Abstract
Cognition enhancers are drugs able to facilitate attentional abilities and acquisition, storage and retrieval of information, and to attenuate the impairment of cognitive functions associated with head traumas, stroke, age and age-related pathologies. Development of cognition enhancers is still a difficult task because of complexity of the brain functions, poor predictivity of animal tests and lengthy and expensive clinical trials. After the early serendipitous discovery of first generation cognition enhancers, current research is based on a variety of working hypotheses, derived from the progress of knowledge in the neurobiopathology of cognitive processes. Among other classes of drugs, piracetam-like cognition enhancers (nootropics) have never reached general acceptance, in spite of their excellent tolerability and safety. In the present review, after a general discussion of the problems connected with the design and development of cognition enhancers, the class is examined in more detail. Reasons for the problems encountered by nootropics, compounds therapeutically available and those in development, their structure activity relationships and mechanisms of action are discussed. Recent developments which hopefully will lead to a revival of the class are reviewed.
Keywords: Piracetam-like Nootropics, Memantine, Idebenone, Indeloxazine, Nicergoline, Meclofenoxate, Propentofyline, Exifone, Hopantenic acid, Bifemelane
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Design and Study of Piracetam-like Nootropics, Controversial Members of the Problematic Class of Cognition-Enhancing Drugs
Volume: 8 Issue: 2
Author(s): Fulvio Gualtieri, Dina Manetti, Maria Novella Romanelli and Carla Ghelardini
Affiliation:
Keywords: Piracetam-like Nootropics, Memantine, Idebenone, Indeloxazine, Nicergoline, Meclofenoxate, Propentofyline, Exifone, Hopantenic acid, Bifemelane
Abstract: Cognition enhancers are drugs able to facilitate attentional abilities and acquisition, storage and retrieval of information, and to attenuate the impairment of cognitive functions associated with head traumas, stroke, age and age-related pathologies. Development of cognition enhancers is still a difficult task because of complexity of the brain functions, poor predictivity of animal tests and lengthy and expensive clinical trials. After the early serendipitous discovery of first generation cognition enhancers, current research is based on a variety of working hypotheses, derived from the progress of knowledge in the neurobiopathology of cognitive processes. Among other classes of drugs, piracetam-like cognition enhancers (nootropics) have never reached general acceptance, in spite of their excellent tolerability and safety. In the present review, after a general discussion of the problems connected with the design and development of cognition enhancers, the class is examined in more detail. Reasons for the problems encountered by nootropics, compounds therapeutically available and those in development, their structure activity relationships and mechanisms of action are discussed. Recent developments which hopefully will lead to a revival of the class are reviewed.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Gualtieri Fulvio, Manetti Dina, Romanelli Novella Maria and Ghelardini Carla, Design and Study of Piracetam-like Nootropics, Controversial Members of the Problematic Class of Cognition-Enhancing Drugs, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2002; 8 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612023396582
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612023396582 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
"Tuberculosis Prevention, Diagnosis and Drug Discovery"
The Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and streptomycin have enabled an appropriate diagnosis and an effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Since then, many newer diagnosis methods and drugs have been saving millions of lives. Despite advances in the past, TB is still a leading cause of infectious disease mortality ...read more
?Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Nano-Therapeutics Targeting Tumor Microenvironment?
This thematic issue explores the forefront of cancer treatment, centering on the groundbreaking potential of nano-therapeutics meticulously designed to target the tumor microenvironment. At its core, the issue aims to unravel the latest advancements in nanotechnology, showcasing innovative materials, formulations, and delivery systems that hold promise for redefining cancer therapeutics. ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
ERRATUM:
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets DL-3-n-butylphthalide Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Omi/HtrA2-Mediated Apoptosis
Current Neurovascular Research Cellular, Molecular and Non-Pharmacological Therapeutic Advances for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: Separating Hope from Hype
Current Gene Therapy Adrenomedullin: Roles for Structure and Function in Cardiac or Vascular Tissues
Current Hypertension Reviews High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol-Elevating Effect of a Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor δ Agonist
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Novel Agents Targeting Nitric Oxide
Current Vascular Pharmacology Opinion: [Withdrawal of Rimonabant – Walking the Tightrope of 21st Century Pharmaceutical Regulation?]
Current Drug Safety Neurotoxic and Neuroactive Compounds from Cnidaria: Five Decades of Research….and More
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Updated Role of Nitric Oxide in Disorders of Erythrocyte Function
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Cerebral Microinfarcts and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
Current Alzheimer Research Patent Selections:
Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery Water Pipe Tobacco Smoking and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Current Molecular Pharmacology Meet Our Editor:
Current Vascular Pharmacology Protein kinases and the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1, two switches in angiogenesis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Screening Aortic Drug Treatments Through Arterial Compliance Measurements
Current Vascular Pharmacology Thrombin Activable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI): Molecular Genetics of an Emerging Potential Risk Factor for Thrombotic Disorders
Current Drug Targets - Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders Stroke Suggests Increased Risk of Dementia
Current Alzheimer Research Editorial: Current Strategies in Targeting Brain Disorders
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets The Structure and Functions of P-Glycoprotein
Current Medicinal Chemistry Isoform Selective Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Modulators and the Therapy of Pain
Current Medicinal Chemistry