Citicoline is an intermediate in the endogenous synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and an important component in building biological membranes. After central nervous system injury, the chemical Citicoline participates in repair and regeneration and plays a neuroprotective role; it also plays an important role in the transfer of nerve media and the conduction of bioelectricity. It has obvious clinical therapeutic effects on neurological damage and consciousness disorders caused by acute stroke and surgery, as well as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, glaucoma, etc.
Mechanism of action
1 Citicoline is also called a membrane stabilizer—constructs the structure of the nerve membrane: Citicoline and diacylglycerol are enzymatically catalyzed to generate phosphatidylcholine, which builds a double-layer lipid membrane. When nerve cell membranes are damaged, exogenous citicoline continuously replenishes raw materials to synthesize phosphatidylcholine, repair nerve cell membranes, and make nerve regeneration possible.
2 Cholinergic effects
When citicoline is hydrolyzed, choline is provided. In addition to synthesizing nerve membrane phospholipids, the latter also generates acetylcholine, which is a nerve conduction medium and excites cholinergic neuroresin to protect the integrity of central nervous function. Effective in treating cognitive impairment, memory loss and early stage dementia.
3 Restore membrane Na+/K+-ATPase activity
Citicoline can stimulate the release and activate the activity of acetylcholine, Na+/K+-ATPase and norepinephrine. These substances can eliminate neurological dysfunction, especially the recovery of patients’ consciousness and behavioral disorders.
4 Reduce phospholipid oxidation metabolism and reduce arachidonic acid release:
Citicoline inhibits the inhibitory effect of phospholipase and inhibits the release of arachidonic acid, thereby reducing the production of peroxide molecules, free radicals and neurotoxic substances, avoiding nerve cell apoptosis and death. Similar principles can protect the retina. It protects ganglia from damage and can improve amblyopia, strabismus and glaucoma.
Side effects
(1) This product has no obvious toxic effects on humans and animals. Occasionally it can cause insomnia, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, facial flushing, excitement, temporary hypotension, etc., which will disappear after stopping the drug.
(2) In the acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage and severe brainstem damage, large doses should not be used, and should be combined with hemostatic drugs and intracranial pressure-lowering drugs.
