Meldonium | MeldoPure™

Properties: Meldonium is an interesting, nootropic compound that has been synthesized in a laboratory thanks to a Lithuanian chemist Ivars Kalvinš in the 1970s. In the Western Europe, it is still not very popular, however, in the Eastern parts of this continent it is more common. Meldonium is often used among sportspeople – including athletes or simply those who enjoy regular activity – in order to improve their performance. And we should probably point out that it can be really effective in that regard.

This compound influences the activity of L-carnitine, which in turn plays an important role in lipid metabolism. L-carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, where the acids are then oxidized. Due to this mechanism energy necessary for the cells to function properly can be released. Under “normal conditions”, i.e. with the right amount of oxygen, L-carnitine stimulates fatty acid oxidation, providing about 80% of ATP production. However, when the amount of oxygen is limited, e.g. during intense exercise, a more efficient mechanism for obtaining ATP is the breakdown of glucose, since much less oxygen is consumed during this process.

Meldonium suppresses the effects of L-carnitine and reduces the transport of fatty acids in the mitochondria. As a result, the body can switch to an alternative metabolic pathway, particularly carbohydrate oxidation. This way of acquiring energy is most beneficial for resistance training that is intense but not too long. Researchers also suggest that meldonium may contribute to reducing the time required for recovery between workouts. In addition, this synthetic compound relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, thus promoting blood flow and oxygen transport to cells. As a result, it improves physical performance and helps to lower blood pressure, while also benefiting cognitive functions such as memory or learning abilities, as a properly oxygenated brain can operate at full capacity. 

The potential of meldonium in alleviating the symptoms of hangover has caught attention of researchers. Interestingly, this compound is being tested as a support for those struggling with addiction. Results of studies published so far indicate that meldonium can promote efficient liver functioning, reduce the time it takes to get back on your feet after a heavy party, and even alleviate symptoms of withdrawal.

Occurrence: Meldonium does not occur naturally in nature. It is obtained by chemical synthesis in professional laboratories. It was first produced in the late 1970s at the Institute of Organic Synthesis of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Biochemistry: Emoxypine is a derivative of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Its full chemical name is 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine.

Fun fact: Meldonium is so effective in promoting physical performance that in January 2016 the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) listed this compound as a prohibited substance. This action resulted in a number of disqualifications. One of the first to be affected was Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, a silver medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, winner of numerous tournaments and WTA Tour ranking leader.