Pentifylline

Pentifylline is a small molecule, a methylxanthine derivative, that primarily acts as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and down-regulates Nuclear Factor-1 (NF-1). It has been investigated for its cerebrovasoactive properties, demonstrating an ability to increase cerebral blood flow, particularly when combined with nicotinic acid, and has been associated with improvements in memory and general well-being in elderly individuals. The drug also exhibits anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation, reducing extracellular matrix synthesis (including type I and III procollagen), and inhibiting FGF-2 synthesis. Additionally, pentifylline inhibits platelet aggregation, thromboxane A2 synthesis, decreases the release of free radicals, and modulates ATPase activity in the brain.

Other names

1-hexyl-3,7-dimethylxanthine