systems, PRL-8-53 appears to have a more targeted effect on dopamine and acetylcholine. This may explain why:

• PRL-8-53 shows more pronounced effects on verbal memory specifically
• Racetams typically have a broader range of cognitive effects
• The onset of action for PRL-8-53 (30-60 minutes) is generally faster than many racetams

PRL-8-53 vs. Cholinergics

Compared to direct cholinergic compounds like Alpha-GPC or CDP-Choline:

• PRL-8-53 may offer memory benefits without requiring supplemental choline sources
• The dopaminergic component of PRL-8-53 potentially adds motivational benefits not typically seen with pure cholinergics
• User reports suggest PRL-8-53’s effects on memory formation may be more pronounced than those of cholinergics alone

Timeline of Expected Benefits

Based on the limited research and anecdotal reports, users typically experience PRL-8-53 benefits according to this timeline:

• 30-60 minutes: Initial onset of effects, including improved focus and attention
• 1-3 hours: Peak cognitive enhancement period, optimal for learning new information
• 3-8 hours: Gradual tapering of acute effects
• 24+ hours: Enhanced recall of information learned during the peak period

Population-Specific Benefits

While research is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests PRL-8-53 may offer unique advantages for specific groups:

• Students: The enhanced verbal memory and learning capabilities make it potentially valuable during exam preparation or language learning
• Professionals: Those in knowledge-intensive fields report benefits for information retention during training or presentations
• Older adults: While not specifically studied in this population, the memory-enhancing properties could theoretically help counteract age-related cognitive decline

It’s important to note that these comparative benefits are based on limited research and user reports rather than extensive clinical trials. As with any nootropic, individual responses may vary significantly.

Uses of PRL-8-53

PRL-8-53 powder is a synthetic research compound that has been of interest mainly for its potential nootropic effects. The primary research around PRL-8-53 is limited, and it has not been widely studied or accepted in mainstream medicine or pharmacology.

The primary uses of PRL-8-53 in research contexts, based on the available literature, include:

1. Memory Enhancer: The most notable study on PRL-8-53, conducted by Hansl and Mead in 1978, investigated its effects on human memory. In this study, single doses of PRL-8-53 were found to improve word retention scores in healthy volunteers.
2. Cognitive Enhancement: While detailed studies are limited, PRL-8-53 has been investigated for its broader cognitive-enhancing properties, including potential effects on learning (memory formation), focus, and information processing.

Where To Buy PRL-8-53

PRL-8-53 can be purchased from reputable nootropics vendors such as Science.bio, which offers the compound in liquid form (600 mg bottle for $29.99), while other trusted sources include PureNootropics, NootropicsDepot, and NewMind that provide various formulations with third-party testing.

Science.bio is a leading online supplier of nootropics and other synthetic compounds. They offer a wide range of products, including PRL-8 53, at competitive prices. If you spend over $100, you are also eligible for free shipping.

Their PRL-8-53 is sold in liquid form and comes in a 600 mg bottle for only $29.99. All of their products are lab-tested and third-party verified for quality and purity.

Other reputable vendors that offer PRL-8-53 include:

• PureNootropics – Offers PRL-8-53 in capsule form (10mg per capsule) for easier dosing
• NootropicsDepot – Provides both powder and solution forms with comprehensive third-party testing
• NewMind – Sells research-grade PRL-8-53 powder with certificates of analysis

When purchasing PRL-8-53, consider these important factors:

• Available Forms: PRL-8-53 is typically available as a powder, liquid solution, or pre-measured capsules. Powders are most cost-effective but require precise measurement, while solutions and capsules offer convenience at a higher price point.
• Quality Verification: Always look for vendors that provide third-party lab testing results and certificates of analysis to verify purity and potency.
• Legal Considerations: While PRL-8-53 is currently unregulated in the United States as mentioned in our FAQ section, its legal status varies internationally. Some countries may classify it as a research chemical not approved for human consumption. Always check your local regulations before purchasing.
• Shipping Policies: Most vendors ship domestically within 1-3 business days, but international shipping may face customs delays or restrictions depending on local regulations.

