Application of Citicoline in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Citicoline is a chemical compound involved in the synthesis of cell membranes. It also has other, not yet explained functions. Research on the use of citicoline is conducted in neurology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry. Citicoline is widely available as a dietary supplement. It is often used to enhance cognitive functions. In our article, accessible databases were searched for articles regarding citicoline use in neurological diseases. This article has a systemic review form. After rejecting non-eligible reports, 47 remaining articles were reviewed. The review found that citicoline has been proven to be a useful compound in preventing dementia progression. It also enhances cognitive functions among healthy individuals and improves prognosis after stroke. In an animal model of nerve damage and neuropathy, citicoline stimulated regeneration and lessened pain. Among patients who underwent brain trauma, citicoline has an unclear clinical effect. Citicoline has a wide range of effects and could be an essential substance in the treatment of many neurological diseases. Its positive impact on learning and cognitive functions among the healthy population is also worth noting.

Role of Citicoline in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

“…The available data obtained from clinical studies in the management of patients with TBI indicate that citicoline can accelerate cerebral edema reabsorption and recovery, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and improved final outcome, with a higher independence rate among the patients treated with citicoline. These effects could be explained by the pharmacodynamics of the product and its pleiotropic effect on the mechanisms involved in the development of the TBI [ 41 , 84 ], some of these mechanisms are considered of interest as targets for the development of neuroprotective strategies for the management of TBI [ 128 , 129 ]. Citicoline also was able to induce an improvement of the cognitive disorders associated with TBI.…”

“…Citicoline also was able to induce an improvement of the cognitive disorders associated with TBI. No serious side effects have occurred in any series of patients treated with citicoline [ 41 , 84 , 130 ].…”

“…Because of these pathophysiological conditions, there is agreement on the need for drugs that may have a protective and restorative or reparative effect on the nervous system [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ], the so-called “traumatic penumbra” being the target of their effect [ 22 ]. Citicoline is the generic name for cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine or CDP-choline, which is a normal component of the human metabolism as an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the main phospholipid in cellular membranes ( Figure 1 ), and, when it is administered exogenously as a drug, has a wide range of biochemical and pharmacological actions becoming a putative treatment for some neurological diseases [ 41 ], including TBI [ 22 ].…”

Role of Citicoline in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

“…The available data obtained from clinical studies in the management of patients with TBI indicate that citicoline can accelerate cerebral edema reabsorption and recovery, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and improved final outcome, with a higher independence rate among the patients treated with citicoline. These effects could be explained by the pharmacodynamics of the product and its pleiotropic effect on the mechanisms involved in the development of the TBI [41,84], some of these mechanisms are considered of interest as targets for the development of neuroprotective strategies for the management of TBI [128,129]. Citicoline also was able to induce an improvement of the cognitive disorders associated with TBI.…”

“…Citicoline is the generic name for cytidine-5diphosphocholine or CDP-choline, which is a normal component of the human metabolism as an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the main phospholipid in cellular membranes (Figure 1), and, when it is administered exogenously as a drug, has a tive or reparative effect on the nervous system [36][37][38][39][40], the so-called "traumatic penumbra" being the target of their effect [22]. Citicoline is the generic name for cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine or CDP-choline, which is a normal component of the human metabolism as an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the main phospholipid in cellular membranes (Figure 1), and, when it is administered exogenously as a drug, has a wide range of biochemical and pharmacological actions becoming a putative treatment for some neurological diseases [41], including TBI [22].…”