ABOUT CITICOLINE

 Citicoline is a generic name for synthetic CDP-Choline (Cytidine Diphosphate Choline), an organic molecule produced endogenously and found in all living cells. CDP-Choline is a precursor for the synthesis of phospholipids that are essential constituents of the cell membranes, including phosphatidyl-ethanolamine. Because cell membranes have very high turnover rate, these phospholipids must be continuously synthesized to ensure adequate functions of the cell.

Citicoline is often called a "brain nutrient" because it increases levels of several important neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, dopamine and noradrenaline. It helps maintain the integrity of neuronal cell membranes; and increases energy production in the frontal cortex.

The scientific name for citicoline is cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine.

SOURCE OF CITICOLINE

Diet is not a good source of CDP-choline because the molecule is present in a very low amount in food. The best source of citicoline   is liver, brain. Adequate intake of choline established by Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute for Medicine is 550 mg/day for men and 425 mg/day for women.

PHARMACOKINETICS

When citicoline is taken orally it is broken down into Vitamin-B, Choline and Cytidine which is readily absorbed into intestine and further metabolized into compound called Uridine. Both Choline and Uridine can cross the blood brain barrier and once in the brain they can be converted back into citicoline. Within the brain citicoline has several actions.

PHARMACODYNAMIC

Citicoline is essential intermediate in the biosynthesis pathway of structural phospholipids in cell membranes, particularly phosphatidylcholine. Once absorbed, citicoline is widely distributed throughout the body, crosses the blood brain barrier and reaches CNS, where it is incorporated into cell membrane. Citicoline activates biosynthesis of structural phospholipids of neuronal membranes, increase brain metabolism, acts upon the level of different neurotransmitters.  Thus, citicoline has been shown to increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Citicoline has a neuroprotective effect in hypoxic and ischemic conditions, decreasing the volume of ischemic lesion, and also improves learning and memory performance.

To function optimally, cell membrane needs adequate levels of Phospholipids. Phospholipids are a combination of lipids (fast) and the mineral phosphorus that line cell membrane and help determine what is allowed in and out of the cell. Citicoline provides water-soluble compound essential for the synthesis of Phosphatidyl choline, the phospholipids that makes up approximately 30 % of the brain tissues. By increasing the body's supply of these essential phospholipids, Citicoline supports healthy brain activity.

INDICATIONS

• Citicoline raises the levels of Important brain neurotransmitters e.g. Acetylcholine , Dopamine
• Citicoline increase blood flow to the brain. Citicoline increases mitochondrial energy production in the frontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for language, thinking, decision making, planning.
• Citicoline is Nootropic. The term Nootropic is the term used for a drug that enhances learning and memory and is neuro protective and is safe with fewer side effects. It is widely used as a neuro protectant to help accelerate the recovery of stroke patients.
• Citicoline is used to treat the symptoms of serious Neurological Disorders like memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's disease.
• Citicoline reduces the severity of symptoms resulting from head injuries.

 DOSE (With or without food):

• Supplement for Memory Loss due to age : 500-2000 mg /day
• Ischemic Stroke : 500 - 2000 mg/day
• Parkinsonism : 200-600 mg /day
• Cerebrovascular disease and head injury : 200-600 mg/day

 SPECIAL AGE GROUPS:

Citicoline is considered safe for both adults and children.