Uridine Monophosphate (UMP) is a naturally occurring nucleotide that plays a crucial role in the biochemistry of all living organisms. It is involved in RNA synthesis and is consequently essential for many cellular functions.
Why is it considered a nootropic?
UMP is recognized as a nootropic due to its positive effects on brain function. It can increase the formation of neuronal membranes and enhance synaptic activity, which can improve various cognitive functions.
Mechanism of action
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Phosphatidylcholine production : UMP can increase the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in the brain, a crucial component of cell membranes.
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Synergy with choline : When combined with choline, UMP can enhance the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for memory and learning.
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Stimulation of dendrite growth : Helps promote the growth of neural connections, which can improve overall cognitive function.
Benefits of Uridine Monophosphate
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Cognitive enhancer :
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Memory : Animal studies have shown that UMP supplementation can improve spatial memory, making it easier to remember information and locations.
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Learning : Uridine, by enhancing neurotransmission, may improve the ability to learn new information and process it more quickly.
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Neuroprotection :
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Prevents neuronal degeneration : UMP has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, meaning it can protect brain cells from damage and degeneration.
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Stimulation of neurogenesis : Studies suggest that uridine can promote the growth of new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis, especially when combined with other nutrients such as DHA.
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Mood improvement :
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Antidepressant : UMP has been shown to have antidepressant effects in preclinical studies, possibly due to its ability to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
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Anxiolytic : In addition to its antidepressant properties, it can act as a natural anxiolytic, reducing anxiety symptoms.
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Synergy with other nutrients :
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With DHA : When UMP is combined with DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid), its nootropic benefits are enhanced. This combination has been shown to improve the function of cell membranes in the brain and enhance the formation of synapses.
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Regeneration and maintenance of membranes :
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Formation of phosphatidylcholine : UMP is essential for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a critical component of cell membranes. A healthy cell membrane improves neuronal communication and overall brain function.
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Restoring brain plasticity : Plasticity is the brain's ability to adapt and change. Uridine supplementation has been shown to promote this adaptability, which is essential for learning and memory.
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Increased synaptic transmission :
- Through its role in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, UMP can increase the density of dendritic spines (small protrusions on dendrites where synapses occur), improving synaptic transmission and therefore communication between neurons.
Absorption: For optimal absorption, Uridine Monophosphate can be taken with foods containing healthy fats. Although it is soluble in water, its combination with fats can improve bioavailability.
Adverse effects and contraindications: While UMP is generally considered safe, some possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomachache
It is vital to start with a low dose and gradually increase to assess individual tolerance.
People with uric acid-related disorders or those taking medications that affect uric acid metabolism should consult a healthcare professional before taking UMP.
Conclusion
Uridine Monophosphate is a powerful nootropic with a variety of cognitive benefits. However, as with any supplement, it is important to do proper research and consult a health professional before you start taking it.
More information about Uridine Monophosphate and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/uridine-monophosphate/
References on studies:
[i] MacKinnon RC, Simpson RA, Maclennan C. “In vivo and in vitro techniques used in the study of RNA synthesis in the brains of rats and mice at various ages from birth to senility.” Journal of Anatomy 1969 Mar; 104(Pt 2): 351–360. ( source )
[ii] Cansev M. “Uridine and cytidine in the brain: their transport and utilization.” Brain Research Reviews . 2006 Sep;52(2):389-97. ( source )
[iii] Pooler AM, Guez DH, Benedictus R., Wurtman RJ “Uridine enhances neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 [corrected].” Neuroscience . 2005;134(1):207-14. ( source )
[iv] Wang L., Albrecht MA, Wurtman RJ “Dietary supplementation with uridine-5′-monophosphate (UMP), a membrane phosphatide precursor, increases acetylcholine level and release in striatum of aged rat” Brain Research . 2007 Feb 16; 1133(1): 42–48. ( source )
[v] Sakamoto T., Cansev M., Wurtman RJ “Oral supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid and uridine-5′-monophosphate increases dendritic spine density in adult gerbil hippocampus.” Brain Research . 2007 Nov 28;1182:50-9. ( source )
[vi] Cansev M., Watkins CJ, van der Beek EM, Wurtman RJ “Oral uridine-5′-monophosphate (UMP) increases brain CDP-choline levels in gerbils.” Brain Research . 2005 Oct 5;1058(1-2):101-8 ( source )
[vii] Wang L., Albrecht MA, Wurtman RJ “Dietary supplementation with uridine-5′-monophosphate (UMP), a membrane phosphatide precursor, increases acetylcholine level and release in striatum of aged rat.” Brain Research . 2007 Feb 16;1133(1):42-8. ( source )
[viii] Wurtman RJ, Cansev M., Sakamoto T., Ulus IH “Use of phosphatide precursors to promote synaptogenesis.” Annual Review of Nutrition . 2009;29:59-87. ( source )
[ix] Wang L., Pooler AM, Albrecht MA, Wurtman RJ “Dietary uridine-5′-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats.” Journal of Molecular Neuroscience . 2005;27(1):137-45. ( source )
[x] Moffatt BA, Ashihara H. “Purine and Pyrimidine Nucleotide Synthesis and Metabolism” Arabidopsis Book . 2002; 1:e0018. ( source )
[xi] Dobolyi A., Juhasz G., Kovacs Z., Kardos J. “Uridine Function in the Central Nervous System” Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry , 2011, 11, 1058-1067 ( source )
[xii] Myers CS, Fisher H., Wagner GC “Uridine reduces rotation induced by l-Dopa and methamphetamine in 6-OHDA-treated rats” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior Volume 52, Issue 4, December 1995, Pages 749–753 ( source )
[xiii] Sakamoto T., Cansev M., Wurtman RJ “Oral supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid and uridine-5′-monophosphate increases dendritic spine density in adult gerbil hippocampus.” Brain Research . 2007 Nov 28;1182:50-9 ( source )
[xiv] Holguin S., Martinez J., Chow C., Wurtman R. “Dietary uridine enhances the improvement in learning and memory produced by administering DHA to gerbils” The FASEB Journal . 2008 Nov; 22(11): 3938–3946. ( source )
[xv] Powell A. “Rx for depression: 'Mangia, mangia!' Harvard Gazette Archives new.harvard.edu March 03, 2005 Retrieved August 9, 2016 ( source )
[xvi] Trafton A. “'Cocktail' of compounds improves brain function in rodents” MIT News news.mit.edu November 26, 2007 retrieved August 9, 2016 ( source )
[xvii] Koivisto H. et. Al. “Special lipid-based diets alleviate cognitive deficits in the APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease independent of brain amyloid deposition.” Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry . 2014 Feb;25(2):157-69. ( source)