PRL-8-53

B+

Pharmacology

Only two main studies have been done on PRL-8-53, in ‘74 and ‘78 [1].

PRL-8-53 is a compound derived from benzoic acid and Phenylmethylamine. PRL-8-53 is a putative memory-enhancing nootropic that has been around for decades. Despite it being first researched in 1974, there is not that much clear information about its mechanisms and what makes it better at enhancing memory compared to similar compounds.

In studies PRL-8-53:

• Increased learning of words by 87.5-105% in poor performers, and 7.9-14% in high performers (likely due to a ceiling effect). Subjective effects have replicated these reports.
• Displays Cholinergic properties (likely ACh uptake/synthesis).
• Potentiates Dopamine and partially inhibits Serotonin signaling, and possibly synthesis.

It may inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, which depending on the mechanism such as DAT, may not be good long term. Also may be a direct agonist, though no adverse stimulant-like symptoms have been shown even up to 200mg/kg.

PRL-8-53 at 4mg/kg increased opioid-induced gnawing in rats, and was also effective in improving conditioned avoidance learning, indicating that PRL-8-53 is a dopamine agonist or enhancer [2].

Speculated (unconfirmed) mechanisms:

• M2 AChR agonist
• DAAO inhibitor