Biological effects of citicoline sodium

 

In the 1950s, Kennedy et al. discovered citicoline, then chemically synthesized it and determined its molecular structure. Rossiter further discovered in 1957 that citicoline is closely related to phospholipid metabolism and is an important coenzyme in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin).

Phospholipids in the human body mainly include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and sphingomyelin. As components of the cell membrane structure, they are essential in cell membrane functions, maintaining homeostasis, maintaining membrane-related enzyme activity, coupling receptors and intracellular signals, and nerve impulse conduction. In the central nervous system, 80% of phospholipid synthesis is regulated by changes in citicoline concentration, and the formation of citicoline is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine through the Kennedy cycle. Exogenous administration of citicoline can accelerate phospholipid synthesis, promote the rapid repair of damaged cell surfaces and mitochondrial membranes, and maintain the integrity of cell membranes and cellular energy metabolism.

Citicoline is a water-soluble compound with a bioavailability of over 90%. After exogenous citicoline enters the body, it is difficult to pass through the blood-brain barrier and is decomposed into cytidine and choline in the intestinal wall. They can cross the blood-brain barrier and re-synthesize citicoline in the central nervous system. Exogenous citicoline is widely distributed in the cortex, white matter and central gray matter nuclei. It is eliminated extremely slowly and is excreted in small amounts through urine, feces and respiratory pathways every day.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.