The sulbutiamine benefits, that many enjoy today, began in 1965 when Japanese researchers first developed this supplement in their search for an effective treatment for beriberi. Beriberi is a nervous disorder caused by a deficiency of thiamine, and at that time, Japan was experiencing a national crisis due to thiamine deficiency.
As a result of their efforts, it is now a popular chlorogenic memory-enhancing supplement, that is also in use for elevating mood, increasing motivation, and energy.
As an altered form of B1, it has greater bio-availability than thiamine, for faster absorption into the blood-brain barrier. Sulbutiamine results include cognitive enhancement, placing it in the nootropic supplement category.
This, however, is in addition to several other proven sulbutiamine benefits, which we will go into in further detail. Overall, this enhancement to vitamin B1 offers superb benefits for cognitive function. So, we invite you to keep reading to learn more about this memory improving nootropic.
Table of Contents
What is Sulbutiamine?
Sulbutiamine is a synthetic chemical that is the result of binding two thiamine (or vitamin B1) molecules with a sulfur group. It is also known as isobutryryl thiamine disulfide. Categorized under dopaminergic, you will also see it by the following brand names of Bisbuthiamine, Arcalion, Youvitan, and Eneron.
It is a fat-soluble nootropic, with the ability to cross over the blood-brain barrier much faster than thiamine alone.
Sulbutiamine benefits also include the ability to improve cognition issues due to a thiamine deficiency. Studies also show it to be an effective treatment for enhancement of long-term memory formation, as well as working and episodic memory.
May Improve Various Types of Mental Fatigue
This supplement’s most common use is for the treatment of asthenia, which is a neurological and myopathic weakness or fatigue.
The simple definition of asthenia is mental fatigue, but interestingly, there are several known types and causes of mental fatigue for which sulbutiamine is effective. These include bacterial post infections, viral post infections, fatigue due to mental and intellectual stressors, and involuntary displays of emotional moods.
Athletes and Sports Enthusiasts
Because sulbutiamine is available over the counter, many athletes and sports enthusiasts take it for “combat fatigue”. People also report a mild stimulation from sulbutiamine, however, it does not have the same side effects that are present in amphetamines. Most believe that this is because sulbutiamine affects only dopamine production, but does not affect other catecholamines.
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B1 with Enhancements
This nootropic supplement is similar to B1. However, vitamin B1 dissolves in water, while sulbutiamine dissolves in fats. This gives sulbutiamine the advantage of crossing over to the brain faster. Therefore, this higher level of fat-solubility increases the thiamine levels in the brain faster than other forms of thiamine.
Mechanics of Actions
Additionally, the mechanism of actions you see below explains the interesting reasons why these sulbutiamine benefits offer an effective choice, for those seeking memory and cognitive improvements.
Sulbutiamine is a fat-soluble thiamine derivative that prompts the formation of thiamine triphosphate. The importance of this, is that thiamine triphosphate regulates synaptic transmissions of neurotransmitters in the brain, that include acetylcholine, dopamine, and glutamate.
As shown below, it is also an efficient glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic.
- Increases glutamatergic activity in the prefrontal cortex.
- Increases cholinergic activities in the hippocampus.
- Suppression and reduction of dopamine releases in the prefrontal cortex.
Sulbutiamine benefits also affect the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus areas of the brain. This role is substantial, because the hippocampus is the area of the brain that plays a role in the unification of short and long-term memory, in addition to memory and special navigation. What’s more, glutamate concentrations in the prefrontal cortex play a role in optimal cognitive functioning.
Moreover, it is a centrally-acting agent, that promotes increases in the production of choline in our brains. Additionally, it inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. When it inhibits this enzyme, it breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and thereby prolongs the activity of acetylcholine.
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Sulbutiamine Benefits and Studies
Energy Booster for Patients with Postinfectious Fatigue (Asthenia)
One study uses a large cross-section of people who went to their doctor, due to fatigue after an infection (post-infectious fatigue or asthenia). In that group, 51.7% report resolution of the fatigue. Another study on chronic post-infectious fatigue (CPIF), who were given 400 or 600 mg per day for 28 days, reported significantly less fatigue, but showed little difference between the dosages. Fatigue from multiple sclerosis also showed remarkable improvements in a test where 74.13% describe it as substantial.
