Application of Citicoline in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

Citicoline may help treat neurological disorders and improve cognitive functions, though its effects on brain trauma remain unclear.

Contribution

A systematic review of citicoline's effects in neurological diseases, highlighting its potential for cognitive enhancement and stroke recovery.

Findings

Citicoline helps prevent dementia progression and improves cognitive functions in healthy individuals.

It improves prognosis after stroke and stimulates nerve regeneration in animal models.

Its clinical effect on brain trauma remains unclear.

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.

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