Nicotinamide Riboside—The Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses

Abstract

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) has recently become one of the most studied nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursors, due to its numerous potential health benefits mediated via elevated NAD+ content in the body. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme that plays important roles in various metabolic pathways and increasing its overall content has been confirmed as a valuable strategy for treating a wide variety of pathophysiological conditions. Accumulating evidence on NRs’ health benefits has validated its efficiency across numerous animal and human studies for the treatment of a number of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders. As the prevalence and morbidity of these conditions increases in modern society, the great necessity has arisen for a rapid translation of NR to therapeutic use and further establishment of its availability as a nutritional supplement. Here, we summarize currently available data on NR effects on metabolism, and several neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders, through to its application as a treatment for specific pathophysiological conditions. In addition, we have reviewed newly published research on the application of NR as a potential therapy against infections with several pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, to support rapid NR translation to therapeutics, the challenges related to its bioavailability and safety are addressed, together with the advantages of NR to other NAD+ precursors.

Mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation Enzymes and NAD+ Metabolism: A Focus on Diseases and Therapeutic Perspectives

“…A large set of information can be found on the beneficial effects of sustaining NAD + levels in disease states with NAD + boosters [ 214 , 215 , 216 ] and supplementation of NAD + precursors [ 198 , 217 ]. A clinical trial on healthy overweight adults to test the safety of NIAGEN (nicotinamide riboside chloride) was positively concluded [ 218 ].…”

Antioxidant Therapy in Graves’ Orbitopathy

“…Allopurinol is a drug widely used in the management of hyperuricemia and gout, with powerful antioxidant activities, being an inhibitor of the enzyme xanthine oxidase ( 45 ). Vitamin nicotinamide is a largely studied nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) precursor, which is a coenzyme involved in a number of metabolic pathways and in the balance of cell redox state ( 46 ). The effects of nicotinamide are currently being investigated by some clinical trials ( 46 ).…”

“…Vitamin nicotinamide is a largely studied nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) precursor, which is a coenzyme involved in a number of metabolic pathways and in the balance of cell redox state ( 46 ). The effects of nicotinamide are currently being investigated by some clinical trials ( 46 ). The potential role of allopurinol and nicotinamide in pathophysiologic conditions involving oxidative stress led to the investigation of their effects in GO.…”

New Crystalline Salts of Nicotinamide Riboside as Food Additives

“…Numerous studies have been published, many of them showing that supplementing NAD + can increase its bioavailable levels and have beneficial effects [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 7 , 9 , 10 ]. Increased levels of NAD + can be achieved by supplementation with its precursors, and have great potential in the treatment of pathophysiological conditions involving decreased NAD + levels [ 4 , 9 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. For this reason, the scientific community has recently been focusing on the roles of NAD + key precursors, with emphasis on nicotinamide riboside (NR + ) ( Figure 1 ) [ 11 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”