Supplement
Pyritinol is a lab-made compound built from two linked vitamin B6 molecules, sold as a nootropic rather than as a nutrient. The evidence is limited, but it is strongest for memory and thinking in older people, where several European studies found modest improvements in cognitive function. Those studies were small, often old and weakly designed, and none tested healthy young adults, despite the marketing.
- Updated
- How we grade
- Best evidence
- Grade C
- Conditions studied
- 2
- Outcomes
- 4
- Graded outcomes
- 0022
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Function in Elderly Several European clinical studies in elderly patients with cognitive decline or dementia suggest modest improvements in cognitive function with pyritinol (Encephabol). However, study methodologies are often weak, sample sizes are small, and many trials are older. No studies have been conducted in healthy young adults despite nootropic marketing claims. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 400 people |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Multiple human RCTs have investigated pyritinol's anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis, an unusual indication for a compound marketed as a nootropic. Some trials report modest reductions in inflammatory markers and symptom scores, though the evidence base remains limited and this use has not been widely adopted. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 200 people |
General
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hangover Symptoms One older study suggested pyritinol may reduce hangover symptoms, and it has been marketed for this purpose. However, the evidence is extremely weak, the mechanism of action is unclear, and no modern replication studies exist. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | ||||
| Reaction Time Very limited evidence suggests pyritinol may improve reaction time. However, data are sparse, study details are lacking, and the clinical significance of any observed effect is uncertain. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect |
Key findings
- Cognitive Function in ElderlyImproves (the measure goes up)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
- Hangover SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
Shop Pyritinol
Third-party tested Pyritinol products. The evidence above is limited, so read it before you buy.
- Grade C
Links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Fullscript asks for a free account before it shows its catalog and prices. Full disclosure