Hydergine
(Ergoloid Mesylates)

Hydergine is probably the best researched cognition-enhancing and anti-aging medicine known. It was discovered by Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in the late 1940's. It was extracted from ergot mold, which is a fungus that grows on rye grain. However, those who have a rye or mold sensitivity would generally not have any problems or potential for adverse reactions with therapeutic use of hydergine.

Hydergine has been shown to exhibit the following properties:

Increasing blood supply and oxygen to the brain.

Enhancing brain cell metabolism.

Protecting the brain from free radical damage during decreased or increased oxygen supply.

Speeding the elimination of lipofuscin in the brain.

Inhibiting free radical activity.

Increasing intelligence, memory, learning, and recall.

Normalizing systolic blood pressure.

Having a favorable effect on cholesterol levels in some cases.

Improving overall fatigue states.

Reducing symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and tinnitus.

Improving levels of nerve growth factor, which can have a significantly positive effect in cases of peripheral neuropathy, Bell's palsy, strokes and other types of nerve-related damage.

In animal models, it tends to favorably effect the activity of Band-3 protein. Band-3 protein is found in the cell surface of many types of cells, including nerve cells. It is well know that, as we age, nerve cells in the brain die off at a rather predictable rate. So, as we advance into our more mature years, cognitive function and memory have a higher propensity to be impaired. Band-3 protein seems to signal the appropriate timing of a cellular process referred to as apoptosis, which is a programmed cell death.

As the nerve cell reaches a certain age, it self-destructs. Then, the immune system will eliminate the dead cell. However, altering the activity of Band-3 protein, on which hydergine seems to have a favorable effect, may actually delay cellular death, as it relates to nerve cells in the brain. This, in turn, decreases the likelihood of developing neurocognitive disorders associated with aging.

Hydergine is often used with other medicines, which are thought to be cognition enhancing and life extending, including piracetam, deprenyl, and DMAE.

The usual dose of hydergine as prescribed in the United States is 1 mg, three times daily. However, in the majority of clinical studies, which use a dose of 4.5 mg twice daily, for a total of 9 mg daily, the clinical efficacy has been significantly higher. For that reason, we often use specially compounded hydergine.

Specially compounded preparations are available through pharmacies that are able to mix and fill prescriptions precisely according to dose. Such pharmacies are called compounding pharmacies. We traditionally use Nora Apothecary (locally) and Hopewell Pharmacy (in New Jersey), depending on the needs and convenience of the patient.

The side effects profile for hydergine is very low. However, it can occasionally cause headaches, stomach upset, irritability, insomnia, and other types of problems. Hydergine is generally covered by medical insurance that covers prescriptive services and, so, is generally reimbursable. It is available as a generic form and is very cost-effective in that form.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Center.

Dale Guyer, M.D.