Noopept
| Category | Compounds |
|---|---|
| Also known as | GVS-111, N-Phenylacetyl-L-Prolylglycine Ethyl Ester, Omberacetam |
| Last updated | 2026-04-14 |
| Reading time | 3 min read |
| Tags | nootropicdipeptiderussian-researchcognition |
Overview
Noopept (GVS-111, international nonproprietary name omberacetam) is a synthetic proline-containing dipeptide nootropic developed in Russia in the 1990s. Although it is often compared to racetam-class nootropics like piracetam, it is structurally a short peptide ester rather than a pyrrolidinone. It is reported to produce cognition-enhancing effects at substantially lower oral doses than piracetam.
Preclinical and clinical research — largely from Russian research groups — describes memory and learning improvements, neuroprotection against oxidative and excitotoxic insult, and modulation of cognitive performance following mild traumatic brain injury. Many of these studies attribute effects to downstream increases in neurotrophins such as BDNF and NGF and to antioxidant activity.
Noopept is frequently discussed alongside other Russian nootropic research peptides such as Semax, Selank, and NA-Semax, as well as longer neurotrophic compounds like Cerebrolysin and experimental agents like P21 peptide and Dihexa.
Structure / Chemistry
Noopept is N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, a small dipeptide with an N-terminal phenylacetyl group and a C-terminal glycine ethyl ester. Its metabolism produces cycloprolylglycine (cPG), an endogenous dipeptide thought to contribute to its pharmacology.
Mechanism of Action
Noopept's mechanism is not fully resolved, but proposed contributions include increased BDNF and NGF expression in hippocampus, antioxidant effects that reduce lipid peroxidation, modulation of AMPA and NMDA receptor function, and generation of the active metabolite cycloprolylglycine which has its own neuroactive profile. It does not act as a stimulant in the classical monoaminergic sense.
Research Summary
| Area | Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Neurotrophin | BDNF/NGF upregulation in hippocampus | Ostrovskaya et al., J Psychopharmacol 2007 |
| Memory | Memory improvement in rodent models | Ostrovskaya et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2001 |
| Clinical | Cognitive improvement in mild cognitive impairment | Neznamov et al., Russ J Psychiatry 2009 |
| Neuroprotection | Antioxidant and excitotoxicity protection | Solntseva et al., Neurosci Behav Physiol 2014 |
| Metabolite | Cycloprolylglycine as active metabolite | Gudasheva et al., Bioorg Khim reports |
Pharmacokinetics
Noopept is orally active with a short plasma half-life (reported around 16-30 minutes for the parent compound), but its active metabolite cycloprolylglycine extends pharmacodynamic activity. Clinical Russian protocols typically use 10-30 mg daily in divided doses. Specific doses are historical trial values, not guidance.
Common Discussion Topics
- Comparison with racetam-class nootropics.
- Role of the cPG metabolite in observed effects.
- BDNF upregulation mechanisms.
- Short plasma half-life vs. sustained pharmacodynamic effect.
- Research context within Russian cognitive pharmacology.
Related Compounds
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Related entries
- Cerebrolysin— A porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids, approved in over 40 countries for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia, though not FDA-approved in the United States.
- Methylene Blue— Methylene Blue is a redox-active phenothiazine dye with approved medical uses and nootropic research interest driven by its mitochondrial electron transport activity.
- P21 Peptide— P21 is a CNTF-derived tetrapeptide designed to mimic the active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor, studied for neurogenesis and Alzheimer's disease models.
- Selank— A synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic with additional immunomodulatory properties.
- Semax— A synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent, studied for cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, and BDNF modulation.