Antioxidant Enzymes (GSH) Activity
An antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), is in animals, archaea, bacteria, and fungi. The purpose of glutathione is to prevent damage to cells. This powerful antioxidant also assists in the prevention of damage due to free radicals, heavy metals, and lipid peroxides. Fortunately, sulbutiamine increases the good activity of antioxidant enzymes, and decreases the harmful compounds. Tip o’ the Hat to Selfhacked
Brain Protection
Another study shows that cells with nutrient-deprivation live longer when treated with this supplement. Additionally, it improved damage due to a lack of oxygen and sugar. What’s more, it increases memory forming brain activity in the hippocampus.
Caffeine or Sulbutiamine?
If you’re like a lot of people, a cup of coffee is the first thing you want after waking up. Caffeine and sulbutiamine are both stimulants. However, sulbutiamine doesn’t have unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety and restlessness, that caffeine can cause. For that reason, more people are turning to this beneficial supplement every day, as an alternative to caffeine.
Eyes and Visual Acuity in Glaucoma Patients
A study took place to determine the blood levels of thiamine and ascorbic acid in glaucoma patients. The study included 38 patients with glaucoma, and 12 control subjects. Interestingly, the results show lower thiamine blood levels than the controls, but no difference in ascorbic acid. In other words, this indicates that sulbutiamine, with its high bio-availability, may benefit glaucoma patients.
Erectile Dysfunction (Psychogenic)
A 2005 Russian study demonstrated the benefits of treating psychogenic erectile dysfunction with sulbutiamine. Using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), this study showed increases in performance from 17.5 to 24.8. (Please note that “psychogenic” indicates psychological factors rather than physical).
Digestion and Gut Flow
It has been proven to help with digestion since the first studies were conducted. In one study, it showed that out of 33 patients, sulbutiamine restored digestion for 22, after kidney surgery. Moreover, it also provided significant improvements in gut flow tissues.
Fat-Solubility for Better Benefits
A study on rats showed that sulbutiamine increased circulating thiamine levels, at a higher level, than thiamine supplements alone. What’s more, these levels increased in all organs, with the exception of the hippocampus.
Memory and Recognition
Studies on mice showed an increase in object-recognition over a 9-week period. Additionally, in a study with Alzheimer patients, in combination with donepezil, the results demonstrated improvements in memory.
Alzheimer patients who took sulbutiamine, in addition to donepezil (an Alzheimer’s treatment drug) for six months, showed improvements in attention, daily life activities, and memory.
The improvements in these studies are due to its ability to increase cholinergic transmissions in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This action of increasing choline also increases the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This is significant, because acetylcholine affects all aspects of cognition, and memory brain functions.
Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue
One of the primary symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), is fatigue. One study showed that a treatment of 400 mg daily, for two months, improved energy levels significantly. Moreover, another 8-week study showed that a 600mg daily dose improved fatigue for patients, who also took MS drugs.
Mood Improvement and Anxiety Reduction
Another wonderful benefit of sulbutiamine, is that it has a remarkably positive effect on our mood, and therefore, our motivation. Although there are not a lot of studies to support this, some research indicates this is accurate.
Not only does it enhance the production of the neurotransmitter glutamate, but sulbutiamine also increases the cortical transmission of dopamine. This is important, because dopamine is the neurotransmitter that supports pleasurable, rewarding, and healthy emotional responses.
It is interesting to note, that an 8-week study that included patients with major depressive disorders, did not show an anti-depressant effect. The study did, however, show a reduction of fear and anxiety, which improved functioning in every aspect of life, whether it be with social, professional, or with family relationships.
Nerve Cell Protection
Nerve damage from high blood sugar levels, in patients with diabetes, showed improvement with 400 mg taken daily. One study showed compelling evidence of improvement in muscle, and nerve function.
Moreover, this study took place over a 6-week period, and included the results of 15 patients with diabetes. According to the study, sulbutiamine protects and increases the lifespan of brain cells in the hippocampus, that suffer from nutrient deprivation of oxygen, or glucose.
