3-APS, 3-Amino-1-Propanesulfonic Acid, 3-aminopropane-1-sulfonic Acid, 3-Aminopropanesulfonic Acid, 3-Aminopropylsulfonic Acid, Acide 3-Aminopropanesulfonique, Homotaurin, Homotaurina, Tramiprosate.
Homotaurine is an amino acid that is found in some seaweeds. However, commercial products that are sold as supplements are made in a laboratory.
One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is the formation of plaques in the brain. It was discovered that homotaurine could interfere with these plaques when used in animals. Because of this there was hope that it could work as a prescription medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease in people. However, studies in Alzheimer's disease patients were disappointing, and the maker of the product decided to discontinue development of homotaurine as a prescription medicine. Instead, it is now being sold as a dietary supplement.
How does work?
Homotaurine works in the brain, interfering with the formation of the plaques that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. It also interferes with the formation of plaques in blood vessels in the brain, that are associated with a condition called cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Alzheimer’s disease. There is some scientific research showing that homotaurine might slow the formation of plaques in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease. But other research shows that homotaurine does not improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Homotaurine is being studied as a possible treatment for this condition that increases the risk of bleeding in the brain called “brain hemorrhage.” But there is no research yet to know if it works for this use.
- Hair loss.
- Other conditions.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerHomotaurine is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for most people. It can cause some minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable scientific information available to know if homotaurine is safe to take during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Until more is known, do not take homotaurine while pregnant or breast-feeding.The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- Alzheimer's disease: 50 mg to 150 mg taken twice daily.
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy: 50 mg to 150 mg taken twice daily.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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