DMAE - Definition

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol, deanol), chemically 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol, (CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂OH, is chemical compound related to choline. DMAE is found naturally in fish. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is found in the brain. It is reported to have nootropic effects, although research on this chemical has found both positive and negative potential results. It is believed that DMAE is methylated to choline in the brain. It is known that DMAE is processed by the liver into choline; however, the choline molecule is too large to easily pass the blood/brain barrier.

Short term studies show an increase in vigilence and alertness, with a positive influence on mood. Long term studies, however, indicate a possible reduction in the life-span of quail. With the question of whether this could be extrapolated to humans, DMAE supplementation is therefore still not generally recommended.

Some of the research on the subject:

Earliest research: Pfeiffer, C., et al. Stimulant effect of 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE): Possible precursor of brain acetylcholine. Science. 126:610-611, 1957.

Mood/Vigilence: Efficacy of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) containing vitamin-mineral drug combination on EEG patterns in the presence of different emotional states. Pubmed, DMAE increases vigilence (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12844472)

Lifespan: Effects of dimethylaminoethanol upon life-span and behavior of aged Japanese quail: 18.4 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the lifespan of quail from a mean of 69 weeks to 49 weeks. Jounal of Gerontology (http://www.geron.org/journals/medical.html) Vol 32 (No. 1) Jan 1977, 38-45

As a treatment for tardive dyskinesia: Haug BA, Holzgraefe M. Orofacial and respiratory tardive dyskinesia: potential side effects of 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol)? Eur Neurol 1991;31:423–5.

As an unsuccessful treatment for Alzheimer's: Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138:970–2.

Precursor to choline: Zahniser NR, Chou D, Hanin I. Is 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol) indeed a precursor of brain acetylcholine? A gas chromatographic evaluation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1977;200:545–59.