PRL-8-53 Dosage

PRL-8-53 dosage recommendations range between 5 mg to 20 mg per day based on anecdotal reports, with 5 mg serving as the recommended starting dose for first-time users before gradually increasing to find optimal cognitive enhancement effects.

• 5 mg is recommended as a starting dose for first-time users
• 10-15 mg is considered a moderate dose for those with some experience
• Experienced users may opt for up to 20 mg
• Doses exceeding 20 mg have not been studied for safety and are not recommended

For optimal results, dosage may be adjusted based on body weight, with lighter individuals (under 150 lbs) starting at the lower end of the range. Most users report better results when taking PRL-8-53 in the morning, as it may interfere with sleep if taken later in the day.

For memory enhancement specifically, taking PRL-8-53 approximately 60-90 minutes before a learning session appears to be most effective based on user reports. For general cognitive enhancement, a consistent daily dose may be preferred.

This range, however, isn’t backed by extensive studies with human participants.

PRL-8-53 begins working within 30-60 minutes after ingestion, with enhanced memory function becoming noticeable within this timeframe and cognitive effects lasting several hours depending on individual metabolism and dosage, making the morning an optimal time for administration.

For optimal absorption, it’s best to take PRL-8-53 on an empty stomach. This advice is based on user experiences from PRL-8-53 Reddit reviews rather than scientific research.

There are no official dosing guidelines for PRL-8-53 due to a lack of extensive human studies. As a result, caution should be exercised when using this substance. Always start with a low dose and gradually increase if necessary.

PRL-8-53 Side Effects & Safety

PRL-8-53 lacks extensive safety research compared to established nootropics, which creates uncertainty about its complete side effect profile despite the 1978 study reporting no adverse effects from single low doses and anecdotal reports mentioning occasional headaches, fatigue, and mood changes.

However, here are 5 key considerations about PRL-8-53’s side effects and safety profile:

1. Limited Data: Due to the limited number of human studies on PRL-8-53, a comprehensive profile of its side effects is not well-established. The 1978 study reported no side effects, but this information is based on a single low oral dose administration to a small group of participants.
2. Anecdotal Reports: Some users in online communities and forums have reported various side effects, but these are anecdotal and have not been systematically studied. These reported side effects range from headaches and fatigue to changes in mood.
3. Purity and Source Concerns: As with many unregulated compounds, the purity and source of PRL-8-53 can vary, which can introduce potential health risks or side effects not directly related to the compound itself.
4. Long-Term Effects: There’s a lack of long-term studies on PRL-8-53, so potential chronic side effects or interactions with other drugs are unknown.
5. Mechanism of Action: The precise mechanism of action for PRL-8-53 is not fully understood, which means unexpected side effects could potentially arise due to interactions with other biological processes.

Conclusion

PRL-8-53, a synthetic nootropic compound, has garnered interest in recent years for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Preliminary studies, particularly a 1978 investigation, hint at its capacity to improve word recall in healthy adults.

However, the limited body of scientific literature on PRL-8-53 (Methyl 3-2-benzyl methyl amino ethyl benzoate hydrochloride) emphasizes the nascent stage of our understanding.

As the pursuit of cognitive enhancement continues to captivate both the nootropic community and the scientific community, it is paramount that rigorous studies be conducted on compounds like PRL-8-53. Although it was found that PRL-8-53 causes a slight improvement in memory retention, more studies are still needed as researchers are still learning about this nootropic’s effects on the human brain.

Remember, since PRL-8-53 is a research chemical, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your wellness routine.

FAQs

1. Hansl, N R, and B T Mead. “PRL-8-53: enhanced learning and subsequent retention in humans as a result of low oral doses of new psychotropic agent.” Psychopharmacology vol. 56,3 (1978): 249-53. doi:10.1007/BF00432846↩
2. Hasselmo, Michael E. “The role of acetylcholine in learning and memory.” Current opinion in neurobiology vol. 16,6 (2006): 710-5. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2006.09.002↩
3. Abe, Mitsunari et al. “Reward improves long-term retention of a motor memory through induction of offline memory gains.” Current biology : CB vol. 21,7 (2011): 557-62. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2011.02.030↩