Nootropic & Cognitive · Compound

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)

Provisional Moderate Scorenootropic

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Phenylpiracetam is a synthetic racetam nootropic that modulates AMPA receptors and increases dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine levels. It enhances cognitive performance and physical endurance through improved synaptic plasticity and cellular ATP production.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryNootropic & Cognitive

GroupCompound

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordphenylpiracetam benefits

Phenylpiracetam close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in nootropic, psychostimulant, cognitive enhancer

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Boosts cognitive performance by enhancing synaptic plasticity, leading to improved memory and learning. This results in quicker information processing and recall. - Enhances physical endurance by increasing ATP production, the energy currency of cells. This provides sustained energy during physical and mental exertion. - Increases resilience to stress by modulating the stress hormone cortisol, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety. This helps maintain mental clarity under pressure. - Supports neuroprotection by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in brain cells. This protective effect may contribute to long-term brain health. - Improves mood and motivation by influencing dopamine and serotonin pathways, which are critical for emotional regulation. This can lead to increased productivity and well-being. - Enhances sensory perception by modulating NMDA receptors, which play a role in sensory processing. This can result in heightened awareness and sharper senses. - Increases wakefulness and alertness by stimulating the central nervous system, leading to reduced fatigue and improved focus.

Origin & History

Phenylpiracetam growing in Russia — cultivated since 1980s

Natural habitat

Phenylpiracetam, also known as Phenotropil, is a synthetic nootropic in the racetam family, developed in Russia in the 1980s. It is synthesized chemically and is known for its stimulating and cognitive-enhancing effects.

“Developed in the 1980s in Russia, Phenylpiracetam has been used by astronauts and athletes for its cognitive and physical performance-enhancing properties.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Phenylpiracetam has been studied in animal models and some human trials, showing potential benefits in cognitive enhancement and physical performance. Further research is needed.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Does not provide traditional nutrients but acts as a cognitive enhancer. - Influences dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitter systems. - Enhances cerebral blood flow and energy metabolism.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Phenylpiracetam acts as a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors, enhancing glutamatergic neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. It increases dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine levels while inhibiting their reuptake. The compound also enhances mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis, contributing to improved cellular energy metabolism.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Human studies on phenylpiracetam are limited, with most research conducted in Russian populations. A study of 400 stroke patients showed cognitive improvements over 12 weeks of treatment. Small-scale trials in healthy adults demonstrated enhanced working memory and reduced mental fatigue at doses of 100-200mg daily. The compound was banned by WADA due to performance-enhancing effects, though comprehensive athletic performance studies remain limited.

Also Known As

(R,S)-2-(2-oxo-4-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamidePhenotropilCarphedon4-PhenylpiracetamFonturacetamR-S-phenylpiracetamPhenyl-2-pyrrolidinone acetamide

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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