ALPHA-GPC

OTHER NAME(S):

Alfa-GPC, Alpha Glycerol Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphatidylcholine, Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline alphoscerate, Glycerophosphorylcholine, Glycérophosphorylcholine, GPC, GroPCho, L-A-Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine, L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine.

Overview

Overview Information

Alpha-GPC is a chemical made in the body. It is also made in a laboratory for use as a medicine.

In some countries in Europe, alpha-GPC is a prescription medication. In the United States, alpha-GPC is only available as a dietary supplement. Alpha-GPC is used for Alzheimer disease, stroke, dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (vascular dementia), memory and thinking skills, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work?

Alpha-GPC seems to increase a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This brain chemical is important for memory and learning functions.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Alzheimer disease. Some research shows that taking alpha-GPC helps to improve thinking skills in Alzheimer patients after 3 to 6 months of treatment.
  • Stroke. Early research shows that stroke patients who receive alpha-GPC within 10 days after the stroke seem to have a better recovery.
  • Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (vascular dementia). Early research shows that giving alpha-GPC as a shot might improve symptoms of this condition, including behavior, mood, and thinking skills. Researchers who did this study used a prescription-only form of alpha-GPC (Delecit) that is not available in the US.
  • Improving memory.
  • Thinking skills.
  • Learning.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of alpha-GPC for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Alpha-GPC is POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately for up to 6 months. It can cause side effects in some people including heartburn, headache, dizziness, and skin rash.

When given as a shot: Alpha-GPC is POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately. It can cause side effects in some people including heartburn, headache, insomnia, confusion, and redness at the injection site.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpha-GPC is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Interactions?

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

!

  • Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) interacts with ALPHA-GPC

    Alpha-GPC increases a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. Scopolamine blocks this same chemical. But it's not known if alpha-GPC decreases the benefits of scopolamine.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of alpha-GPC depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for alpha-GPC. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. Alpha-glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks: An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69. View abstract.
  • Canal N, Franceschi M, Alberoni M, et al. Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1991;29:103-7. View abstract.
  • Di Perri R, Coppola G, Ambrosio LA, et al. A multicentre trial to the evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia. J Int Med Res 1991;19:330-41. View abstract.
  • Gatti G, Barzaghi N, Acuto G, et al. A comparative study of free plasma choline levels following intramuscular administration of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine and citocholine in normal volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1992;30:331-5. View abstract.
  • Moreno MDM. Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Ther 2003;25:178-93. View abstract.
  • Tuboly E, Gáspár R, Ibor MO, et al. L-Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine can be cytoprotective or cytotoxic in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes: a double-edged sword phenomenon. Mol Cell Biochem. 2019;460(1-2):195-203. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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