DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL (DMAE)
What Is DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL (DMAE)?
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a tertiary amine compound and structural analog of choline that acts as a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. It is commonly used as a nootropic supplement for cognitive enhancement and has applications in cosmetic dermatology for anti-aging and skin firming effects. DMAE exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and may influence cholinergic neurotransmission, though its exact mechanisms of action remain under investigation.
DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL (DMAE) Research & Studies
01 Effects of dimethylaminoethanol pyroglutamate (DMAE p-Glu) against memory deficits induced by scopolamine: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies ▸
DMAE pyroglutamate demonstrated effectiveness in reversing scopolamine-induced memory deficits in both animal models and human studies, suggesting potential therapeutic utility for cognitive impairments related to cholinergic deficits.
View Study (PubMed)02 The role of dimethylaminoethanol in cosmetic dermatology ▸
In a randomized clinical trial, 3% DMAE facial gel applied daily for 16 weeks significantly improved forehead lines, periorbital wrinkles, lip fullness, and overall skin appearance with sustained effects after cessation of treatment.
View Study (PubMed)03 In vivo skin effects of a dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) based formulation ▸
DMAE formulations increased dermal thickness and collagen fiber thickness in animal models and enhanced stratum corneum water content in human skin after both single and 8-week applications.
View Study (PubMed)04 New insights on dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) features as a free radical scavenger ▸
DMAE demonstrated ability to directly scavenge hydroxyl, ascorbyl, and lipid radicals in vitro, supporting its role as an antioxidant compound with dose-dependent free radical scavenging properties.
View Study (PubMed)05 The antiwrinkle effect of topical concentrated 2-dimethylaminoethanol involves a vacuolar cytopathology ▸
High concentrations of topical DMAE (3%) produce rapid skin fullness effects through vacuolar cell expansion in fibroblasts, but this mechanism involves cellular cytopathology rather than purely beneficial physiological processes.
View Study (PubMed)06 Dimethylaminoethanol affects the viability of human cultured fibroblasts ▸
DMAE demonstrated direct effects on cultured human fibroblasts at varying concentrations, though the study raised concerns about its cellular mechanisms and effects on cell viability.
View Study (PubMed)07 Efficacy of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) containing vitamin-mineral drug combination on EEG patterns in the presence of different emotional states ▸
After 12 weeks of DMAE-containing supplement use, subjects showed decreased theta and alpha1 brain wave power in sensomotoric cortex areas, suggesting increased vigilance and mental alertness across different emotional states.
View Study (PubMed)08 Comparative disposition of dimethylaminoethanol and choline in rats and mice following oral or intravenous administration ▸
DMAE is rapidly absorbed and distributed in rats and mice, with research characterizing its pharmacokinetics and potential interactions with choline uptake and synthesis pathways.
View Study (PubMed)09 Effects of dimethylaminoethanol upon life-span and behavior of aged Japanese quail ▸
Contrary to the lysosome hypothesis predictions, DMAE treatment (18.4 mg/kg/day) shortened lifespan in aged quail compared to controls, with no significant behavioral improvements observed in aged survivors.
View Study (PubMed)DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL (DMAE) User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
User sentiment is genuinely mixed, with some reporting increased wakefulness and cognitive benefits while others question the effectiveness of DMAE in supplements, particularly at the low doses commonly included in commercial products. Many users express uncertainty about whether individual ingredients like DMAE actually contribute meaningful benefits versus placebo effects.
DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL (DMAE) Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Increased Wakefulness: Users report enhanced alertness and mental energy, particularly when DMAE is included in pre-workout or nootropic formulations
- Cognitive Enhancement: Some users experience improved focus and memory, though effects are often subtle and difficult to distinguish from other stacked ingredients
- Skin Benefits: Research supports anti-aging and skin firming effects when applied topically at 3% concentration, though oral supplementation effects on skin are less clear
- Mood Support: DMAE is included in stress support supplements with the intention of mood stabilization throughout the day, though individual responses vary
- Dose-Dependent Response: Research shows DMAE effectiveness is highly dependent on dosage, with therapeutic effects typically requiring higher concentrations than found in most commercial supplements
- Combination Products: Most users take DMAE as part of multi-ingredient formulations, making it difficult to isolate its specific contribution to perceived benefits
- Variable Individual Response: Users frequently report inability to determine if DMAE specifically is helping or if effects are attributable to other factors or ingredients
- Research-Practice Gap: While clinical studies show benefits at specific doses (e.g., 3% topical, therapeutic oral doses), commercial supplements often contain amounts too low to replicate research findings
- Commercial Supplements: Most pre-workouts and nootropic stacks contain 20-54 mg DMAE bitartrate per serving, which users and experts note may be too low for meaningful effects
- Research Doses: Clinical studies used 130-250 mg oral DMAE or 3% topical concentration for demonstrated benefits
- Topical Applications: 3% DMAE gel applied daily for 8-16 weeks showed significant skin benefits in research studies
- Stacking Considerations: Users taking DMAE alongside multiple choline sources question whether redundancy reduces cost-effectiveness
- Grogginess: Some users report increased morning grogginess or sleepiness, particularly when taking DMAE-containing stress support supplements
- Cellular Concerns: Research identifies vacuolar cytopathology in fibroblasts at high topical concentrations, raising questions about long-term cellular effects
- Reduced Lifespan in Animals: Animal studies showed shortened lifespan in aged quail treated with DMAE, contrary to anti-aging hypotheses
- Individual Variability: Side effects appear highly individual with many users reporting no adverse effects while others experience unwanted sedation or unclear reactions
- Wide Commercial Availability: DMAE bitartrate is commonly included in pre-workouts, nootropic blends, and multi-ingredient cognitive supplements from various brands
- Dosage Transparency Issues: Many proprietary blends do not disclose specific DMAE amounts, making it difficult for users to assess whether therapeutic doses are present
- Cost Considerations: Users spending €300-600 monthly on supplements question whether DMAE-containing products provide value given low dosages in most formulations
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