citicoline

Citicoline (cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine) is a naturally occurring endogenous nucleoside that serves as a critical intermediate in the biosynthesis of structural phospholipids in cell membranes, particularly phosphatidylcholine. Upon administration, citicoline is hydrolyzed into cytidine and choline, which cross the blood-brain barrier and are resynthesized into citicoline in the brain. Its neuroprotective mechanism involves the preservation of sphingomyelin and cardiolipin, the restoration of Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and the inhibition of phospholipase A2, which reduces the release of arachidonic acid and subsequent inflammatory mediators. Clinically, it is utilized for the treatment of acute stroke, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. In many jurisdictions, it is regulated as a pharmaceutical drug, while in others, such as the United States, it is primarily marketed as a dietary supplement for cognitive enhancement.

Brand names

SomazinaCeraxonCognizinNicholinNeuraxionCebrotonCebrol

Other names

Cytidine 5'-diphosphocholineCytidine diphosphate-choline