Sulbutiamine was initially synthesized in Japan as a complementary treatment for vitamin B1 deficiency and asthenia (lack of strength or energy), with the initial studies of its effects documented in the early 1970s. It is the only anti-asthenic compound known to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and to selectively act on specific brain structures involved in asthenia.
In the brain, Su is metabolized to vitamin B1 and related compounds such as thiamine triphosphate (TTP), which participates in the regulation of the synaptic neurotransmission.
Su is sold as a nootropic drug available over the counter in most countries, even though research data to support its psychoactive benefits is lacking.
In addition, sulbutiamine may help with some symptoms of major depressive disorder, although more research is needed. Some chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) sufferers have also found it to be helpful as an off-label medication.
Sulbutiamine research is relatively scarce, but animal data reports that it may:
Su (400-600 mg) might help alleviate chronic post infectious fatigue
In this randomized, double-blind study, 326 patients suffering from chronic post infectious fatigue (CPIF) were treated with Su, 400 mg daily, Su, 600 mg daily, or placebo for 28 days. Su supplementation did not result in any significant effects on the study groups. Although on the 7th day of treatment women receiving Su 600 mg had less fatigue, no persistent effect was observed by the 28th day of treatment.
Su may improve attention in early Alzheimer’s, and boost the action of other Alzheimer’s drugs
In this randomized, double-blind trial, patients diagnosed with the early stage Alzheimer’s were treated with Su (Arcalion) or a cholinesterase inhibitor (Donepesil) for three months. Among the assessed cognitive functions (episodic memory, working memory, executive functions, attention) only attention was improved in both groups. For the three following months, Donepesil-treated patients were supplemented with placebo, and the Su group added Donepesil to their treatment. Attention, episodic memory and daily life activities improved in the combination treatment group.
Su (600 mg) might improve the clinical symptoms of major depressive disorder
The purpose of this randomized, double-blind trial was to determine the safety and efficiency of Su in the therapy of psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE). The study subjects were treated with Su (600 mg) or Clomipramine (75 to 150 mg daily) for 8 weeks. The patients treated with Su were significantly less disabled than the placebo group in all the aspects of psycho-behavioral inhibition such as the cognitive, emotional and behavioral facets.
Although sulbutiamine research is lacking, it certainly has potential. Most research findings are positive and suggest that sulbutiamine may help with mental fatigue, memory, depression, and other aspects of mental health. Moreover, the popularity of its use as a nootropic warrants trying it out.
400 mg is the dose used by researchers and suggested by nootropic supplements. The most popular sulbutiamine supplements suggest doses of 400 mg, and successful studies have used similar doses of 400 – 600 mg.
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