CDP Choline Citicoline Powder/nootropic@ycgmp.com
Product Name: CDP Choline Citicoline
Alias: CDP Choline
CAS: 987-78-0
EINECS: 213-580-7
MF: C14H26N4O11P2
MW: 488.32
Purity: 99%
Grade: Pharmaceutical Grade
Appearance: White Powder
Description
CDP Choline Citicoline, also known as cytidine diphosphate-choline (CDP-Choline) or cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine is an intermediate in the generation of phosphatidylcholine from choline, a common
biochemical process in cell membranes. Citicoline is naturally occurring in the cells of human and animal tissue, in particular the organs.
CDP-choline is a nootropic compound that is essentially a prodrug for both choline and uridine, conferring both of those molecules to the body following oral ingestion of CDP-Choline. Specifically,
the CDP-choline dissociates into choline and cytidine, with the cytidine then converting into uridine. CDP-choline is one of the three choline-containing phospholipids that can be orally
supplemented (the other two being Alpha-GPC and phosphatidylcholine).
This supplement is catered towards preventing or treating memory impairments associated with aging due to the fact that both of the molecules it confers are neuroprotective and potentially enhance
learning. While it appears to be more effective than phosphatidylcholine (PC) at this role, in part due to also increasing PC synthesis in the brain, its potency is somewhat comparable to that of
Alpha-GPC.
Effects
Studies suggest that CDP-choline supplements increase dopamine receptor densities, and suggest that CDP-choline supplementation helps prevent memory impairment resulting from poor environmental
conditions. Preliminary research has found that citicoline supplements help improve focus and mental energy.
Citicoline has also been shown to elevate ACTH independently from CRH levels and to amplify the release of other HPA axis hormones such as LH, FSH, GH and TSH in response to hypothalamic releasing
factors. These effects on HPA hormone levels may be beneficial for some individuals but may have undesirable effects in those with medical conditions featuring ACTH or cortisol hypersecretion
including PCOS, type II diabetes and major depressive disorder.
Memory Disorders
In a review of 14 clinical trials, the authors concluded there was evidence of benefit of citicoline on memory function and behaviour in patients suffering from cognitive deficits ranging from mild
cognitive impairment to dementia. Dosing in most of the trials was 1000 mg/day. A more recent review reached the same conclusions, but went on to state that more clinical trials are needed to
confirm its benefits.
Mechanism of Action
The neuroprotective effects exhibited by citicoline may be due to its preservation of cardiolipin and sphingomyelin, preservation of arachidonic acid content of phosphatidylcholine and
phosphatidylethanolamine, partial restoration of phosphatidylcholine levels, and stimulation of glutathione synthesis and glutathione reductase activity.
Citicoline's effects may also be explained by the reduction of phospholipase A2 activity. Citicoline increases phosphatidylcholine synthesis. The mechanism for this may be: By converting 1,
2-diacylglycerol into phosphatidylcholine, stimulating the synthesis of SAMe, which aids in membrane stabilization and reduces levels of arachidonic acid. This is especially important after an
ischemia, when arachidonic acid levels are elevated.
Dosage
Standard dosing of CDP-choline is to take 200-600mg in two divided doses usually separated by 8-12 hours, although a single daily dose is also sometimes used. There are some properties, such as
attention-promotion or improving bioenergetics, that seem to respond exclusively or more strongly to the lower dosage range. Other properties like appetite are the opposite, and thus the ideal
dosage depends somewhat on the goal.
Side Effects
Citicoline has a very low toxicity profile in animals and humans. Clinically, doses of 2000 mg per day have been observed and approved. Minor transient adverse effects are rare and most commonly
include stomach pain and diarrhea.