Chemical Information
| CAS Number | 1078-21-3 |
| Purity | 99.2% |
| Molecular Weight | 179.22 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C10H13NO2 |
| Synonyms | 4-Amino-3-phenylbutanoic acid, Phenibut, 1078-21-3, Fenibut, Phenylgamma, Fenigama, Phenigam, Phenylgam |
| PubChem CID | 14113 |
| Smiles | C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(CC(=O)O)CN |
Technical Information
| Application | Phenibut is a neuropsychotropic drug that was discovered and introduced into clinical practice in Russia in the 1960s. |
| Appearance | Crystalline Powder |
| Physical State | Solid |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in ethanol and water. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature or cooler, in a sealed airtight container, protected from heat, light and humidity. |
| Stability | Stable for at least two years when stored as above. |
Biochemical Activity
Phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid HCl) is a neuropsychotropic drug that was discovered and introduced into clinical practice in Russia in the 1960s. It has anxiolytic and nootropic (cognition enhancing) effects. It acts as a GABA-mimetic, primarily at GABA(B) and, to some extent, at GABA(A) receptors. It also stimulates dopamine receptors and antagonizes beta-phenethylamine (PEA), a putative endogenous anxiogenic. The psychopharmacological activity of phenibut is similar to that of baclofen, a p-Cl-derivative of phenibut. This article reviews the structure-activity relationship of phenibut and its derivatives. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the position of the phenyl ring, the role of the carboxyl group, and the activity of optical isomers. Comparison of phenibut with piracetam and diazepam reveals similarities and differences in their pharmacological and clinical effects. Phenibut is widely used in Russia to relieve tension, anxiety, and fear, to improve sleep in psychosomatic or neurotic patients; as well as a pre- or post-operative medication. It is also used in the therapy of disorders characterized by asthenia and depression, as well as in post-traumatic stress, stuttering and vestibular disorders.
References
[1] Lapin I. (2001). “Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug”. CNS Drug Reviews 7 (4): 471–481. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x. PMID: 11830761.
