What is Citicoline (CDP choline)?

Citicoline is a generic name for CDP-choline, which is an endogenous compound produced naturally by the body. To avoid confusion, scientists call the substance “CDP choline” when it’s produced naturally inside the body and “Citicholine” when administered as a research compound. [R][R]

Citicoline converts to two compounds: cytidine and choline. Both these compounds have the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, where they may be used to resynthesize CDP-choline inside brain cells. CDP-choline may then be used to produce phospholipids. [R]

Clinical research has shown that Citicoline potentially possesses nootropic, neuroprotective and eyesight-enhancing properties. In two clinical studies, it potentially improved the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by possibly enhancing mental performance and stimulating blood flow in the brain. [R][R]

Data from clinical trials have revealed that Citicoline has a favorable safety profile. There have been only a few reports of adverse events following the compound’s administration. In adult and elderly ischemic stroke patients, the compound didn’t produce any significant side effects. [R][R]

How does Citicoline (CDP Choline) Work?

Research shows that Citicoline may balance neurotransmitters and potentially shields the nervous system from age-related and oxidative damage. Citicoline may also increase the production of cellular building blocks (phospholipids). It produces these effects by: [R] [R] [R]

• Potentially boosting neurotransmitter production in the brain [R]
• Potentially stimulating mitochondria to produce more energy [R]
• Potentially inhibiting the inflammatory enzyme phospholipase A2 [R]
• Potentially increasing the activity of master antioxidant glutathione [R]

In addition to these effects, Citicoline may preserve phosphatidylcholine, a major constituent of the grey matter of brain tissue. Phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin may also build myelin, the protective nerve sheet that shields brain cells from damage. [R]

Citicoline Research

What follows is a summary of existing clinical, preclinical, and cell-based research on Citicoline. These studies make it clear that Citicoline has the potential to improve memory, brain health, and cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Aside from these effects, Citicoline has been shown to potentially offer cognitive support, improve mental focus and clarity, and reduce reaction time in adults. The information given in this section is for educational purposes only. PureRawz doesn’t sell Citicoline for human use.

Citicoline and Cognitive Enhancement

A clinical review of 14 clinical trials established that Citicoline could improve behavior and memory function in people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The average age of subjects in all the induced studies was over 60 years. Many studies included people aged 70+. [R]

Another clinical trial involving 2,817 people with cognitive impairment was carried out. Data from the study shows that CDP-choline treatment completely eliminated depression, memory shortage, and insomnia in 36.9%, 21.2%, and 38.6% of the patients, respectively. [R]

Three studies investigated the effects of CDP-choline treatment on patients with poor brain circulation and dementia. Citicoline improved behavior, memory function, and reaction speed in a significant number of patients. A higher CDP-choline dosage (2,000 mg) offered better results. [R][R][R]

Citicoline and Nootropic Effects

A study examined the nootropic effects of Cognizin Citicoline (a dietary supplement) in healthy males. Results from the study show that the study participants who received the compound had potentially improved attention and reduced impulsivity compared to those who received a placebo. [R]

Another clinical trial found that a Citicoline-Caffeine beverage may have improved concentration, working memory, and sustained attention. A previous investigation had also found that the consumption of Citicoline-Caffeine drinks potentially improved attention and mental alertness. [R][R]

Since marijuana abuse impairs cognition, a pilot study investigated the effects of CDP-choline (2,000 mg/day for 8 weeks) in marijuana smokers. All the smokers who received the compound had potentially improved cognition and reduced impulsive reactions. They also wanted to quit smoking. [R]

Citicoline and Stroke Recovery

A meta-analysis of 4 clinical trials (1,372 patients) found that patients who received Citicoline (2,000 mg) within the first 24 hours after stroke saw their chance of complete recovery potentially increase by 38%. The recovery rate at 3 months was potentially 25.2% in Citicoline-treated patients. [R]

Another compound surveillance study examined the efficacy and safety of oral Citicoline in acute ischemic stroke patients. Improvements in neurological, functional, and global outcomes were potentially noted without significant safety concerns. Higher doses were found to be possibly more effective. [R]

A systematic review of all published clinical trials of citicoline in acute ischemic stroke was conducted. It found that the administration of the compound potentially offers some benefits to patients, both on its own as well as when Citicoline is given alongside the best treatment available. [R]

Citicoline and Alzheimer’s Disease

In a non-placebo-controlled clinical trial, CDP choline was given to 19 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The compound potentially slightly improved mental performance. It also potentially reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 and histamine) in blood and serum. [R]

Another trial investigated the safety and efficacy of Citicoline treatment in 30 patients with AD. Data obtained from the study show that Citicoline was potentially well-tolerated and potentially improved cognitive performance, cerebral blood perfusion, and the brain’s bio-electrical activity. [R]

A third trial examined the effects of CDP-choline treatment in AD patients. After 3 months of treatment with this compound, the patients had potentially improved mental performance. Researchers conducting the study concluded that it may potentially stabilize immune function in AD. [R]

Citicoline and Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, gets damaged. The disease is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 60. [R]

In one clinical trial with glaucoma patients, Citicoline potentially repaired nerve damage and improved eyesight. Another study showed Citicoline may potentially slow down the rate of progression of the disease. These results suggest potential neuroprotective effects of Citicoline in glaucomatous disease. [R][R]

Citicoline and Lazy Eye

A lazy eye is a condition where one eye has reduced vision. It is caused in childhood because of the lack of a strong link between one or both eyes and the brain. [R]

In three randomized clinical trials involving children, Citicoline treatment potentially improved the efficacy of the standard lazy eye treatment (eye patching). A separate trial reported that CDP-choline administration may have improved vision and healed the optic nerve in 10 adults with lazy eyes. [R][R][R][R]

Citicoline and Optic Neuropathy

Optic neuropathy is a condition where blood doesn’t properly reach the eye’s optic nerve. It can cause sudden vision loss in one or both of your eyes. [R]

A randomized clinical trial examined the effects of Citicoline treatment on 14 patients with optic neuropathy for at least 6 months. At the end of the treatment period, the patients had potentially sharpened vision and reduced nerve damage. These potential improvements persisted after wash out. [R]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Citicoline legal?

In the European Union, Citicoline has won regulatory approval for inclusion in dietary supplements and medical foods at dosages of 500mg/day and 250 mg/day, respectively. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved it for any medical condition. [R]

Is Citicoline safe?

Data from clinical trials have shown that Citicoline has a favorable safety profile. The nootropic is potentially capable of improving healthy cognitive function and didn’t cause significant adverse effects in adult and elderly ischemic stroke patients. Still, it isn’t approved to treat, cure or prevent any condition.

What is the half-life of Citicoline?

Citicoline has an elimination half-life ranging from 56 hours to 71 hours. [R]

Could Citicoline improve brain function or reduce brain fog in subjects?

According to various clinical trials, Citicoline has the potential ability to improve memory and attention, shorten reaction times, and reduce impulsivity.

Where to Buy CDP Choline?

PureRawz is the best place to buy CDP Choline online.

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Summary

Clinical studies have shown that Citicoline could potentially boost brain functions, alleviate various vision problems, and help patients recover from acute ischemic stroke. The compound has also demonstrated a favorable safety profile with potentially minimal significant adverse effects.