Social Anxiety and Depression
In combination with other nootropics, such as aniracetam, studies show beneficial evidence of fewer incidences of social anxiety and depression. Please note that it is not an antidepressant, however, there is conclusive evidence that it helps in the rehabilitation of some people, who suffer from depression.
Tissue Damage Prevention
A reperfusion injury, is tissue damage because of blood supply returning to the brain, after a period of deprivation from oxygen, or ischemia. Fortunately, research shows that sulbutiamine protects brain cells throughout the action of restoring the flow of blood to the brain.
Thiamine Deficiency
Beriberi is a thiamine deficiency syndrome, with causes that range from aging, alcoholism, poor diets, and illnesses.
The symptoms of thiamine deficiency manifest as cardiovascular issues, cognitive issues, fatigue, loss of memory, and muscle weakness. All these symptoms significantly lessen when taking sulbutiamine.
Sulbutiamine Dosage
Due to its high inherent bio-availability, sulbutiamine absorbs quickly, with widespread distribution throughout the body. The onset of action is usually within one day of sulbutiamine dosage. You may expect the effects to last one day, with a five-hour half-life.
A standard recommended daily dosage (RDI) of sulbutiamine dosage is 600 mg daily. Patients should take this amount in three separate 200 mg doses, in the morning, noon, and evening, for optimal sulbutiamine effects.
Side Effects and Risks
It is encouraging to note that there are few side effects from taking sulbutiamine within the RDI guidelines. However, there are some reports of mild skin allergies, agitation in the aging population, and headaches. Additionally, when taken in higher doses, there are reports of euphoria, and ineffective sleep patterns.
In addition, when taken in combination with antibiotics, 0.06% of patients report diarrhea, drowsiness, headaches, insomnia, and tremors.
Stacking Sulbutiamine
At this point, it’s time to learn about stacking alternatives with other supplements, to experience the maximum benefits possible.
Sulbutiamine and Huperzine A Choline Stack
While individual results might vary, this stacking option is a suitable place to begin. This stacking method consists of sulbutiamine, huperzine A, and alpha GPC.
First, the huperzine A supplement comes from the Irish Moss herb. This works by decreasing the speed of composition of acetylcholine, which in turn ensures a more optimal level of huperzine A. Benefits from this stacking method include an increase in the ability to concentrate and focus.
At the same time, choline, in combination with sulbutiamine and huperzine A, works to increase memory, and the ability to concentrate.
Next, in combination with Alpha GPC, you get the benefits of a pure concentration of choline, that is 40 percent by weight. An alternative to alpha GPC is citicoline, for relief from anxiety, because it has a stronger effect on the dopamine receptors in the brain.
Recommended Dosage: 1 – 2 times daily
- 200 mg Sulbutiamine
- 200 mcg Huperzine A
- 300 mg Alpha GPC
Sulbutiamine and Aniracetam Choline Stack
Racetam nootropics stack well with sulbutiamine, making it a common choice. The thing to note, is that aniracetam has similar effects on mood and cognition. Together, it results in an enhancement of sulbutiamine benefits.
Recommended Dosage: 1 – 2 times daily
- 200 mg Sulbutiamine
- 750 mg Aniracetam
- 30 mg Alpha GPC
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Review of Sulbutiamine Benefits
First, the sulbutiamine benefits that many enjoy today are a result of efforts by Japanese researchers, who were looking for a solution to a crisis of a national thiamine deficiency. Their discovery came when they bound two molecules of B1 with a sulfur group. This gives sulbutiamine a faster rate of absorption making it superior to thiamine alone.
Next, it is in use today primarily for symptoms of mental fatigue, or asthenia. It is also highly effective in enhancing long-term memory. In addition, you will find many other excellent benefits as listed above. As a nootropic, with only a few minor side effects to report, it is a safe way to stimulate memory, and increase energy.
The recommended sulbutiamine dosage is 600 mg daily. For optimal sulbutiamine benefits, take three dosages of 200mg each, in the morning, noon, and night.
You will normally find it online in capsule form, but it is not normally found over-the-counter. Although the powder version is available, it does not have a pleasant taste, so most people take it in capsules.
In conclusion, studies show evidence that sulbutiamine is a nootropic dopaminergic chlorogenic supplement, that enhances memory and adds energy, among a long list of other pleasant benefits.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.