Potential of Agmatine as a New Neuroprotective Molecule in Brain Disorders

Abstract

Agmatine, a cationic endogenous polyamine in the central nervous system, is obtained from the decarboxylation of arginine. Agmatine exerts neuroprotective properties, according to a growing body of experimental data. This review aims to describe the present understanding of the involvement of agmatine in the central nervous system and highlight its potential as a new pharmacological therapy as a neuroprotective agent. A few molecular pathways for agmatine’s neuroprotective properties are also highlighted. Several studies have shown that agmatine has neuroprotective properties in a variety of neurological conditions, including stroke and traumatic brain damage. The prevention of brain edema, blood-brain barrier protection, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammation is some of the proposed neuroprotective mechanisms of agmatine. Agmatine is extremely effective in treating neurological diseases, as evidenced by its safety and low occurrence of side effects. However, the majority of the studies on agmatine that is now accessible were conducted using different experimental models; further, clinical trials are required before agmatine may be used extensively in clinical settings.