Mechanism of action of citicoline

 

Citicoline is an intermediate substance in the biosynthesis of cell membrane structural phospholipids. Exogenous administration of citicoline can quickly repair damaged neuron cell membranes by increasing the synthesis of phospholipids, promote the synthesis of acetylcholine and dopamine, and stabilize the neurotransmitter system , and can promote the energy metabolism of the brain.

Mechanism of action of citicoline

1. When the brain is damaged (stroke, trauma), harmful substances such as free fatty acids and diacylglycerol are produced in the damaged part, which aggravates the damage of the nerve cell membrane and forms a vicious circle;

2. At this time, if exogenous citicoline is supplemented in time, it will be decomposed into choline and uridine in the stomach, and after passing through the blood-brain barrier, it will enter the brain to re-form citicoline;

3. Citicoline absorbs free fatty acids and diacylglycerol to form an essential substance for cell membranes: phosphorylcholine ester, repairs damaged cell membranes, and clears harmful substances: free lipoic acid and diacylglycerol.

4. A part of citicoline is converted into acetylcholine, which acts as a nerve mediator.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics of citicoline in vivo:

1. Bioavailability reaches over 90%

2. Oral CDPC is hydrolyzed into choline and cytidine in the intestinal wall and liver in the body, and after crossing the blood-brain barrier, it reorganizes in the central nervous system to form endogenous citicoline.

3. Plasma choline and cytidine levels peaked 2 hours after a single oral dose.

4. Exogenous citicoline was widely distributed in the cortex, white matter and central gray matter nuclei.

5. The drug is eliminated very slowly, and a small amount is excreted through urine, feces and respiratory route every day.

Wide treatment time window, good bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration, and excellent safety make citicoline a very effective neuroprotective and repairing drug.

*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.