Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Guanosine

Also known as: Guanosine, 2-amino-9-[(2R,3S)-3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]purine, Guanine riboside

Overview

Guanosine is a naturally occurring nucleoside formed from the combination of the nucleobase guanine and the sugar ribose. It is found in various tissues, particularly released by astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). This compound is notably researched for its neuroprotective effects in various CNS disorders such as ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury. Guanosine modulates the glutamatergic system, improving glutamate uptake and reducing its release, which is pivotal for neuronal health. Evidence backs its potential role in mitigating oxidative stress, promoting cell survival, and enhancing neurological outcomes. Though the research primarily stems from systematic reviews and experimental studies, the application of guanosine in human clinical contexts remains limited, highlighting the necessity for further investigation.

Benefits

Guanosine has shown significant health benefits, particularly in CNS disorder models. In studies involving acute ammonia poisoning, guanosine reduced lethality rates and coma duration, notably at dosages of 2 mL/kg body weight. Experimental evidence also reveals its ability to enhance cell viability and reduce apoptosis under hypoxic conditions, particularly at 100 μM concentrations. Moreover, guanosine facilitates cellular processes like mitosis and neuritogenesis, indicating its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative conditions. Overall, the existing literature supports judicious optimism about guanosine's benefits for neurological health, although more research is required in human subjects to confirm its efficacy.

How it works

Guanosine primarily functions by modulating the glutamatergic system. It enhances glutamate uptake by astrocytes while simultaneously inhibiting glutamate release, effectively reducing excitotoxicity—a key factor in neuronal damage during various CNS disorders. Additionally, guanosine influences intracellular signaling pathways, especially the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, which are critical for supporting neuronal health and survival through the activation of trophic factor release.

Side effects

Guanosine is considered to have a favorable safety profile based on current experimental studies, with no significant adverse effects reported at commonly tested dosages. Animal model data shows no common or rare side effects documented. Currently, safety evaluations reveal no contraindications or significant drug interactions associated with guanosine. However, potential interactions with pharmacological agents targeting the glutamatergic system should be approached with caution. Given the limited scope of human trials, the safety for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women or the elderly remains undefined, warranting careful consideration and further research.

Dosage

Recommended dosages of guanosine fluctuate based on specific applications, with a minimum effective dose around 5 mg/kg body weight identified in studies. Optimal dosages in experimental models can go up to 2 mL/kg body weight, especially observed in cases of acute ammonia toxicity. While these dosages appear safe in animal studies, maximum safe doses for humans have not been conclusively determined. Timing for dosage depends on the condition, where immediate dosing may be advantageous for acute scenarios, while chronic conditions could require extended supplementation. Precise guidelines regarding the specific form of guanosine or absorption factors remain unreported.